Friday, January 26, 2018

News:: Epic is shuttering ‘Paragon’ following success of 'Fortnite'

Last week, an Epic Games representative explained Paragon's uncertain future on the game's subreddit, which worried fans -- especially as it confirmed that developers had been siphoned off to assist with the massively successful Fortnite. It turns out those apocalyptic concerns were correct: Paragon is getting shut down on April 26th. To make up for it, every player, on all platforms, can apply for a refund.

Via: Kotaku

Source: Epic Games



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/epic-is-shuttering-paragon-following-success-of-fortnite/

News:: My Nintendo has some new games up for grabs!

An update to My Nintendo is such a rare occurrence that I tend to forget the service exists. I don't think I've logged in since the last time I wrote about games being offered and that was only to grab screenshot. I suppose today marks the second time in a year I'll have logged in to bring you guys up to speed on what has just been added.

The biggest addition would have to be Mighty Switch Force on 3DS for 50 Gold Coins (a totally reasonable amount!). Along with that, you can also get the Gunmave Clive HD Collection on Wii U for 30 Gold Coins (a total steal!). After those two, the other games are kind of dull, with Siesta Fiesta on 3DS going for 50 Gold Coins and Year Walk on Wii U for 50 Gold Coins.

At least if none of these games tickle your fancy, but you do own Mario Kart 8 without the DLC, you can redeem those Gold Coins for both track packs. Each one is 60 Gold Coins (more than any of the games!), but they are well worth downloading. The other games on offer are exactly the same as my previous post, though I will include them in the bullet points below just for clarity.

My Nintendo has some new games up for grabs! screenshot

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News:: There's a new Friday the 13th game and it releases in just a few months

Movie production label New Line Cinema is evidently DTL (Down to License). It hasn't been long since the multiplayer-centric realistic Friday the 13th released, and we're already going to get another Jason Voorhees-based game. This one has no interest in evoking actual frights, though.

The makers of Slayaway Camp, Blue Wizard Digital, have an officially licensed game called Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle set for an April 13 global release on PC, iOS, and Android. It's actually already available on iOS in the United States, as it recently soft-launched here.

Functionally, it doesn't seem too different from Slayaway Camp. It's the same sort of sliding block puzzle game that Slayaway Camp competently adapted to a horror film theme. However, where that game had to slyly make knowing references to several horror properties, Killer Puzzles gets the legitimacy of really including Jason.

Still, this is steeped in the same cartoonish innocence that helped make Slayaway Camp such a pleasure. Killer Puzzles drops the blocky aesthetic and seems to aim for more authentic character models while still eschewing any sort of photo-realism.

However, the most promising thing about Killer Puzzles is that Blue Wizard Digital has already proven that it can make this game. This will probably turn out to be a nice little piece of fan service that horror lovers and puzzle enthusiasts can enjoy in equal measure. Except this time it's Jason instead of Skullface.

There's an official Friday the 13th game coming from the makers of Slayaway Camp [Eurogamer]

There's a new Friday the 13th game and it releases in just a few months screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/there-s-a-new-friday-the-13th-game-and-it-releases-in-just-a-few-months-484679.phtml

News:: Save a little on Doom in this Switch eShop sale

Nintendo's sales can be hit-or-miss and this one running right now on the Nintendo Switch eShop is no exception. It's up to 30 percent off select titles, some of which are excellent, some not so much.

You'll find Doom ($41.99), Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($41.99), ARMS ($41.99), LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 ($41.99), Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 ($34.99), and Overcooked Special Edition ($15.99), among others. I also can't help calling attention to NBA 2K18 Legend Edition Gold, which has dropped from $149.99 down to the still-outrageous price point of $82.49 for this sale. Good lord!

The deals run until Thursday, February 1 at 8:59am Pacific. Time for a double dip?

Nintendo Switch eShop Sale [Nintendo]

Save a little on Doom in this Switch eShop sale screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/save-a-little-on-doom-in-this-switch-eshop-sale-484678.phtml

News:: PUBG players on Xbox are going to get a ridiculous stash of Battle Points

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds basically has two types of rewards. There's the intangible emotional sense of achievement you get from seeing a screen with the words "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" on it. Then there's Battle Points, which is the currency ostensibly used to buy cosmetic items.

PUBG players on Xbox are going to get a lot of the latter simply for putting up with a somewhat-bumpy preview program launch. Alongside an announcement that the game has sold 4 million copies comes a windfall of BP. Players who have created a character before January 31 (which means there's still time for new purchasers) will receive 30,000BP.

