GamersHeroes Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:32 PM The Sims has announced that GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat and three-time GRAMMY nominee and 2023 BET "Best Female Hip-Hop Artist" winner Latto will headline The Sims 25 Hour Livestream on February 4. The post Doja Cat and Latto Joning The Sims 25 Hour Livestream February 4 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
GamersHeroes Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:22 AM As players gear up for the gaming gooodness, we at Gamers Heroes have got you covered with the 5 games you must play in February 2025 - no multipage click-through required. The post 5 Games You Must Play in February 2025 appeared first on GamersHeroes. |
Kotaku Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:00 PM  This week, our roundup of takes includes a recommendation for a very cool new RPG on Game Pass and an even stronger rec for a new dungeon crawler on Steam. Also, we look at what certain reactions to a new Superman TV spot reveal about how some fans relate to movies nowadays, and see why the trading system in Pokémon… |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:47 PM  February 1, 2025: We've had a look around for new codes for the latest Sonic Speed Simulator update. What are the codes for Sonic Speed Simulator? Well, we've confirmed all working Sonic Speed Simulator codes you can redeem for essential rewards like Chaos and in-game boosts. If you love Roblox games and the blue blur, this is the game you'll want to play using the codes in this guide. Sonic Speed Simulator sits among fun Roblox titles which are based on popular shows and franchises, and we've got freebies similar to Solo Leveling Arise codes and Anime Dimensions codes. To make this Sonic racing experience even better, you can redeem these to unlock stat-buffing Chaos and various boosts to give you an edge over other players. To guarantee you'll avoid disappointment when trying to redeem them, we've tested all of the active Sonic Speed Simulator codes below so you can earn and enjoy your new bonuses right away. Continue reading Sonic Speed Simulator codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:27 PM  February 1, 2025: We've added two new working Haikyuu Legends codes to the list. What are the new Haikyuu Legends codes? Taking to the volleyball court in this Roblox adventure will have you itching to get ahead of the competition. Inspired by the Haikyuu anime, you'll participate in volleyball matches in teams of six and compete to be the best. This unofficial, fan-made Roblox game isn't strictly affiliated with Haikyuu, but the imagery and references to the manga series are plain to see. Unlike the latest Blox Fruits codes or Dress to Impress codes, Haikyuu Legends codes won't get you currency, but they can have a direct effect on your skill level in the game, so take note. Continue reading Haikyuu Legends codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:43 PM  February 1, 2025: We have two new Attack on Titan Revolution codes to use. What are the new Attack on Titan Revolution codes? There are many anime games on Roblox based on One Piece and Dragon Ball, but we rarely get anything for the mega-popular Attack on Titan universe. This game aims to be a faithful action-packed adventure that takes inspiration from the aerial combat shown on the show, and with AoT Revolution codes to redeem for even more fun. We've checked our guide and it's all ready to go with [update 2] Attack on Titan Revolution codes and the Halloween giveaways. Continue reading Attack on Titan Revolution codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:45 PM  February 1, 2025: We've had another look around for new Anime Defenders codes. What are the new Anime Defenders codes? Defending against hordes of enemies encroaching on your base is a heck of a lot easier if you have powerful allies by your side. Luckily, the Small World Games Roblox experience Anime Defenders has plenty of anime-inspired fighters to drive them back and save the day, and you can get more of them by using gems at the summoning shop. Anime Defenders is one of many Roblox experiences with tower defense game mechanics. You can call in help from your favorite anime heroes within those experiences as well, with the help of our Anime Last Stand codes, Tower Defense X codes, and All Star Tower Defense codes, of course. As for Anime Defenders, we've got a bunch of codes to share with you, so be sure to snag the free gems while you can. Continue reading Anime Defenders codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:38 PM  February 1, 2025: We've added a trio of new Jujutsu Infinite codes to the list. What are the new Jujutsu Infinite codes? You may possess the Six Eyes, but even then you'll need a helping hand scouring the internet for all the free goodies the JJK Roblox game provides its players. Fortunately, what you see before you is the strongest Roblox code guide in history, filled to the brim with everything you need to load up on spins and other bonuses. Below you'll find the anime game's latest codes and how to redeem them. So, with this treasure of a guide, you'll be juiced up in a Black Flash. Continue reading Jujutsu Infinite codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:41 PM  February 1, 2025: Three new Anime Card Battle codes have been added to the list. What are the new Anime Card Battle codes? Roblox anime games are often among the best and most popular experiences on the platform, but you can make them even better by redeeming codes for free rewards. Anime Card Battle is very competitive and requires some smart deckbuilding, so free buffs and items are always much appreciated. This isn't the first Roblox game in the genre to offer freebies either. Using the latest Anime Last Stand codes or Anime Dimensions codes can grant you all manner of helpful extras. For now, though, let's get into all of the Anime Card Battle codes and how to redeem them. Continue reading Anime Card Battle codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:28 PM  February 1, 2025: We've had a good look around for new Pets Go codes. What are the new Pets Go codes? This is the latest spinoff from BIG Games Pets' series of Pet-themed Roblox experiences. This one lets you fulfill your dreams of collecting cube-shaped critters. When codes for free items or boosts are thrown into the mix, though, the experience for Pets Go will get even better. Just like when using Pet Simulator 99 codes or Pet Catchers codes, the opportunity to grab free rewards for Go should add even more fun to the pet-tapping RNG experience. For Roblox players searching for the latest Pets Go codes, this is the guide for you. Continue reading Pets Go codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:22 PM  February 1, 2025: New Blue Lock Rivals codes are in for the Karasu update. What are the new Blue Lock Rivals codes? While your metavision may let you play the perfect pinpoint pass, you'll need a little extra assistance perceiving all of the freebies the Roblox game has to offer. Blue Lock Rivals throws you into world soccer's biggest pressure cooker, putting your skills to the test as you channel the playstyles of the hit series' biggest hitters on the field. Whether you're consuming your opponents Rin-style, or sending them to the store with your Nagi-esque tekkerz, you'll need to be on your A-game to succeed in the Roblox experience. Read on to find out the anime game's latest codes and how to redeem them. Continue reading Blue Lock Rivals codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:16 PM  February 1, 2025: We've had a good look around for new Blox Fruits codes for the weekend and confirmed the availability of the current list. What are the new Blox Fruits codes? We've compiled a regularly updated list of all Roblox Blox Fruits codes to redeem in-game freebies like XP boosts, free Beli, and stat resets for your pirate adventures. Need a boost to take on the increasingly tricky competition? We've got you covered. Blox Fruits is one of the biggest Roblox games ever, thanks to its fun, anime-inspired pirate action. That said, it can be challenging to find new free codes, so we've done the hard work and listed all the active Blox Fruits codes in 2025, including for Update 23, in one handy place below. Once you're up to date on the new Blox Fruits codes, consider checking out our ultimate Blox Fruits guide or our in-depth Blox Fruits tier list for the current meta. Continue reading Blox Fruits codes February 2025 - free XP and money MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:44 PM  February 1, 2025: Two new Anime Reborn codes have been added. What are the new Anime Reborn codes? Anime Reborn is a hit new Roblox game featuring some of your favorite anime characters. Your goal is to pack out your party with the best units, give them the top traits, and work to keep yourself and your friends alive against waves of increasingly challenging enemies. To get as many draws as possible for the latest Units, upgrade your current party, and even increase your chances of pulling shiny Units, you're going to need as many gems and keys as possible, and that's where Anime Reborn codes come in. We've got the latest codes below, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to redeem them in the anime game. If you're in the market for extra Roblox freebies, we also keep regularly updated lists of the latest Blox Fruits codes and King Legacy codes. Continue reading Anime Reborn codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:30 PM  February 1, 2025: There's a new Anime Vanguards code to redeem ahead of the Corrupting Darkness update. What are the new Anime Vanguards codes? In a Roblox game where the universes of multiple anime have started colliding, you can pick from many units in a tower defense title featuring tons of your favorite characters. To have the most powerful warrior around, the rewards from using the latest codes can give you just what you need. Like when using Special Anime Defense codes or Anime Royale codes, redeeming these extra rewards can give you an edge over other players. These can include currencies used for special banner units or crafting important items. To help you be the best in this Roblox adventure, the free codes in this guide will have you covered. Continue reading Anime Vanguards codes February 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:37 PM  February 1, 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 Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:36 PM  Despite a strong showing from Blizzard's Diablo 4 DLC Vessel of Hatred and a promising first swing by Grinding Gear Games with the early access launch of Path of Exile 2, it was Last Epoch that claimed the spot as my favorite ARPG of 2024. Indeed, as we wait on news of the next PoE 2 update and D4 Season 7 proves robust but unadventurous, I've seen increasingly more people joining me in casting their gaze back to Last Epoch. Now, Eleventh Hour Games confirms when its major Season 2 upgrade is set to arrive. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Last Epoch review, Last Epoch builds, Last Epoch tier list |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:35 AM  Making the commitment to leave early access and mark your game as version 1.0 can be a scary process. While it doesn't necessarily mean an end to development, it's a commitment to completeness - a statement that your game is truly 'ready' at last. Medieval strategy game Foundation has just done that, with a major update from developer Polymorph Games and the promise of even more to come in the future. So far, it's been a rousing success - players are arriving in their thousands, and reviews are shaping up strongly. |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:00 AM  I've always loved Halo – it's pretty much the only reason I bought an original Xbox. That's why I stopped in my tracks when I spotted this Halo gaming PC build. Thanks to a green Thermaltake case and some bold, orange-colored piping, this builder has managed to create a stunning rig here, perfect for a budding young Spartan that's looking for battle. The specs on this build aren't too bad, either, with a mix of AMD and Intel components, along with plenty of Thermaltake water cooling kit to match the case. This gaming PC demonstrates exactly why I love building my own systems, with its unique style being one that you simply can't get from the best gaming PC pre-builds out there. Continue reading This stunning Halo gaming PC build is worthy of Master Chief himself MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming |
PCGamesN Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:15 AM  With The Sims 4 now more than a decade old, it feels like there's certainly space for challengers in the life game space. While 2024 saw the cancellation of promising rival Life By You, I'm looking forward to upcoming games such as InZOI and Paralives this year. But out right now is My Little Life, a new life sim with a unique twist. Built to fit neatly at the bottom of your screen, it's designed to keep running while you go about the rest of your day, and you can get it on Steam at a bargain price, with a bonus launch sale if you're quick. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best life games, Best simulation games, Best games like The Sims |
Twinfinite Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:06 PM  |
Siliconera Saturday, February 1, 2025 3:00 PM
Kingdom Hearts 4 is in such a interesting place for the beloved Disney and Square Enix collaboration series. With Kingdom Hearts 3 concluding many of the major storylines brewing since the first title's release on PlayStation 2 in 2002, the door is now open for so many possibilities. If there is one element that has to happen, though, it is the return of Final Fantasy to Kingdom Hearts 4.
