Monday, August 21, 2017

News:: 'Life is Strange: Before the Storm' trailer showcases its story

Since Max and her time traveling powers won't be in Life is Strange's upcoming prequel, you might be wondering what to expect. Well, this new trailer out of Germany's Gamescom expo can give you a pretty good idea of what Before the Storm is all about. While Max was out of the picture three years before the events in the first game, her best friend Chloe found another friend in Rachel Amber -- yes, that Rachel -- who leads a double life.

Source: Life is Strange (YouTube)



via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2ilbtg5

News:: Fe still looks delightful and now it's coming to Nintendo Switch

Fe is one of those games whose name always escapes me, but as soon as I saw today's trailer with the Electronic Arts logo, it came back to me. This is a platforming adventure title from Zombie Vikings and Stick it to The Man developer Zoink Games. It's also an EA Original, similar to last year's Unravel.

"Climb, glide, and dig your way through a dark Nordic forest to explore its living, breathing ecosystem – one filled with secrets, side quests, and mystical creatures," reads an overview. "Master a diverse array of cries to befriend every animal or plant and have them help you on your journey. Each having uniquely distinct attributes, abilities and behaviors that will help you to unlock and traverse new areas of the forest."

Fe was previously announced for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, but it's now also confirmed for Nintendo Switch, where it should do well. All four versions will launch early next year.

Fe still looks delightful and now it's coming to Nintendo Switch screenshot



via destructoid http://ift.tt/2g0BmBe

News:: PUBG's first-person mode can be creepy at times

And I don't just mean the Assassin's Creed-esque face! Brett and I partnered up for a few rounds of first-person mode, and the end result felt like a mix between a walking sim as we combed over houses and survival horror as the weather took a turn for the worse and we seemingly entered Silent Hill.

I kept getting paranoid about who (or what) might be lurking behind us. Precision aiming seems a little easier in PUBG's FPS mode, but man oh man do I miss being able to swing the camera behind my back.

The ending, though. The ending is pure slapstick bliss.

PUBG's first-person mode can be creepy at times screenshot



via destructoid http://ift.tt/2wycl6r

News:: The Shovel Knight Battletoads easter egg is headed to PC

When Shovel Knight made the jump to Sony and Microsoft's consoles, Yacht Club Games brought a bunch of exclusive extras along with it. Sony players got a battle with Kratos from God of War and Xbox One owners had a face-off with the Battletoads, which is just plain better even without the nostalgia. It was a loving homage to an infamous NES era classic that checked off all of the nostalgic boxes without being self-indulgent.

It never seemed likely that PC users would be receiving any bonus content, but somehow Yacht Club Games has charmed Microsoft into allowing the slimy trio of toads onto all PC (Steam, GOG, Humble) versions of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.

The Shovel Knight Battletoads easter egg is headed to PC screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: A good game about petting Good Dogs

Pet the Pup at the Party is an excellent little game about, well, petting dogs and avoiding awkward social interactions. It's one the silliest and most relatable games I've played all year. 

Here is a breakdown of what you do in Pet the Pup at the Party:

  • Wander through an apartment
  • Clumsily navigate around people
  • Open doors in hopes of finding a four-legged friend
  • Pet dogs

A good game about petting Good Dogs screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: The first new ‘Age of Empires’ game in over a decade is in the works

It's been over a decade since Age of Empires III came out in 2005, but fans of the lauded RTS franchise will once again be subject to Gandhi's merciless wrath: Age of Empires IV is officially in development. At Gamescom today, Microsoft announced the next title in the much-loved series -- and that we'd be getting remastered versions of each of the previous games.

Source: Microsoft (YouTube)



via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2vYdd1M

News:: Bloggers Wanted: Fake it until you make it

This month's bloggers wanted prompt is something we stole. You see, by stealing this idea, you have no idea how truly inept I actually am. By pretending to know what I'm doing, I have clearly used my ill-gotten status to meet such big-time celebrities as Darlington Woolie "Pie Stealer" Madden or Sara from [insert pixel indie game studio here].

Bloggers Wanted: Fake it until you make it screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: Help me find some sailors in the first teaser trailer for Shenmue III

The first teaser trailer for Shenmue III has been released ahead of Gamescom 2017, which is taking place in Cologne, Germany this week.

You can check out the trailer below which depicts protagonist Ryo squaring off against some jacked dudes and examining that Phoenix Mirror he loves so much.

