News:: Super Mario Odyssey's amiibo content will be unlockable without the amiibo

Lootboxes and microtransactions and all sorts of chicanery have been invading video games for the last few years, locking out content that used to be unlockable through in-game achievements. What happened to the days where getting hard mode meant you simply had to beat the game instead of shelling out an additional $10? While Super Mario Odyssey will be launching alongside a trio of amiibo that unlock things, you won't be required to buy those figurines to get that content.

In a very subtle manner on the official Super Mario website, Nintendo notes that "All outfits can be unlocked in-game without amiibo," reassuring fans everywhere that Nintendo hasn't gone full insane on us. In all honesty, I kind of prefer having to unlock the costumes, since being handed them takes the fun out of the experience for me. At least this is a true option, unlike typical microtransactions that unbalance the difficulty curve of games. It also doesn't prevent Mario Odyssey from being a full game in the future when amiibo no longer exist.

Super Mario Odyssey - amiibo [Nintendo]

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News:: Fear Effect Sedna coming to Nintendo Switch

It has been announced on the official Fear Effect twitter that Fear Effect Sedna, the upcoming strategy game set with the grim, seedy universe, will be coming to the Nintendo Switch.

The new title, developed by indie outfit Sushee and published by Square Enix, is currently in development for current gen consoles and PC. The motley crew of Hana, Deke, Rain, Glas, and some goatee hipster, will traverse the world embarking on, what being only be assumed, a series of shady deeds and undertakings.

The real-time strategy title is currently scheduled for release in early 2018. This is ahead of the remake of the original Fear Effect, announced this Summer for release sometime in the future.

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News:: Watch the 2017 Nintendo World Championships here

I don't know why it took Nintendo so long to make the Nintendo World Championships a semi-regular thing, but I hope today's broadcast is successful enough that it becomes a yearly event. Ever since I saw The Wizard, the 100-minute theatrical commercial for Super Mario Bros. 3, I've done everything I could to become a Nintendo champion. Well, that is to say, I've bought and played a crap-load of Nintendo games. But that should be enough to make me winner, right?

Anyway, if this does come back next year I'll have to do as well or better than the 16 competitors who qualified for the 2017 event. I could also somehow become a celebrity like the WWE's Bayley or Hugo actor Asa Butterfield, both of whom have been invited to the show along with a selection of speedrunners and other Nintendo champions, but that seems less likely.

Andrea Rene will host the show along with Trailer Blazers studio host Jordan Kent. It has been confirmed Metroid: Samus Returns will be one of the games competitors will be playing today and I wouldn't be surprised if a level from Super Mario Odyssey finds its way in as well.

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News:: Video Review: Pokemon Gold (3DS)

I'm gonna bet Crystal will arrive sometime in December but, with that said, here's my video review for Pokémon Gold! A game that brings up so many memories for me. A little fun fact about myself: I went to Japan... when I was like eight or nine. But, whenever I play this game, those memories immediately come to my mind. My family went there in 2000 to visit a relative, who was dating a Japanese man and living with his family, which included his sister, her husband, and three kids.

One of those kids was only about a year or two older than me and despite the fact we couldn't understand one another, we did understand one thing -- and that was Pokémon. He had a copy of Gold and I had a copy of Silver. We compared teams, showed off Pokédex to one another, and we even tried trading via the link cable. Sadly, for whatever reason, it didn't work. (I think it was region locked, I'm not sure though).

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News:: Xbox Live goes free for the Battlefront II beta this weekend

The open beta for Star Wars Battlefront II is all the rage right now, but some people might not be sure if they want to pay for Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus just to play a beta. I know I wouldn't, but I also have PC as an option. If you don't fall into that boat and happen to own an Xbox One, then this weekend is your lucky day...well, three days, but whatever!

To celebrate the long holiday weekend and get people playing, Microsoft has enabled free Xbox Live access for everyone! This means that whether you have only an Xbox 360 or an Xbox One, you can play your games online without paying. Battlefront II is only on Xbox One, but why limit the fun to people with Microsoft's new box?

This free access will be running until Monday, October 9 and is great for checking out the ridiculously limited online options in Forza Motorsport 7. Man, that game certainly makes a good first impression before pulling the rug out from under you (my review will be coming in the next week or so).

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News:: First trailer for Marvel's Runaways TV series looks just like the comic

Marvel has been trying to adapt their Runaways comic series for quite some time now (since 2008, if I'm not mistaken). But thanks to newer platforms like Hulu, they finally get their chance. I'm not the most knowledgeable fan of the comic, so I can't scrutinize this teaser trailer too closely, but everything here mirrors what I know of it so well. 

Firmly planted in the MCU, the TV series follows six teens with different powers and backgrounds as they run away from their villainous parents, The Pride. There's also a dinosaur in there somewhere. 

This all sounds and looks pretty good to me. Marvel's Runaways starts its ten episode first season on Hulu November 21. 

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News:: Check out seven minutes of BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle right here

I wonder if, like me, you're curious and excited and ArcSys' upcoming crossover title BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle? The upcoming slugfest which sees fighters from the BlazBlue, Persona, Under Night In-Birth and RWBY franchises square off in screen-shattering showdowns.

Well, if you are, a full seven-minute video of gameplay footage surfaced this week, giving you a hearty glimpse at the colourful mayhem that will be unfurled once the stylish characters from these popular brands step up to throw down.

