News:: Mass Effect: Andromeda is already up to 24% off

It seemed like EA was keeping a tight lid on North American discounts for Mass Effect: Andromeda. No longer! Two PC digital retailers have launched new deals with discounts up to 24% off for the Origin copy of the game.

GMG's discount is the largest and the UK-based retailer is finally sending out keys now as the European release date arrives tomorrow. Currently to score the $14-and-change discount on Andromeda, you'll need to login and use a Mass Effect: Andromeda unique coupon to knock another 5% off.

This voucher code at GMG is only valid in the US and Canada. It expires on March 31.

Mass Effect: Andromeda Release Week Deals

• Mass Effect: Andromeda (PC/Origin) — $45.59 at GMG  (list price $60)
• At checkout, must use code: ANDROMEDA5

• Mass Effect: Andromeda (PC/Origin) — $50.99 at DLGamer  (list price $60)
• Includes the pre-order bonus

• Mass Effect: Andromeda (PS4, Xbox One) — $47.99  (list price $60)
• Free shipping from Newegg, tax in limited states 

DLGamer is proving an alternative to GMG. The France-based digital retailer is selling Origin keys at a discount with pre-order bonuses still included. This nets you the Deep Space Explorer Armour, a Nomad skin, and a Multiplayer Booster Pack. 

On consoles, the game is already 20% off. Head to NewEgg's eBay page where you'll find them selling for $47.99 straight up. That's like getting the Best Buy Gamers Club Unlocked or Amazon Prime paid membership discount rate without paying for the premium membership.

Why the heavy handed deals on the console copies already? For those living under a rock, reviews on Mass Effect: Andromeda are quite mixed. If you're a fan still wanting to pick up the game near launch, you might as well get some discounts in return for being an early adopter.

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News:: Android users can play Super Mario Run at last

It's March 23 in some regions and, as promised, Super Mario Run is now on Android.

You'll be able to sample the one-handed platformer without putting any money down, but it's a $10 purchase for full access to every level and mode. I think CJ nailed it in his review of the iOS version back in December when he said "The controls are there, but everything else feels like Mario b-sides, and that really shouldn't be the case with this grand entrance into the mobile market."

With that in mind, I do occasionally succumb to the siren song to play a few rounds of Toad Rush. Even as the level layouts become familiar, that mode's competitive pace keeps the adrenaline up.

Oh, and Mario's mouth. You gotta see Mario's mouth in this art:

Nintendo of America [Twitter]

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News:: 'Super Mario Run' lands on Android a day early

Nintendo notoriously resisted making any of its games available on mobile platforms, a significant move for a company that's been making handheld titles for almost three decades. Then, with almost no notice, it released Super Mario Run for iOS back in December to cacophonous fanfare and promised an Android version in March. Originally planned to come out on March 23rd, the floodgates have opened a bit early: Super Mario Run is live in the Google Play store.

Via: Nintendo (Twitter)

Source: Google Play

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News:: ReCore, a game that shipped incomplete, is going to get a 'Definitive Edition'

It's a well-tread industry practice for publishers to eventually bundle a game with all of its add-ons in a "Definitive Edition" that supposedly represents the most complete way to experience it. Really, it's a second chance at retail months after the original launch. But, it's also a way for patient consumers to get everything at once with a considerable price break.

Somewhat bafflingly, ReCore -- a game with no released DLC -- is going to get a Definitive Edition. That news comes from a German ratings board leak. At the time of writing, the listing has been removed.

Microsoft has been teasing additional ReCore content for half a year now. We first reported on it shortly after its September launch when a Microsoft representative confirmed to us that the game's fifth robot was missing but that we should "stay tuned for news." Since then, developer Armature released a trailer to detail how the Tank robot functions.

The problem is that the Tank was very obviously stripped from the base game in a hasty and sloppy way. There's an entire area that's locked off because it requires the Tank's ability to maneuver over quicksand. There's space in the menus for a robot that would never show up. Enemies even drop parts to upgrade the Tank, so the player gathers a bunch of components that are ultimately useless.