Help me find some sailors in the first teaser trailer for Shenmue III screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2xmt1Lc

News:: Where do you draw the line between exploit and tech?

While reading SRK earlier this week I found out somebody pocketed $10,000 in winnings at a For Honor tournament celebrating the mark of season 3. But it wasn't a story of blood, sweat, and tears like some rise to the top at EVO. Jakub “Alernakin” Palen even admitted he coasted his way to victory using the Nobushi's notorious unlock tech. Basically, it's a trick or an exploit that makes the Nobushi's long-range naginata attacks unparryable. With your options to basically either block all of the Nobushi's attacks or try to counter-poke, players on the receiving end of this strategy are at an almost insurmountable disadvantage.

Where do you draw the line between exploit and tech? screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2v8mbIH

News:: Review: Death Note

Death Note, the second major Japanese manga to be adapted as a major Hollywood production this year, is facing some of the same criticisms that its predecessor (Ghost in the Shell) did. Accusations of ‘whitewashing’ the film and its cast have hounded the Netflix film, especially as its release date has drawn near. Its director, Adam Wingard, was quick to point out that Japanese adaptations of western stories don’t worry over pulling in American cast members to stay true to the source material. And perhaps it’s not an issue. Release territories often cast film and television to best relate to their native audience. The Office (UK) already existed when the American version of The Office was released stateside. Both star an English-speaking cast, but producers must have determined that the American audience required something slightly different in order for the series to succeed. Whether or not American audiences are ready for a Japan-set and Japanese-starring adaptation is another matter. Some may welcome it, but it seems it may not be for everyone yet. And until the bottom line is not dollars, don’t expect filmmakers to be bold and take that leap.

What’s more troubling, in the case of Death Note, is that whitewashing here means not trading out Tokyo for Seattle, nor casting American instead of Japanese actors, but rather, trading out an intelligent, thoughtful, and emotionally controlled protagonist for the typical angsty, emo, American high school outsider. And in the case of Death Note, the presence of brains, or fully-functioning, strategizing, and highly calculating minds on both sides of the chess board is not only central to, but instrumental to the success of the story: it defines the saga. Without it, you get a very different, and arguably, inferior story.

Review: Death Note screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: Horizon Zero Dawn rolls out new 'Story Mode' difficulty

Horizon Zero Dawn is no slouch, difficulty-wise. I tend to come into big releases with certain expectations about how challenging it will or won't be, and I was off the mark on this one.

There's a definite learning curve to kitting yourself out, getting a lay of the land, coming up with a battle plan (and changing it on the fly when shit inevitably goes awry), and knowing everyone's strengths and weaknesses. Horizon Zero Dawn is not the type of game I can hope to play well while drowsy.

Guerrilla Games is continuing its commendable post-release support with a new update, out now, that debuts a "Story Mode" difficulty option. It's meant for players who are struggling or would otherwise like a breezier experience while they take in the sights and sounds of Horizon.

"Among the most noticeable changes, 'Story' difficulty boosts the player-inflicted damage and reduces the player-received damage considerably, making the combat encounters manageable for less experienced players," says community manager Jeroen Roding. "It is our hope that the new difficulty setting will help us welcome more players into Aloy's quest to discover her identity and the mysteries of the world she inhabits."

Out of curiosity, I glanced at the game's Trophy completion data. 80% of players reached level 10, 52.3% got to level 25, and 20% leveled up to 50. Also, 8.3% earned the platinum. That seems high!

Horizon Zero Dawn rolls out new 'Story Mode' difficulty screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: Cyberpunk action-shooter Ruiner launching next month

Ruiner has looked darn good for some time now, and it won't be much longer yet before we're all able to go hands-on with the top-down shooter/slasher. It's out September 26, 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One by way of Reikon Games and (who else?) Devolver Digital.

Today's trailer got me to poke around the game's website, which has gifs and the story setup as well as a look at the foes: brainwashed Creeps, semi-synthetic Heaven Security guards, Triad Killers, and a Cyborg Minotaur. What's the deal with that last one? "The bosses like their toys personalized and often inspired by mythical beasts to pump up the intimidation factor. This one is big, heavy, and as strong as they get outside of military grade cyborgs." I'm so into this.