One of the most impressive parts about the original Kingdom Hearts was its brilliant mix of Final Fantasy and Disney characters. You had characters like Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII in the same game as Aladdin and Hercules. It was such a fascinating and bizarre mix that it is honestly surprising how well it worked for all companies involved.
Ever since the original game, Final Fantasy has been a crucial part of Sora, Riku, and Kairi's journey. These characters often play significant roles in the plot or even participate in some of the most challenging side content (see Cloud and Sephiroth).
In fact, we even saw expansions of Square Enix characters in later games. There were the likes of The World Ends With You characters in Dream Drop Distance, for instance. There is no denying the importance of Square Enix's JRPG properties when it comes to Kingdom Hearts, especially since this is Tetsuya Nomura's baby and he is one of the visionaries behind FFVII and other titles in the first place.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a problem with Final Fantasy in Kingdom Hearts. The third entry in the series came out in 2019 and essentially did away completely with Final Fantasy. You didn't see major characters from that other Square Enix appear here and the references were almost nonexistent outside of Moogles and the names of spells.
This was a major departure from past titles, focusing solely on Sora's story and the Disney worlds. You could argue this was because of the conclusive nature of this particular title. In some ways, you could say the game didn't have enough time for Square Enix crossovers. To that, I say I understand but it feels a bit like an excuse. It is honestly a shame Square Enix made this awkward decision.
Fortunately, the series is not over yet. Kingdom Hearts 4 presents the opportunity for Final Fantasy to return and cross over in the franchise again. This actually seems quite likely given Sora's sudden appearance in a new world. He is without his usual companions, so he will need some backup. I could see this happen in a number of ways, including bringing in some classic characters.
It would be fascinating to see Sora make quick allies with someone like Clive from Final Fantasy XVI. The two could team up together and bond over their shared experience of waking in a strange new land. This could even allow the series to mix in a villain from another Square Enix title, such as the wonderful Emet-Selch from FFXIV or Ardyn from Final Fantasy XV. This would create some fascinating interactions we haven't seen yet.
But the Final Fantasy cameos shouldn't stop there in Kingdom Hearts 4. It should go beyond the main storyline and offer some deep side content as well, similar to the Colosseum. Perhaps there could be a Gold Saucer-like world for players to hang out in, play minigames, and battle in an arena. This would fit well with the current Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.
Regardless of how it happens, Final Fantasy needs to return to Kingdom Hearts 4. While I enjoyed Kingdom Hearts 3, it always felt like it was missing its roots and this glaring omission stands out. Square Enix and Tetsuya Nomura have the chance to fix this problem by bringing Final Fantasy and Sora back together.
Kingdom Hearts 4 will release sometime in the future for undisclosed platforms.
The post Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Return to Its Final Fantasy Roots appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:00 PM
There are quite a few gag manga series in Japan. One's based on Elden Ring. Another offers a different take on Animal Crossing adventures. Udon Entertainment picked up the Little Mega Man manga series that offers a more comedic look at the lives of Mega Man, Roll, Rush, and Doctor Light, and it is the wholehearted intensity and commitment of each character that makes the first volume so pleasant.
Editor's Note: There will be spoilers for the first volume of the Little Mega Man manga below.
Basically, this Mega Man manga is a collection of short episodes as Mega Man, Dr. Light, and Roll deal with situations. Dr. Wily is often at fault. Sometimes, Protoman might whistle in for a cameo. But it's a collection of short situations during which everyone's innate natures are played up for laughs because they're so silly.
While all of the characters are funny in their own way in this Mega Man manga, all of them are completely committed to their own mindsets and innate tendencies. By taking that to the extreme, it becomes more enjoyable. We always know Mega Man is a well-intentioned hero out to save the day. So here, that is taken to extremes. The manga begins with Wily causing trouble again because he promised Mega Man he'd stop. Since Mega Man is the epitome of innocence here, he believed him. When working alongside Rush 3.0, he refuses to put his companion in danger. He also wholeheartedly goes along with any of Dr. Light's schemes, even when questionable.
Dr. Light is known to be a genius throughout the series, and one who is working for the greater good. In the case of the Little Mega Man manga, this means he's more of an eccentric genius with ideas that might not be quite so brilliant. You know, like new variants of Rush to fill in while he works on the standard model. Except one is too literal and the other capitalizes on currently popular animals. Making Rush too powerful (and dangerous) for a mission against Wave Man. That's all before getting to his newest robot designed to aid humanity: Comfy Chair Man.
Meanwhile, we have Roll acting as the voice of reason. Traditionally, she's always appeared as a helpful supporting figure in Mega Man. In this Mega Man manga, she's the person who gets it. Because others end up playing off her responses, logic, and actually intelligent assessments of situations, it makes her more funny too. She even gets some sarcastic lines and digs in, if you take it like that! She gets a lot more time at the forefront or alongside Mega Man, and I loved that.
Little Mega Man is designed to be silly fun, but not an over-the-top, entirely ridiculous manga. We can see the basis for all of the characters' exaggerate traits. However, they aren't too amplified or relying on crude behavior. The situations are, at their core, relatable ones we might see come up in a canon Mega Man game or series. Just the responses make them amusing. It's just a fun read.
The first volume of the Little Mega Man manga is available now, and Udon will release volume 2 in June 2025.
The post Little Mega Man Manga Stars an Especially Earnest Mega Man appeared first on Siliconera. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 2:28 PM
The World Tour Brazil Upgrade SBC is now live in EA FC 25, and you can complete the set of fodder challenges to unlock up to two special cards.
The latest set is themed around Season 5, with Brazil being the featured nation. The SBC set has multiple smaller challenges that you can complete for lower-rated items, and win bonus packs.
Let's take a look at how you can finish the full set, and the rewards that you'll get in return.
EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Upgrade SBC tasks
The World Tour Brazil Upgrade SBC has nine tasks, and here are the requirements.
Task 1 - World Tour Challenge 1
Task 2 - World Tour Challenge 2
Task 3 - World Tour Challenge 3
Task 4 - World Tour Challenge 4
Task 5 - World Tour Challenge 5
Task 6 - World Tour Challenge 6
Task 7 - World Tour Challenge 7
Task 8 - 84-Rated Squad
Task 9 - 84-Rated Squad
EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Upgrade SBC solutions
Here's a set of solution you can use to complete all the tasks of the latest Upgrade SBC set.
Task 1 - World Tour Challenge 1
Task 2 - World Tour Challenge 2
Task 3 - World Tour Challenge 3
Task 4 - World Tour Challenge 4
Task 5 - World Tour Challenge 5
Task 6 - World Tour Challenge 6
Task 7 - World Tour Challenge 7
Task 8 - 84-Rated Squad
Task 9 - 84-Rated Squad
Completing the set for the first time will help you to get a 87-rated World Tour Abner Vinicius item, while completing it for the second time would reward you with a 88-rated Vitor Roque item. Completing the set twice will also reward a 85+ x2 Rare Gold Players Pack to add to your collection in Ultimate Team.
The post EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Upgrade SBC solutions appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 1:48 PM
The Hugo Ekitike Future Stars SBC is now live in EA FC 25, and you can complete the challenge to unlock a special card in Ultimate Team.
This is the first time that Ekitike has received a promo item with double playstyle+. To play with the card, you'll have to complete the challenge before the SBC expires from Ultimate Team. Let's take a look at how you can finish the SBC with the cheapest possible prices.
EA FC 25 Hugo Ekitike Future Stars SBC tasks
The Hugo Ekitike Future Stars SBC has only three tasks, and here are the conditions.
Task 1 - Top Form
Task 2 - France
Task 3 - Bundesliga
EA FC 25 Hugo Ekitike Future Stars SBC solutions
Here's a set of solution you can use to complete the latest Future Stars promo SBC.
Task 1 - Top Form
Task 2 - France
Task 3 - Bundesliga
With an overall rating of 89, Ekitike could have been rated higher. The SBC costs almost 200,000 coins, but that's likely due to the inflated market. The card has some really strong aspects. It has two playstyle+, which includes Rapid (one of the best choices in the current meta). He has three role++ as a striker, and has great playstyles.
With 96 Pace and 90 Dribbling, he will be extremely up top, but you'll need to boost his finishing stats. If you have the fodder to spare and a Bundesliga-based squad, this Ekitike item could be a really underrated option to consider.
The post EA FC 25 Hugo Ekitike Future Stars SBC solutions appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 1:24 PM
The World Tour Brazil Evolution is now live in EA FC 25, and it's a really interesting upgrade to consider.
The evolution might not be available for free, but you can upgrade a Brazilian card with some massive stat boosts. You'll have to spend 50,000 coins to avail the upgrades, but they could be well-worth your coins. Let's take a look at the requirements, followed by all upgrades and the best items to use.
EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Evolution requirements
Here are the requirements of the World Tour Brazil Evolution in EA FC 25.
EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Evolution upgrades
There are three levels of upgrades, and here are the required conditions.
Upgrade level 1
Upgrade level 2
Upgrade level 3
Upgrade level 1 requirements
Upgrade level 2 requirements
Upgrade level 3 requirements
Best players to use in EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Evolution
Here are some of the best cards to consider for this evolution.
These are some of the best items for this evolution, considering the upgrades, but you can include plenty of other great cards as well.
The post EA FC 25 World Tour Brazil Evolution: Best players to use appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:51 PM
The Secret Ancient Orca is one of the most elusive catches you can currently complete in Fisch, and it's part of the latest mini-update.
The latest weekend has added an Oil Rig POI in Fisch, along with an Orca Migration Hunt Event. This event will allow you to capture the Ancient Orca, but there are certain strategies you'll have to keep in mind.
