News:: The Shovel Knight Battletoads bonus level is now live on PC!

A little over a month ago, it was announced that the Xbox One exclusive extra level in Shovel Knight would be making its way to PC. I was super excited to play that, since I don't have an Xbox One or any desire to really buy a console version of Shovel Knight (despite it being super great!). When the level would be hitting was unknown, but you can now jump in and get to toad smashin!

The new update with everyone's childhood nightmares heroes is now live on Steam (and probably the Windows Store). Along with that comes a surprisingly large list of changes and tweaks to the Shovel Knight experience, including a Japanese language option. That is super neat and should make for a great way to replay the game.

3.3 - The Battletoads Drop In To Brawl! [Steam Community]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2z1vr3L

News:: Poll: Netflix raises cost of most popular plan by $1, what do you do?

Netflix is looking to enter the riot business. The company announced that its most popular plan, currently $9.99, will now cost $10.99 / mo. The premium plan which allows simultaneously play on four screens (locations) will jump from $11.99 / mo. to $13.99.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2y3wmma

News:: Get a feel for tomorrow's new Splatoon 2 stage

Nintendo has been prepping another free stage for Splatoon 2 and the wait is almost over. The latest multiplayer map, Snapper Canal, is set to debut tomorrow, October 6 at 7:00am Pacific.

"Try not to blindly rush in – it's easy to fall into the central waterway if you're not paying attention," advises the developer. "The ground is also lower near the water, so watch out for foes with long range weapons on the platforms above. The key will be finding out how to successfully cross the water and continue the fight on the other side."

As a roller user, I'm screwed.

I've been neglecting Splatoon 2 and now I'm in this regrettable cycle where I put off playing because I know I'm rusty, and the longer I wait, the rustier I'll become. There's an influx of good Switch games!

Snapper Canal [Splatoon]

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2y3nfRZ

News:: You'll soon be able to 'appear offline' in Battle.net

At long last, Blizzard is almost ready to roll out an option for users to appear offline in the Battle.net desktop app. The coveted feature is currently in testing (you can switch to the beta build by opening the app settings and clicking the beta tab) along with a new social tab, groups, profiles, and avatars.

If you're fine to just wait for the full release, here's what the app will look like:

Yeah, this'll look mighty familiar if you've ever used Discord. Works well enough for me!

Circling back to the appear offline feature, Blizzard says that when it's active, you will show up "as offline to everyone in your Blizzard friends list. Once you have joined a game, the experience of appearing offline might be slightly different depending on which game you are playing. In the case of World of Warcraft, your guildmates will see your character come online and enter WoW's in-game chat channels, and anyone who has you as a character-level friend will see you online on their friends list. Everyone outside of the same game as you will not see you online or playing any games."

What's more, we'll be able to send messages to offline friends.

New Social Features Now in Beta in the Blizzard Battle.net Desktop App [Blizzard]

Read more...

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

News:: Destiny 2's Iron Banner and prestige raid are incoming

The Iron Banner is set to debut in Destiny 2 next week, but much like the sequel's PvP in general, the Crucible event won't follow the same format as before. For starters, it's sticking with the game's four-vs.-four structure, and "your fighting abilities, not your power levels, will decide the outcome."

Bungie is also swapping out bounties and ranks for Iron Banner Engrams.

To participate, you'll need to beat the campaign and speak to Lord Saladin once he appears next Tuesday, October 10 at 2:00am Pacific. The Iron Banner will then run until October 17 at 2:00am Pacific.

What’s in it for you?

• Earn Iron Banner Tokens in every match (earn more if you win)
• Daily and Season Milestones that track your progress to glory
• Claim brand new armor wrought in the forges of the Iron Lords

Good lord do I need these armor sets. Thankfully, Control is one of my stronger modes.

Besides more PvP content, Destiny 2 will also add the Leviathan prestige raid on Tuesday, starting at 10:00am Pacific. Have you hit power level 300 yet? Slowly but surely I'm inching my way there.

"We do not expect everyone to be successful in completing this activity," warns the developer. "Mechanical changes to the encounters are minimal, but they are there. The Prestige Raid is about mastering a more punishing sandbox. Our goal is not to provide a boon to your character progression, but there are unique rewards to help you shine. Consider this your invitation to prove to the world that you are among the very best of the Raiders who overlook the City."

This Week At Bungie – 10/05/2017 [Bungie]

Read more...