The Tank DLC hasn't even been officially announced. So, to anyone unaware of its existence, this Definitive Edition just seems like a collection of patches and updates that automatically download upon launching the game. It's a strange situation, mostly because Microsoft hasn't controlled the messaging.

Expect Microsoft to address it soon, though. There are too many lingering questions -- the biggest one being "Will prior owners get this add-on for free?" The allure of Definitive Editions is that it feels like buying a surplus of content; with ReCore, it'll feel like the game finally getting to how it should've shipped in the first place.

ReCore Definitive Edition coming soon [NeoGAF]

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News:: Conquer the known world with Alexander the Great in Civilization VI

The trickle feed of new civilizations continues with Alexander the Great being the next new ruler to be added to Civilization VI. Along with Macedonia getting representation will be Persia with Cyrus the Great. Together, they will make a great combo. Alone, they will be great rivals. Greatness awaits is the point I'm making (suck it, Sony!).

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News:: The hero Australia deserves: senator commands Canberra to 'leave gamers alone'

Someone is finally speaking some sense. Following the Australian Classification Board's banning of Outlast II, Senator David Leyonhjelm blasted the Australian Senate regarding video game censorship. Leyonhjelm argues the laws related to games are made and enforced by people who know nothing about them.

Leyonhjelm reveals politicians and public officials are blocked from sites like IGN and PC Gamer "because we might stumble across an image of something somebody disapproves of from a medium we don't understand." Citing a survey that states the average gamer is 33 and 68% of Australians play video games regularly, he reasons "how is it that adults are not trusted to make choices about video games, and yet they are allowed to vote?"

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News:: New Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology images question its 'remake' title

New information and screenshots of Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology are here thanks to Famitsu. On top of the new "Sub-History," Atlus will add voice acting, a new character named Nemesia, and "system additions." Gameplay screenshots look quite similar to the original DS version, bringing into question if that is enough to justify Atlus calling this a "full remake."

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News:: Early on, the Bakers had a dog in Resident Evil 7

There could've been a Baker family pooch in Resident Evil 7! That's my main takeaway from this first making-of video from Capcom, but it's far from the only production insight featured. Part of me is sad that idea didn't make the cut, but I'm also thankful I didn't have to deal with a dog getting all up in my face at the dinner table. That scene was intense enough for me as is, thank you very much.

"[Executive producer Jun Takeuchi's] concept was bringing horror back to the forefront, and he told me that the motif was Evil Dead," recounts game director Koshi Nakanishi, who previously helmed Resident Evil: Revelations. "If you've seen that movie, you'll know it has a very intimate atmosphere set in one location, a remote cabin, and there's only six or so characters for the whole thing. The idea was to make a horror Resident Evil game as 'compact but deep' as that."

At about seven minutes in, there's a glimpse of the development team's early "pitch movie" for Resident Evil 7, which went over well. (Be sure to catch the amusing footage of it startling a room full of Capcom employees.) It helped give "confidence in our direction," according to producer Masachika Kawata.

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News:: PS4 update is causing WiFi problems for some players

Sony's big PS4 version 4.50 update landed two weeks ago and despite the boost in framerates, some owners are not happy their consoles have been effectively cut off from the internet. According to a thread started on the PlayStation Forums on the same day as the release, the update completely broke WiFi connectivity for a number of PS4 players.

While some users (including at least one Engadget staffer) thought the WiFi issues might be an isolated case, the two-week-old forum thread has gathered about 250 posts, all complaining about the NW-31297-2 error code. Despite Sony's troubleshooting tips, reconfiguring the console's WiFi setup won't fix the problem and some gamers have resorted to begrudgingly buying WiFi extenders with a built-in ethernet port to bridge the console's WiFi gap.

When reached for comment by Engadget, Sony acknowledged the issue but didn't offer a much better solution just yet. "We are aware and are looking into the situation," a Sony spokesperson said via email. So, if you're unable to run a cable between your PS4 and your router, you'll just have to sit tight and hope Sony releases another update in time for that sweet Wildlands DLC.