Secret Ancient Orca location in Fisch
The Ancient Orca is one of the three available Orca types you can catch in Fisch. It can only be caught during the Orca Migration Hunt Event, and you'll have to travel to the Arch. This location is situated at the following coordinates (XYZ: 1100, 133, -1200).
The Orca Migration Hunt Event is a server event, and it will take place randomly. Additionally, not every hunt will have the Ancient Orca spawning in them. Try to look for "Ancient Orcas Migration (100% Guarantee)" on your screen. Once you find that marker, you'll have to fish in the areas surrounding the Orcas.
Best setup for Ancient Orca in Fisch
The Ancient Orca doesn't have stiff requirements, and they can spawn at any time of the day and in any season/weather. You can pick from a wide set of rods but always go with the one with a good luck boost. The best bait to use is Shark Head Bait, and this applies to every type of Orca.
Once you have got your setup on point, pray to get luck with the server event. Additionally, make sure that you're not fishing too far away from where the Orcas are. With some luck, you should be able to grab yourself a Secret Ancient Orca pretty soon.
The mini-update has also added the Oil Rig POI to the game, but it looks like part of bigger update in the future. You'll be able to meet a host of different NPCs at this location, including Dr. Glimmerfin, who might provide us with a new quest in the near future.
The post How to catch the Secret Ancient Orca in Fisch? appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:25 PM
EA FC 25 players can complete the Pro Open Finals Mystery Nation objective in Ultimate Team, as EA Sports has released a final secret quest on the main night.
The finals are currently taking place in London as of writing, and you can follow it on YouTube and Twitch. Aside from enjoying the finals, you can also get hints about the mystery nation. The task is pretty simple as you have to use a player from the correct nation to complete the objective. The nation is going to be revealed gradually over stream, and it's currently hidden.
Disclaimer: Mystery nation solved.
EA FC 25 Pro Open Finals Mystery Nation solution
If you have completed previous Pro Open Finals Mystery Nation objectives, you'll know what to do. The latest objective went live at 4 p.m. UK time, and here's the task.
To complete the task, just use a card from the mystery nation, and score three goals with finesse shots. You can score the three goals in a single match, or across several matches. The objective can also be completed in any available Ultimate Team game mode, including friendlies.
Once you complete the task, you'll get a coin boost, along with a free Premium Electrum Players Pack. So far, EA Sports has taken us on a world tour, and we have had representatives from all continents. So far, the mystery nation is yet to be discovered.
For the finals, our mystery nation is England, and you can use any footballer from the nation to complete the objective.
The post EA FC 25 Pro Open Finals Mystery Nation revealed appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:46 AM
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is filled with beloved Sanrio characters with whom to befriend and interact. Each character has their own quests that need to be completed, allowing you to earn some useful rewards that aid in progression and exploration.
Hangyodon is likely to be one of the last characters you rediscover after the unfortunate ending to your plane journey. He's located underwater inside his Comedy Club, and his level 6 friendship quest, called "Comic Relief," is particularly useful.
However, to complete this quest, you'll need to locate the three pieces of a Mermaid Outfit, and in a huge expanse of water, it's all too easy to overlook the pieces as you swim by.
How to find the Mermaid Outfit in Hello Kitty Island Adventure
There are a few things you'll need to check off before you can even try to get the Mermaid Outfit. To help, here's a handy checklist of everything you'll need to have already done:
Where to find the Mermaid Outfit in Hello Kitty Island Adventure
The Mermaid Outfit is split into three pieces, spread out over a fairly large area. Here's how to find each piece, along with a map showing the location of each item.
Scale Mermaid Tail
The most important part of any mermaid is obviously the tail, and this is the easiest part of the Mermaid Outfit to find. It's located directly behind the Mermaidifier, on the underwater cliff face. If you're struggling, just keep adjusting your depth in the water until you see a '!' appear on the screen.
Scale Mermaid Armor
To find the Mermaid Armor, head back to the Comedy Club, where you can find Hangyodon, and then travel to the southwest. It's easiest if you stick to the paved path to get there, and you'll find the Mermaid Armor hovering in the middle of this path before you reach the circular area at the end.
Scale Mermaid Tiara
The crowning glory of the Mermaid Outfit is the Tiara, and you're best off hunting for this after you've picked up the Mermaid Armor. It's pretty much directly west from there, in the patch of underwater shrubbery nearby. Again, a '!' will appear once you get close enough to the item, alerting you to its presence even if you can't see it.
Once you've got all three pieces, put them on via the clothing section of your inventory and then head back to Hangyodon at the Comedy Club to show off your outfit and continue the quest.
How to use the Mermaid Outfit in Hello Kitty Island Adventure
The Mermaid Outfit is a massively useful clothing option, and you might just find that you'll end up keeping it on permanently if you spend a lot of time in the water.
First of all, the Mermaid Outfit slightly increases your swimming speed, which is definitely a bonus. However, the biggest perk of the Mermaid Outfit comes from the massive increase in Stamina when diving. Wearing the Mermaid Outfit, you can swim for a very long time without having to come up for air (or getting a black screen when you run out of stamina).
The set also has the added benefit of a transformation between the land and the water. On land, you'll be wearing a regular pair of pants, but this will automatically turn into a tail when you enter the water.
Eventually, you'll get the option to put your Mermaid Outfit into the Mermaidifier itself, allowing you to instantly become a mermaid when entering any water, regardless of whether you have the outfit equipped or not. This won't happen for a while, though, so it's probably best to keep the outfit on in the meantime.
Getting the Mermaid Outfit will also unlock Tuxedosam's level 5 friendship quest, "Tuxedosam's Dye Upgrade," which will allow you to dye not only the Mermaid Outfit but all of the other clothing items available in Island Adventure as well.
The post How to get the Mermaid Outfit in Hello Kitty Island Adventure appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:31 AM
The third book in the Empyrean Series, titled Onyx Storm, came out last week to mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
This new epic tale, which began in 2023 with the release of Fourth Wing, has been a sensation within the BookTok community and beyond, but as they're keen to let everyone know, the romantasy genre has much more to offer than just the story of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson.
One could argue that some other well-known names in this burgeoning literary tradition do an even better job of setting up a fictional world and the fantastical courtships within it. If you couldn't put Onyx Storm down until those last suspenseful pages, or if you found that the threequel ultimately disappointed you in key regards, then perhaps other names on this list, consisting of the cream of the crop of the romance fantasy landscape, will manage to quench that thirst.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
In many ways, Sarah J. Maas publishing A Court of Thorns and Roses in 2015 was the pebble that started the romantasy avalanche in earnest. Stephenie Meyer's success with Twilight may have spurred novelists to try their hand at a similar story, but just like the many Lord of the Rings clones that succeeded J.R.R. Tolkien and failed to bring anything of substance to the burgeoning high fantasy genre, it wasn't until ACOTAR that the publishing industry realized Twilight's success could be reproduced.
The story of A Court of Thorns and Roses revolves around a young huntress named Feyre Archeron. Feyre lives in the mortal human realms, separated from the lands of the Faeries by an invisible magic war after a devastating war between the two races. Feyre lives with her two sisters, Nesta and Elain, and their disabled dad in an impoverished village. One day, when foraging for food in the woods, Feyre comes upon a giant wolf and kills it with an ash arrow, only to learn that the animal was a High Fae sentry serving the High Lord of the Spring Court, who comes knocking at the Archeron door to demand reparation. The High Lord takes Feyre away, a life for a life, thrusting our heroine into a world of magic and intrigue and unlikely courtships.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is similar to Fourth Wing in many ways, not least of all its first-person narrative centering around a powerful heroine. If you want an experience that closely parallels Rebecca Yarros's viral new series, picking up ACOTAR will be your best bet.
2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
One of the most popular romantasy book series in recent memory, From Blood and Ash follows the story of Poppy Balfour, a young woman known as the Maiden, who is chosen by the gods and prophesied to Ascend and save her kingdom. A Maiden is to live a solitary life, never to be touched, looked upon, or spoken to. Most importantly, a Maiden is never to experience pleasure, dedicating her entire life to the service of the gods and the moment of her ascension. Poppy, being a headstrong heroine, rails against these invisible walls, and they eventually begin to shatter around her when Hawke, one of her guards, makes her question everything and seek out all that is forbidden to her.
From Blood and Ash is a sprawling fantasy series that originally debuted in 2020. There have been five books in the series so far (From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones, The War of Two Queens, and A Soul of Ash and Blood), but a sixth book is coming out this year on June 10, 2025, titled A Primal of Blood and Bone. Jennifer L. Armentrout has planned a seventh novel for the series, though it is as of yet untitled.
3. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
While One Dark Window, part of The Shepherd King series by Rachel Gillig, is hardly original in a genre beleaguered by hundreds of new books every year (and let's face it, folks; despite what BookTok may say, romantasy is already running on fumes) the story still manages to aim for a unique angle, blending gothic vibes with admittedly tired romantasy tropes to deliver a captivating story. I usually think of these novels as fast food books, a perfect little break to wind down in between your serious reads, but I was pleasantly surprised by One Dark Window when I picked it up late last year.
The story follows a character named Elspeth, who needs to survive in the mist-covered, dreary kingdom of Blunder, full of dangerous monsters and mischievous beings. Elspeth has no weapons in her arsenal except the Nightmare, which is an ancient spirit trapped in her head, bestowing her with powers at a cost. On her journey, Elspeth meets an enigmatic highwayman who goes by Crispin. Together, Elspeth and Crispin decide to lift the curse plaguing Blunder, even as the former struggles with the Nightmare to retain her sanity.
4. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
A world ruled by vampires. An adopted daughter of an ancient king who never seemed to fit in a world hell-bent on destroying her. A tournament with high stakes, a dance with death itself. The Serpent and the Wings of Night is one of the most popular fantasy books of the past two years, and it's a small wonder why because Carissa Broadbent's novel has everything you'd want from an action-packed, mysterious, and romantic fairy tale.
The story is about Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. Oraya enters a legendary tournament hosted by the goddess of death in a trial to prove her worth and save her own life, but she soon learns that going up against all these other vampires whose main talent is fighting and killing will take everything she has to offer, and then some. Oraya allies with one of her rivals, Raihn, who is a ruthless enemy of her father's crown. Everything about Raihn screams danger and potential destruction, but Oraya learns that despite every instinct instilled in her through years of living in this treacherous world, she is very much attracted to Raihn and the person he is underneath.