Cyberpunk action-shooter Ruiner launching next month screenshot



via destructoid http://ift.tt/2x6Gx6H

News:: Rise of the Tomb Raider's Xbox One X mode sounds a lot like its PS4 Pro mode

It was three years ago at gamescom that Microsoft revealed that Square Enix's Rise of the Tomb Raider would be an Xbox timed-exclusive at launch. It was big news. The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot went over well and the sequel was hotly anticipated.

Now that the games industry's sights are set back in Germany, people thought we might get a Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, we get this trailer detailing how Rise of the Tomb Raider's Xbox One X update will make it superior to the original.

It does look very nice in this trailer, but, truthfully, it doesn't look much different than the PS4 Pro update that released last fall (that trailer is embedded below). The Xbox One X version can boast native 4K while the PS4 Pro version is upscaled to get there. Also, PS4 Pro has 60 frames per second at 1080p, and, even though it isn't explicitly stated, Xbox One X is possibly 60 frames per second at 4K; after all, that's the target Xbox One X seems to be aiming for with most of its games.

Xbox's trailer is filled with superlative adjectives like "superior" and "higher" and "enhanced," and it'll be all of those things over the original. But, the improvements are more negligible when compared to the same game on PS4 Pro. And there are only so many enhancements we can expect from a two-year-old game anyway. This is nice but everyone's looking forward to what's next from Crystal Dynamics, not backward.

Rise of the Tomb Raider's Xbox One X mode sounds a lot like its PS4 Pro mode screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2vY8a1p

News:: Your PC got enough horsepower to run Forza Motorsport 7?

Forza Motorsport 7 is the first Forza Motorsport in history to launch simultaneously on Xbox and PC. Actually, FM6 Apex was the first in the series to come to PC and that was months after the original's release and free-to-play. 

When Forza Motorsport 7 launches in early October, what's it going to demand of our PCs? Racing games are often visually incredible, so take that into consideration. Also factor in that FM7 seems positioned by Xbox to be the most important title for the Xbox One X from a performance perspective -- the game that showcases the hardware's ability to run something at 4K resolution and at 60 frames per second.

As part of its gamescom showing, Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 revealed the PC specs that FM7 will require (along with 36 compatible controllers and racing wheels). For the baseline experience, here's what's necessary:

Your PC got enough horsepower to run Forza Motorsport 7? screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2v88tWf

News:: A few things you need to know about Yakuza: Kiwami

[Fakeplastictree's previous post about the Yakuza series as a whole in preparation of Yakuza 0 was one of my favorite things. And now we're back just in time to prep you Yakuza greenhorns for Kiwami! ~Marcel]

Hello everyone! It is I, FakePlasticTree, with yet another blog regarding Yakuza. If it wasn't obvious already then I'm a big fan of this particular series, and the recent foothold it has set among westerners with Yakuza 0 is a big deal.

A while back I did a guide to how a newcomer could get started on the series, and it ended on the front page which was huge! I followed up with a review of Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza 6 respectively. Both in my review of Kiwami and in that big guide I failed to mention a few key things I feel are worth talking about regarding this upcoming remake slated for release on August 29th.

A few things you need to know about Yakuza: Kiwami screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2viZn8f

News:: Relic Entertainment is doing Age of Empires IV

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War and Company of Heroes studio Relic Entertainment is on board for the long-awaited Age of Empires IV. Details are light and the attached trailer doesn't show any gameplay, but just knowing who's developing the game has fired up my imagination. I can picture it!

Microsoft announced that in addition to Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (which is coming to Windows 10 on October 19), Age of Empires II and III will also see remastered versions. You can expect 4K support, an overhauled user interface, updated assets, and even some gameplay enhancements.

This news came out of an hour-long Age of Empires stream that's archived here.

Relic Entertainment is doing Age of Empires IV screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: I played Dragon Ball FighterZ and here are a few humble thoughts

Last week, I was in attendance at VS Fighting 2017 in Birmingham. Among the many heart-in-mouth brawls on Street Fighter V, Guilty Gear, Injustice 2 and, umm, Puyo Puyo Tetris, I was lucky enough to sit down with a build of ArcSys' upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ.

There were a number of units hosting the game, and they were constantly occupied, by a rotating mass of players, for the entire weekend. For many it was an eagerly anticipated opportunity, with some people informing me they had traveled to the show and paid entry just to try DBFZ out.

It is unlikely that they left disappointed, the game is shaping up to be awesome.

