Feb 18, 12:00


GamersHeroes Friday, February 18, 2022 6:06 AM
    

Want to unlock more Strike Pieces for Machine Strike in Forbidden West? This Horizon Forbidden West Strike Pieces Guide will tell you the location of all of the Strike Pieces we've discovered on our adventure so far, so you can build out your roster and tackle the games more difficult Machine Strike challenges.

The post Horizon Forbidden West Strike Pieces Guide appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Friday, February 18, 2022 5:38 AM
    

The Potion Pouch quest requires two Squirrel Hides to complete. This guide on Where To Find Squirrels In Horizon Forbidden West will explain how you can track these pesky little rodents and where you can find them, so you can complete the quest, gather the Squirrel Hides, and move on to bigger and more exciting things.

The post Where To Find Squirrels In Horizon Forbidden West appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 11:45 AM
    

For gaming collectors and preservationists, it's a high score: hundreds of classic games, many of which, according to video footage of the discovery, appear to be factory sealed. The entire thing is eventually getting sold, and when it does, it could clock in as one of the big ones, potentially raking in somewhere…

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Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 11:25 AM
    

Osaka-based esports team Cyclops Athlete Gaming has fired yet another player. Yesterday, it cancelled the contract of Tekken player Tanukana after a history of abusive comments, the last being about men under a certain height. Today, following revelations about some really unpleasant tweets, it let go the…

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Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 10:55 AM
    

The United Kingdom today is being battered by its worst storm in 30 years. Storm Eunice is reported to have reached wind speeds of 122 mph as it sweeps through the Southern half of the UK, breaking all-time records. So what are the Brits doing in response? Yes, that's right, they're tuning in to a live stream of…

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Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 AM
    

Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games' sumptuous homage to the concept of lens flare, is massive—so massive, in fact, that it doesn't have a skill tree. Nope, it has six.

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Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 10:00 AM
    

So, you wanna go fast? You wanna win every race? Well, I can't help with that last one because racing is more about skill and luck than the car you drive, but I can help you go faster with this handy-dandy list of the top 10 fastest cars in Grand Theft Auto Online. 

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Kotaku Friday, February 18, 2022 9:30 AM
    

The only thing bigger than Horizon Forbidden West's open-world is its suite of options. Guerrilla's splashy PlayStation action-adventure game features dozens of settings, some of which—difficulty sliders, controller presets, visual modes—are par for the course. But others, like the ability to slow down time, or make…

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PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:53 AM
     The best STG 44 loadout in Warzone Pacific

Looking for the best STG 44 loadout in Warzone Pacific? The STG 44 is one of the best Call of Duty Vanguard guns thanks to its high damage output and accuracy, and it looks just as powerful in the battle royale game. Unlike the Black Ops Cold War weapons that were brought over to Warzone with radically different stats, it looks like the Vanguard guns are largely the same as their multiplayer counterparts.

This weapon has become synonymous with Warzone Pacific Season 2 because it's the default assault rifle in Vanguard. A lot of players have already leveled up this weapon in the multiplayer mode, making it easy to build the best STG 44 loadout. When compared to the other best Warzone assault rifles, the STG 44 comfortably earns one of the top spots on the Vanguard weapons tier list, and - unsurprisingly - it makes an appearance in our best Warzone loadouts guide.

While this weapon can be built in a variety of ways, our customised build focuses on improving the STG 44's recoil control and increasing its damage range while maintaining its impressive damage output. Here's everything you need to build the best STG 44 loadout in Warzone Pacific.


PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:33 AM
     The best Bren loadout in Warzone Pacific

Want to know what the best Bren loadout is in Warzone Pacific? The Bren is currently one of the best Warzone guns in Season 2, and there's a specific way you need to set it up in order to bring out its maximum potential. The stock version of this light machine gun doesn't perform well from a distance, but we've discovered a loadout which completely transforms the weapon.

Using the best Bren loadout, we can turn this weapon into a monster at mid-to-long range by increasing its accuracy and stability. Our attachments won't convert the LMG into one of the best Warzone snipers, but you should have no problem attacking enemies from a distance. As long as you don't mind carrying a heavy weapon around Caldera or Rebirth Island, the Bren is capable of earning plenty of Warzone Pacific victories.

We highly recommend pairing the Bren with a close range weapon like the best PPSh loadout to dominate at all ranges. If you have a feeling you're about to be flanked by a rival squad, switch to your close range option to blow your enemies away. Here's everything you need to build the best Bren loadout in Warzone Pacific.


PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:44 AM
     Intel Raptor Lake CPUs – release date, price, specs, and benchmarks

Intel might've already secured the best gaming CPU crown from AMD with its Alder Lake chips, but the company plans to push its lead even further with its upcoming Raptor Lake processors. Scheduled to release later this year, team blue is betting on its hybrid core design to give the company an edge over AMD's upcoming Zen 4 components.

Given that Raptor Lake chips will feature up to 24 cores (eight performance and 16 efficiency) and 32 threads, we can expect them to play the best PC games without much of an issue. They should also work great with Windows 11, thanks to Intel Thread Director technology.

Prior to the launch of its 13th Gen Core processors, Intel plans to enter the graphics card market with its Arc Alchemist GPUs, meaning we could see gaming PCs built entirely with team blue parts. However, upcoming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 and AMD RDNA 3 graphics cards could spoil Intel's plans to dominate every corner of the PC market.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:00 AM
     Best Warzone Pacific loadout drop: top setups for Season 2

On the lookout for the best Warzone Pacific loadout? The first mid-season update to Call of Duty's popular battle royale game is here, introducing a new weapon, new playlists, and most importantly, balance changes. There were a lot of small tweaks to the Vanguard weapons, though there was nothing in particular to drastically change the meta in a big way.