5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Perhaps the closest book to Fourth Wing on this list in terms of plot, Powerless is the story of one Paedyn Gray, who has been born an ordinary citizen in a world full of beings with extraordinary power. The power of the Elite is thanks to the Plague, but not everyone who got the sickness was lucky enough to both survive and be granted special powers. Paedyn is one such individual who is thrust into a world of crime and thievery after the king decrees that all ordinary individuals should be banished from his society.
Paedyn continues to survive in the gutters of a society that has abandoned her, relying on the skills her father taught her to pass herself off as one of the Elite. Things go awry, however, when Paydyn saves one of the kingdom's princes. She then has to participate in the Purging Trials — a competition where the Elite fight and showcase their strength — even though she possesses no powers. Lauren Roberts' Powerless was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award in the Favorite Young Adult Fantasy category, so while the premise may be every romantasy cliche mixed in one uninspired soup, the narrative and the worldbuilding are still compelling enough to rope in readers.
6. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Now, this might neither be strictly YA nor belong to the romantasy genre, but Diana Gabaldon's Outlander is a must-read for everyone who loves historical fiction, romance, and perhaps a tinge of fantasy. The world of Outlander is brutal, unflinching, and very much grounded in realism, but the characterization is one of the best across the entire speculative spectrum of storytelling. So much so, in fact, that the romance sitting at the heart of this timeless tale will have you mentally swooning for it in no time.
The story follows Claire Beachump, a WWII nurse who goes on a little countryside retreat in Scotland with his husband after the war, both to forget the horrors she witnessed in it and so that his partner, a historian, can do a little bit of research into the 18th century Highlands. One night, when visiting a series of standing stones atop a hill, Claire is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland, where she has to fight for her life in a world that's almost outright barbaric compared to the one she leaves behind.
7. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Taking place in a dystopian world where society has been segregated into the ruling Silver class — who possess godly powers — and the commoner Reds, Red Queen is a story of love, political intrigue, and the resilience of the human spirit. You follow Mare Barrow, a Red who lives in the slums of her society, believing that nothing will change for the better. Through the twistings of fate, Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, where she learns that, rather miraculously, she also possesses a strange power.
Learning this, the Silvers announce that Mare is actually a long-lost princess, and as such, she'll be marrying one of the Silver princes soon. As a seventeen-year-old suddenly pushed into a world of politics where every mistake could be her last, Mare works from the inside to dismantle the Silver regime, helping a resistance group known as the Red Guard, all the while juggling her relationship with the two Silver princes, one kind and caring, and the other cunning and dangerous.
8. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
A recent gem in the romantasy landscape, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross first came out in April 2023. The story is about an 18-year-old girl named Iris Winnow, whose brother is fighting on the frontlines of a devastating conflict between the gods of their world. Iris wants to become a columnist at a very popular newspaper to support her family, but when her rival at the paper, a guy named Roman Kitt, learns about the letters Iris is trying to send his brother, the two begin corresponding, being drawn further into the conflict raging on outside the bounds of their day-to-day life.
Divine Rivals depicts a classic enemies-to-lovers tale complete with rich worldbuilding and lyrical prose. Ross explores themes of love, loss, and fate, and the potency of this exploration is further magnificent through the story's unique structures and the sending of the letters as a plot tool. If you're looking for a decent romantasy novel that's more mature and grounded in the way it deals with the genre's tropes, then Divine Rivals is a must-read.
9. Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Another 2024 debut discussed to death among BookTok influencers and BookTubers, Bride by Ali Hazelwood takes the arranged marriage trope and gives it a fantastical hue. Bride centers around a vampire bride and a werewolf groom, who join together just as their two respective societies flirt with the disaster of war.
The world of Ali Hazelwood's Bride is dark and gritty, the romance is paranormal and potent, and the worldbuilding and atmospheric storytelling are unique. Be forewarned, though, because Bride features an extremely slow-burn romance, one that'll have you pulling out your hair in frustration at certain points.
10. Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Now, if you find none of the books on this list to your liking, approach Callie Hart's Quicksilver as a last-ditch attempt to find a story that sings to the secret rhythm of your war. Quicksilver's premise is as cliche as they come: A girl is mysteriously swept away into the land of Faeries, a place that her kind has not set foot in for over a thousand years. There, she finds herself in the middle of a devastating conflict between the different Fae factions, but things really take a turn for the worse when she mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior with enough secrets to warrant at least three more sequels.
Now, I'm not trying to make an unnecessary dig at Quicksilver, but you have to admit that at some point, the sheer lack of innovation in this genre becomes truly disconcerting. That being said, Callie Hart's book is still a very decently structured, well-paced story that mostly achieves what it sets out to do, and the book's ending compels you to anticipate the next book in the so-called Fae & Alchemy series, slated for release in November 2025.
The post 10 books you'll love if you couldn't put down Onxy Storm appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:26 AM
Just finished reading Return of the King, but not sure what book you should pick up next? Luckily, there are several amazing works of fantasy literature out there waiting for you, both within the world of Middle-Earth and beyond it. Let's look at ten books that Lord of the Rings fans will love.
1. The Silmarillion (J. R. R. Tolkien)
If you love Tolkien's world and want to discover more about its origins, then the epic myths and histories of The Silmarillion will definitely draw you in. Unlike The Lord of the Rings, which tells its story from the direct point of view of its characters, The Silmarillion takes place over the course of several thousand years. The tale begins with the creation of Arda, of which Middle-Earth is just a small part. It also details the rise of the dark lord Morgoth, to whom Sauron was but a servant, and explains how the heroes of the First Age rose to stop him. You'll learn about the hidden city of Gondolin and the lost realm of Beleriand. You'll also find out more about characters like Eärendil, Beren, and Luthien, who are all mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring.
2. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth (J. R. R. Tolkien)
Once you've finished The Silmarillion, consider diving into Tolkien's Unfinished Tales next. This book essentially adds extra scenes to the existing narratives, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. You'll learn more about the travels of Tuor during the First Age, get a detailed description of Númenor, and find out what really happened when Isildur lost the One Ring during the disaster of the Gladden Fields. You'll also get to read about the origins of Rohan, discover why Gandalf was so interested in reclaiming Erebor, and learn more about how the Black Riders found The Shire in their quest to locate the one known as Baggins.
3. The Atlas of Middle-Earth (Karen Wynn Fonstad)
Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-Earth is a must-have reference book for any Tolkien enthusiast. Inside, you'll find detailed maps drawn by a professional cartographer that denote where specific moments from the books occurred. Several lines show you where the members of Thorin's company and the Fellowship were on specific dates within the narrative. There are also drawings of the most iconic monuments and cities, including everything from Lothlórien and Minas Tirith to the inside of Moria and Mount Doom. Other maps give you a closer look at where everyone was during specific conflicts, such as the battle of Helm's Deep.
4. Beowulf (Tolkien Translation)
Beowulf is an epic poem from Viking Age England that helped inspire many of the foundational elements of Middle-Earth. It was originally written in Old English by an unknown Christian author and has been translated by numerous scholars, not least of which was Tolkien himself. The culture and language of Rohan has a direct tie to the ancient poem. Frodo's valor in marching to Mount Doom, despite the assumed deadly nature of his quest, is an element of Tolkien's story that's also thematically similar to Beowulf. The version of the tale published under Tolkien's name was released after the professor's passing with the help of his son Christopher.
5. J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century (Tom Shippey)
Tom Shippey's Author of the Century offers its readers a closer look at just how much care and attention to detail went into the making of Middle-Earth. Though the title might suggest that it's a Tolkien biography, Shippey's book is actually more focused on analyzing the themes and literary influences that are present in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Where did Tolkien's languages come from, and how are the acclaimed author's stories tied to Nordic and Saxon mythology? Author of the Century looks not just at Tolkien's most popular works but the unpublished manuscripts and letters that he wrote about his world to answer these kinds of questions.
6. Tolkien and the Great War (John Garth)
Readers who are instead interested in taking a closer look at Tolkien's life will definitely enjoy John Garth's Tolkien and the Great War. In his early life, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fought in World War I. This formative experience had a great influence on his works and helped shape some of their most famous scenes, such as the Battle of Pelennor Fields and Frodo's passage through the Dead Marshes. The biographical side of Garth's book backs the neatly written literary analysis that follows it and speaks to the power of fantasy escapism in times of crisis.
7. The Chronicles of Narnia (C. S. Lewis)
When Tolkien lived in Oxford, he became close friends with C.S. Lewis, the author of the Chronicles of Narnia series. Like Tolkien, Lewis's writing has also had a major influence on the landscape of modern fantasy and has continued to serve as a gateway to the genre for many younger readers. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was the first published piece of Lewis's Narnia series and is, therefore, the best known. The Pevensie children are iconic characters in their own right, but the less often discussed protagonists from the later books, such as Shasta and Eustace, make it worth diving deep into Narnia if you haven't already.
8. The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún (J. R. R. Tolkien)
Tolkien's love for poetry and songs plays a major role in all his books. Aragorn's tale of Tinuviel at the foot of Weathertop and Gimli's verses about the darkness of Khazad-dûm are two examples of how Tolkien uses this medium to help build the history of his fantasy world. Two of Tolkien's most impressive poems are actually outside the Legendarium, in The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún. This publication draws from Norse mythology and weaves together new legends about classic heroes and villains like Odin, Loki, and Sigmund. It's just as good a read for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts as it is for fans of the Vikings TV series.
9. The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson)
Ready to step away from Tolkien's works for a bit and try something completely new? Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series has a rich fantasy setting, solid characters, and an engrossing plot that's sure to keep any Lord of the Rings fan hooked. The story begins in The Way of Kings, which establishes the world of Roshar, details the history of the Knights Radiant orders, and sets readers down in the middle of an enormous conflict. It's a wonder how no one has turned this one into a movie yet.
10. The Broken Sword (Poul Anderson)
If you enjoy the way that The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion draw from real-world mythology, then you'll also love The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson. The book takes place in the middle of a war between trolls and elves. It tells the story of the human Skafloc and his quest to reforge the famous sword Tyrfing. According to legend, Thor broke the weapon in order to save the World Tree, Yggdrasil. But in order to put Tyrfing back together, Skafloc must contend with a dark version of himself. Unlike other fantasy books, The Broken Sword is not a part of a series. Instead, it tells a complete narrative of its own.
