Tuesday, October 10, 2017

News:: Croteam is bringing The Talos Principle to iOS this week

There are certain games that make me want to gush whenever I learn that a friend or even an acquaintance has played them. The Talos Principle, a philosophical first-person puzzle adventure title from Serious Sam studio Croteam, is one such example. It weighs on you while you're playing and continues to pick at your mind long after you've finished it. Now, the game is headed to iOS.

Croteam describes this new version -- which releases Wednesday, October 11 -- as being "overhauled." Players can expect "customizable touch controls, polished visuals, and a silky-smooth frame rate."

Between this and The Witness recently coming to iOS, you could be looking at some extended, mentally-taxing, eureka-moment-filled bathroom breaks in the near future.

The Talos Principle [Twitter]

Croteam is bringing The Talos Principle to iOS this week screenshot



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News:: How video games help me learn more about my son with autism

I have two sons that are autistic, ages three and four. One of the hardest things about having kids with autism is not being able to communicate with them properly or know how they’re feeling. It’s one of the most affecting struggles raising an autistic kid brings.

If I’m being completely honest, I often feel envious watching other parents who are able to communicate with their kids that are the same age as my boys. However, my son Gavin found a passion that allows him to express himself in ways I never expected. You might be wondering why video games are such an important part of my relationship with my son. Let me explain.

How video games help me learn more about my son with autism screenshot

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News:: Ghost Recon Wildlands is getting a free weekend

Starting this Thursday until Sunday (October 12-15), Ghost Recon Wildlands will be going free to play on Ubisoft's Uplay service. The free weekend will be celebrating the game's brand new Team Deathmatch mode known as “Ghost War.” The game's price will also be 50% off on all editions, with any progress you make during the trial carrying over to the full game, if you decide to purchase it.

Sadly, the free weekend doesn't seem to extend to Steam, but it will be available for Uplay PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. (A PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold membership is required).

Ghost Recon Wildlands is getting a free weekend screenshot

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News:: Some lunatic hit level 4,000 in Overwatch

Most anyone who has played Overwatch knows that it can quickly turn into quite the time-sink. Committed players start chasing victories, competitive rankings, and loot boxes. The hours can really pile up. One person is the new standard bearer for that dedication.

Today, Overwatch player Treeboydave shared on reddit that he hit level 4,000. His stats page indicates that this took almost 3,500 hours to accomplish. Here's what his portrait border looks like at level 4,002.

Treeboydave says that he doesn't necessarily care about levels, though. His current goal is to put 150 hours into every character. He's not too far away (at least by his standards). He needs to put in another 266 hours between 8 characters to get there. At the rate he has been playing, he should get there in about 39 days.

It seems as if Treeboydave stands alone atop the mountain of Overwatch leveling. Other people have beat him to some unofficial milestones, though. Late last year, another player hit the unofficial level cap of 1,800 in about 1,700 hours. But Treeboydave has the longevity mixed with the obsessive dedication to Overwatch to go unparalleled for now.

Level 4000 reached! [reddit]

Some lunatic hit level 4,000 in Overwatch screenshot

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News:: Sony is holding a huge PlayStation VR game sale

Sony has put together an anniversary sale for PlayStation VR and if you own one of these devices, you know how helpful deals can be -- VR games aren't cheap! This is a great way to flesh out your library.

For my part, I'd recommend at least looking into the following titles: Battlezone, Headmaster, I Expect You to Die, Job Simulator, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin, Resident Evil 7, Rez Infinite, Statik, Star Trek: Bridge Crew, and SuperHyperCube. These are some of my personal favorites since launch and they represent a range of different VR experiences.

Shame Dino Frontier didn't make it into the sale, though. I want more people to play that one.

Sony is holding a huge PlayStation VR game sale screenshot

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News:: Ban this filth: Fake Cuphead games sneak onto Android

Welp, it was just a matter of time. At least six playable ass-to-mouth Cuphead bootlegs are now on the Google Play store. Don't even bother: They are nothing like the run and gun shooter we love. What's worse, a number of spammy malware apps are also posing as the full game. 

I know it's tempting, but you do not want titles like CupHaed and Jump Cuphead Jump on your phone. Let's not forget Cup Hero Head, who can't even get their own game name right the description (presumably to trick the search engines). Most of the clones simply display screenshots and trick users into viewing ads, with the exception of this one where you're driving away from a gorilla. The playable games are simply reskins of other low quality titles.