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

News:: Comments of the Week 19: Gunpowder, Gelatine, Comments with a Laser Beam

Hello my little stars and shines, it is me once again, FakePlasticTree. Can you all believe we've almost clocked 20 entries of this thing? Only a 100 more to go before we can place ourselves next to our predecessor, who did all of this on his own. I've recently found myself playing Bloodborne again, among all other games I want to finish, and I've become enamored once again with the Gothic Victorian setting, and its many creatures that would give H.R. Giger nightmares.

Dressing very fashionably in cool looking trenchcoats while you slay the armies of Cthulhu never gets old. But I digress. This isn't the Cblogs, let's get on with what matters - your comments!

Read more...

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

News:: Nintendo's ARMS is getting a series of graphic novels

I love it when a game's universe and characters are fleshed out in supplementary content. It's a chance to illustrate a world with vivid color and character, unfolding the vision of a fictional place into something more tangible. This works incredibly well for character based games (just look at the expanded universe for Overwatch) and it looks like ARMS will be getting a similar treatment in the near future. 

In a report from Newsarama, Dark Horse is once again partnering with Nintendo to craft a series of graphic novels for their latest new IP, ARMS. Previously, the two companies worked together to bring us The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, as well as several art books for popular Nintendo games like Fire Emblem: Awakening and Splatoon. This new series of graphic novels is expected to debut one year from now, in Fall 2018. 

This makes quite a lot of sense, given how fruitful Nintendo and Dark Horse's relationship has been in the past. Hyrule Historia was the #1 Book in America for a time, reaching the top of Nielsen Bookscan Charts, as well as hitting #1 atop both the Wall Street Journal's and New York Times's Bestseller lists. Given that ARMS has developed a decent following, and has sold over a million copies, expanding the story with some neat-o reading material looks like a smart move.

What do you think about these ARMS graphic novels? Personally, I'd love for the comics to explain how you go about getting these weird sets of arms. Is it voluntary? Is it more like a RoboCop situation, where it was the only way to save them? Let me know what you think down in the comments.

Read more...

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

News:: Review: Rick and Morty (Season 3)

Rick and Morty is a dense series. Not because of its content per se, but because of the discussions it brings to the table. It's a series constantly at odds with its predilection for toilet humor and the overbearing cynicism of its delivery. The third season in particular had its central character explicitly stretching the limits of his nihilistic point of view, while battling to confine himself with the sitcom trappings he finds himself in.

As Rick and Morty posits the existential crises of characters stuck within an episodic (now) dramedy, that episodic nature is ultimately what renders its theories useless. This does make for a season ripe for fruitful criticism, but not one you'd want to tune in to every week. 

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2ys5m0H

News:: Destructoid presents The Story of The Deep End Games & Perception documentary

Gameumentary's second documentary covering the story of The Deep End Games & Perception is now available exclusively on Destructoid's YouTube channel.

We had a great time getting to know the Gardners and their story while filming this documentary and we hope you find something special within it, even if you aren't a fan of the game.

There are a few minor spoilers in this documentary from the game, but nothing major. This documentary is more so about the story behind Perception rather than a retelling of the development process.

Thank you for taking the time to watch it if you do. All extended content from this documentary will be uploaded to Gameumentary's YouTube channel starting next week.

Gameumentary will be out in Redwood, CA later this month filming our next documentary covering a startup studio called Outpost Games. 

We also lined up another project while we're in California that we're not talking about just yet...but we think you'll be pleasantly surprised when we do announce what we're doing. 

After that, we'll be out in Austin, TX in November filming three more documentaries covering Gunfire Games, Airship Syndicate and the Darksiders franchise.

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

News:: Check out the first gameplay footage for Psychonauts 2

Double Fine has just released another product update for Psychonauts 2 and it finally gives us a glimpse of the upcoming sequel's gameplay.

You can watch Raz platform-hop, swing around and use telekinesis to mess with a bunch of dumb goats. The sprawling area being showcased looks far larger than anything in the original game.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2hRq03b

News:: Star Wars Battlefront II is a much-needed step up

I've spent a few hours with the Star Wars Battlefront II multiplayer beta, and, you know what? I wouldn't mind playing for a few more hours rolling around as a droid or going HAM as Darth Maul. Shallow as the last game often felt, I stuck with it through every expansion and liked it as something to come back to whenever I needed a break from more demanding online shooters. Get in, have fun for a bit, get out.

In a lot of ways, Battlefront II (2017) is the game I wish Battlefront (2015) would've been.