Via: Polygon

Source: PlayStation Forums

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News:: Destroy your opponents in 'Rocket League' Dropshot mode

Chaotic jet-car soccer game Rocket League just got a little crazier with its new Dropshot mode, which changes how you play the game. This free update rolls out to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC today, bringing a new competitive tournament as well as some goofy Easter-themed items for your in-game automobile.

Source: Psyonix

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News:: There's a week-long Water Festival event in Pokemon Go

Swooping back into Pokémon Go for special limited-time events seems like the best approach for me, and this new one, a worldwide Water Festival, is of particular note. It's a way to more easily spot -- and, Pokégod willing, actually catch -- Totodile, Squirtle, Magikarp, and their evolved forms.

"Additionally, when you're out exploring areas where Water-type Pokémon more commonly appear, you'll have a greater chance to encounter several of the Water-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region, and maybe... you might even encounter Lapras," says Niantic. I'll note that "maybe."

Oh, also, there's a Magikarp hat for your trainer. Do with that what you will. The Water Festival starts at 1:00pm Pacific today and will be around for exactly one week.

Make a Splash, Trainers! [Pokemon Go]

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News:: Overwatch's long haul approach is fantastic: Director hints at map editor

As they've proven over the course of the past few decades on PC, Blizzard supports their games long term -- whether it's by way of more content, or just compatibility patches. I fully expect Overwatch to be around for a long time, and to see it grow this much in less than a year has been a treat.

In addition to the arcade, CTF, several new characters, a server browser, and new levels, director Jeff Kaplan has mused on some other potential ideas to expand the game in the future. One of them is a map editor, which he explains they are "extremely open-minded" about releasing eventually. He notes that since this is a new engine it's going to be a difficult task, but he "has it on his long term road map and [believes] heavily in user-made content."

Again, I can wait. Even if this comes two or three years down the line and is eventually revealed at BlizzCon 2019, I'm okay with that -- mostly because I'll still be playing Overwatch by then.

Jeff Kaplan [Battle.net]

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News:: Review: Macbat 64

I've never pitched a game to someone with a prototype, but I'd imagine Macbat 64 isn't far off from what publishers would have seen when looking at prototypes for Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64.

That is to say, bite-sized levels that get the point across of what the final product would be like. Which considering Macbat 64's price tag, isn't the end of the world or my wallet.

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News:: New Senran Kagura game teased in Peach Beach Splash

Similar to how Kingdom Hearts games always show a teaser regarding the next game in post-credits scene (sometimes requiring certain conditions be met), the end of Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash also teases the seventh game in the franchise. Several scenes are shown before a flaming "7" appears. Note that the video is considered a spoiler for Peach Beach Splash.

Knowing someone else would write this story if I didn't, I somewhat reluctantly chose it in order to address the spoiler aspect of this story. While it's easy to just say "the ending teases a new game, but don't watch the video because it may spoil Peach Beach Splash" as I have done, do you consider the trailer's existence at the end of the game a spoiler in itself? Of course, we can't just say "company teases seventh game" without providing the source (the end of the game).

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News:: This fight between a Guardian and a Stone Talus is one of the best Zelda: Breath of the Wild videos yet

One of the reasons I love Breath of the Wild so much is because of how open it truly is. No I don't mean in a cookie cutter "open world" kind of way, but a truly freeing experience where you can get lost in exploration for hours on end with a minimal HUD option and completely lose sight of the main quest.

There's just so much to do, and over the past few weeks the community has been sharing their stories. This clip from Tristan Cooper on Twitter might be the best one yet, as he managed to get a Guardian (one of the main and new enemy types) to fight a Stone Talus in the overworld.

One of my absolute favorite things to do is to mess around killing Guardians, and this just takes it to the next level.

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News:: Monster Hunter XX dominates Japan, spikes 3DS sales

As if the Nintendo 3DS needed any help selling in Japan, the release of Monster Hunter XX (expansion of Monster Hunter Generations) has raised total 3DS sales (2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL) by 179%. The surge momentarily closed the gap with the Switch, which remains the top selling console. At nearly 850,000 physical sales, digital sales would likely put Monster Hunter XX over a million in it's first week. Japan really loves it's "MonHun," even when it's just a expansion of the previous game. 