Despite the plentiful ground loot in Caldera's hot zones, you'll want a reliable build to help you take out the opposition as you try to outrun the encroaching gas cloud. Using create-a-class loadouts from Vanguard's multiplayer mode in Warzone, you can customise your weapons with the best Warzone attachments, tactical equipment, and perks.

Our best Warzone Pacific setups differ from our favourite builds for Vanguard's multiplayer mode as they're optimised for Caldera's vast environments. Not only do the weapons in Warzone Pacific feature tweaked stats, we also have to take into consideration Warzone's armour plates and the additional player count. We've used our extensive knowledge of Warzone to pass on our victory prowess to you - use our best loadouts for Warzone Pacific to dominate the competition.


PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:07 AM
     Starfield devs want its style to be

While many have been dubbing Starfield as "like Skyrim in space" - including its own director, Todd Howard - there's no doubt that it's going to have an entirely distinct aesthetic of its own. Not least because we're talking about a futuristic RPG in space rather than a fantasy epic in an ancient Nordic-style land. Now, we've got an even better idea of the style Bethesda's aiming for with the space game, which it has coined as "NASA-punk".

"Early on in this project when we were trying to establish the overall aesthetic of this game, we sort of coined the term 'NASA-punk' to describe a sci-fi universe that's a little more grounded and relatable," lead artist Istvan Pely says in a new Xbox Wire post. "We wanted a very realistic take. You can draw a line from current-day space technology and extrapolate from there into the future so it's believable and relatable."

"What's really interesting is how much we all latched onto that concept," adds lead animator Rick Vicens. "When you said NASA-punk, the art team could instantly take those two words and make them work. It was just the perfect term for our art direction and keeping everyone in same flow and working with a consistent style. For me, it just clicked. At the start of the project, I think that term was critical for us."

RELATED LINKS: Starfield release date, Best space games, Elder Scrolls 6 release date

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 10:06 AM
     Best Warzone Pacific guns: the top weapons for Season 2

Want to know what the best Warzone Pacific guns are? The Warzone integration with Vanguard introduces drastic changes to the game, including a new Warzone map set in the Pacific, and over 30 Vanguard weapons to play with. While Verdansk may not be around anymore, the guns from Modern Warfare and Black Ops Cold War remain in the battle royale game, but they're only accessible in specific modes.

The Cold War to Warzone integration had a number of teething problems when it launched back in December 2020. As a result, some of the weapon attachments featured incorrect stats which caused balancing issues. Each Cold War weapon needed tuning before they launched in Warzone - for several seasons, Cold War guns were either far too powerful or completely unusable.

Warzone Pacific is currently split into two types of mode which feature Vanguard weapons only, or every weapon ever released in Warzone. We've split the list of the best Warzone Pacific guns into two sections - this should make things easier for players interested in both modes.


PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 9:54 AM
     Metroidvania roguelike Dead Cells' new Bank biome is in beta

Last week, Dead Cells developer Motion Twin rolled out an alpha build for the roguelike's next update, which introduces a brand-new optional biome called The Bank. After some testing, Update 28's been given a good going over for a new beta that's now ready to try out.

"The Bank has had a little polish, so we're here again with a new beta to check that we didn't break anything on the way," Motion Twin says in on Steam. "The changes for the beta are mainly balancing and bug fixing, but we've also added a load of SFX/music and lore room text, so the biome should feel closer to the real deal." There's no detail on the new lore text and SFX beyond some vague notes noting their addition, but it sounds like it'll be a decent step up from the previous alpha version in these areas.

In the way of balance changes, the beta addresses a bunch of different facets of The Bank. One of the three new biome-specific mobs, Evil Guillain, gets some damage and reactivity buffs, and it can now spawn in Cliff after The Bank. Big Gold Gorger - the greedy mob that gobbles gold as it grows and can "kick your ass" if you let it hit its final form - gets a slight damage nerf, along with Mimic, too.


PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 9:12 AM
     When are the Lost Ark daily and weekly reset times?

Wondering about the Lost ark reset times? Resets - whether daily or weekly - are a staple of MMO life. Some games reset their whole servers every day, although you'll find the most common occurrence are things like quests or instances resetting instead. Lost Ark is proving a hit new MMO game with western players, and as its content schedule is relatively new to most people, there's a lot you may not know about what the reset cadence for the online game is.

Luckily that's where we come in. There's more and more information emerging about when things go through a reset cycle, so we'll be able to tell you what to look out for. This information is especially important once you hit level 50 and are having to grind through the endgame content to get those valuable materials to improve your gear score and Lost Ark engravings.

We're not specifically talking about Lost Ark server resets here - as the game tries to cope with what's looking like unprecedented demand in places like Europe, the servers have yet to settle into a truly standardised maintenance pattern yet. But aside from that, here's everything we know about Lost Ark daily and weekly server reset times.

RELATED LINKS: Best MMOS and MMORPGs on PC, Upcoming PC games, Best fantasy games on PC

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 7:58 AM
     You'll soon need an internet connection to install Windows 11

Microsoft has recently announced plans to remove the ability to install Windows 11 Pro without an internet connection, via a Windows 11 Insider Preview Build change log (thanks, Windows Central.) This change means there will be no versions of the operating system with the ability to be installed offline, with Windows 11 Home requiring users to be online during the installation process since launch.

To make matters more frustrating, setting up a Windows 11 gaming PC for personal use will require you to use a Microsoft Account, with no option to use a local account during the setup process. While the company hasn't shared why it's had a change of heart regarding offline installations, it has reinforced that this change is here to stay. In the change log, it says users "can expect a Microsoft Account to be required in subsequent WIP flights."