Ban this filth: Fake Cuphead games sneak onto Android screenshot

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News:: I'm going to be a better Tamagotchi owner this time

Admittedly, I was never the most responsible Tamagotchi owner out there but, if given a second chance, I think I could raise one of these little digital creatures right. I'll feed it, clean up after it, the works!

Two decades later, Bandai is bringing these electronic keychain trinkets back in the United States with a smaller but still very much recognizable anniversary model slated for release on November 5, 2017.

Outlets like Engadget and The Verge have gotten their hands on the devices and the experience of digital pet ownership sounds much like it did all those years ago. These new models will cost $15.

If someone really wants my nostalgia money, they'll reintroduce Digimon virtual pets.

Tamagotchi returns: Iconic 90s digital pet is coming back to life in November [The Independent]

I'm going to be a better Tamagotchi owner this time screenshot



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News:: ‘Overwatch’ Halloween event brings back last year’s spooky brawl

Blizzard teased that its hero shooter Overwatch would get Halloween seasonal event last week, but didn't release any details. But now it's live, which brings back last year's spooky players-vs.-AI brawl mode with the standard slew of new character skins and emotes.

Source: Overwatch



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News:: Assassin's Creed: Origin's loot boxes won't have a real money option

The amount of triple A games that have embraced loot boxes is staggering. Not only have games been slowly expanding with DLC and seemingly cutting content to sell back to players later, but now games are being intentionally made with a boring ass grind to coax gamers into opening their wallet to speed up the proceedings. I was unaware that Assassin's Creed: Origins even had loot boxes, but apparently Ubisoft isn't introducing microtransactions alongside them despite the season pass having premium currency.

While playing Origins, players will come across a merchant named Reda who offers a Heka (Mystery) Chest. This chest will have a chance to drop a random shield or weapon and will automatically open upon being bought. The only available option for purchasing this chest is in-game currency, called Drachma.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Origins' director Ashraf Ismail said, "The reason we did that was because we saw, even two years ago, people playing the game in different ways. There are people who like to go into a military location, infiltrate them, steal the loot and equipment and hopefully find some unique or legendary gear.

Then there was a smaller set of people who would focus almost entirely on the economy, buying and selling stuff to gain as much money as they can. And we felt like, okay, that's a valid way to play the game - it's a part of the RPG [aspect], so we'll let them play the economy. So, it's one way to be able to purchase or get some of the unique items in the game."

So according to them, this is solely for players who happen to hoard money. If that is the case, why even go the random box route? Why not just give the merchant a chance to be holding a "legendary" item instead of gambling for it? It seems tailor made for a gradual introduction of real world currency, but at least there aren't plans to add anything like that just yet.

Here's the deal with Assassin's Creed Origins in-game loot chests [Eurogamer]

Assassin's Creed: Origin's loot boxes won't have a real money option screenshot



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News:: Overwatch's Halloween event returns!

For the next three weeks (from October 10 to November 1), the terror of scrambling for 3,000 credits strikes back in Overwatch!

The latest Halloween event will feature fifty new seasonal items, including: Eight new legendary skins such as a Dracula-themed Reaper, Van Helsing McCree, and Cultist Zenyatta. (The previous skins from last year's event will also be available again as well). There's also two PvE brawl events, the returning Junkenstein's Revenge from last year, and a new variation of it in the form of an endless brawl, which features a different cast of heroes to pick from.

Overwatch's Halloween event returns! screenshot

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News:: Studio tweet alludes to Cuphead Collector's Edition

Studio MDHR, developers of surprise phenomenon Cuphead, casually responded to a fan's question, somewhat confirming an upcoming physical release and Collector's Edition for the tough-as-nails platformer.

According to the tweet, these releases are nothing more than "plans" at the moment, but I can imagine a Collector's Ed of the Max Flesicher-inspired game, which is as gorgeous and nostalgic as it is sigh-inducing.

The potential for artwork extras, phony animation cels and the game's ragtime soundtrack would be obvious choices, along with ceramic reproductions of our hero and his Mug-headed friend, useful for all that coffee you drink as you battle Baroness Von Bon Bon late into the night. I guess fans will just have to be patient until we all receive further info on this release.

Studio tweet alludes to Cuphead Collector's Edition screenshot

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News:: Assassin's Creed: Origins will have plenty of post-launch content

Another day, another season pass. I suppose I should be used the inevitable announcement of these things, but I'm still not really sold on the idea of extra content being factored into the development process. At least for Assassin's Creed: Origins, the season pass isn't the only way you'll get to experience more of the Creed. The free DLC actually sounds far more interesting, in my opinion.