I played Dragon Ball FighterZ and here are a few humble thoughts screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2fZ1FYn

News:: Give your dog a bone in the Sims 4 Cats and Dogs

It astounds me how each new Sims game releases missing practically all of the features from the previous installment's expansion packs. Sure, there may be some fundamental changes to the structure of the game (Sims 2 introduced aging and 3 removed loading screens), but you would think simple things like animal companions and swimming pools would be present in every entry past the first game. Somehow, The Sims 4 launched without both in 2014 and while pools were eventually added in a free update, furry friends will finally be coming in a paid expansion after three years.

Dubbed The Sims 4: Cats and Dogs, this new expansion will allow players to adopt a cat or a dog to bring into their families. In classic EA/Maxis fashion, the addition of horses and birds from The Sims 3: Pets will not be present. You can join the veterinarian career path, though, and end up treating other Sims' sick animals. There is also a new coastal harbor map called "Bridleton Bay" where Sims can walk their dogs and play fetch near the water.

Full animal customization will be coming, which does sound neat. You can create your perfect pet with a selection of various breeds and even change the color of their coats to concoct from truly screwed up designs. If you've always wanted to humiliate a dog, you can even buy it an outfit to wear and then pretend its like a human.

Give your dog a bone in the Sims 4 Cats and Dogs screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2xlP0Sx

News:: Cute and creepy adventure game 'Fe' hits Switch in 2018

A year ago, Electronic Arts kicked off its indie publishing program EA Originals by announcing an intriguing gem: Fe, created by studio Zoink from Gothenberg, Sweden. The wordless adventure game follows a woodland creature as it roams a geometric, stylized wonderland. Today at Gamescom, we got another trailer and great news for Switch fans: The game is coming to Nintendo's console in early 2018.

Source: Nintendo Switch (Twitter)



via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2uZRh9C

News:: Review: The Long Dark

The Long Dark is out of Early Access, and there have been some changes since it was initially released in 2014. Its world has grown bigger, its animal AI has grown smarter, and its story mode has remained a promising yet barely distinguishable figure on the edge of the horizon. Until now.

This review covers both the survival sandbox mode and the first two episodes of the story mode. I'll be back to cover more of it as I keep charting its chilly terrain and as more episodes are released.

Review: The Long Dark screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: Battlefield 1: Revolution bundles the game and expansions for $60

EA and DICE aren't waiting until they're finished with Battlefield 1's four expansion packs to come out with a "game of the year"-style bundle package. It goes by the name of Battlefield 1: Revolution, and it's available today for $60 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Here's what you'll get:

  • Battlefield 1
  • Battlefield 1 Premium Pass
  • They Shall Not Pass Expansion (out now)
  • In the Name of the Tsar Expansion (early September)
  • Turning Tides Expansion (December)
  • Apocalypse Expansion (Early 2018)
  • Two-week early access to any unreleased expansion
  • 14 Battlefield 1 Superior Battlepacks
  • 14 unique dog tags
  • Priority position in server queues
  • Battlefield 1 Heroes of the Great War Bundle

Battlefield 1: Revolution bundles the game and expansions for $60 screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2v7S587

News:: Cyberpunk shooter 'Ruiner' hits PC and consoles September 26th

When we played Ruiner during the Xbox showcase at GDC back in February, we compared it to a 3D, highly polished version of Hotline Miami. The cyberpunk-themed, top-down action game sets you up to kill the boss while taking out enemies who swarm in from doorways and narrow hallways. Ruiner is now ready to launch on September 26th on PC, Xbox and PlayStation. The team has also released a teaser trailer to whet your appetite and show off the rapid-fire gameplay and dystopian setting.

Source: Devolver Digital



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

News:: Destiny 2's launch trailer has arrived a little bit early

Nevermind the fact that Destiny 2 is two weeks (and change) away from a proper release. The folks at Activision who were in charge of vanguarding this trailer had itchy trigger fingers. As such, we have Destiny 2's launch trailer well before the game's actual launch.

Semantics aside, Earth has a real problem, and it's this Ghaul fella and his Red Legion army. The Destiny wikia lists Ghaul at 8'1" and 800lbs. Uh, sign him up to be an offensive lineman on my favorite football team, please!

I'm kidding of course. Ghaul is probably evil incarnate and there's no room for bad characters in the NFL (sitcom pause to wait for laughing to die down). Besides, Ghaul has bigger fish to fry. He's out to rebuild Cabal society and take the Light for himself. You Guardians got your work cut out for you.