Fortunately, Windows 10 remains unaffected for now, and it's likely that the community will find workarounds to circumvent this requirement. We'd ultimately prefer that Microsoft backpedal on its decision, of course, but that's probably unlikely.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 7:34 AM
     A

Creative Assembly has confirmed that a datamined version of Total War: Warhammer 3's combined map is actually a "very old prototype". The strategy game's spin on the Mortal Engines map will be "big", though "nothing else is final at the moment".

Not long after the game launched, fans pulled a vast list of regions from the new PC game's files. While we know that Ind, Nippon, and Khuresh are "probably never" coming to Total War: Warhammer 3, the datamined list still suggested a hulking mass of land to conquer could be on the cards. According to Three Moves Ahead producer Leana Hafer, the list featured "about 40% more total settlements than Mortal Empires", which would have been pretty wild. A picture of the map itself was also dug up, which gave us a sense of its scale.

A representative of Creative Assembly who goes by the username Pete_CA then confirmed on Discord that the datamine is a "very old prototype version of the map". They do add, though, that the combined map "will be big", though "nothing else is final at the moment". So sit tight, folks.

RELATED LINKS: Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, Total War: Warhammer 3 races, Total War: Warhammer 3 review

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 9:21 AM
     Genshin Impact codes: February 2022

Looking for Genshin Impact codes? MiHoYo's charming open-world game is notoriously addictive, and if you're anything like us, you're constantly on the lookout for more Genshin Impact primogems and other goodies.

Gathering currency in Genshin Impact can be quite the grind - while you can earn mora and primogems by completing quests such as daily commissions, an injection of extra funds will always be gratefully received. Fortunately, the developers MiHoYo occasionally send out free gifts in the form of Genshin Impact codes that can be redeemed online.

These Genshin Impact codes are released periodically. They frequently appear in MiHoYo's special programs that reveal information about future updates coming to the game soon, but are also released to celebrate milestones or to coincide with Genshin Impact events. Most codes also only work for a limited time - so it's a good idea to redeem them as soon as possible in case you miss out. Codes can only be redeemed once per account. Here are all the current Genshin Impact codes for February 2022, and how to redeem them.

RELATED LINKS: Play Genshin Impact for free, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 7:28 AM
     Halo Infinite player ranks could soon drop by a

Get ready for a bit of a shakeup to Halo Infinite's competitive ranking system. 343 Industries has revealed that the FPS game's CSR system has been a bit "overly generous" since its launch, so the devs are resetting CSR ranks "so that everyone can get an updated CSR that is more indicative of their skill".

That's according to a post from community manager John Junyszek on Halo Waypoint, who explains that the studio is rolling out changes to "help bring things closer in line to where they should be" with the CSR system. "This period led to a full tier inflation of ranks and, as a result, most players should expect to be placed a full tier lower (Diamond players will find themselves in Platinum, Platinum players will find themselves in Gold, etc.) after this rank reset," Junyszek says.

The exception to this comes with a change the devs are making due to this rank reset popping up mid-season. While Diamond 1 was the highest CSR players could hit after their ten placement matches previously, the devs are now raising this to Diamond 5 to help reduce disruption. So, while most will remain relatively unaffected, Onyx players will "spend less time in Diamond since the system already knows that they are likely an Onyx player".

RELATED LINKS: Halo Infinite release date, Halo Infinite system requirements, Halo Infinite ranks

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 6:56 AM
     How to share VR games across two Oculus Quest 2 headsets

Sharing your VR games across two Oculus Quest 2 headsets is easy enough once you know how, allowing you to save some cash by not buying two copies of the same game. Better still, it's just as easy to share your library on other Oculus (sorry, Meta) devices, if you've an older model lying around that you'd like to give to a family member or friend.

It's worth noting that it isn't possible to share some games across multiple headsets, as Meta requires that developers opt-in to the family sharing feature. A notable example of this is Beat Games' popular rhythm game Beat Saber, but this is more the exception to the rule. Also, you can only share videogames from the primary account to other accounts, not vice versa.

Something else worth considering before sharing your games across any of the best VR headsets is that you'll need to leave your account information on both devices. With that in mind, make sure you adequately protect your login information with a strong passcode or security pattern, and only share your games with people you trust.

RELATED LINKS: Best VR games, Build yourself a VR-ready PC for $793, How to set up your Oculus Rift

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 6:18 AM
     Cyberpunk 2077 devs aren't planning to add a Metro to the game

Sad news, Cyberpunk 2077 fans, if you were hoping that one day CD Projekt Red might introduce a fully functioning Metro train system to its dystopian RPG - the studio has now confirmed it's not got any plans for this.

The Metro system in Cyberpunk 2077, as it stands, is a minor aspect of the game, with a few NCART station entryways (that you can't enter) offering fast-travel points around Night City. Players have previously spotted signs of an unused monorail system in the game, and a Metro system played a part in earlier promotional material, like this E3 2018 trailer and the wallpaper of male V riding the subway. All of this has naturally left players wondering if a fully functioning train system of some kind might come to the game one day - but it seems the answer is no.

"Sorry to be the buzz killer but that's not it. There are no plans to add metro to the game," CDPR global community director Marcin Momot explains on Twitter (below). The reply comes following a couple of tweets suggesting that the NCART site on the in-game internet showing as "under construction" possibly hints at a Metro being in the works.

