News:: There's a PS4 bundle deal with a PSVR headset for $599

Back in December, PlayStation VR headsets were quite difficult to find depending on where you live as the stock wasn't consistent across the supply chain. This looks to be a thing of the past now that we're approaching the middle of 2017. We're starting to see select PSVR core headsets on sale intermittently these past few weeks. 

As of writing, you can pick up a PlayStation 4 Slim Uncharted 4 bundle with a PlayStation VR core headset for $599.99. If you're factoring list price, this is a $100 savings. But in real-world street price savings, you're looking at saving about $10 (or slightly more if you don't reside in CA and GA).

Here's the lowdown. Currently, you can pick up a PlayStation 4 Slim Uncharted 4 bundle from Jet at about $219 after coupon, while a PlayStation VR core headset is going for $389.99 on eBay. Not factoring in sales tax (Jet charges sales tax in most states), you're looking at about $610 total for picking up both items separately. (Hence the aforementioned $10 in savings.)

But this is still a pretty good deal all things considered, especially if you factor in the sales tax advantage for a $600 purchase. If you don't reside in CA and GA, you'll be able to save anywhere from $26 to $56.

PlayStation 4 Slim Bundle Deals

• PlayStation 4 Slim Uncharted 4 + PlayStation VR — $599.99  (list price $700)
• PlayStation 4 Slim Uncharted 4 — $219.99  (list price $300)
  Use Code: SPRING15

PlayStation VR Deals

• PlayStation VR Headset + PlayStation VR Worlds — $399.99 <- tax everywhere
• PlayStation VR Core Headset — $389.99 <- tax in CA/GA only

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2p2xq4G

News:: Human: Fall Flat's console release comes with another slapstick game for free

Back in February, we reported on Human: Fall Flat getting a console release with new content. It's a game that has found an audience mostly because its ragdoll controls lend themselves to inane failures. It has over 100 million views on YouTube for a reason.

Console publisher Curve Digital is leaning into that slapstick violence by offering a bonus title of the same ilk. Anyone who pre-orders Human: Fall Flat will also get Manual Samuel for free. Manual Samuel is a QWOP-like thing where the player has to control all of Samuel's actions including his breathing. Even though it's free, it's probably worth noting that Manual Samuel hasn't lit the world on fire; it's currently sitting at a 58 rating on OpenCritic.

The other news to come out of this is that Human: Fall Flat for consoles now has a release date. It's launching on May 9 on PlayStation 4 and May 12 on Xbox One. The Steam version will update for free with the new content alongside the Xbox release.

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pxrOkC

News:: It shouldn't take too long to earn the new Overwatch rewards in Heroes of the Storm

It's an exciting albeit overwhelming week for Heroes of the Storm -- especially if you're an Overwatch fan. Aside from new character reveals (D.Va!) and introductions (Genji!), and the game's far-reaching 2.0 launch (expect to get a ton of free stuff), there's also another Nexus Challenge to undertake.

Last time, Blizzard had us play 15 matches in HotS with a friend to earn a sweet Oni skin for Genji in Overwatch, and 15 more for several hero unlocks and a 30-Day Stimpack. I did some of my matches by grouping with random players in the "nexuschallenge" chat channel, a surprisingly pleasant experience, and the rest with Destructoid's own Kevin McClusky, who was only just dipping his toes in the game. All told, it was a memorable event with a good incentive to get back into a game I enjoy.

For the Nexus Challenge 2.0, there's even more up for grabs, but the process isn't quite the same as before. The overall event runs until May 22, 2017, but it's further broken down into four individual "quests" that will open up one at a time, on a weekly basis, and must be completed in order.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pgu0Kl

News:: Do you think Call of Duty: WWII will have a season pass?

Here's a quick history lesson for you, our valued readers: Every Call of Duty game since 2012's Black Ops II has had a season pass. Technically, 2011's Modern Warfare 3 also had one, but it was confusingly included with the cost of a Call of Duty Elite subscription. With that information, do you think this year's Call of Duty: WWII will also have a season pass?

As they say, history tends to repeat itself. Call of Duty: WWII will have a season pass as confirmed by this early photo of the game's Pro Edition. This version will include WWII, (presumably) all post-release add-ons, and a steelbook case. No price has been revealed, but it's only available at GameStop in the United States.

Also mentioned is the fact that PlayStation 4 players will have first access to the private beta that leaked two days ago. This was already assumed, as Sony has had initial rights to everything Call of Duty for the past few years. All of this will most likely be made official when Activision holds its reveal event tomorrow at 10am Pacific.