Destiny 2's launch trailer has arrived a little bit early screenshot



via destructoid http://ift.tt/2uZNYz5

News:: Every NFL team is involved in EA's 'Madden' eSports tournament

You've seen conventional sports teams dip their toes in the eSports waters before, but probably not like this. EA is launching the Madden NFL Club Championship today, and it'll have official involvement from all 32 NFL teams -- the first time an American sports league has fully committed itself to an eSports tournament. You'll qualify online in Madden 18 between now and October 16th, but the best players will square off in tournaments in the stadiums for each team. The final 32 players will compete at NFL experiences in Orlando and Minneapolis. And if you win? You'll get both a cash prize and two tickets to (what else?) Super Bowl LII.

Source: EA Press Room, EA Sports



via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2vXK1Ii

News:: Can August be over yet?

The end of August sucks for movies. It's too late in summer for the studios to care anymore, and it's only on very rare occasions that some studio also-ran or indie gem surprises us. This August especially sucks, with not even one movie able to reach $100 million. You'd think someone would capitalize off the brief moments where there isn't a comic book movie, Fast and Furious or Star Wars film landing, but they don't. Maybe it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Studios don't release good movies in August because crowds don't come. Crowds don't come because studios don't release good movies. Whatever the reason we always get four to six weeks of suck starting sometime after the first week of August. Hopefully IT will pull us out of... it. 

I suppose it's not all bad. A lack of good movies to see means I've actually gotten to play some video games. Have you guys heard of this Rise of the Tomb Raider game? It's pretty good. Also there's a sequel to Dishonored. Am I behind on playing that? Oh, hey! Look at that. It's the copy of ZombiU I never even opened. What lovely plastic wrap. 

The point being the box office slumped hard this weekend to its lowest point of 2017, and it's looking like it will slump even lower next week. I'm actually surprised The Hitman's Bodyguard did as well as it did given the late August release and the fact that I was one of the few critics to come out of it with something good to say. 

Can August be over yet? screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2wrzkB3

News:: $200 price cut brings HTC Vive down to $599

That recent Oculus Rift price reduction and sale must've moved a lot of on-the-fence VR adopters into action. Today, HTC is following suit with a significant permanent price drop of its own for the Vive. Previously priced at $799, the virtual reality headset will now cost $599 going forward.

It's still an expensive purchase, to be sure, but when you're building or even upgrading your PC to handle VR, every dollar counts, and $200 off the Vive price tag can go a long way.

I've only recently gotten a desktop powerful enough to do VR well, and at this point, it's not so much a matter of "Do I go Rift or Vive?" as it is "How long can I hold out for a second-generation headset?"

New Vive Price Makes The Best VR System More Accessible to the Mass Market [Vive]

$200 price cut brings HTC Vive down to $599 screenshot



via destructoid http://ift.tt/2ikZRd6

News:: Monolith Soft's new mystery project will be 'different from their brand image'

Monolith Soft is basically announcing another project this week, but this time instead of a cryptic teaser with mostly text or a countdown timer, it's by way of a flashy recruitment page.

The developer just put out a call for designers, programmers, planners, and project managers for a new game, which will be “an ambitious project different from the brand image of Monolith Soft.” Based on the clues so far it seems to be centered around a knightly heroine, will feature dragons of some sort, and will have an action-centric tint.

I'm not so sure what the difference in brand image will be this time around as the company has already dipped into the fantasy realm, and has featured action elements in many of their games. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Recruit [Monolith Soft via Gematsu]

Monolith Soft's new mystery project will be 'different from their brand image' screenshot

Read more...

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

News:: Overwatch is getting a new Escort map called Junkertown

Junkertown, the latest Overwatch map, is going to feel right at home for Junkrat and Roadhog players. It's an Escort map set in the post-apocalyptic-looking wreckage of a destroyed omnium where the Junkers and their Queen live. Speaking of, she narrates this overview video, and I'm dying to see what she looks like (and can't help but wonder if she'll one day make it into the game proper).

That confined area with the spinning platform is going to make for some funny moments.

Blizzard also put out an "in-game short" called Junkertown: The Plan, watchable below. It's a cute little production not unlike the old Team Fortress 2 Source Filmmaker videos, but it mostly just makes me want to see the next full cinematic.

Overwatch is getting a new Escort map called Junkertown screenshot

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2x6Ptc4