RELATED LINKS: Cyberpunk 2077 review, Cyberpunk 2077 lore & universe, Buy Cyberpunk 2077

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 11:50 AM
     The best Genshin Impact Yae Miko build and team comp

Looking for the best Yae Miko build and team composition? The popular pink-haired priestess has finally arrived as part of the current Genshin Impact banner, alongside the Genshin Impact 2.5 update.

Yae Miko is a powerful Electro DPS character, capable of dealing substantial damage. However, she requires a lot of energy for her burst, so if you're planning to take on the most difficult content, we recommend running her as a sub-DPS alongside a good "battery" - a character who generates lots of energy for their team.

To help you figure out how to play Yae Miko, we've put together a guide to the best Yae Miko build and team composition. There are several different weapons and artifact sets that work well for Yae, and our recommendations vary depending on how many of her constellations you've unlocked. If you're looking to pull for her then we recommend checking our Yae Miko ascension materials guide so you can start stockpiling everything you'll need to get her levelled up.

RELATED LINKS: Play Genshin Impact for free, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 7:44 AM
     Turn-based RPGs – the best tactical RPGs on PC 2022

So you want to know about turn-based RPGs? While this list may have a lot in common with our guide to the best RPG games, tactical RPGs tend to focus more on squad-based combat and have roots in the classic tabletop RPGs of old. Games in this niche are often turn-based strategy games, though to make the distinction relevant we're focusing on games with more pronounced RPG features.

It's less about the story itself, and more about how your character or characters evolve over time as they interact with the narrative. The nature of progression and the choices you can make means that your abilities and journey may never quite be the same across multiple playthroughs, and unlike traditional RPGs there are more tools focused on tracking these changes and evolution over time. They're also about offering really robust combat mechanics and making best use of your squad as a team working towards a common goal.

Whether you're saving the entire planet or guiding a band of misfits around in a struggle for survival, there are plenty of great options available, so let's take a look at some of the best turn-based RPGs on PC.

RELATED LINKS: Wasteland 3 review, How long is Wasteland 3?, The best RPG games on PC

PCGamesN Friday, February 18, 2022 9:18 AM
     Roblox promo codes list February 2022 – how to redeem

Looking for Roblox promo codes? There are all sorts of promo codes from Roblox events and giveaways out there, that grant you free virtual goods like clothes and items. No need to fork out cash for accessories; new codes are added all the time, so you can keep your Roblox character looking fresh.

Codes won't hang around forever, though - they're only valid for a limited time, so be sure to redeem them as soon as you discover one you haven't used yet. Redeeming them is simple - log in to the Roblox website and navigate to their promo codes page, where you can enter your code, and the item will automatically be added to your account straight away.

Promo codes aren't the only source of free items, though; you can also find free Roblox stuff in the avatar shop. There are far too many to list, but there are hundreds of items available for nothing: simply click the 'get' button next to their catalog listing to add them to your account. Be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll update this page whenever new Roblox promo codes are released.

RELATED LINKS: Best Roblox games, Is Roblox shutting down?, Best Minecraft seeds

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, February 18, 2022 11:05 AM
    

We have a Steam Deck! Goodness, it's thrilling to be able to say that out loud. Truth be told, we've had one for about a week (specifically our hardware editor James, the lucky duck), but as we approach its official launch date next Friday, we want to know if you have any burning questions we can help answer. James will be delivering his full review next week, putting the handheld through its paces from a performance standpoint, but if you'd like us to cover something specific about it, now's the time to tell us.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 AM
    

Dirigo Games impressed former RPS neck honcho Adam Smith with Depths Of Fear, and later added two excellent games to to The Bundle. Syscrusher was a very brief but smooth and exciting shooter, and Stowaway an atmospheric monster horror. Their new game, Kingdom Of The Dead, combines the two; a striking fast paced FPS about a... paranormal vigilante cowboy, I think? It does not sit you down and explain itself, and I actually kind of like that about it.

You're part of, or possibly all of, a kind of 19th century X Files, except instead of talking and analysing the situation, you already know that the way to deal with undead weirdness is to roll up with your revolver and kick its face in. Interesting as the premise is, it's really about blasting around some fun environments for a few hours, and I've enjoyed it more with every level.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Friday, February 18, 2022 7:36 AM
    

Amazon Studios are considering making Prime shows and films based on video games, signing a first-look deal with the production company currently planning adaptations of games including Disco Elysium and Life Is Strange. This will give Amazon the first opportunity to snap up anything DJ2 Entertainment might be making, if they want to. This is not, however, an announcement that Amazon will make these specific shows. These shows still might never get made, by anyone. But maybe it's enough of a step forwards for you to start daydreaming about what such shows could be?

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Twinfinite Friday, February 18, 2022 9:04 AM
    

Nothing can ever be simple or straightforward when it comes to Doctor Strange. The concept of the multiverse is sure to throw a wrench in the gears of the MCU, and the latest trailer revealed a bunch of footage that only brings up more questions than it answers. But even in the madness, there are […]

The post 8 Key Details You May Have Missed in the Latest Doctor Strange Trailer appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Friday, February 18, 2022 7:51 AM
    

Valorant's latest Agent might not have made much of an impact on the meta, but Neon is definitely a whole bunch of fun to play, and her fun personality and cool looks make her a welcome addition to the roster. Today, just over a month since her arrival at the beginning of Episode 4, Riot […]

The post Neon Fan Beat Trailer Celebrates Cool Artwork, Cosplay, & Clips appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Friday, February 18, 2022 7:03 AM
    

It's no secret that Cyberpunk 2077 didn't get off to the best start when it released in December 2020. On base PS4 and Xbox One consoles, the game was borderline unplayable, with a myriad of bugs plaguing players' experiences as they cruised around Night City. That was accompanied by generally poor performance and some poorly-implemented […]

The post 5 Ways Cyberpunk 2077's Latest Updates Make it the Game it Always Should Have Been appeared first on Twinfinite.


