Friday, August 25, 2017

News:: PUP's new music video is an interactive FMV game

Canadian punk band PUP, famous for their retro-game inspired "DVP" video last year, are at it again with their new "Old Wounds" video, which is a playable FMV-esque video game.

After watching the first clip, you can make a selection of decisions for the band members that play out through interconnecting YouTube videos, whilst the song blazes away in the background. there's also appearances from some suspiciously recognisable sprites.

It's a fun and inventive idea, and even if it's not the ideal way to hear a band's new track, I for one appreciated the Under a Killing Moon/Corpse Killer-vibe I got from the whole thing, I also thought it was pretty funny and I liked the song, so success all round!

You can play it yourself below. The song lyrics are NSFW, and it might be a bit loud for you, Grandad.

PUP's new music video is an interactive FMV game screenshot

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News:: Call of Duty: WWII is going to be polarizing based on its beta

Call of Duty: WWII kicked off its private beta access today, and the main draw is War Mode, Activision's multi-objective gametype, as well as Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint (basically King of the Hill). All stuff you've seen before (even War, as games like Unreal Tournament have tangoed with this dynamic style before), and not exactly befitting of a demo that will woo anyone who's abandoned the series.

After playing the beta for an extended period of time though, I think I might be in the minority of players that will embrace the return.

Call of Duty: WWII is going to be polarizing based on its beta screenshot

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News:: After another delay, Microsoft thinks it 'probably announced Crackdown 3 too early'

Crackdown 3, once expected in 2016, and more recently expected on November 7 in lockstep with the new Xbox One X console, is now coming in "spring 2018."

Microsoft originally announced a new Crackdown at E3 2014. Microsoft Studios Publishing general manager Shannon Loftis, speaking to Polygon, says it's a decision the company regrets. "I think we probably announced Crackdown too early." The game is being developed by three different studios, one for each game mode, and the early announcement made subsequent delays -- caused because "we definitely underestimated the challenge of making sure the quality bar of all three of those modes was high and it delivers on what we need to deliver on" -- more difficult.

But what else was Microsoft to do at E3 2014? Its showing was buoyed by The Master Chief Collection (an HD collection plagued with issues), Phantom Dust (now cancelled), Scalebound (now cancelled) and Crackdown 3 (not out yet). Yikes.

Meanwhile, when Crackdown 3 was delayed, Loftis called it "hugely ambitious," thus the need for more time, which doesn't track with Brett's hands-on time with the game at E3, where he said it was "stuck in 2007."

Xbox exec: Announcing Crackdown 3 too early was ‘a mistake’ [Polygon]

After another delay, Microsoft thinks it 'probably announced Crackdown 3 too early' screenshot



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News:: Jetpack shooter Midair is worth a look for Tribes fans

Like Tribes? You should check out Midair. I was always too terrible at skiing to stand a chance in these jetpack-wearing shooters, but if you've still got the muscle memory, you'll be right at home here.

The only catch is that right now, it's in Early Access. It just popped up earlier today, in fact. Archetype Studios has been working on Midair for several years now and plans to fully launch in Q1 2018 as a free-to-play title bolstered by a "progression pass" and "in-game cosmetic sales."

More on that pricing model: "We want players to be able to jump in and have fun without needing to pay money to get the best weapons or abilities. For free to play users, we will have a progression system that does require the user to move their way up a progression ladder and unlock items related to gameplay. If this isn't for you, we are offering a 'Progression Pass' that has one simple effect: It unlocks everything gameplay related. Forever. This means that if we add new gameplay content in the progression ladder, you get it for free no matter when we add it. Think of it as buying the game."

That sounds reasonable and also necessary for a game like this to sustain itself long-term. Currently, Midair is $30. Folks who buy the game now will get the progression pass for free at launch next year.

Midair [Steam]

Jetpack shooter Midair is worth a look for Tribes fans screenshot



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News:: Android 16 can self-destruct for an instant KO in Dragon Ball FighterZ

Remember the anti-climax of Android 16's attempted self-martyrdom and subsequent casual beheading? Well, you can get the run back in Dragon Ball FighterZ. The big guy has a self-destruct move that leaves him with a sliver of health and one-hit KOs anyone unlucky enough to get grabbed by it. An Android 16 player should only get the win counter if that's how they end their opponent.