From the footage I easily gather two facts: that the game will feature the fast-paced, screen-filling, physics-defying action ArcSys are known for, and that I'm probably gonna get rekt hard, like I do with most of their titles.

BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle is scheduled for launch in 2018.

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News:: Release of Stronghold 2: Steam Edition lets you crush your friends' castles once more

Venerable serfdom simulator Stronghold 2 got quite the interesting release today in the form of Stronghold 2: Steam Edition. Previously only available on Steam as part of The Stronghold Collection, the title has received a big rework and an individual release.

The most important addition to this version of Stronghold 2 is the re-addition of multiplayer. The service was provided through Gamespy Arcade, but following its shutdown in 2014, those looking for a good siege were out of luck.

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News:: Recommended Reading: The 'Blade Runner' effect on electronic music

Do Androids Dream Of Electronic Beats?
Al Horner,
FACT

After months of teases, trailers and short films, Blade Runner 2049 is now in theaters. FACT takes a look at the original film's impact on music, including comments from electronic music legend Gary Numan on how he was influenced. There's also a 12-minute documentary to accompany the written portion, and it's well worth your time.

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News:: God Eater 3 officially announced

The only experience I have with the God Eater series, other than admiring its character design, is that short lived anime series but the first two games have a ton of fans. Good thing too, as Bandai Namco announced a God Eater 3 was in the works. There are currently no release date or console details, but it'll release worldwide. Here's the plot synopsis: 

Earth no longer resembles the home we know of now. The Aragami, terrifying beasts that live only to consume, are carving a path of destruction and misery wherever they are encountered. To combat this threat an elite group of heroes known as God Eaters are called upon to save humanity. God Eaters are individuals who have been bestowed upon them the ability to wield powerful new God Arcs, special weapons powered by Oracle Cells and the only known weapons capable of destroying the monstrous Aragami. However, another mission is coming into focus; something is happening to the God Eaters and the line between light and dark has never been so thin. It’s time to start breaking free from the cursed shackles that bind the souls of the God Eaters as the battle rages on around them.

Additionally, Japan is getting the free-to-play (with smaller in-game purchases) God Eater: Resonant Ops on mobile devices. It's a turn-based RPG that seems pretty darn neat, and I hope comes Westward as well. 

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News:: Master Chief is engraved on the inside of every Xbox One X

Look, I was a huge Halo fan growing up. I played the original trilogy of games for far too many hours, opting to kill suckers online instead of doing math homework. Today's news is, well, nothing earth-shattering, but a cute tidbit nonetheless.

The Xbox One X has an engraving of Halo's Master Chief riding a scorpion inside the console. In a video from unocero, everyone's favorite space marine can be seen straddling the bug, a reference to both the Xbox One X's project name in development, and the hulking tank that players frequently pilot in the games from which Chief hails.

It's a neat little touch that forces a chuckle out of me. Say what you will about Microsoft, there's clearly a lot of heart put into their work. 

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News:: PlayerUnknown's Battleground eSport team signed by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner

PlayerUnknown's Battleground and eSports. Whether you like it, or hate it, these two things are at the forefront of the gaming zeitgeist right now. PUBG exploded onto the scene earlier this year and while still technically in Early Access has gone on to become the "most concurrently played game" on Steam. Meanwhile the eSports world has been gaining momentum for years, with more games being brought in and many tournaments being broadcast on cable TV.

So, it was only a matter of time before these two colossal beasts met and on Friday a major step was taken in bringing the still young PUBG competition market to the forefront of the eSports movement.

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News:: Monstrous new Overwatch Halloween skins leaked

According to a Reddit post, a slip up on Facebook caused some Overwatch advertisement pop-ups to appear a little earlier than planned, revealing a few of the brand new scary skins ahead of Tuesday's Halloween Terror 2017 event. They look pretty dang dapper.

We have ghost Mei, somewhat recalling Hsien-Ko from Capcom's Darkstalkers, an almost Cthulu-esque Zenyatta, A vampiric Reaper and a stunning "Dragon-girl" Symmetra. We of course also know already that McCree is rocking a Van Helsing-esque affair from the event's teaser trailer. Still no Zombra, unfortunately, but my hopes remain high.

Halloween Terror 2017 begins in Overwatch October 10.

Overwatch Halloween skins leaked [Reddit]

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News:: Ask Engadget: How does one start playing 'Overwatch' as an adult?

The amount of support shared between readers in the Engadget's comment section is one of the most impressive parts of the Engadget community. There is terrific advice in the comment section, on everything from Chromecasts and cameras to drones and smartphones. In fact, our community's knowledge and insight are a reason why many of you participate in the comments.

We truly value the time and detail you all spend in responding to questions from your fellow tech-obsessed commenters, which is why we've decided to bring back the much missed Ask Engadget column. We're kicking things off with a question from an adult looking to dip their toes into a game intended for a younger age audience. Weigh in with your advice in the comments -- and feel free to send your own questions along to ask@engadget.com!

"I am an adult who wants to start playing Overwatch. How should I get into it without being an immediate burden on my team/getting berated by 12-year-olds?"

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News:: The Morning After: Weekend Edition

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Welcome to the weekend. The voice of a generation is going quiet, and Apple is about to deliver new emoji.

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