Also new this week but paling in comparison to the MonHun titan are Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash and Accel World VS. Sword Art Online, the latter of which sold over 70,000 on Vita and PS4 combined. They are second and third place in sales the same way a tricycle is second place in a race versus a Lamborghini. 

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News:: Double Fine-published GNOG is tactile, satisfying, indie as hell

When I first saw GNOG at IndieCade a few years back, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The game reminded me of those Fidget Cubes people seem to like so much -- more of an oddity to poke at than a traditional "game." And that's fine; games have diversified to the point where the definition of "video game" is maybe as broad as it'll ever get. GNOG is really unlike anything I've ever seen, that's commendable at the very least.

(It does remind me of Seaman, though, for reasons I can't quite parse)

Technically, GNOG is a puzzle game, for whatever that's worth. You're manipulating different parts of a big colorful disembodied head in the hopes of, uh, making the head happy? For what GNOG lacks in up-front information, it makes up for in atmosphere and satisfaction. The heads feel like all-ages versions of Playskool toys -- the ones I saw at my PAX East demo were very chunky and tactile.

The game isn't too easy, nor too challenging. Rather, the most direct 1:1 comparison I could make would be the language learning app Duolingo. GNOG seems to be less about puzzles as a thing to "solve" and more about learning to understand what the visual and auditory design is trying to communicate.

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News:: New US and UK travel ban impacts Switch on some international flights

The UK and the US have banded together for a new travel ban that impacts devices "larger than a smartphone," a category that the Switch is decidedly in. Don't worry too much unless you go to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt, or Saudi Arabia, as travel to those countries are the only ones under this ban.

Unlike the Galaxy incident where the device couldn't be anywhere on the plane at all though this one is a little more relaxed, as you can stow these select units in a checked bag. Both bans were passed just this week.

I haven't taken my Switch on a plane yet, but I'm musing with the idea in the next few months. It seems fun enough to play in full handheld mode, but I would be wary of placing it on a tray table with that weak kickstand so turbulence can flip it up in the air.

UK bans laptops and tablets on flights from six Middle East countries [The Guardian]

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News:: New pictures reveal Nintendo's Joy-Con fix: A piece of foam?

Although I still haven't experienced any left Joy-Con issues since my Switch review unit pre-launch, many others have. A lot of folks have narrowed it down to defective units and "incompatible rooms," which is a not-great experience if you happen to have one of those interference death trap spots.

Naturally people have been contacting Nintendo to get their units fixed, and CNET was able to snap a few "before and after" pictures (spot the difference!). The only alteration seems to be a piece of foam in the bottom right of the picture. It's actually a piece of conductive foam that functions as a shield.

It's unknown how Nintendo is handling this issue entirely. They seem to be sweeping it under the rug, as there's been no national announcement yet, just individual cases with customer support alongside of the widespread reporting of it. They likely don't want to put a damper on their success, but with so many people impacted and not knowing what's going on, it would be the right thing to do, long term.

Nintendo has an easy fix for the Switch Joy-Con desync issue [CNET]

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News:: 'Castlevania' successor 'Bloodstained' is coming to the Switch

The next game by Castlevania mastermind Koji Igarashi is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was pitched on Kickstarter in 2015 as a spiritual successor to the beloved gothic adventure series. With Igarashi at the helm and the promise of new, updated 'Metroidvania' gameplay -- a style that fuses side-scroller platforming with deep exploration and RPG mechanics -- the project raised more than $5.5 million from 64,867 backers. The updated platform support does come with a downside, however -- the Wii U version is being cancelled.

Via: VideoGamer

Source: Bloodstained (Kickstarter)

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News:: The Morning After: Wednesday, March 22nd 2017

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

How would you like a stealth delivery of Apple announcements? Well you've got them. While there's nothing earth-shattering, there is a new tablet, a vivid new iPhone and a new video app. Also in today's Adult Week series, we digitally clear out our PC and feel all the better for it.

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