Otherwise he's got a bunch of powerful grabs to go with some rocket hand punches and explosions. Watching him beat up Krillin, who comes up to about dick-height, is also very funny.

Android 16 can self-destruct for an instant KO in Dragon Ball FighterZ screenshot



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News:: Enter the Gungeon is getting a 'generous' Advanced Gungeons & Draguns update

Those of you who bounced off Enter the Gungeon will have a reason to revisit the game soon. Dodge Roll is planning its next major (free) update, Advanced Gungeons & Draguns, which is said to help out players who found Gungeon to be "too hard, too stingy, or too slow." (*Slowly raises hand*)

"The focus of the update is on community requested changes, quality of life and convenience features, hundreds of new and substantially more powerful synergies, a bunch of new guns and items, and getting revenge on the Gungeon's most hated resident, our new boss. Of course there will also be new rooms, npcs, secrets, and a new mini-boss. Our primary focus was to make the Gungeon a more generous place, while retaining options, for players who really engage with the difficulty of the game."

The update is scheduled for a fall release, including the Nintendo Switch version.

"This update is not the end of Gungeon, we've got something small (but awesome) coming in September, and next year we’re breaking down walls. Until then, punch that Rat in the face for us."

I'll definitely want to pop back into the game for this one. Also, check out that art!

Enter the Gungeon: Advanced Gungeons & Draguns Update - Coming Soon [Steam]

Enter the Gungeon is getting a 'generous' Advanced Gungeons & Draguns update screenshot

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News:: Microsoft discontinues the original Xbox One

Microsoft has stopped selling new Xbox One consoles in the US and UK. Technically, it's listed as "sold out" on the Microsoft Store and doesn't even show up in searches for Xbox systems. It seems the original version of the console that launched in November 2013 has finally been retired; All hail the slimmer S and souped-up X versions.

Via: The Verge

Source: Microsoft Store



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News:: Alphabear has come to Steam, minus the free-to-play annoyances

The wonderful word puzzle game Alphabear has come to Steam as a premium title, shedding "all free-to-play elements" found in its mobile versions. If you liked the look of this back in 2015 but didn't want to fuss with waiting for energy to regenerate over time or by watching ads, here ya go!

For the PC and Mac ports, Spry Fox has also added a real-time companion dictionary, a prestige system for replaying the campaign on a harder difficulty, and random daily boards.

"If you had told me three months ago there was still untapped potential in the genre of using letter tiles to form words, I probably wouldn't have believed you," Darren wrote in his original review. "If you would have told me a word puzzle game would end up being one of my favorite games of the summer, I would have thought you were crazy. And yet, that's where we are with Alphabear. Its smart design breathes new life into the classic idea of word construction." Also, you get to collect bears. Hell yes.

This is one of those games I'd probably rather have available to play when I'm out and about rather than at home, on my PC, but being able to pay once and be done with it is super appealing.

Alphabear: Hardcover Edition [Steam]

Alphabear has come to Steam, minus the free-to-play annoyances screenshot



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News:: Darkwood devs put the full game on The Pirate Bay out of guilt

Well, this is unexpected. The Pirate Bay usually receives pushback from game studios rather than being utilized as a promotional tool or, in this case, a way to please the masses. This especially holds true for indie developers, who often aren't backed by an established publisher and rely on game sales to stay afloat.

Acid Wizard Studio is one such developer, comprised of three brothers from Poland. In a case of extreme guilt, they've decided to release their top-down horror game Darkwood in its entirety as a torrent on The Pirate Bay. It seems to be collecting mostly positive reviews on Steam, and Ray dug what he's played of it, so I'm not sure what Acid Wizard has to feel bad about, but they explained their reasoning on Imgur.

Darkwood devs put the full game on The Pirate Bay out of guilt screenshot

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News:: Your Bad Movie Night Guide, Vol. 6: Samurai Cop

This week, we're tweaking the format ... slightly. From now on, all pictures will be numbered, and we encourage you to take a stab at captioning them. Best captions will round out the next week's volume of YBMNG.

2) Apparently, Lethal Weapon defines about 30% of all bad movies.

If you thought we were done with covering awful riffs on Lethal Weapon after we covered Tango & Cash, you are due for another thinking. This week's entry takes the Tango & Cash budget, throws it in the trash, and tries to make a movie anyway. What director Amir Shervan came up with is now reverently referred to in hushed voices as, Samurai Cop.