Twinfinite Friday, February 18, 2022 6:29 AM
    

Star Wars fans, rejoice! Today is a good day, as we bring news that iconic film composer, John Williams, will be returning to the classic sci-fi universe that he helped to shape. Indeed, the 90-year-old is all set to come out of retirement to compose the theme music for the upcoming, much-anticipated Obi-Wan Kenobi TV […]

The post John Williams Comes Out of Retirement To Compose the Theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi Show appeared first on Twinfinite.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 11:30 AM
    

Fire Emblem Heroes A Hero Rises 2022 Top 8 Revealed

During the February 2022 Feh Channel, the Fire Emblem Heroes A Hero Rises 2022 event ended up being announced. People had a chance to vote throughout the month. Now we know the top eight units that will go on to appear in the Voting Gauntlet. The one that wins the ensuing Voting Gauntlet on February 25, 2022 will be given to all players for free. The top four from that will appear in a banner.

Here are the eight Fire Emblem Heroes A Hero Rises 2022 contenders. During the Voting Gauntlet, people will pick characters to support. They'll fight battles in their honor. Things will eventually whittle down to four units, then two, and one winner. The following units are listed by how many votes they received, going from most to least. Their colors are listed in parentheses behind them. Of the characters chosen, Azura, Corrin, and Dagr are Duo units.

  1. Nightfall Ninja Act Corrin (Green)
  2. Hegemon Husk Edelgard (Colorless)
  3. Fated Holy Knight Sigurd (Red)
  4. War God Thorr (Green)
  5. Youthful Sage Eitri (Green)
  6. The Fodlan Star Byleth (Green)
  7. Hatari Duet Azura (Green)
  8. New Year Jotnar Dagr (Green)

The newest unit in the group is the Azura Duo unit. She debuted back in January 2022.

This also presents an opportunity for the ensuing A Hero Rises banner. The top four units will appear on it as focus units. If all four are green units, it would make it easier for someone to get a focus five-star.

Fire Emblem Heroes is available for Android and Apple iOS devices and its next A Hero Rises Voting Gauntlet will appear on February 25, 2022.

The post Fire Emblem Heroes A Hero Rises 2022 Top 8 Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 11:00 AM
    

Honkai Impact 3rd 5.5 Update Equinox Gate Trailer Shared

The Honkai Impact 3rd 5.5 Equinox Gate update is about to arrive on February 24, 2022. Ahead of that, there's a trailer going over the new battlesuits and things to expect. This also comes ahead of the February 26, 2022 Honkai Carnival Fandom Celebration 2022 presentation and additional A Post-Honkai Odyssey update.

Editor's Note: The Honkai Impact 3rd 5.5 Equinox Gate trailer does contain some spoilers, if someone isn't keeping up with the game.

Things begin with Immortal Blades Captain Bianka "Durandal" Ataegina. We hear voices from her past. She's also wearing her new five-star battlesuit Palatinus Equinox. After that introduction, we see her properly fight while wearing it. Its two forms, Guardian and Knight, are shown.

After that, the video shifts to Immortal Blades Vice Captain Rita Rossweisse. Her new five-star battlesuit is Spina Astera. People can get it by taking part in events. The segment shows her attacking with the scythe.

Finally, the Equinox Gate update video closes out with brief overviews. The Spring Bonuses Giveaway shows up, noting that Crystals, Stigma Options, and other items will be doled out. The Secret Project Arahato A event is teased, along with its Arc City Blues skin for Haxxor Bunny and Tiger Roar Emblem. Things close with a peek at the Beckoning Horizon 4th Anniversary Celebration.

Honkai Impact 3rd is available for the PC and mobile devices, and its 5.5 update will arrive on February 24, 2022.

The post Honkai Impact 3rd 5.5 Update Equinox Gate Trailer Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 AM
    

Genshin Impact Interactive Map Updated for Three Realms Gateway Offering

There's a new update for miHoYo's official Genshin Impact Interactive Map, and it is designed to help people with the Three Realms Gateway Offering event. Specifically, it adds a new map and extra pins. These are designed to help folks more accurately chart the area. Which makes sense, given this is an exploration event.

First, the Genshin Impact Interactive Map update adds the new Enkanomiya map. This is the new space available for the event. There are also a number of extra pins designed to help with this area. The new Cryo, Hydro, and Pyro Shadowy Husks enemies show up there and get their own pins. There re also ones for the puzzles and treasure chests.

The Three Realms Gateway Offering Rite of Diffusal pins also show up on the Genshin Impact Interactive Map now. During this portion of that event, you need to collect Aphotium Ores and Tokoyo Legumes. You can't unlock the areas' nine Sealed Corrosion Waypoints unless you gather them. (Each Waypoint will require either two of each or five of each.)

Finally, three kinds of existing pins ended up changed. These are the Ochimusha, Ruin Sentinel, and Specter enemies. All three appear in the Inazuma region.

Genshin Impact is available for the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices. It will also eventually come to the Nintendo Switch. The Genshin Impact Three Realms Gateway Offering event will run until March 30, 2022. People who log in online can access the interactive map.

The post Genshin Impact Interactive Map Updated for Three Realms Gateway Offering appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 10:00 AM
    

Good Smile Company opened up pre-orders for Pop Up Parade figures of Madoka and Homura from Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion. Both of them are available to pre-order until March 17, 2022. They also both have the same release window of June 2022 for Japan and August 2022 for North America. The Madoka and Homura Pop Up Parade figures cost ¥3,900/$38.99 each.