@JEEZUSHiGH [Twitter via Charlie Intel]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2q2QRca

News:: Last year's Batman: Arkham VR is now on Vive and Oculus Rift

As of today, you'll no longer need a PS4 and PlayStation VR to solve puzzles and screw around as the Caped Crusader in Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham VR -- it's now on Steam for Vive and Oculus Rift.

The lateness of the PC version is a little unfortunate, I have to say. Arkham VR is a good, well-polished use of the tech with standout moments, but it's also inconsequential enough in terms of story, meaningful interaction, and length that it runs the risk of feeling more like a proof of concept.

If you're still fairly new to virtual reality or just adore Rocksteady's take on Batman, it's a much easier recommendation as a showcase game. But for folks who have "been there, done that" with VR in the half year since Arkham released on PS4, you'll really want to keep your expectations in check.

All that said, I'm pulling for a fully realized made-for-VR game built on this foundation.

Batman: Arkham VR [Steam]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2otLGVP

News:: The Injustice 2 achievements confirm an unannounced staple of DC Comics

Injustice 2 releases in just under three weeks, and WB has been on a media blitz to introduce the full roster of fighters. We're finally there, as the only characters left out are the eventual DLC crew and the pre-order bonus. But, there's one more that seems as if it was meant to remain a secret until launch.

This is the part where I say turn away, close the page, shut down your computer, throw it off a bridge -- whatever it takes to not have me spoil this if you don't want to know. Because what's likely Injustice 2's biggest secret is getting revealed right after this paragraph. I'll even put a video of Poison Ivy here to act as a final buffer.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2q4y7ff

News:: Psychic 8-Mile might be the next character to join the SFV cast

A small goof on the part of the PlayStation Store might have have accidentally let the next DLC character cat out of the Street Fighter V bag. According to the description of the Season 2 Character Pass (which has since been changed) the next confirmed character to join the SFV roster will be – Ed.

That's right, Ed. You know Ed! That classic Street Fighter character we all love, right? The skinny white dude with psychic powers who looks vaguely like an early 2000's Marshall Mathers? Hoodie and purple powers? Any of this ringing a bell?

No? Well, he was in SFV's story mode. And we all know how great that was.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pg6IV1

News:: Fans resurrect 'Tomb Raider' in your web browser

If you need a reminder of how far video games have come since the mid-90s, look no further than OpenTomb. Over the past four years, a handful of devoted developers have been rebuilding the original five Tomb Raider games from scratch, and the City of Vilcabamba level is available in your browser right now (heads up, game audio auto-plays from that link).

Via: Polygon

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2pxhw3V

News:: Reports indicate Vivendi wants a majority takeover of Ubisoft by end of year

Vivendi's unwelcome invasion of Ubisoft is a saga that has stretched on for nearly two years now. There have been many chapters to the story, but almost every single one of them ends with Vivendi buying more control of Ubisoft against the video game publisher's wishes. An eventual majority buyout seems inevitable at the rate this is going. If Vivendi has its way, it'll be sooner than later.

According to a new report from Reuters, Vivendi is looking to accelerate its expansion into both Ubisoft and advertising group Havas. This is because Vivendi chairman Vincent Bollore has been under scrutiny from shareholders lately due to mixed performance and declining stock prices. The strategy, seemingly, is to alleviate these concerns by acquiring more companies and proving itself as a European media powerhouse.

As of right now, Ubisoft is 25 percent owned by Vivendi. A source told Reuters "Vivendi is moving into the second phase, everything will take place this year." The silver lining is that the source added Vivendi will not necessarily buy Ubisoft at any price; if things get too expensive, it might look for an acquisition in China instead.

This leaves enough wiggle room to indicate that the Guillemots, Ubisoft's founding family, might be able to fend off a hostile takeover. As of last year, they were looking to increase investment from Canadian shareholders in an effort to better control the capital. It's too early to predict which direction this will go, but Vivendi wants to speed up the process one way or another.

Ubisoft declined to comment for this article.

Exclusive: Vivendi to accelerate expansion in video games and advertising - sources [Reuters]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pg2UCT

News:: Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3's multiplayer mode has been delayed until Q3 2017

It looks like CI Games can't really catch a break with Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3. We reported on the insane load times yesterday, but more reports have surfaced of glitchy and broken gameplay alongside just a general mediocre experience. If you were hoping to sidestep all the fuss of the campaign in favor of tactically hunting your friends, then this will come as some seriously bad news. The multiplayer portion for Ghost Warrior 3 has been delayed until Q3 2017.