The season pass (which retails for $39.99) will include two narrative focused expansions, an exclusive rare weapon, a weapon and armor pack and some premium currency (of course). The two story packs are The Hidden Ones, centering on the growth of the Brotherhood, and The Curse of the Pharaohs, which takes Origins in a more mythical direction and introduces undead mummies and creatures like the Anubis.

As for the free content, the biggest addition coming to Origins is a mode called "Discovery Tour." This removes all combat and story missions from the game and turns the world of Origins into a digital museum. You'll be able to tour ancient Egypt with information being provided by historians and Egyptologists. I'd really like to see this expanded in a future Assassin's Creed game as the attention to historical accuracy has always been the series' strong point.

A photo mode will be coming alongside a horde mode, a boss rush mode with timed events and a wandering merchant with daily quests. It sounds like Ubisoft is trying to make this into an MMO, but giving people more reason to explore ancient Egypt isn't the worst thing in the world.

Assassin's Creed: Origins will have plenty of post-launch content screenshot

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News:: Blizzard looking for an artist for possible new Overwatch project

A listing posted by Californian developers Blizzard Entertainment shows that they are advertising for an artist to intern with the company. Whilst no specific details were available, there were some interesting clues within the post.

Firstly, the advertisement suggests that the artist is needed to work on an "unannounced project" before later going on to suggest that it would be recommended that the candidate has "knowledge and understanding of the Overwatch universe."

This could obviously be all manner of things, from a spin-off title, to cameo work in another Blizzard game. Perhaps a full-on animated series (God, please) or even that playable story campaign everyone keeps asking for even though it would be a horrendous clusterfuck.

Though some fans are commenting that it could be forever until we get the details, what with Blizzard's lengthy, drawn-out development process, I personally disagree. Blizzard seem to be firing on all cylinders when it comes to Overwatch, possibly because of its multiplayer-shooter status, which affords it a potentially shorter lifespan then some of their other games, such as World of Warcraft or Diablo.

Whatever this new project turns out to be (should it even go ahead), I believe we'll be hearing about it soon. In the meantime, Overwatch's Halloween Terror event launches today, in which Dragon-Girl Symmetra will likely become the default all-year-round Symmetra costume.

Generalist Artist Intern vacancy [Blizzard]

Blizzard looking for an artist for possible new Overwatch project screenshot



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News:: 'Until Dawn' headlines this month's horrific PS Now additions

Two years later and Sony finally got the timing right for PlayStation 4's choose-your-own-horror adventure Until Dawn. The Hayden-Panettiere-starring interactive movie is perfect for Halloween frights, and if you're a PlayStation Now subscriber, you can play it, well, now. It isn't the only fright fest being added to the service, either. Frictional Games' sub-aquatic tale of terror, SOMA, is on offer as well as the macabre mystery The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Don't feel like getting scared? There's always David Cage's Beyond: Two Souls and, umm, Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders.

Source: PS Blog (EU)



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News:: Super Putty Squad will retro it the hell up on Switch this year

All the way back in 1992, the Putty franchise was born. Although it didn't see like it at the time it was a series destined to live on for many years, as it not only got a sequel in Putty Squad, but a full-on modern remake two decades later on the PS3 and iOS platforms.

Putty will live on once again it seems, as developer System 3 has revealed that a Switch version is in the works, and will drop on December 1 of this year -- based on the listing from Amazon this 8GB cartridge is basically the 2013 edition.

I can't say I'm too excited given that the modern day rendition wasn't as fun as it could have been, but I'm glad to see System 3 doing their thing and sticking to a series they clearly have passion for.

Super Putty Squad [Amazon] Thanks Joe!

Super Putty Squad will retro it the hell up on Switch this year screenshot



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News:: After 10 years, I've finally accepted that 'Half-Life' is dead

Ten years ago today, Valve released Half-Life 2: Episode Two. It was the second of three announced games that directly continued the story that started in 2004's heavily lauded Half-Life 2. Episode One and Episode Two were released in 2006 and 2007, respectively, with the second ending on a major cliffhanger. Unfortunately, this is where the Half-Life universe ends.