The biggest changes, at least to my mind:

• There are four distinct trooper classes (assault, heavy, officer, and specialist), and the star cards (abilities) you unlock are class-, ship-, and hero-specific. This is a boon for team dynamics and does a lot of heavy lifting to give Battlefront II more depth. I'm a big fan of the slow-but-tough heavy class, which can pop a shield or whip out a devastating heavy rotary blaster, but it's also a joy to buff teammates as an officer.

• Ships and hero/villain characters aren't pickups you have to rush to collect on the map. Instead, you'll now earn points as you battle which you can spend to spawn in as special characters or vehicles. Not only is this less frustrating, it also opens up room for more strategic timing. Do you save up for Maul or go with something cheaper, like the rocket-firing B2 battle droid? I typically went for the latter -- its jetpack is hard to resist.

• The ship-only combat is vastly improved. I didn't much care for the way Battlefront handled dogfights. It felt too mindless and scaled back. The new mode, Starfighter Assault, is a different story. It feels like an honest-to-goodness space battle, with rebel forces picking apart a Star Destroyer's defenses bit by bit and imperial players having their own objectives beyond just defending. There's nuance to the movement and aiming that takes some getting used to if you played the last game, but it's much more satisfying once everything clicks into place. And, again, I feel like I stand a real chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon or Slave I now that I'm not rushing to collect pickups.

• Playing as those stupid, goofy, adorable little droids from the prequel trilogy is just the best. Roger roger.

Read more...

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

News:: Is an Arcade Edition enough to 'save' Street Fighter V?

Well it's here. Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition is confirmed, and no longer a series of rumors that all point to the same thing -- Capcom attempting to apologize or "save" the original incarnation of Street Fighter V.

Despite a lot of love in the pro scene (it's one of the most successful competitive fighters to date), the rest of the world didn't really take to the whole confusing (but fine) DLC model and a lack of an arcade mode, among other fighting game staples. Sales were simply low all-around, and many said all of the subsequent updates and roster additions were too little, too late.

But I want to really know how true that declaration is, at least in terms of our readership. How do you feel about Street Fighter V today? Are you still enjoying your time with it? Will the Arcade version re-invigorate your playtime? Or are you done for good? As someone who's in the former group I know I'm in the minority.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2ko7K28

News:: Q.U.B.E. 2 shows off its first glimpse of gameplay

Originally announced back in August, Q.U.B.E. 2 from developer Toxic Games have now released their first glimpse of early gameplay in the form of an eight minute video. Similar to the Portal series, you as the player character known as Ameila Cross, will be solving various puzzles in an unknown facility in what seems like an alien environment. The game will be releasing in early 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Judging by the end of the gameplay demo, it seems the environments in the sequel are going to be a lot more complex than the original game. Personally, I enjoyed the 2014 director's cut of Q.U.B.E. as I grew up on games such as the Myst series and one my favorite games of last year was The Witness -- except for that one room at the tail-end of the game on a timer...I wasted an entire weekend on that.

Read more...

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

News:: Samsung’s huge 49-inch gaming monitor is an ultrawide dream

What's better than dual monitors? An "ultrawide" display, that make games more immersive and multitasking easier than a standard widescreen monitor. But Samsung wasn't satisfied with that. Its massive 49-inch QLED gaming monitor heralds an entirely new style -- let's call it "super ultrawide" -- which can do the work of complex three-monitor setups. While it might look a bit awkward, it could be just what some gamers are looking for.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2z11uAG

News:: Blizzard is testing one big change to Overwatch's Mercy

If you haven't been playing Overwatch recently, Mercy has gone through a few big changes. Most notably, her ultimate was altered so that it no longer resurrects an entire team (that was moved to a new ability that targets single heroes), but rather, boosts her innate abilities and allows her to fly. That ultimate, Valkyrie, is also being tweaked as we speak in the public test realm (PTR).

As explained on the official forums by Community Manager Josh Engen, Mercy's will no longer get a free cooldown reset after using her ultimate. In other words, players could use resurrect, hit her ultimate, then resurrect again in quick succession. Ultimate cooldown resets are fairly commonplace in games like MOBAs and hero shooters, but in this case Blizzard decided to tone it down a bit.

Instead, Valykrie will now double the range of resurrection, forcing players to be a bit more tactical with their decision to raise a team member. We'll see how it plays out in the PTR, but for now it seems like a good enough swap.