3) This is the face you make when chopping off somebody's arm.

Your Bad Movie Night Guide, Vol. 6: Samurai Cop screenshot

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News:: More Xbox One X pre-orders will go up in September

Last weekend, Microsoft held its first round of pre-orders for the Xbox One X. In a quasi-surprise announcement at gamescom, the Project Scorpio edition was revealed and then immediately made available for pre-order. Soon after, all major retailers sold through their allotted supplies.

In a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft lauded this wave as the "fastest-selling Xbox pre-order ever." It's a fairly empty statement because it's missing one crucial piece of information: How many were sold. It may be an impressive statistic if many Project Scorpio editions were made available; but, it may be a weak spin if there was a laughably low number to sell through.

We've asked Microsoft to comment and clarify this claim. We received a generic "We do not disclose these numbers" response, and that was completely expected. This is the sort of thing companies almost unilaterally decline to comment on.

However, there is a more helpful nugget tucked away inside the Xbox Wire post. Microsoft says that more Xbox One pre-orders (for the standard edition, not more Project Scorpio editions) will be made available next month. There's also indication that we'll be given a heads-up before they go live, as the post reads "We will be announcing details of the next wave...next month so stay tuned for more information."

The takeaway here is that anyone who cares to pre-order an Xbox One X should be able to do it. Telegraphing plans in this way means that anyone who's paying attention will know exactly when they have to be ready. They don't have to worry about missing out because pre-orders went up unexpectedly at 3am during the work week. That makes for the peace of mind that's welcomed with open arms.

Thanks to our Fans, Xbox One X is Fastest-Selling Xbox Pre-Order Ever [Xbox Wire]

More Xbox One X pre-orders will go up in September screenshot



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News:: Monokuma awaits in the Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony demo

If you're interested in Danganronpa V3 and want to see how the game plays, why not check out the newly released demo? Available on both PS Vita and PS4, there isn't much description for what this preview entails. I can tell you that it clocks in around 670 MB on Vita and 2.5 GB on PS4 and it obviously has Monokuma in it. Something would be wrong if our plucky, villainous teddy bear wasn't featured.

If you don't own a Sony console, have no fear! The demo is also available on Steam for PC players. It seems to take up the same amount of space as the PS4 version, but it will give you a different way to experience the horrible killings. It also features 4K, if that's your bag.

If you need a reminder, Danganronpa V3 will be launching next month on September 26. While I've only managed to get through the first game, I really love the series for its crazy characters and intriguing plotlines. That it plays like a version of Phoenix Wright on crack is also super cool.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Demo [PlayStation Store]

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Demo Ver. [Steam]

Monokuma awaits in the Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony demo screenshot



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News:: Overland is a tactical road trip game full of harrowing choices

Overland's brand of post-apocalyptic North America is especially bleak. There are no simple decisions or easy escapes under the game's muted sky. You can't count on things going smoothly. Something will go wrong. Survival is a matter of reacting and overcoming the challenges that arise.

That type of hopelessness might be a turnoff to some, but I can't help but smile after watching Overland's latest trailer. It's a series of short vignettes that hammer home the violence and hard-hitting situations that make up the bulk of the game's tactical encounters. 

Overland is a tactical road trip game full of harrowing choices screenshot

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News:: Amazon SNES Classic pre-orders might miss their ship date

Earlier this week, Amazon put up pre-orders for the SNES Classic in the middle of the night. It was frustrating for a lot of people who don't keep weird hours, but at least those who got their orders ended up happy. Now there's a new development that might frustrate the lucky ones who nabbed one.

Amazon has just sent out an automated customer service email to people who pre-ordered the SNES Classic that indicates it might miss its shipping date of September 29. "We recently learned that we may miss your delivery promise and apologize for the inconvenience. You will still receive your order of Super NES Classic," the email reads. The entire email is at the bottom of this post.

There are a lot of things that are unclear here. It's unknown if all customers received this notification or if it just went out to a certain subset of people. We also don't know if this definitely means there's a delay or if it's just a possibility (although I'd lean toward the former). And, something we'll probably never find out, what logistical snafu caused this to happen.

One thing is evidently clear, though: Getting an SNES Classic just can't be as easy as it should be.