With Pop Up Parade figures, you cannot change the poses. Homura appears with her glasses and braided hair. She also has a small smile on her face that you would not see when she is in her normal state.

[gallery ids="917219,917218,917217" link="file"]

Meanwhile, Madoka appears with her bow and arrow. Both Madoka and Homura appear as they do in the first loop, where Madoka became a magical girl first. Though they have the same release schedules, they do not have matching poses.

[gallery ids="917222,917221,917220" link="file"]

Rebellion, which came out in 2013, is the third movie for the Madoka Magica franchise. It takes place after the events of the show, albeit in a slightly different reality. As part of the 10th anniversary of the series, Aniplex announced the upcoming fourth movie, Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten. There is no release window yet.

The Madoka and Homura Pop Up Parade figures from Good Smile Company are available to pre-order until March 17, 2022. They will appear in June 2022 in Japan and August 2022 in North America

The post Pre-Orders Open for Madoka and Homura Pop Up Parade Figures appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 9:30 AM
    

Immortals Muv-Luv Alternative Release Date

Following a delay, Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative will release in mid-March 2022. Originally scheduled to release in February 2022, the developers wanted to fine-tune various features within the mobile title. In addition to the updated release window, several new videos that highlight various systems within the game have been shared on the official site. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

The title was officially announced in October 2021. That's when people also got a first look at its gameplay. Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative is an action-RPG. It will feature several popular characters from the Muv-Luv series, such as Meiya Mitsurugi, Chizuru Sakaki, and Marimo Jingugi. However, each of these characters got something of a visual update for this entry. The official website features full illustrations of their new designs.

Players will be able create their own teams and select stages to complete missions. Each stage will have a plethora of enemies the player will need to destroy. Characters will also have unique skills that they can activate. While using a special skill, a cut-in of the character will appear before they unleash their unique attack.

Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative will release for Android and iOS devices in Japan sometime in March 2022. Pre-registration for the title is immediately available. In addition, users will receive a Mikoto Yoroi SR unit as a commemorative gift once the game releases.

The post Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative to Release in March appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 9:00 AM
    

Azur Lane 2022 first new event starring SN Kronshtadt

Yostar Japan revealed a new Azur Lane major event in a live stream on February 18, 2022. It will feature the Soviet large cruiser SN Kronshtadt as a new shipgirl with an Ultra Rare grade. That is the highest character rarity in Azur Lane.

This event will add a variety of shipgirls based on historical and paper ships. Manjuu and Yongshi modeled Arkhangelsk after the loaned Royal Navy battleship HMS Royal Sovereign. Soobrazitelny is based on the historical Storozhevoy-class destroyer.

While the Soviet Navy did construct Kronshtadt and the destroyer Kiev in history, it canceled both before their completion. Meanwhile, SN Volga is a fictional shipgirl based on the Project 72 aircraft carrier concept.

Here is the full list of new shipgirls in the upcoming Azur Lane event. All of them will belong to the Soviet Union-inspired Northern Parliament faction.

  1. SN Kronshtadt - Ultra Rare Large Cruiser - Construction with pity system
  2. SN Kiev - Super Rare Destroyer - Construction and point exchange shop
  3. SN Volga - Super Rare Carrier - Construction-exclusive
  4. SN Arkhangelsk - Elite Battleship - Construction-exclusive
  5. SN Soobrazitelny - Elite Destroyer - Total point collection reward

In addition to the above event characters, Yostar also revealed that Scharnhorst META will become the next Operation Siren META Showdown boss and reward. She will replace her sister Gneisenau META on March 10, 2022.

[gallery ids="917209,917210,917211,917212,917213,917214" link="file"]

During the December 2021 live stream, Yostar announced that it would add four new Ultra Rare shipgirls in 2022. SN Kronshtadt is now confirmed as the first Ultra Rare shipgirl in Azur Lane. Like all prior shipgirls with the same rarity grade, Commanders will be able to recruit her with a pity system after 200 pulls with 400 cubes.

Azur Lane is immediately available worldwide on Android and iOS mobile devices. The new Northern Parliament event starring SN Kronshtadt will run from February 24, 2022, to March 10, 2022.

The post Azur Lane's First New Event of 2022 Stars Kronshtadt appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 8:00 AM
    

Ghost of Tsushima merchandise at PlayStation Pop Up Store in Shibuya

A temporary Pop Up Store selling merchandise related to Sony's PlayStation first-party IPs has appeared at Shibuya Marui in Tokyo, Japan. It features items from Ghost of TsushimaBloodborne, and The Last of Us Part II. The PlayStation Pop Up Store also includes merchandise related to PaRappa the Rapper and Toro's Dokodemo Issyo franchise.

The Bloodborne and Ghost of Tsushima items feature chibi artworks of characters appearing in each title. The Dokodemo Issyo merchandise lineup will also include more characters other than the two main mascots, Toro and Kuro. Meanwhile, items related to PaRappa the Rapper have the "25" mark to commemorate the anniversary of the original PlayStation release in 1996 in Japan. The Last of Us Part II is the only title not to have any characters shown on its items.

Some of the items showcased in the physical store are also available to purchase online. People residing in Japan can access Marui Anime Online to order the items available on the web store. However, it can only handle shipments inside Japan.

The PlayStation Pop Up Store is available on the 7th floor of Shibuya Marui from February 18, 2022, to March 6, 2022. The Last of Us Part IIGhost of TsushimaBloodborne, and PaRappa the Rapper originally appeared as video games. All of them are currently playable on the PlayStation 4.