The first Half-Life and its sequel had endings that wrapped up the main story in each game, though both games left players with plenty of unanswered questions. Episode Two, on the other hand, had a very Empire Strikes Back ending that begged for resolution. Throughout one full game and two episodes, protagonist Gordon Freeman is accompanied by scientist and all-around badass Alyx Vance, who has worked with her father, Eli, to help humanity resist the aliens that have enslaved the species. At the end of Episode Two, Freeman, Alyx and Eli experience a temporary victory, closing a portal that traps the Combine aliens on Earth and giving humanity a last shot at freedom. The success is short-lived, however -- two nightmarish aliens capture and kill Eli and are about to kill Freeman and Alyx until a last-minute rescue leaves them safe but devastated as the game fades to black.



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News:: Team Fortress 2: A modern classic

There are some games out there that are true classics. Titles you can dust off and have as much fun playing today as you did when they came out decades ago. One doesn’t need to look any further than last week’s release of the SNES Classic and the outpouring of both nostalgic joy from longtime fans and fresh discovery from new ones for examples.

But when I think about classics, I notice two things. One, most of the games I hold up as truly timeless come from the 16-bit era and earlier. The further you get from the release of the PS1 to today, the smaller the library of gems gets. Two, my personal mental list of classic games are almost entirely single-player experiences. Apart from Street Fighter 2 and a maybe a tiny number of long-running MMOs, there are precious few multiplayer titles with a shelf life of more than a year or two. Team Fortress 2 is the rare game that breaks that pattern.

As of today, Team Fortress 2 is a ten-year-old online FPS that is somehow, unbelievably, still as fun to play now as it was in 2007.

Team Fortress 2: A modern classic screenshot

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News:: Those pause screen demos for Kirby Super Star are from creator Masahiro Sakurai

Nintendo has been putting out a series of interviews with lead developers from the batch of SNES Classic titles, and although they're mostly just promotional material, there's a lot of really cool little factoids buried within them. The same goes for the one featuring Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby, in honor of Kirby Super Star's inclusion.

After kicking off with a flattering "you have not aged" comment (it's true!), Sakurai digs into his origins as a Nintendo developer, and how the Copy ability (which wasn't in the original Game Boy game) came to be.

The whole thing is worth reading, but my favorite takeaway -- those demos that play when the game is idle are based on footage from Sakurai himself.

Super NES Classic Interview - Kirby [Nintendo]

Those pause screen demos for Kirby Super Star are from creator Masahiro Sakurai screenshot



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News:: Flynn: Son of Crimson is as cathartic as they come

You know the feeling of popping bubble wrap? Stepping on an extra crunchy leaf in the fall? I've found that certain mechanics in games are comparable to those small tangible pleasures in life. Wall jumping in Super Metroid, flattening goombas in Mario, and jumping on several boxes in succession in Crash Bandicoot all feel damn good. Now imagine an entire game of those feelings. That's what Flynn: Son of Crimson sets out to accomplish.

Flynn is the first largescale game by Studio Thunderhorse. It's already making waves on Kickstarter, where it has until October 24 to reach its $40K goal. It doesn't look like it's going to have much trouble hitting that, but its stretch goals include console ports that would suit this charming throwback to the classics. I got the chance to play through the alpha demo, which gives a good taste of the varied combat, open-ended exploration, and gorgeous sprite art.

Flynn: Son of Crimson is as cathartic as they come screenshot

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News:: Star Wars Battlefront II beta gets a time extension

Electronic Arts have announced that their Open Beta for upcoming online multiplayer title Star Wars Battlefront II has been extended by two days, giving players further opportunity to Live Long and Prosper. Perhaps this is in reaction to the new trailer for The Last Jedi, which is causing the brand to trend high today.

Although originally scheduled to close servers yesterday, the beta will now remain open until October 11. This gives Rey, Darth Maul, Spock and co. more time to check out the four game modes on offer: Arcade, Starfighter Assault, Galactic Assault and Strike. We gathered a variety of mixed views on the beta yesterday, but it seems you still have time to jump on and see what you think of the new game yourself.

Star Wars Battlefront II launches on PC, Xbox One and PS4 November 17

Star Wars Battlefront II beta gets a time extension screenshot

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News:: Even the more obscure Zelda: Breath of the Wild characters get love from the community

You probably recall seeing Kass, the accordion playing Rito minstrel randomly strewn about the world of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but seeing him by way of a digital painting is something else.

Artist Sat-AM shared their rendition of the bird brain this week on Reddit, and it really got me thinking about the minutiae of Breath of the Wild, and how there's probably a piece of fan art or some sort of fanfiction relating to just about every facet of the game.