Mercy Changes [Battle.net]

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2fPDV5N

News:: The Flame in the Flood coming to Nintendo Switch next week

The Flame in the Flood's Nintendo Switch port will be available on October 12. I didn't know a switch version of the harrowing and haunting survival game was in the works, but I'm happy to hear about it. Like Stardew Valley, The Flame in the Flood just kind of makes sense as a Switch game.

When I last played The Flame in the Flood, I was swept up in its brutal environment and Southern Gothic sensibilities. There's a real heart at the game's center; amid flooded towns and crazy survivalists (and frustrating crafting systems), The Flame in the Flood is a delightful exploration of Americana and humanity's will to endure. Of course, it's fun to play, too.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2y2Gf38

News:: Chibi Noctis and Lightning are so cute

Fortune Street: Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary might be off your radar. And that's okay! Because it's slated to only arrive  in Japan later this month on PS4 and Vita, and probably won't ever see the light of day outside of that region.

But for all our Japanese readers out there (or importers), Square Enix has been giving us a steady stream of updates for a while now, including this pair of trailers that give us a good look at chibi Noctis and Lightning. They'll join Squall, Gilgamesh, Sephiroth, Cloud, Balthier, Yuna, Tidus, Kefka and Golbez, among other Dragon Quest and Square Enix additions.

If this has English menus I'd consider picking it up! I had some good times with Fortune Street on Wii with friends and the idea of reliving that with silly deformed Final Fantasy villains and updated game mechanics sounds even better.

Read more...

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

News:: GameStop used game sale continues: grab four games for $10

If you're seeking to bulk up your gaming library, this weekend GameStop is continuing their pre-owned games promotion with a new spin on things. While last weekend's "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" promotion has ended, out of its ashes comes two pre-owned video game sale.

GameStop Pre-Owned October Promotions

• Buy Four Games for $10, $20, and $40
• (Link to games $9.99 and under)
• (Link to games $10 to $19.99)
• Use code FREESHIPPING
• Expires October 15, 2017

• Buy 2 Used "Retro Games" and Get 1 Free
• Mostly Dreamcast, Game Cube, N64, PS1, and SNES games
• Use code FREESHIPPING
• Expires October 8, 2017

In one camp, you can now pick up four used games for as little as $10. Here's how the promotion tier works:

• Buy four games $4.99 and under for $10.
• Buy four games $9.99 and under for $20.
• Buy four games $17.99 and under for $40.

Make sure you add four games at the correct pricing to cart to trigger the promotion. When done correctly, you'll see the below before final checkout:

Browsing the list of top selling used games you'll find familiar popular titles such as Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Madden NFL 15, Nintendo Land, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, Sonic Heroes, Halo 4, and the excellent Metroid Prime for the Gamecube.

Speaking of GameCube, the second promotion GameStop is running on used games are in the "vintage" camp as GameStop looks to offload titles from older platforms. In this promotion, you can pick up two of any games in the "retro and vintage" category (isn't that the same meaning?) and grab the third game for free.

We ran through the math and often times you'll probably be better off seeking out more games to add to the cart as the "Buy Four for X Price" promotion has this B2G1 Free promotion beaten out in value.

For those looking for newer used games to pick up in the used game promotion, you might not see many. This is because GameStop has purposely raised prices on many of the newer pre-owned titles, so you will unlikely find any newer releases under the $17.99 threshold to qualify for the promotion.

Spot some good combo for the four for $10, $20, or even $40 tiers? Let us know in the comments below.

Game deals from Dealzon. Sales help support Destructoid.

Read more...

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

News:: New Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon trailer claims 'This isn't the Alola You Know'

Are you ready for some Alolan edge?

Pokemon Sun and Moon had some emotional moments, but the updated Ultra versions seem to be dialing it up a bit. This new trailer claims that "this isn't the Alola you know," in a bid to get you to buy the remixed editions. While I wouldn't say that it looks all that different when it comes to day-to-day gameplay, the story seems a bit more intense, with a greater focus on the otherworldly creatures that mostly showed up at the very end of the originals.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon will arrive on November 17, 2017 worldwide. While I was enamored enough with the original duo to play both through and get a full Alolan 'dex, I think I'll just be giving one Ultra a go this time -- it's too soon for me to get fully invested.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2xjvx9F

News:: Review: Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy is a series that shaped my taste in games in an astounding way growing up. Believe it or not, young Rich wasn't exactly a social butterfly. Once I made it to high school I would carve out my own group of friends with similar interests, but when I was younger, 60-hour Japanese role-playing games are how I spent the bulk of my free time.