CI issue a statement that at least sounds somewhat sincere. "Throughout our development of Sniper Ghost Warrior 3, we have had two focus. The first is to provide the best possible single player experience in our most ambitious game in the Sniper Ghost Warrior series to date...The second emphasis from us is to provide regular content updates post launch, focusing on content that enhances the gaming experience."

"Therefore, we have chosen to release the multiplayer update (that will be free for our players) after launch (the third quarter of 2017) for precisely the above reasons, that is not to dilute any potential from the single player experience." I can definitely understand that sentiment, but I wonder if just delaying the game in general may have been a better move. First impressions go a long way with games and I, personally, can't shake the craptastic time I had with the launch of GTA Online, despite that becoming a pretty damn good time.

While we don't have a review yet, word on the net is that the game isn't very good. I guess that was to be expected given CI Games' track record, but hopefully they can iron out the issues for fans already on board.

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 multiplayer delayed until Q3 [MCV UK]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2piSZyH

News:: Alolan Pokemon have finally made it to Pokemon Shuffle

For those of us who are still hanging in there with Pokémon Shuffle despite knowing full well how devious the free-to-play puzzler can be, big update: Alola-region Pokémon are starting to show up!

Familiar faces from Sun and Moon like Litten, Oranguru, Wishiwashi, Cosmog, Mimikyu, and the Alolan Geodude line are already available, with more limited-time levels showing up throughout May. For a full breakdown of new and future content, the Pokémon Shuffle subreddit has us covered.

The developers are also giving out daily rewards, starting today with 2,000 free Coins. And be sure to head into the Special Shop for a free "No Hearts Needed" item -- that'll grant you infinite Hearts for 15 minutes, which will be ideal for tackling the dreaded Pokémon Safari before it goes away.

Lastly, for those of you who left Shuffle long ago (probably for the best), I feel like I need to point out that there are now 580 main stages, to say nothing of the Special and Ex levels. I'm up to 541. Help me.

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2oJCAQu

News:: Campy, live-action horror game 'Night Trap' heads to PS4

After 25 years, a browser port and a failed Kickstarter, cult classic FMV (full-motion video) game Night Trap is finally getting making its way back to living rooms. Thanks to the folks at developer Screaming Villains and publisher Limited Run Games, the interactive tale of teenage girls stuck in a house under attack by vampires will be released on disc sometime this spring for PlayStation 4.

Via: Limited Run Games (Twitter)

Source: PlayStation (YouTube)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2p1WadG

News:: New 'Sonic Forces' footage feels a lot like 'Generations'

For the last few months, SEGA has been playing coy with Sonic Forces-- first only little else beside the game's name and the usual promises of greatness. Then, earlier this month, a new trailer teased new levels for "Classic Sonic," the 1990s version of the character that co-starred in 2011's Sonic Generations. Today, Sega Europe uploaded a new gameplay video to YouTube confirming what many fans suspected: Sonic Forces is basically going to be a Sonic Generations sequel.

Source: Sega

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2otp73u

News:: Nintendo is hosting a Splatoon 2 tournament at E3

Last year's E3 was a special one for Nintendo. The company dedicated its entire show-floor presence to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a move that seemed questionable as hell going into the expo but ended up paying off thanks to fans' rabid curiosity for the game and its high quality.

This year? It's too early for a specific lineup just yet, but presumably Nintendo's E3 2017 booth will be more in line with what the company has put together in prior years. Besides new Switch (and maybe even 3DS) game announcements, I'm hopeful we'll get Virtual Console and SNES Mini news.

One thing we do know for sure is that there will be a pre-release Splatoon 2 exhibition tournament. Details for the event are about as non-existent as you'd expect, but I wouldn't be surprised if this takes the form of something like the Super Smash Bros. Invitational held at E3 2014.

A #Splatoon2 pre-release, exhibition tournament is coming to #E32017! Stay tuned for more details. http://pic.twitter.com/rFB3yvhCNm

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 25, 2017

Better get to training, then. Do it for him.

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2q2i7HX

News:: Newly announced Shin Yomawari is twice as big as predecessor

The hit survival horror game from Nippon Ichi Software, Yomawari: Night Alone, is getting a sequel. Teased yesterday in a 360 YouTube video, NIS announced that Shin Yomawari will release for PlayStation 4 and PS Vita on August 24, 2017 in Japan.