The post PlayStation Pop Up Store Sells Ghost of Tsushima and Bloodborne Merchandise appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 7:30 AM
    

Sin Chronicle Gameplay Story

Sega shared new information about Sin Chronicle, which includes a breakdown of its "choice based" story system and other gameplay mechanics. Various activities and systems will be available for the player to participate in. This includes strengthening your relationships with various characters through visiting the in-game Tavern. Additionally, Sega has revealed that weapons will not be available to obtain through a gacha system. Instead, players can get weapons by defeating enemies and opening up treasure chests. [Thanks, Gamer!]

Regarding the "choice based" story system in Sin Chronicle, players will uncover key words through general progression. At the end of each chapter players will have to choose between two key words. Selecting a key word will change the path of the story, and lock them into a certain path. Once that path has been selected, the player cannot go back and change their answer.

You can watch the latest trailer for Sin Chronicle, which features a look at gameplay and the story system, below.

[embed]https://youtu.be/5MOHMK7ABQc[/embed]

Players will be able to recruit "key characters" into their party. These characters will have their own unique stories that players can experience alongside the main scenario. Guest characters will also appear in the game. Depending on the path the player selects, they could become a key character that will appear in a future chapter.

As mentioned previously, Sin Chronicle will not have a weapon gacha. Players will have to take to the field to obtain weapons. Players can level up character stats through leveling up and using ability points. Additional skills can be purchased using ability points.

Sin Chronicle will release for Android and iOS devices on December 15, 2021. Pre-registration is immediately available.

The post Sin Chronicle Gameplay Systems and Choice Based Story Explained appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 7:00 AM
    

Anno Mutationem release date

It seems that 2022 will be "anno" for ANNO: Mutationem, because ThinkingStars has finally set a release date of March 17, 2022. The team also released a pre-order trailer to confirm the release date. The trailer was accompanied by key visual art illustrated by Ilya Kuvshinov, the character designer for Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2045.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1jT_ZdkyHs

ANNO: Mutationem was first announced years before its release date, as part of Sony's 2019 PlayStation China Hero Project, an initiative supporting China-based small and indie developers. It has a cyberpunk and anime-inspired aesthetic, with inspiration taken from works like Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner, and the Matrix. The story takes place in a near-future metropolis and follows the adventures of Ann, a "highly-skilled, combat-trained lone wolf." Ann's trying to find her lost brother and is willing to face off against the megacorporations and organizations that rule the city from the shadows. Elements from the SCP Foundation, an open-source collaborative fiction project will be present in the world of ANNO: Mutationem.

ANNO: Mutationem is an action game with a blend of flat-shaded 3D models and a 2D pixel art-style. Ann fights in 2D combat, using an energy blade to dice up enemies. She'll explore the city in 3D and travel in a futuristic flying car. Weapon crafting, skill enhancement, and RPG elements buttress the progression. The pre-order trailer also promises extra costumes for players that buy ahead of the ANNO: Mutationem release date.

ANNO: Mutationem will come out on PS4, PS5, and PC on March 17, 2022. The PS4 version of the game will also have a Collector's Edition that includes extra costume, item and weapon packs as well as a digital soundtrack and artbook.

The post ANNO: Mutationem Release Date Revealed in Trailer appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 6:30 AM
    

Legend of Nayuta ad astra Switch release

The Nintendo Switch port of The Legend of Nayuta, titled The Legend of Nayuta: Ad Astra will release in Japan on May 26, 2022. According to the Falcom website, the physical copy of the game will cost ¥4,378 (which is approximately $38). Meanwhile, the digital copy will cost ¥3,960 (around $34).

https://twitter.com/nihonfalcom/status/1494573674984542208

While the Traditional Chinese and Korean versions will also release on that date, the English version of the game will come out in 2023. The soundtrack for the game is available as a pre-order bonus. It comes with two CDs and has all 60 tracks that will appear in The Legend of Nayuta: Ad Astra. It also has a limited-edition cover. If you order from the Falcom Shop, you can get an acrylic figure of Nayuta and Noi.

The Legend of Nayuta follows the story of the titular Nayuta, who wants to explore the world of Lost Heaven. He, along with the fairy Noi, are on a journey around the world to reclaim the Master Gear. It is an action RPG in a similar vein to the Ys series, and its system utilizes seasons and the environment to solve puzzles. The Switch version of the game boasts higher sound quality compared to the original PSP release, and it will run at 60 FPS.

The Legend of Nayuta: Ad Astra will come out in Japan on May 26, 2022. It is readily available on the Windows PC, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 4 in Japanese. The PS4, PC, and Switch versions will come out in English in 2023.

The post The Legend of Nayuta Ad Astra Switch Release Date Announced appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 6:00 AM
    

Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Lunagaron

Capcom released a new Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak wallpaper, this time featuring the Lunagaron. The Lunagaron is one of several new monsters that will appear in the paid expansion. The monster was shown during a trailer released during The Game Awards 2021 pre-show. However, Capcom has shared a new render of the monster with this wallpaper. Android and iOS users can download the wallpaper through the LINE SNS messaging app.

The only prerequisite is that you will need to friend the official Monster Hunter LINE account. Additionally, in order to have the wallpaper sent to your mobile device, you will need to send the Monster Hunter LINE account the following text, "モンハンライズ:サンブレイク壁紙4." From there, you can simply download the wallpaper and use it on your device. Capcom previously released a Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Malzeno wallpaper through the same application.

[embed]https://twitter.com/MH_Rise_JP/status/1494553766955462657[/embed]

While the Lunagaron and Malzeno will be entirely new additions to the franchise through the release of Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, monsters from previous releases will appear too. This includes the Shogun Ceanataur. Additionally, the expansion will have more Silkbind attacks and feature a new receptionist character .