The post The 10 Best Books to Read After You've Finished Lord of the Rings appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:21 AM
Any One Piece fan would agree that the series is a constant emotional roller coaster. While the series is technically all about chasing dreams and finding treasures, almost everyone has a pretty damn tragic backstory. However, the tearjerkers in the franchise aren't necessarily limited to flashbacks.
During their grand quest to find the titular treasure, Luffy and Co. went through a lot of grief, both individually and as a group. Plenty of these non-flashback experiences are, without a doubt, some of the saddest moments in One Piece. Here are ten moments that will likely make you look out for the onion-chopping ninjas.
Chouchou's futile waiting and grand stand
Despite being one of the saddest and most heartwarming moments in the series, some fans may have already forgotten about it since it occurred when the Straw Hat Pirates only consisted of three members. At the time Buggy and his crew were wreaking havoc at East Blue, we met the goodest boy, Chouchou.
Chouchou's tale was reminiscent of that of the famous Akita dog Hachiko. Much like the beloved Hachiko, Chouchou had been futilely waiting for his deceased master's return. Chouchou, however, had been waiting at a pet food shop and not at a train station. It was the shop he and his master co-owned, so Chouchou not only waited but guarded it as well.
When the Buggy Pirates terrorized Orange Town, Mohji and his lion Richie targeted the store for its pet food. Despite the gargantuan size difference, Chouchou neither showed fear nor backed down from the lion's assault. Unfortunately, grit alone wasn't enough to overcome the power difference. The pirates ultimately burnt down the shop, leaving Chouchou howling in grief as he watched his precious establishment turn to ash.
Nami stabbing her arm to get rid of the Arlong Pirates symbol
Nami has always hated pirates for good reasons. The Arlong Pirates held her entire village hostage, forcing Nami to map the seas and steal from pirates as a child. She hoped to buy back her village from the Fish-Men's smelly hands. But just as she amassed the agreed-upon amount, Arlong betrayed her and corroborated with the Marines to confiscate her stash. It was a despicable move to make her the crew's eternal slave.
Betrayed and battered, the young navigator crumbled in all sense of the word. In her grief and anger, she started stabbing the Arlong Pirates' symbol tattooed on her shoulder. Since Nami had always been depicted as strong and steadfast, watching her mutilate herself in defeat was nothing short of devastating.
The Straw Hats silently bid farewell to Vivi
The Straw Hat Pirates had always been small in number, not counting the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, in comparison to other powerful crews. Even so, that didn't exempt them from saying farewell to some of their crewmates, all of which was a different flavor of sorrow. The first time it happened was when they took down Crocodile and his empire, helping Vivi free her kingdom.
At the time, the Straw Hat managed to defeat Crocodile and every official of Baroque Works. Vivi's true identity as the princess of Alabasta was also revealed. Despite the kingdom's debt to the Straw Hats, Vivi couldn't openly acknowledge her connection with the pirates. As such, the Straw Hats could only openly denounce their connection with her, as well. However, their true feelings were different, and they made sure to let Vivi know that.
Before entering the country, all of them drew an X mark on their forearm. It was to prevent the enemy from using their likeness against them, as well as a promise to always be "nakama" or friends. The moment the Going Merry departed, the Straw Hat raised their hands in testament to always regard Vivi as a crewmate.
Luffy and Usopp's face off
The next Straw Hat to leave the crew was Usopp, but it was not as touching or amicable as Vivi's. Upon reaching Water 7, the Straw Hats had already done their fair share of sailing. Despite not having a shipwright at the time, they were pretty rough with the Going Merry. Luffy even broke the ship's mast to use it as a weapon against Laboon. Even though Usopp was constantly repairing the ship, his skills were far from enough to keep the Going Merry in tip-top shape.
When the crew asked the Galley-La Company to repair the ship, it was already past the point of repairs. They could only say their farewells to the ship if they wanted to continue sailing. As such, Luffy made the heavy decision to leave the Merry, which Usopp gravely disagreed with. Usopp challenged Luffy to a duel with the Merry's ownership at stake. Despite obviously not being Luffy's match, Usopp came in prepared, while Luffy reciprocated the respect by going all out. Seeing them go at each other with full strength and conviction was painful to watch.
The death of the Going Merry
Luffy and Usopp's fallout is just a preface to this entry, which is still the only time a Straw Hat perished. The sad thing about this scene wasn't the fact that Going Merry was no more. That was already established after the Galley-La Company's assessment. What made it truly heartbreaking was the series of events that led up to it.
At the time, another Straw Hat left the group. Nico Robin voluntarily surrendered herself to the CP9 in the hopes of sparing the others. However, Luffy and Co. literally went through hell and high waters to save them. At their direst moment, with Marines surrounding them and nowhere left to flee, the Going Merry arrived to save them. It was the ship's final voyage. Rightfully so, they sent it off with all crew members present.
The Straw Hat Pirates' separation at Sabaody Archipelago
Pre-time skip, we've always had the assumption that the Straw Hat Pirates were already one of the strongest crews in One Piece. After all, they had been defeating Warlords and government officials left and right. The moment they reached Sabaody Archipelago, however, things were finally put into perspective.
Aokiji's meeting with the Straw Hat Pirates gave us a glimpse of how much they were lacking in comparison to a Marine Admiral. Indeed, the Straw Hats were far from strong enough to handle the Pacifistas, Sentomaru, and Kizaru. In addition to Bartholomew Kuma's presence, it was the first time our beloved crew was utterly crushed.
The moment the Warlord sent each Straw Hat away was akin to the time Brook was losing his original crewmates one by one. The final nail to the coffin was seeing Luffy so devastated over his weakness. It was also the first time the fun-loving pirate was portrayed as weak and helpless.
Bon Clay's sacrifice at Impel Down
Luffy just couldn't get a break. After getting separated from his crew, he learned that his sworn brother was arrested and would be executed. Reasonably, Luffy immediately wanted to rescue him from peril. To do that, he even infiltrated the most secure prison in the One Piece world — Impel Down. There, he met familiar faces, including Crocodile, Buggy, and Bon Clay.
Despite being Crocodile's third-in-command, Bon Clay earned Luffy's trust by sacrificing himself to let the Straw Hats escape Alabasta. He also aided Luffy's prison break, giving him information about the prison and fighting alongside him. When Magellan brought Luffy near death, it was Bon Clay who carried him to Ivankov's lair. Even as Luffy fought for his life, Bon Clay cheered him on to hoarseness.
Even after all that, Bon Clay wasn't done giving. In order to let Luffy and the other prisoners ultimately escape Impel Down, he once again sacrifices himself by staying behind and opening the Gates of Justice.
Ace's death
Bon Clay's sacrifice leads up to the battle of Marineford, which would ultimately decide Ace's fate. On one side were the ones trying to save Ace, and on the other was the government. The battle was intense and lengthy, and it naturally had numerous key moments. So many died to free the young man, including old man Whitebeard himself.
There was even a time when Luffy had to face his grandfather just to get to the stand where Ace was to be executed. Worse was that Luffy managed to free Ace briefly, only for Akainu to bore a hole through his chest immediately after.
The grief didn't end there. Luffy was too shell-shocked that he literally lost consciousness. Even when he woke up, Jimbei had to literally beat his senses back to him. In addition, there is also the scene where Garp meets up with Dadan. As the motherly figure who raised the ASL trio, she was one of the most devastated upon learning of Ace's tragic fate. It was evident as she tearfully punched Garp. There were also the reactions of each Straw Hat after learning of the sad news, steeling their resolve to become more powerful and reunite.
Sanji beating Luffy at Whole Cake Island
The latest one — and hopefully the last one — to leave the crew was Sanji. Similar to Robin's reason, Sanji did it for the sake of his crewmates. However, that reason wouldn't stop Luffy from retrieving him.
Unlike Robin, however, Sanji was more adamant. He didn't want to put the others in harm's way, especially since it was Big Mom they would potentially be clashing against. In his attempt to push Luffy away, he even uses lethal kicks on his captain. Meanwhile, Luffy, also adamant about bringing his ship's chef back, took on every hit with zero defense. In addition, he went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat anything not cooked by Sanji.
Yasuie's death
The Wano Country Arc is one of the longest arcs in One Piece, and it's all about the Kozukis' decades-long vendetta against Orochi and Kaido. But even before the revolt could start, it was almost snuffed after Orochi got hold of the secret message. The movement was only saved when Yasuie claimed responsibility for spreading a fake message as a prank. His bold lie only held bearing after he revealed his identity as Shimotsuki Yasuie, the former daimyo of Hakumai.
While Yasuie's lie saved the revolution, it led to his execution, and that wasn't even the saddest moment in this tale. After his execution, his adopted daughter, Toko, ran to his body. The young girl used the toad oil, which Usopp fraudulently sold as a miracle medicine, to revive him. Since Toko had consumed a SMILE fruit, she was unable to shed tears or show any negative emotions. As such, she was laughing throughout the whole predicament.
The post 10 saddest non-flashback scenes in One Piece appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:14 AM
With news about a possible re-release of the original Sims along with The Sims 2, it's no wonder gamers are buzzing with excitement. The first two entries in the legendary Sims franchise are some of the most well-loved games of all time, and it's easy to see why.
But, if you've never played The Sims 2, you may be wondering what makes it so special. Well, have no fear because we're here to tell you why it's the superior Sims game. Here are ten reasons why The Sims 4 just can't compare to the second game.
Ten Things about The Sims 2 that make it better than The Sims 4
Staying in Hotels
Sims have always been able to enjoy vacation since the first game, but with the variety of vacation worlds only growing, you'd probably think that The Sims 4 has the best vacations in the franchise.
Well, you'd be wrong, and that's thanks to the hotel system in The Sims 2. Unlike the fourth game, where you can only stay in rentable homes, in the second game, you're able to check into a hotel room. Hotels are a major part of travel in the real world, so not having them in The Sims 4 is a major missed opportunity. Luckily, you can still enjoy them in the second game.
Using Drawers and Cooking Utensils
Sometimes, it's the small things that make the biggest difference. While not an active interaction, whenever Sims cook at counters in their home or on other lots, they'll actually open the drawers on counters and pull utensils from them to use. They're not just flat textures.