Two young girls named Yui and Haru set out to the mountains to see the neighboring town's summer fireworks but got separated. You'll explore a map twice the size of the one in the first Yomawari as you try to reunite the girls.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2otf5PU

News:: 'Heroes of the Storm' adds everyone's favorite 'Overwatch' hero

Last month, Blizzard announced it would revamp its MOBA game, Heroes of the Storm, in a huge patch released in April. Its 2.0 update, which is live in North America, promised to upgrade its player progression system and added random-reward loot boxes, a staple of the free-to-play model. But the studio had a few other surprises to drop today, including adding a new hero to the nexus, Overwatch's teen mecha-piloting pop star, D.Va.

Source: Blizzard (Twitter)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2pfzEw9

News:: Night Trap is coming back, baby!

Night Trap is notorious for being one of the few games that brought about the creation of the ESRB. While its content is pretty damn vanilla and very PG rated, apparently its depiction of violence against women was so realistic and encompassing that it was corrupting our youth into repeating it. Clearly that never happened, but history is funny like that.

Regardless of the past, Screaming Villains is actually publishing a re-release of the cult classic by way of a remaster for PS4 and Xbox One. Dubbed Night Trap: 25th Anniversary Edition, it looks like very little is being touched apart from the interface. This is more of an archival piece, which I can definitely get behind.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pfsHv4

News:: Here's a little bit of Green Hill Zone in Sonic Forces

Sega is taking cues from Sonic Generations in this year's Sonic Forces. The Modern and Classic Sonic duality is back, and today we've got a look at the latter with a trailer for safe old Green Hill Zone.

Fans have wasted no time picking apart this footage for every last drop of nuance they can muster, as always. Meanwhile, I'm just over here feeling generally blasé about it, even with respect to the music.

It's too early to call it, but this one probably won't be for me. Sonic Mania, on the other hand...

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pftUTl

News:: Overwatch lead says 'six maps' being worked on, three will probably be released this year

In addition to a few vague 'experiments' that he eluded to in a forum post, Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan notes that there are "six maps" in development, and that three of them will likely hit by the end of this year. Kaplan says that the upcoming maps are of the "standard" variety, meaning that they'll slot into quickmatch and competitive play. The other three are said to be non-standard, and will be more experimental.

While I hop on and off of Overwatch frequently (especially based on the events), it's been host to a ton of free content since its launch last year (it hasn't even had an anniversary yet, which is weird to say) that keeps dragging me back in. Based on rumors we're likely to see another announcement around E3, and we know that Blizzard is still working on seasonal events and characters in addition to maps -- all of which will be free.

Even though some folks are still miffed at the microtransaction-fueled loot boxes in a premium game, I'm more than happy with the state of the game given how easy it is to find matches and all of the free content we've gotten.

Jeff Kaplan [Blizzard]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pwDlAB

News:: Breath of the Wild is both a masterpiece and a disaster

_{[Header courtesy of EternaLegend]}

Basically everyone and their mother agrees that Breath of the Wild is an incredible game. At the same time, everyone and their mother hates Breath of the Wild. How is that possible?

This is something I’m going to dub the "Zelda Effect." Hype begets hype and people get wildly different expectations of what the latest entry in the venerable series should be. Along with that, a lot of people become contrarians just to spite people who enjoy something they don’t.

Mostly, though, what defines a good game? Can you outright call any Zelda title terrible or even bad? People like different things about each entry and the best aspect of the series is Nintendo’s willingness to reinvent the wheel all the time. Zelda was endured because most entries aren’t repeats of the last.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2p1wa1S

News:: The next Blizzard legend to enter Heroes of the Storm is D.Va

Today during the Heroes of the Storm 2.0 livestream as part of the opening day festivities, Blizzard announced a brand new upcoming hero --D.Va.

She'll follow Genji, who launched today with 2.0, along with the 20 free hero promotion and the Hanamura map. Although her entire kit is still a mystery it was confirmed that she will operate as a warrior archetype (likely a bruiser), and that the Hanamura cinematic was a "hint" as to what her abilities entail. The Nexus Challenge will also return (starting today), offering up the Oni Genji and Orochi Cycle mount as well as an "Officer D.Va" skin and mount, as well as an Overwatch disc mount and multiple loot box promotions for both games.

I love how they're doubling down on their most popular property in Overwatch. Blizzard also notes that the Heroes and Overwatch teams work closely together, so it adds more authenticity to the crossover.

Heroes of the Storm [Twitch]

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2p1sE7M

News:: That ridiculous Drive Girls game is headed to Europe

Who would have thought this silly game about anime girls who transform into sports cars and beat up robot bugs would come west? It is, to Europe at least. On May 26 Europeans and importers can pick up Drive Girls on May 26, 2017 either digitally or physically.