I really found this love of Final Fantasy and JRPGs in general on the original PlayStation. I had a SNES and an N64 but they were in the family room. My sister and even my parents would enjoy playing games on those, but the PlayStation was mine, the first console I got to keep in my room. Which led to a lot of all-night gaming sessions and being incredibly exhausted at school the next day.

In 2000, still a few years before I'd get my hands on a PlayStation 2, I begged my mother for a game called Final Fantasy IX. I had dabbled in other Final Fantasy games, mainly VI on the SNES, but this would be my first 3D Final Fantasy and the first one I'd complete. Final Fantasy is one of my favorite series as a whole, but Zidane and Vivi's adventure made me fall in love Final Fantasy and more importantly JRPGs in general.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2gdtw4k

News:: Nintendo Download: Stardew Valley

It's crazy when an indie farming game gets more hype than some major first-party releases, but that's where we're at with Stardew Valley launching on the Switch.

No, the multiplayer update isn't coming until 2018, but at least it's here. Other Switch launches this week include Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle, Tiny Barbarian DX, Ninja Shodown, Symphony of Eternity, Axiom Verge, Volgarr the Viking (also on Wii U), Tumblestone, Earth Atlantis, ACA NeoGeo: Metal Slug X, and Oxenfree.

The 3DS is getting at least one big release with Culdcept Revolt, on top of Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions and Layton's Mystery Journey.

Read more...

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2fP1Hi4

News:: What to expect from the Engadget Experience, our immersive art + tech event

New mediums like augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence are pushing the boundaries of art, entertainment, gaming and performance -- but immersive media isn't always accessible. For one day only, we invite you to experience what happens at the outer limits of creativity.

The first Engadget Experience is set to bring together some of the brightest minds in technology, art and entertainment next month, and we want you to be there. The agenda is nearly complete, and we're proud to say it's going to be a killer show.

Source: The Engadget Experience

via Engadget RSS Feedhttp://ift.tt/2y44FcU

News:: A Spec Ops: The Line sequel ain't happening

Yager's 2012 magnum opus Spec Ops: The Line has won much critical and public acclaim for its miserable but thought-provoking campaign, a take on the grim military tale Heart of Darkness. But, despite its status as a remarkable endeavor, it's hugely unlikely we'll see a sequel.

Recently on Twitter, a fan asked The Line's writer, Walt Williams, why there wasn't a sequel to the cult shooter forthcoming, and received a pretty straight answer, in which Williams remarked that the game's development team "would rather eat glass" than make another one.

It's understandable. Spec Ops: The Line went through a lengthy and troubled five-year development production, only to sell poorly on release, despite the game's reputation among both shooter and non-shooter fans.

Frankly, it doesn't need a sequel. It told an interesting and harrowing story of war, friendship, tragedy and psychosis, reached a conclusion, then sent its players stumbling into the night. It doesn't need a follow-up, nor does it need re-telling in another form. Given the starkness of Williams' tweet, that looks like the way it's going to be.

Read more...

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

News:: Zelda: Breath of the Wild channel offers free fire-centric gift

In case you haven't heard of the Zelda: Breath of the Wild channel system, listen up.

Basically, you just load up the channel feature on your Switch, and occasionally a "gift" system will pop up for you to peruse and gain knowledge from. If you feel like it, you can click on a special button inside of said channel and get free items (read: mini DLC) for use in your game. It's kind of like SpotPass on Switch, but there's a catch -- there's no support for Wii U whatsoever.

Now that you're up to speed, you can nab the new fire-centric item, the Fire Rod. Just like all the old items you can reload this an unlimited amount of times, so go crazy if you like to blow stuff up. It's such a little thing, but experiments like this are appreciated in terms of getting me to randomly go back in and screw around; only to get wrapped up in some cockamamie quest of my own design.

via destructoid http://ift.tt/2fNqB1L

News:: Fortnite announces seven million player milestone

Epic Game's developers of upcoming team-shooter Fortnite, have proudly announced that the base-building/arena hybrid has been played by seven million trigger-happy gamers.

The announcement is accompanied by the logo of the title's recent Battle Royale mode update, but it is unclear whether this mode has specifically brought in the masses. Epic came under fire recently from developers Bluehole Inc, claiming that the former had ripped off the successful idea from their PC shooter PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

Epic have also released details of Fortnite's latest update, which will see supply drops return to the game, minus their former technical issues. There is also a new mode, "Duos", which will allow two players to tag up and take on the world, like Bimmy and Jimmy.

Fortnite is currently in Early Access and will be officially released in 2018.

Read more...

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