Amazon SNES Classic pre-orders might miss their ship date screenshot

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News:: Crypt of the NecroDancer team announces sci-fi city builder/strategy mashup Industries of Titan

In a tweet posted early this morning, Brace Yourself Games, the developers behind the wonderful rhythm and roguelike mashup Crypt of the NecroDancer, announced a new city builder game set on the moon of Jupiter. Appropriately titled Industries of Titan, the game looks to blend your usual city building aspects with some strategic battle elements.

Crypt of the NecroDancer team announces sci-fi city builder/strategy mashup Industries of Titan screenshot

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News:: Watch Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta tear it up in Dragon Ball FighterZ

How does Dragon Ball FighterZ look better every time I see it? Normally I try to be level headed when it comes to fighting game hype, but I just can't help myself here. The newest trailer shows off the newly announced (and early unlocked with pre-orders) Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Goku and Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Vegeta...or Super Saiyan Blue for funsies. 

I hope this marks the end for characters who are just transformed variations of previous ones, but at least these two come with a few new moves. I'm also a little wary of including stuff from Dragon Ball Super since I'm watching the English dub airings, so I don't want anything too far ahead to be spoiled (though that's understandably not the case for the majority of fans), but I'm hoping the buck stops with the characters shown off during the last DBZ films like Golden Frieza and these two shiny blue boys. 

What do you think? Want more Dragon Ball Super characters? More power variations like, I don't know, Mystic Gohan? Dragon Ball FighterZ releases February 2018, so expect tons of trailers and character reveals over the next few months. There's a beta you can sign up for too! 

Watch Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta tear it up in Dragon Ball FighterZ screenshot



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News:: Final Fantasy XV's PC port will be getting Steam Workshop integration

The details about Final Fantasy XV's PC version keep trickling out from Square Enix and the latest bit is pretty great. While we knew that the port would feature mod support, it appears that Squeenix is on-board to allow for Steam Workshop integration with the game. For those not in the know, Steam Workshop is Valve's integrated mod database for Steam that allows one to quickly and easily download and run mods from within Steam.

The other bit of news is that the game will be heading to EA's Origin service, though how mods will work on that version is unclear. EA doesn't have an equivalent to workshop, but I'm sure modders will figure something out.

Lastly, Hajime Tabata (XV's director) stated that older PCs should be able to run this port fine. If your hardware matches or exceeds current generation consoles, then you'll be able to re-produce that same experience without shelling out for a beefier rig. Obviously running the game at 4K will require something more, to which SLI apparently isn't fully figured out by Squeenix. Either way, that is good to hear after the initial leak stated that a GTX 1080 Ti was required.

Final Fantasy 15 will have Steam Workshop support and will run on older PCs [PC Gamer]

Final Fantasy XV's PC port will be getting Steam Workshop integration screenshot



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News:: Rabbids steal item combining glasses in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle opening cutscene

Well you've seen hours of gameplay by now, but what about the story premise? The opening cutscene shows a young tech-capable inventor working on what looks like augmented reality glasses that can combine any two items to make a new one. As she leaves the room and her glasses unintended, the Rabbids teleport into her game-themed room with a washing machine.

They proceed to do crazy Rabbid things, including combining each other with the girl's Mario merchandise using the glasses. They teleport once again, this time causing a rift to open even in the Mushroom Kingdom, where Mario and Luigi get sucked in.

Rabbids steal item combining glasses in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle opening cutscene screenshot

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News:: See what makes the Switch tick with transparent casing

We haven't had an official crystal console in a while, not that I can remember, maybe the first Xbox? Well, one accessory outlet is now offering up clear casings for your Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo have released clear/crystal versions of their consoles before, including the Game Boy, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance, but this unofficial product seems to have beaten them to the punch this generation.

The transparent housing will obviously require the user to disassemble their current unit and transfer all the internal components, but if you are up to it, and like the look of the see-through aesthetic, than maybe you think it'd be worth the risk (and possibly voiding your warranty.)

The clear casing is one of a range available at the Aliexpress store, and vary in cost from $20-$40. They all say "Super Switch" on them, which is tacky as hell, but is at least less noticeable on the clear variant.

See what makes the Switch tick with transparent casing screenshot

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News:: Capcom showcases Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Monster Hunter collaboration

Monster Hunter XX, the boosted version of Monster Hunter Generations, just hit the Nintendo Switch exclusively in Japan today. Or is it exclusive? Sort of, unless you opt to just download it off the region-free Japanese eShop. Not only can you get the game now, but you can also pick up the free demo without going through a Japanese credit card or point card situation.