Things like this make The Sims 2 feel much more dynamic and alive than the fourth installment. Cooking in The Sims 4 doesn't feel nearly as alive.
Creating a New World
Don't have a premade world in-game that you think fits the town you want your Sims to live in? In The Sims 2, that's not a problem. You can make an entirely new world from scratch, from choosing the name to what terrain you want.
Not having the ability to create a world in The Sims 4 after enjoying it in an older game is just disappointing. You're limited on freedom, and suddenly, the premade worlds just feel so inferior.
Placing New Empty Lots
Speaking of freedom in world-building, you know what's not fun about The Sims 4? Running out of lots to build and live on in town. The Sims 2 triumphs over this once again by letting you place new empty lots anywhere.
These lots can be any shape and size and be placed wherever you want. Your world can be filled with houses and buildings like a true city instead of premade set dressing.
One-sided Relationships
Something that's remained exclusive to The Sims 2 is the unique relationship system. Instead of Sims feeling the same about each other, one-sided relationships are completely possible.
Maybe one Sim thinks that the two are the best of friends, while the other can't stand them. Or perhaps a Sim has a major crush on another, but their feelings simply aren't returned. It makes for much more interesting storytelling,
Mental Breakdowns
Also known as Aspiration Failures, following your Sims' dreams isn't just a suggestion in The Sims 2; it's a necessity. If their Aspiration Bar gets too low from not fulfilling their wants, Sims quite literally have a mental breakdown and requires a shrink to come cure them. Each different Aspiration even has different warning signs that they're close to Aspiration Failure.
This feature adds some challenge to the second game, whereas many times The Sims 4 feels frustratingly easy. It takes more than just being fed and clean to keep a real person happy, so why would Sims be any different?
Grocery Shopping
I can't lie; it's very convenient to walk up to your refrigerator and purchase all the ingredients you need to make your meal. But it's not very true to life, and that's something The Sims 2 understands. So, that's why you can go grocery shopping.
Yes, it's true that you can purchase from grocers at stands in the fourth game, but unfortunately, many of us don't have access to that in real life. So, it's much more realistic (and aesthetically pleasing) to take our Sims to a grocery store and pick up everything they need.
Burglars
Coming back to our point of The Sims 4 being too easy, The Sims 2 has another challenge: burglars. These baddies clad in stripes will break into your Sims' home, take something valuable like the TV or something unrealistic like a bed, and make off into the night.
It adds more challenge to the game and, in my opinion, more excitement. There's nothing like screaming at your screen to make the cops show up faster to beat up the bandit.
Cutscenes
Major life moments in The Sims 2 are much more memorable, thanks to the addition of cutscenes at certain life events. From having a baby to growing up, the second entry in the series makes those special moments all the better.
Sadly, this feature was cut in The Sims 3 and hasn't been seen since. And no life event has felt as magical since.
Social Workers
Being a bad parent has consequences. However, it feels much more realistic in The Sims 2 than in The Sims 4. Unlike the newer game, where neglected children simply disappear in a puff of smoke, The Sims 2 has a social worker come knocking on your door to retrieve the child themselves.
Once again, this adds realism and grit to the game, something The Sims 4 is sorely lacking. Everything adds up, and all of these missing features just prove how The Sims 2 is simply better than The Sims 4.
The post 10 features that make The Sims 2 better than The Sims 4 appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:12 AM
Haunting Adeline was published in 2021, and has gone on to be something of a cult classic among readers who crave the incredibly dark, twisted romance that unfurls within the pages. With non-con, abuse, and spicy romps aplenty, fans of the genre are always thirsty for more.
I have to admit that Haunting Adeline and its ilk are not my favorite sub-genre of romance. I prefer something more pure, and while angst is great, I believe there is such a thing as too much. However, I've read enough dark, twisted romances in my time to know which books will appeal to readers of Haunting Adeline.
I mean, if a book comes with trigger warnings included before the story even begins, then you know you're in for an interesting ride, right? The dark romance sub-genre definitely isn't for everyone, but it has its own audience.
Here are 10 books to read if you devoured Haunting Adeline and want something similar to dive into.
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
If you want a story of intense manipulation and gaslighting that begins as romance and ends up unbelievably dark and twisted, The Ritual has you covered. It's part of a series of books depicting the Lords, an elite secret society that can only be entered by giving your blood. Definitely intense, but if you're a fan of Haunting Adeline, then you're going to be pulled in by The Ritual in the same way.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Lights Out takes the themes of the dark romance genre and adds a modern twist by throwing in the algorithms of social media and their ability to give viewers exactly what they want. Admittedly, this is not as dark as Haunting Adeline, but it definitely follows the same themes, and there are even some moments of comedy to be found, which serve to break up the darkness.
Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers
I'm not sure what it is about the dark romance subgenre that calls so heavily for the theme of "man owns woman even though woman doesn't know it yet," but that's basically the entire premise of Little Stranger. Malachi is obsessed with his former foster sister in a way that he definitely shouldn't be, and he will stop at nothing to possess her. Incredibly dark, insanely twisted, and comes with some extreme trigger warnings.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
I never thought I'd live to see the day when the story of Peter Pan was re-imagined into a dark and steamy romantic thriller, but that's what you get when you read Hooked. It can be difficult to overcome nostalgic childhood memories of Hook and Wendy, but once you get through that part, there's a twisted tale of love, betrayal, and double lives waiting to be uncovered.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Butcher & Blackbird is part of the Ruinous Love trilogy by Brynne Weaver, and of all the books on this list, I'd recommend it above any of the others because it's the only one I've ever gone back to re-read. It's a story of two people wrapped up in a competition to kill as many people as they can, but love can bloom on the battlefield, and it makes life a hell of a lot more complicated, considering they're meant to be competing against each other.
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
With themes of infidelity, non-con, and violence all wrapped up in an unhinged storyline, Corrupt is definitely up there with Haunting Adeline in terms of its darkness. Erika is obsessed with her boyfriend's older brother, Michael, and is responsible for his friends going to prison. Michael has been watching Erika and now has the opportunity he's been waiting for to destroy her life in every way he possibly can.
God of Malice by Rina Kent
God of Malice makes it to this list because it's not as dark as Haunting Adeline. No, it somehow manages to be impossibly darker. There are moments in this book that will make you feel ashamed to be reading it, but if you like the subgenre, you'll find yourself unable to put it down. Extreme trigger warnings for this one, including non-con and abuse. Don't go into this expecting anything other than the darkest themes.
Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
The stalker theme is strong in Once You're Mine, with a man obsessed and a woman who knows she's in danger but, for some reason, finds it impossible to follow her gut. The list of trigger warnings for Once You're Mine is extensive, including murder, kidnapping, and tampering with birth control. It should go without saying by now that this is not for the faint of heart, but you wouldn't be here if that applied to you.
Hostage by Piper Stone
If it was the spice in Haunting Adeline that really hooked you, then let me introduce you to Hostage. It's a reverse harem dark romance, which should tell you everything you need to know, and there are, of course, heavy non-con themes and a huge number of twisted sexual encounters. However, there's also an intriguing story that will keep you hooked as well.
There Are No Saints by Sophia Lark
There Are No Saints is the perfect morally grey anti-hero story of a serial killer who suddenly finds himself obsessed with a potential victim. The problem is he's not the only killer out to end her life, and now he has a choice between taking her life himself or protecting her at all costs. Although there is a redemption arc element, the emphasis is very much on the twisted mind of the serial killer fighting to retain control.
The post 10 Best thrilling books like Haunting Adeline appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:08 AM
The Harry Potter video games let you step directly into the Wizarding World and become a part of the magic. With these titles, you can enroll in Hogwarts, learn spells, play Quidditch, and experience the most iconic moments from the books. However, not all Harry Potter games were created equal. Let's take a look at the franchise's best moments that occurred on console.
12. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
Harry's departure from Hogwarts at the end of the Half-Blood Prince was a major turning point for the series, and to match this change, EA flipped the formula for its Harry Potter video games completely upside down. Though the prior games had largely relied on casual exploration and adventure, the Deathly Hallows games were effectively third-person shooters. The gameplay loop in both of these entries was repetitive and lackluster, but it was occasionally fun to play through the most iconic duels from the book. The ability to apparate during battles and the big cast of playable characters made the second Deathly Hallows game mercifully better than the prior one.
11. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
Quidditch Champions is reasonably enjoyable sports game that's somewhat akin to Rocket League, but it's bogged down by how grindy its currency and hero skin unlock systems are. The rules of the Quidditch matches here don't actually line up with the source material, and while these changes are largely meant to keep things fair, they end up making Quidditch Champions feel especially distant from the books and movies. The ability to switch between chaser, beater, keeper, and seeker at will is at least brilliant. You can pick up and play these positions with relative ease, but mastering them takes serious work.
10. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The top down look at Hogwarts from the Goblet of Fire video game had some interesting ups and downs. On one hand, it made the three tasks from the Triwizard Tournament suitably dangerous and challenging. On the other, it severely limited exploration and made trivial, non-combat spell casts unnecessarily difficult. Though the movie series had at this point already shifted towards a darker tone, the video game was oddly comical in some of the story's most serious scenes, such as the graveyard at the end. Plus, Ron's constant obsession with collecting jelly beans sometimes makes you want to turn off the sound.
9. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
Quidditch World Cup was short, whimsical whirl of a game that came out in 2003, between the Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban films. It had straightforward mechanics that quickly got repetitive, but the campaign mode was at least enjoyable. The nine national teams that you could play as, plus their uniquely designed stadiums, felt like a reasonable expansion of the Wizarding World. Each international squad had its own special combo move, and chasing down the golden snitch was definitely thrilling. This one won't keep you glued to the screen for nearly as long as the much more recent Quidditch Champions, but what the game does have to offer can definitely be fun for fans of the series.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The video game adaption of the first Harry Potter movie set up EA's basic formula for the initial three games in the series. To cast magic, you'd simply need to point your wand at the spell symbols on the sides of moveable objects or locks. This system worked reasonably well, except in Sorcerer's Stone, it required you to stand in place while you were casting a spell. And about 90 percent of the time, that spell was Flipendo. There were several book moments in the video game that didn't make it into the film, such as Harry and Hermione's nighttime journey up to the astronomy tower, and the final potions challenge that was guarding the Stone.