There's just so much to love even months removed from all of the discussions we've had during its launch, and given that we're probably going to see it on plenty of Game of the Year lists and read thinkpieces for years to come, it's not the last we've heard of it either.

It's such a little thing, a piece of fan art on a tertiary character, but it clicked for me and really allowed Breath of the Wild to linger in my mind for a while longer.

Small digital painting [Reddit]

Even the more obscure Zelda: Breath of the Wild characters get love from the community screenshot

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News:: What we're playing: 'Madden 18', 'Cuphead' and 'Destiny 2'

Welcome back to Gaming IRL, a monthly segment where several editors talk about what they've been playing in their downtime. This month, like much of the world, we've been playing Destiny 2 and EA Sports' latest and greatest. Also Cuphead. Lots of Cuphead.



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News:: All proceeds from Hellblade sales today will be donated to UK Mental Health charity

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, an annual day of awareness for those with mental illness, with this year's focus resting on mental health issues within the workplace.

Developers Ninja Theory have announced that the proceeds for every single copy of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice that is sold today will go directly to UK mental health charity Rethink, a support and advice group for those coping with depression, anxiety and many other difficult, often overpowering, psychological conditions.

Hellblade, whilst not specifically designed to make statements on mental health issues, features the tale of a young Celtic warrior, Senua, who herself is fighting psychosis following a traumatising experience. Whilst some may even raise a cynical eyebrow at such a link, cut the developer some slack, there's never a wrong reason to do the right thing.

Alongside today's charity drive, Ninja Theory have released a new trailer for the game, featuring fans in-game photographs and sharing stories about their own personal struggle. I am no stranger to the draining, sometimes crippling, effects of mental illness. I sincerely hope that any members of our fantastic community who are affected by these issues, be it they themselves, or their loved ones, can find comfort, support and relief through friends, family, colleagues, forums and healthcare professionals. You are not alone in this, nor do you have to be. I promise you.

Hellblade: Sensua's Sacrifice is available on PC and PS4, all proceeds will be donated from sales made for the duration of Tuesday, October 10.

World Mental Health Day [World Health Organisation]

All proceeds from Hellblade sales today will be donated to UK Mental Health charity screenshot

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News:: A montage of chaos in new Fire Emblem Warriors trailer

We are less than a fortnight away from the Western release of Fire Emblem Warriors on Nintendo Switch and 3DS. The Big N have released a trailer on their UK Twitter account featuring the game's cast of characters laying waste to the opposition.

The spot may only be thirty seconds long, but it manages to cram in a wealth of chaos and carnage, as Rowan, Lianna and co. wreck skulls and take names in the game's en masse onslaught armies, resulting in screens filled with enemies and special attacks that bring about local armageddon.

Fire Emblem Warriors launches on Nintendo Switch and New 3DS in America and Europe on October 20.

A montage of chaos in new Fire Emblem Warriors trailer screenshot

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News:: The 20th anniversary Tamagotchi is smaller but still easy to kill

It's been 20 years since the iconic virtual pet Tamagotchi hit US shores, becoming a must-have item for kids and teenagers and proving enough of a distraction that it was banned from many classrooms. Many of those youngsters now have offspring of their own, and Bandai is hoping to entice both generations by reintroducing the classic 1997 model with a special anniversary edition. But most adults and many children now carry a phone capable of doing so much more than that little plastic egg could. Why would they, or anyone, invest in a Tamagotchi? I spent the weekend with my own little simulated creature in my bag and spoiler alert: It died of neglect.



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News:: Blizzard is recruiting for an entirely new 'Overwatch' project

Blizzard could be working on a new Overwatch game. Between its updates aimed at curbing toxicity online and the bevy of new features it keeps rolling out, the publisher has plenty on its plate. But, a new vacancy on the Blizzard website suggests it may be looking to expand the Overwatch universe. The company is seeking a "generalist artist intern" with "knowledge and understanding" of Overwatch to work on an unannounced project. The role seems to be geared at students, as it's expected to last just a few months during 2018 at its office in Irvine, California.

Source: Blizzard Careers, NeoGAF



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News:: The Morning After: Tuesday, October 10th 2017

It's Tuesday morning and we've got a proper trailer for The Last Jedi and WiFi networks that can monitor your breathing. Oh, and a monstrous new RED camera that you probably can't afford, but would like to hear all about.



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