It's not skimping on the Nintendo collaborations either, as Capcom just put out a video highlighting its Breath of the Wild crossover (revealed earlier this year), which features a Link outfit. Other crossovers include Strider, GARO (a popular anime which also made its way into Final Fantasy XIV), and Okami.

I think I'll pass on jumping through hoops for XX, or may even pass if it comes west. All my attention right now is fixated on Monster Hunter World.

Capcom showcases Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Monster Hunter collaboration screenshot

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News:: Sloshing Machine returns to Splatoon 2 this weekend

It's Friday, and in keeping with recent weeks, news has hit of another classic weapon returning to ink-em-up Splatoon 2 later today.

The Sloshing Machine was made available in the previous game some six months after launch, but budding squid kids will be able to get their hands on the mortar-like device tonight in America (7pm ET, 10pm PT) and early tomorrow morning (4am) in Europe.

The news was announced on the game's Japanese twitter feed, which is usually followed by a tweet from the Western division shortly thereafter. The weapon is free to add to your arsenal, and comes with an Autobomb sub and Stingray special.

Sloshing Machine returns to Splatoon 2 [Splatoon Japan Twitter] 

Sloshing Machine returns to Splatoon 2 this weekend screenshot

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News:: White Day's Beachwear trailer is completely ridiculous and not at all related to the game

White Day is a Korean horror game with a serious tone where you try to escape a haunted school with a girl. There are unlockable (and now downloadable) costumes for all the characters in  the game including the protagonist, the three girls, and the janitor. Costumes include beachwear which is shown off in this wacky trailer featuring club music and a dude in a pink apron chopping fish.

This sort of humor is not present in the game at all, but its fun. This trailer kind of makes me want Sonnori/ROI Games to create new types of games like maybe a Persona style role-playing game.

White Day's Beachwear trailer is completely ridiculous and not at all related to the game screenshot



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News:: Amazing 16 year old Genji player can't compete in the Overwatch League

We've seen the Korean player Whoru of team Lunatic Hai compete before as Genji -- he's a beast, and he's just 16 years old. Unfortunately, he won't be able to compete in the Overwatch league, and the APEX South Korean tournament as he doesn't meet the age requirement of 18.

Kotaku reached out to Blizzard about the situation, who noted that players will need to turn 18 before the April 5, 2018 deadline if they want to sign with a team for Season 1, otherwise they'll have to wait for the next run of eligibility. Unfortunately, he can't even compete in the minor league (which accepts players who are 13-17), as Korea isn't included.

It's an interesting development given that a lot of pro eSports players are under 18, and a growing pain that eSports in general will have to deal with as it continues to explode. There are just so many unknowns, and so many different organizations all with different rulesets. Just this year EVO, the world's biggest fighting game tournament, is toying with the idea of adding coaches full-time -- much to the ire of many fans.

Top Genji Player Can’t Compete In Blizzard's Overwatch League Because He’s Just 16 [Kotaku]

Amazing 16 year old Genji player can't compete in the Overwatch League screenshot



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News:: GTA: Online gets Smuggler's Run update next week

Do you remember Trevor's paranoid neighbour, Nervous Ron, from Grand Theft Auto V? I personally don't, but that game feels like many moons ago.

Anyway Ron will be returning to the world of GTA: Online next week as part of  new update, Smuggler's Run (a cute throwback to the Rockstar-created 2000 PS2 game, no doubt). The update will see players team up with the twitchy one to build a trafficking empire. The emphasis will be on flight, with various aircraft, from World War bombers to sleek Ultralights, being both available and customisable.

Rockstar also took the opportunity to announce an upcoming revamped race mode, Transform, which will see you race players across land, sea and air, with your vehicle changing across the respective checkpoints. This mode is expected to hit in Autumn.

Rockstar have really squeezed every drop out of this release, with "Shark" in-game currency cards making Grand Theft Auto V one of the world's most consistently high-grossing properties. With Red Dead Redemption 2 penciled in for 2018, it will be interesting to see if Rockstar continue to pump out features and content for the GTA: Online world. Clearly it would be remiss of them not to at this rate.

GTA: Online Smuggler's Run is available for free download August 29 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

GTA: Online gets Smuggler's Run update next week screenshot

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