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The expansive version of Hogwarts available in the Half-Blood Prince video game is a ton of fun to explore. The recognizable characters make the castle feel welcoming and homey, and the awkward romances from the book and the movie make for funny breaks from casting spells. The Quidditch matches and potion-mixing challenges are also enjoyable. Where the game falls short is in its dueling system, which is easily exploitable if you're mashing your controller's buttons fast enough. In addition, there could have been a wider array of collectables to find. The reduction of everything to house crests and mini-crests was a step back from the variety found in Order of the Phoenix.
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In Prisoner of Azkaban, Ron and Hermione are just as much the protagonist of the game as Harry himself. The members of the trio each had their own spell and spell challenge, and group casts were essential for solving some of the puzzles. The extra candy-based currencies made collecting wizard cards more enjoyable, and the platforming was solid. What held this one back was the uselessness of the added spells compared with the prior game. The ability to freeze water with Glacius was lackluster, and transforming statues into rabbits and dragons was too niche to feel useful.
5. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
The giant map of Hogwarts and wizarding London, plus the huge selection of playable characters, make LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 a must play for fans of the franchise. The UI and animations are considerably smoother than the first LEGO Harry Potter, and the soundtrack from the final four movies gives the game some serious shine. However, there's a bit of a mismatch between the goofy LEGO formula and the darker, more adult tone from the Order of the Phoenix and two Deathly Hallows films. In a recent playthrough, I also found the multiplayer split-screen to be a bit disorienting. Overall though, the game is a magical experience.
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Order of the Phoenix altered the course of the Harry Potter video game series by offering significantly more open exploration and a wider variety of side activities than the earlier games. The castle was much larger, had tons of awesome secret passages, and actually looked familiar to anyone who had already seen the movies. Mini-games like Gobstones and Wizard Chess were also a great addition that sadly didn't reappear in the next game. Actors from the films, such as Rupert Grint, who played Ron, and Tom Felton, who played Draco, also reprised their roles. The Wii version of the game had decent dueling, but on platforms like PC it was much more difficult to master.
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The platforming, spell casting, and environmental lighting from Chamber of Secrets made it a great game for its time. The Spongify spell opened up lots of vertical exploration within the castle, and Rictusempra introduced us to some light, enjoyable combat. You could also learn Lumos, Flipendo, and Alohomora in the early stages without much fanfare, which made it feel like you were picking things up right where you'd left them at the end of Sorcerer's Stone. The showdown with Aragog and the final level in the actual Chamber of Secrets was a pitch-perfect level of difficulty. Plus, the soundtrack was solid, and helped give Hogwarts a comforting yet mystical feel.
2. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is an incredibly charming experience that's full of fun spells, silly humor, and satisfying collectables. The levels in the front half of the game, which adapt the Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, are cozy and inviting. In the later two years, it's all about putting what you've learned to good use. Unlike the movie tie-in games, the spell wheel here works flawlessly. Plus, switching between the characters you've unlocked actually makes sense since you need to brew Polyjuice Potion to do it. I personally also enjoyed how the weather and behavior of the students changed within the Hogwarts hub zone as you progressed from book to book.
1. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy has just about everything that a Harry Potter fan could hope for in a game. The ability to create your own character, join the house of your choice, and wander around the corridors truly make you feel like you're a student at the school. Discovering small details from the books hidden in corners of the castle is also a blast. You can enter the Forbidden Forest, properly explore the village of Hogsmeade, and use a much wider array of spells for dueling than in earlier titles. The Merlin Trials system alone can keep you engaged for several hours. The only real knock against the game is that there's no Quidditch. But even if Hogwarts Legacy isn't completely perfect, it's definitely the most magical version of the video game Wizarding World that we've received so far.
The post The 12 Best Harry Potter Video Games of All Time, Ranked appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:06 AM
I've put over 70 hours into the Arknights: Endfield beta, and overall, it's been a pretty good time. Sure, there are a few bumps here and there; some stuff could use a little polish, and things can slow down at times, but nothing that's really snuffed out the fun. It's a unique game with a ton of potential, and with a few tweaks, I think it could be really something special, something that stands outs out in a genre full of repetition.
The Narrative Soup: Hit or Miss
The narrative started with a bang and had me hooked, and then it kind of just... fizzled out over time. The initial world-building was intriguing, and there were some solid mysteries at play. Even by the time the story wraps up in the beta, there were still things to be ponderous about, as it's obvious there will be more to follow up. However, as things went on, the pacing started to really drag, and the narrative suffered as a result. Eventually, I found myself simply skipping through the dialogue because it just couldn't keep me hooked anymore. The main cast? Honestly, they felt pretty forgettable. There was potential for some interesting dynamics, but something about the writing just didn't bring them to life for me. They felt as if they knew they were just characters in a video game story. Odd as that sounds, it made them less engaging, turning what should have been memorable characters into ones I struggled to care about.
The story itself started off with some intriguing ideas, but soon fell into the trap of feeling pretty generic. It's like Hypergryph was checking off all the standard boxes without ever really adding something new or engaging to keep me hyped for the next scene. Even the main antagonist was so forgettable that I can't even remember her name now, and I was still actively following the story when she came around. That's a real issue, especially in a game where the narrative should be one of its driving forces since there is plenty of story to follow. For me, it felt like a missed opportunity. One standout character, though, was Perlica. She's easily the most interesting of the whole cast. She's the steadfast rule-follower type of character, which makes it all the more compelling when the group forces her out of her comfort zone, usually through comical moments. Her reactions add depth to her character, and even as everything else is dragging along, she remains the story's relatable anchor.
The Combat Flow: Strategic Battles and Button Mashing?
Combat was another mixed bag for me. It starts slow. Very slow. Like, "Why am I just basic attacking all the time?" slow. At first, it feels like you're just swinging away without much strategy, but as you unlock new abilities and mechanics, it starts to come together as a package. The whole system revolves around the Skill Meter. You get three Skill charges, and once you're out, you're stuck with basic attacks until it regenerates (which is also quite slow). Final Attacks, attacks that end a character's combo, help refill it, but even then, there are points where combat just lingers because of the inability to do anything but basic attack while you wait. I see what the developers were going for here, but honestly, I think Skill Meter does more harm than good to the overall combat experience. You end up using most of your Skill Meter right at the start of fights to get as many early advantages as possible. This works for shorter encounters, but longer ones really highlight the pacing problem caused by this system.
That said, the combo skills between your four-man team and the resulting status effects keep things from being completely dull. Timing and positioning matter more as you progress, and some enemies force you to actually think about what you're doing, which is more than what can be said about most games in this genre. Overall, I wouldn't say the combat is bad. It's actually quite good when the flow gets going, but I can't shake the feeling that it could be so much better. It's trying to be a tactical action RPG, but the tactical part feels half-baked most of the time because of all the basic attacking. Still, I think it's far from beyond redemption. It's fun/serviceable enough, and I do think feedback will result in improvements in the future.
The Factory Chain: Crafting the Perfect Machine
This is where Arknights: Endfield really shines. The Factory system is deep, complex, and absurdly rewarding if you love production lines and efficiency puzzles. Setting up automated workflows, optimizing material chains, and making sure everything runs smoothly is chef's kiss. It's the kind of system where you start thinking, just five more minutes, and suddenly, hours have passed. I spent hours figuring out the best ways to optimize my base, and it just never got old. If you enjoy games like Factorio or Satisfactory, you'll feel right at home here.
The level of detail and customization in factory management is impressive. You need to balance power distribution, automate resource chains, and ensure you're producing the right materials at the right time. There are even bottlenecks you have to troubleshoot, and the satisfaction of fixing an inefficient production loop is immensely rewarding. You're not just plopping down buildings and calling it a day; you're constantly fine-tuning and adapting to make sure your factory runs at peak efficiency.
But if you're not into base-building, this game might not be for you. Progressing the story requires you to upgrade your factory, and there's no skipping it. You'll spend as much time, if not more, managing your factory as you will exploring the overworld. It's not just a side activity; it's part of the core game experience. And honestly, I love that. Every upgrade and efficiency tweak feels meaningful, and if you're the type who loves min-maxing systems, you'll be in heaven.
The Character Progression: Grind or Glory?
Character Progression is honestly standard gacha stuff. You grind for time-gated resources with your limited stamina pool to level up your characters, skills, and weapons. Nothing revolutionary, but it gets the job done. If you've played any other gacha RPG, you know exactly what to expect here. There are some neat upgrade paths, and the customization options for builds through gear are decent, but I wouldn't call it groundbreaking. It's fine. Serviceable. More of the same. Let's move on.
The User Interface: Navigating the Game Without the Headache
For a game with so much going on, like tactical combat, gacha pulls, and factory management, you'd think the UI would be a mess, right? Surprisingly, it's actually really intuitive and easy to navigate. It's not every day you come across a gacha game with such a clean, well-designed interface. Switching between combat, base-building, and character management feels seamless, with no confusing menus to get lost in. Everything is laid out intuitively, so you can spend less time fussing around with the controls and more time actually playing the game.
The tutorials are smooth and to the point, with zero unnecessary fluff. The menus are super thoughtful and easy to use, making everything feel effortless. It's one of those things that could've easily gone wrong but is actually a joy to interact with. Most importantly, it respects your time, something every game should do, honestly.
My Closing Thoughts
When I first jumped into Arknights: Endfield, I had no idea what to expect. The trailers made the game look cool, but I never fully grasped what the game was really about fully from them. Well, turns out it's genuinely awesome. It's like if Xenoblade Chronicles and Factorio had a love child, with a dash of gacha thrown in for good measure. It's already a solid game, and I think it's only going to get better from here. If Hypergryph can tighten up the combat and make the story more gripping in the long haul, this game could really become something special.
The game strikes that sweet spot between strategy, management, and RPG elements, and I'm totally here for it. I'm excited to see where it goes, especially once the official release hits and beyond.
The post Arknights: Endfield beta impressions: A surprisingly clean game with a surprisingly dull story appeared first on Destructoid. |
Destructoid Saturday, February 1, 2025 9:58 AM
Coffee table books are the fishing trophies of the literary world. The ideal coffee table book is a nonfiction photo book about a specific, interesting subject, just the sort of thing you'd want to leave on your coffee table to entertain guests.