Monster Hunter Rise  is available for the Nintendo Switch and PC. Demos are available for both platforms. Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak will release in Summer 2022.

The post Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Lunagaron Bares Its Fangs in Wallpaper appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Friday, February 18, 2022 5:30 AM
    

Usada Pekora Nendoroid Preorders

Pre-orders have opened for the Hololive Usada Pekora Nendoroid. The 3rd generation Hololive VTuber will come with various optional parts, such as a pair of sunglasses and her own microphone. The figure will cost $61.99 and ship sometime in December 2022 for those in North America. Buyers in Japan can pre-order her for ¥6,200, and she'll ship out in October 2022. Pre-orders are immediately available and will remain open until March 30, 2022, or until supplies last.

The Usada Pekora Nendoroid will come with three different faceplates -- a standard face, winking face, and an uneasy expression. The figure recreates Pekora's standard outfit, including the carrots in her hair and her pet Don-chan scarf. The figure even has the carrot that's in her dress pocket.

As with most Nendoroids, Usada will come in a variety of optional parts referencing the VTuber's career. In addition to different hand parts, the figure will come with a miniature Nousagi, a pair of sunglasses, and a rabbit-shaped microphone. Her figure stand also has her carrot symbol and name printed on it.

You can get a better look at the Usada Pekora Nendoroid via the images and video below:

[gallery link="file" ids="917160,917161,917162,917163,917164,917165"]

https://youtu.be/HeFQ-rVwsXk

A prototype of the Usada Pekora Nendoroid appeared in October 2021 during WonHobby 34. In early February 2022, a painted version of the figure appeared at WonHobby 35 alongside a variety of other Hololive merchandise, including a Nendoroid of Ookami Mio. Earlier this month, Good Smile Company also opened pre-orders for a Usada Pekora Pop Up Parade figure.

Pre-orders for the Usada Pekora Nendoroid are immediately available and will last until March 30, 2022, or until supplies last. The Nendoroid will cost $61.99 and ship sometime in December 2022.

The post Hololive Usada Pekora Nendoroid Pre-orders Now Open appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Friday, February 18, 2022 11:00 AM
    

Old-school showdown During last night's "All Aksys" presentation, Aksys Games announced that its cool-looking fighter Blazing Strike, will be launching...

The post Blazing Strike throwing down on PlayStation, PC and Switch this fall appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, February 18, 2022 9:15 AM
    

I'm glad they're in charge of Prime 4 The Retro Studios Metroid Twitter-verse is heating up, as the company just changed...

The post Retro Studios changed their Twitter header image to Metroid appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Friday, February 18, 2022 9:00 AM
    

Take your waifus everywhere The mega-popular anime streaming service Crunchyroll is now available on Nintendo Switch. An official app, available...

The post Anime streaming service Crunchyroll now on Nintendo Switch appeared first on Destructoid.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Friday, February 18, 2022 11:00 AM
     Warzone Pacific And Vanguard Free forbidden sacrifices Bundle how to claimSince the launch of Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone Pacific, players were encountering various bugs and stability issues. As a result, Season Two was delayed in favor of improving the state of the game. Now, Activision is giving back to thank fans for their patience during the delay. You are now able to claim a free Forbidden Sacrifice bundle full of goodies in Vanguard and Warzone Pacific. At the same time, you can enjoy a weekend of maximum double XP. The bundle contains nine items to claim. This includes a legendary operator skin and two legendary weapon blueprints. Although it's unknown what specific weapon blueprints they will be, we are told that there will be a reliable submachine gun and a fast-firing assault rifle. We will have to wait and see what other cosmetics are included in the bundle. However, we can expect more rewards such as a calling card, a sticker and more.   The gifts don't stop there, as the Forbidden Sacrifice bundle is not the only free ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Friday, February 18, 2022 10:00 AM
     Warzone Pacific best Whitley ClassSeason Two of Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific is full of new content. This includes new areas to explore in Caldera, new operators, and more. As always, a new season means that there are some new weapons to use in the battle royale. Already, players have been levelling up the new KG M40 assault rifle. Once you reach Tier 31 of the battle pass, you unlock the new Whitley light machine gun. With the best attachments, you can build a Whitley class that is viable in Warzone Pacific. Currently, the Whitley is not exactly at the top of the list when it comes to the Warzone Pacific meta. Weapons such as the STG 44 and the Bren are still sat in that top spot. The biggest downside of the Whitley is that it does have a hefty amount of recoil that you have to deal with. As a result, this class focuses on reducing the recoil to make the gun as accurate as possible.   Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific best Whitley class Muzzle: MX Silencer Barrel: 28" Gracey Mk. 9 Stock: CGC R4 Underbarrel: M194...

Gamer Empire Friday, February 18, 2022 5:33 AM
    

This post was stolen from https://gamerempire.net/ from the Lost Ark Guides category: https://gamerempire.net/category/lost-ark/. It was written by Tim Stadel Clausen. The original URL of this post is https://gamerempire.net/lost-ark-how-many-character-slots-do-you-have/. With 15 unique advanced classes to play in Lost Ark, chances are that there is more than one class that interests you. The best way to find out whether or not a […]

The post Lost Ark – How Many Character Slots Do You Have & How to Get More appeared first on Gamer Empire. It was written by Tim Stadel Clausen.


Tabletop Gaming News Friday, February 18, 2022 11:00 AM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Friday, February 18, 2022 10:00 AM
    

Tabletop Gaming News Friday, February 18, 2022 9:00 AM