I'm not complaining, I might give this a go if the time is right, but I am a little bit surprised it's not only getting localized but also getting a physical release (don't say it, resist the urge). If this ever gets a sequel, it would probably look something like this.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2oIQJgW

News:: Do you still do Pokemon Sun & Moon Global Missions? Game Freak is still making them

I played Pokemon Sun and Moon for weeks on end at launch. I was insatiable, and its postgame exceeded X and Y to the point where I could be busy for even longer. But eventually a lot of people I know stopped playing, the thrill of trading ceased, and they took too long to announce Marshadow.

I still boot it back up because I love visiting its world, but the Global Missions do very little for me. We're on our sixth one in fact, which asks players to harvest 3,000,000 Poke Beans on Poke Pelago (read; it's just touching the screen and grinding). If you're into these things then have at it! You have from now until May 8, midnight UTC.

Pokemon Sun and Moon [Serebii.net]

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2q1MXjO

News:: A Diablo 2 remaster may not be likely, but don't get discouraged

With the Starcraft Remastered announcement, lots of fans have gotten their hopes up that Blizzard may be working on remasters of other classic properties. One of the biggest in their catalog is Diablo 2, a game that many feel has yet to be topped. Co-founder of Blizzard North, David Brevik, spoke with Diabloii.net for their podcast and discussed the possibility of a remake and the hardships that Blizzard would need to overcome to nail it.

"I don’t believe a lot of the assets survived," Brevik mentions. "I think that remasters are okay, they're fine, but you have to be really careful with remasters and there’s this delicate balance. For instance, the world of Diablo 2 is broken up into tiles."

"If you do a remaster, this is going to sound terrible, I am going to sound like an old fogey here, but kids these days don’t understand how games were made back then. They were nothing like they’re made today...On a fundamental level that can not be really comprehended unless you're a programmer that has done this kind of thing before… if they do a Diablo 2 Remaster, it’s going to be difficult to make it feel exactly like the same game."

While that may be unfortunate, at least it isn't an outright dismissal of the chances of a remake. Hopefully Blizzard can figure out how to make such a thing happen as I would gladly pay for the chance to have Diablo 2 with some modern networking features. If you'd like to listen to the full interview, you can check out the embed below. Its full of fascinating information about game development and industry practices.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pwsM0h

News:: Review: Wilson's Heart

Look, I've played a lot of crap in VR. In fact, I've played mostly crap in VR. The store is a wasteland of half-fulfilled ideas and tech demos being sold for at least $19.99. Players will clamor "Oh, this game isn't so bad! You're being too harsh!" but what they're really saying is "Help I spent a lot of money on this thing and I'm desperately searching for validation!" Most of the games worth the time are things like Rec Room that are entertaining virtual playgrounds experimenting with brilliant ideas.

I am very thankful that Wilson's Heart is here, because I have a solid linear VR experience I can point to and say "Yes! Let's do more like that!" If the thought of a virtual reality horror game sounds amazing to you (and you have a Rift), then I have great news.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2oIITnx

News:: Humble Store is giving away the first Outlast with purchases of the sequel

With Outlast 2 launching today, any prospective fans that want to catch up with the original now have a great way to do so. Humble Store is giving away the original horror game with purchases of the sequel, so you don't have to worry about missing out on any potential body mutilation. It should be noted that this deal is listed as "While Supplies Last," so we can't guarantee it will be around for long.

This deal only applies to the PC version of Outlast 2, so there isn't much recourse for console fans. At least if you do decide to take up the deal, you'll be granted a Steam copy and a DRM free version. That has to be worth something.

Get a free copy of Outlast when you buy Outlast 2 from the Humble Store [PC Gamer]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2pw6DPG

News:: Phoenix Point is a new strategy game from the creator of X-COM

Phoenix Point is a "turn-based tactics and world-based strategy game" from the creator of the original X-COM, Julian Gollop. The project is seeking $500,000 in funding on Fig and meant to release at the end of 2018.

"We are creating Phoenix Point by taking influences from the famed X-COM franchise. We are updating our favorite gameplay features from X-COM titles such as UFO: Enemy Unknown and X-COM Apocalypse that I designed, and mixing them with some of the amazing ideas Firaxis Games executed brilliantly in their franchise reboots, to create an entirely new game whose essence lies in the XCOM genre," Gollop said.

Taking stock in what Firaxis has done well with the series is smart. And I like the Cronenberg'd-up world and monsters; incidentally, I recommend watching the recent practical-effects-filled horror movie The Void.

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2p159vF