There's a coffee table book on everything these days, including and maybe especially video games. This breed of coffee table book covers a lot of fascinating territory. Some are entertaining autobiographies about some of the industry's biggest names, while others are insightful chronicles delving into some of the most intriguing chapters of gaming history.
If you're hunting for the perfect readable display piece for your gaming room coffee table, you've come to the right place. Here are our top ten coffee table books for gaming guests.
10. Square Enix Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania
Final Fantasy VII Reborn is a game drowning in details. From the sharp turns the remaster's story takes from the original's to the insane scale and complexity of the characters and environment, it's a game that constantly leaves you wishing you could see everything at a closer angle. Guess what? You can!
Final Fantasy VII Reborn Material Ultimania peels back the veil, exploring FFVII Reborn's development cycle in vivid detail. It's full of pictures from every phase of the game's production, giving readers a clear view of early concept art, costume reference photos, and music sheets. Snippets of commentary from the game's staff accompany these photos, and they reveal how they tackled the mammoth task of recreating one of the most iconic entries in the Final Fantasy franchise.
9. Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977 by Jordan Minor
If the vitriol spawned by Astro Bot's (well-deserved) victory at the 2024 Game Awards is anything to go by, gamers can get very passionate when the words "best game of the year" come up in conversation. With so much anger swirling around the topic, it's essential to step back and remember how fun the debate over which game best represents gaming in the year it came out can be,
Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977 has a mouthy title, but it's an easy read. Minor's examination of his favorite games of the year is dense but easy to read. He goes beyond just talking about the good graphics or fun gameplay. He takes a big-picture stance, judging his subjects by how they broke the rules and brought gamers together. It's also got some hilariously charming illustrations.
8. An Illustrated History of 151 Video Games by Simon Barkin
If you've got a friend coming over who loves to regale you with fun bits of gaming history, leave An Illustrated History of 151 Video Games out in plain sight. What you see on the cover is what you get; what you get is a version of gaming history told in one hundred and fifty-one pages, each full of unique trivia and artwork about a particular game.
An Illustrated History of Video Games is a love letter to gamers of all ages. Parkin crams the most striking pieces of artwork from every game he covers onto its dedicated page, and the trivia he tosses in covers everything from fascinating development drama to tips about uncovering the games' secrets. Trust me, that virtual historian friend of yours will be busy.
7. The GBA Pixel Book by Bitmap Books
The words Gameboy Advance can bring many things to mind, but when I hear them, I always think about the beautiful pixel art developers packed into its 240-by-160 screen. If you feel the same way or know someone who does, pick up The GBA Pixel Book by Bitmap Books.
This art book contains beautifully rendered photos of the finest pixel art from the GBA library. Covering over two hundred and forty titles, this tomb covers system-defining best-sellers like Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald to more obscure, region-exclusive titles like CIMA: The Enemy. From sweeping screenshots of Mother 3's Nowhere Island to sprite-by-sprite breakdowns of Final Fantasy 6's bestiary, this book is a pixel art lover's dream put to print.
6. BioWare: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development by BioWare
BioWare is going through a rough patch right now, but that doesn't change the fact that the developer produced some of the most impactful RPGs ever. If you've ever asked yourself what went on behind the walls of one of gaming's biggest juggernauts, BioWare: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development deserves a spot on your coffee table.
Wrapped in a black glossy sleeve, BioWare: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development covers a quarter-of-a-century's worth of fascinating history. The book takes you on a boots-on-the-ground tour through the company's history, chronicling their journey from making Shattered Steel to gaining the rights to make the game that would become Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Complete Official Guide: Collector's Edition by Piggyback
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a game that makes you feel like a goldfish plopped into the waters of Lake Erie. The sheer scope of the game's three-tiered overworld and the depth of its construction mechanics never leave you feeling short on wonder, but it can make it an intimidating game for some players.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Complete Official Guide: Collector's Edition is one of the best books a Zelda fan can have. This beautiful black-sleeved tomb plots out the best outline for a newcomer's journey through Hyrule. It has fantastic advice, and all of it's accompanied by screenshots of the game's most beautiful locales, intimidating enemies, and emotional moments.
4. A Handheld History: A Celebration of Portable Gaming by Lost in Cult
Can we all agree that handheld consoles are one of the best inventions made by human hands? Several best-selling video game consoles are handhelds, and their genealogy remains a fascinating lens through which to look at the industry's evolution. If you want to do that, might I suggest A Handheld History: A Celebration of Gaming History?
This book got everything a fun romp through the annals of gaming history needs. It's informative, with a dedicated page for almost every handheld console ever molded, from the Atari Lynx to the Nintendo DS. Accompanying these tidbits of trivia are endearing doodles of some of gaming's greatest mobile juggernauts.
3. From Ants to Zombies: Six Decades Of Video Game Horror by Bitmap Books
If I had to name a game genre that spat in the face of rules, I'd pick horror every time horror. From campy to gruesome to psychological, horror games can embody a colorful spectrum of moods and topics. If you're as much of a horror game enthusiast as I am, get a copy of From Ants to Zombies: Six Decades of Video Game Horror.
This little black book is a treasure trove of horror gaming knowledge. Spanning sixty years of gaming, the tome explores the evolution of horror in video games from the days of 3-D Monster Maze to modern thrillers like Subnautica, buoyed by exclusive commentary from some of the genre's greatest pioneers.
2. A History of Video Games in 64 Objects by the World Video Game Hall of Fame
A History of the World in 100 Objects is one of the best coffee table books, and if you've read it, you know why. There's something unbelievably cozy about seeing human history personified by everyday objects. Now, imagine if someone took this approach to capturing the history of video games. That's how we get A History of Video Games in 64 Objects.
This one's got something for everyone. Whether you're a classic arcade gamer or a connoisseur of the contemporary gaming scene, you'll find a page that covers one of your gaming fixations.
1. The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox
When I started putting this list together, I asked myself, "What does the ultimate gaming coffee table book need to do to earn that title?" After a bit of soul-searching, I decided that the best coffee table book about video games should cater to as many gamers as possible. As soon as I figured that out, I knew which book would take the number one spot.
The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox is THE coffee table book for gamers. This up-to-date compendium of every gaming console ever made features deep lore cuts that will surprise even the most game-savvy visitor. Put this bad boy in your guest room and watch your guests lose themselves in its pages.
The post 10 Best coffee table books for video gamers appeared first on Destructoid. |
PC Invasion - FeedDDD Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:55 AM  Updated February 1, 2025: We checked for new codes. When you're upset and feel like crushing something, that's the perfect moment to play Car Crushers 2. Destroy priceless cars in 59 different ways and race friends while trying to survive a nuclear catastrophe. This experience is truly explosive, and Car Crushers 2 codes add more fuel to the flame. All Car Crushers 2 codes list Active Car Crushers 2 codes VINTAGECRUISE — 70 MP (New) RETRODRIVE — 70 MP (New) SUPERGT — 70 MP (New) 1.5MLikes — 20 MP (New) Expired Car Crushers 2 codes 1XMONEY V16SUPER SUPERSPORT CLASSICV8 SUPERLIGHT HALLOWEEN XMAS V10POWER ROCKETSPEED TRACKSTAR RALLYMASTER SANDATTACK AIRSTUNT Related: Car Driving Indonesia codes and Midnight Chasers codes How to redeem codes in Car Crushers 2 Thanks to our guide below, redeeming Car Crushers 2 codes is a piece of cake: Image by PC Invasion Launch Car Crushers 2 in Robl... |
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PC Invasion - FeedDDD Saturday, February 1, 2025 11:04 AM  Updated February 1, 2025: Found the latest code! Not all princesses like to sit around and look pretty. Some princesses prefer to craft swords, run a capitalist empire, and look pretty. Create a pastel pink factory and rock that outfit while earning money. Princess Tycoon codes will pamper you like royalty, so redeem them before they expire. All Princess Tycoon codes list Active Princess Tycoon codes PRINCE — 10 minutes of Double Cash (New) JEWEL — 10 minutes of Double Cash (New) TREASURE — 10 minutes of Double Cash (New) SPARKLES — 10 minutes of Double Cash (New) 5K — 5 minutes of Double Cash MAGIC — 10 minutes of Double Cash Expired Princess Tycoon codes There are currently no expired Princess Tycoon codes. Related: Dress To Impress codes and Clothing Factory Tycoon codes How to redeem codes in Princess Tycoon To redeem Princess Tycoon codes, follow the instructions below: Image by PC Invasion ... |
PC Invasion - FeedDDD Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:30 AM  Updated February 3, 2025: Added a new code. Now's your chance to make your dream cake! This game lets you compete against other bakers to make the most delicious and best-looking cake ever, using unique decorations and combining them to make your dessert stand out from the rest. Let your creativity shine with Cake Off codes! All Cake Off codes list Active Cake Off codes LNYXVLT25 — 2,000 Coins (New) NewYears25 — Free rewards (New) Cakemas25 — 2,000 Coins Freeplay10 — 2,000 Coins Layer22 — 1,000 Gems Colorful34 — 2,000 Coins Design12 — Exclusive catalog Sweetest12 — Unique items basket20 — Exclusive catalog frosting55 — Bubbles catalog baker99 — Threaded catalog cupcake10 — Smores catalog Expired Cake Off codes There are currently no expired Cake Off codes. Related: Dress To Impress codes and Coffee Shop Tycoon codes How to redeem codes in Cake Off Redeeming Cake Off codes is a piece of ... |
WGB Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:31 AM Marvel's Spider-Man 2 launched on PC with mixed reactions, achieving a peak of 26,218 concurrent players but receiving a low rating of 55% due to performance issues and stuttering. |
MonsterVine Saturday, February 1, 2025 1:30 PM Square Enix has dropped a new update for Fantasian Neo Dimension, the single-player RPG from legendary developer Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy) and composer Nobuo Uematsu. The patch brings gameplay refinements, camera improvements, and a new difficulty customization feature for New Game+. The update is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series […] |
MonsterVine Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:45 PM Fans of Tribe Nine won't want to miss the "Tribe Nine Ver 1.0 Release Preview Showcase – Enter Neo Tokyo," premiering on February 7, 2025, at 10:00 PM PST. Hosted by Akatsuki Games and Too Kyo Games, this global presentation will feature exclusive announcements, gameplay insights, and a deep dive into the evolution of Tribe […] |