Anyone who has played PUBG can attest to the fact that this is a ton of currency. Winning a solo game will usually net around 1,000BP. If you buy six crates in a week, it'd cost 21,700 (but you should really wait for the weekly reset and make you money go a lot further). The BP grind is about to become non-existent for Xbox players when this cash hits their account on February 1; but, the sole-survivor-on-an-island-of-murderers grind is just as tough.

Celebrating over 4 Million PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Players on Xbox One! [Xbox Wire]

PUBG players on Xbox are going to get a ridiculous stash of Battle Points screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/pubg-players-on-xbox-are-going-to-get-a-ridiculous-stash-of-battle-points-484670.phtml

News:: That's one way to dodge a cannonball

Sea of Thieves-300 foot boat dodge jump from r/xboxone

Sea of Thieves is in beta right now (and it just got extended a few days) and that means all sorts of weird things can happen while developer Rare works out the kinks. For a lot of people, that means boring and frustrating stuff like the game not launching or the quest-giver not selling new voyages.

For luckier scallywags, it means your ship catapulting straight up into the sky as the physics freak out. Cannons can't aim that high, so you're safe up there as long as you never come down.

Sea of Thieves-300 foot boat dodge jump [reddit]

That's one way to dodge a cannonball screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/that-s-one-way-to-dodge-a-cannonball-484652.phtml

News:: Sony patent suggests new PlayStation VR controller

One of the biggest pitfalls holding back PlayStation VR is its reliance on PlayStation Move controllers.

They usually get the job done, but getting them to consistently track your movement is a struggle. I've learned to live with their limitations (and certain games work better than others), but compared to other VR controllers, they're outclassed. The hardest part of switching from Vive or Oculus Rift back over to PlayStation VR for me isn't the drop in resolution and fidelity -- it's the Move's finicky nature.

But there's hope! Maybe not for the current iteration of PlayStation VR, but at least down the road.

As spotted by VRFocus, Sony has filed a patent in Japan for a controller that looks suspiciously like an evolution of PlayStation Move, as well as another patent for finger placement tracking.

"Important to note here is that this patent makes specific reference to the controller being tracked by the head-mounted display (HMD) [as] opposed to an external camera," summarizes VRFocus.

If this all plays out the way it looks and sounds, it'd be a huge step forward for Sony's VR initiative. I have to wonder if this controller will wait until the next PSVR model, though. Probably?

Sony Patents Reveal New Motion Controller Technologies [VRFocus]

Sony patent suggests new PlayStation VR controller screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/sony-patent-suggests-new-playstation-vr-controller-484663.phtml

News:: Sea of Thieves beta extended as players face technical issues

For some players, it's been a real challenge getting the Sea of Thieves beta to cooperate.

There have been issues with the game mistakenly saying it's "too early" to play and locking folks out, and I've had (probably Windows 10-related) problems with the app crashing as soon as I launch it. My last-ditch solution? Redownloading the beta client. That scorched-earth approach worked for a while, but then the crashing returned. I've had to download Sea of Thieves three times now, and as much as I like Rare's pirate sandbox game, I'm not going through the effort again if it breaks.

In light of these and other technical issues keeping Sea of Thieves players out, Rare has decided to extend the beta by two days. It'll now run until Wednesday, January 31 at 12:00am Pacific.

"We know your gaming hours are precious and our number one goal is to get everyone with Closed Beta access into the game as soon as possible," wrote the studio. "We want to ensure that anyone who has missed out on any time sailing the seas still gets to enjoy the Closed Beta to its fullest."

I feel bad for anyone who pre-ordered Sea of Thieves for beta access only to face these hurdles.

Sea of Thieves Closed Beta: Studio Update [Sea of Thieves]

Sea of Thieves beta extended as players face technical issues screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/sea-of-thieves-beta-extended-as-players-face-technical-issues-484642.phtml

News:: Flinthook and Mercenary Kings are making the jump to Switch

It looks like a few more indie darlings will be making the jump to Switch soon. Tribute Games has announced that both Flinthook and Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition are coming to Nintendo's portable hybrid in the near future. Along with that, Limited Run Games will be distributing physical copies of both titles, with Mercenary Kings even receiving a reversible cover.

Flinthook and Mercenary Kings are making the jump to Switch screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/flinthook-and-mercenary-kings-are-making-the-jump-to-switch-484619.phtml

News:: Epic is closing Paragon in April and offering refunds

Citing the lack of a "clear path [...] to grow Paragon into a MOBA that retains enough players to be sustainable," Epic has decided to sunset the game. The servers are shutting down on April 26, 2018 and as players leave leading up to that date, "matchmaking times and quality will further degrade."

It's not terribly surprising to hear the game is winding down, but this part of the plan is: "Epic is offering a full refund to every Paragon player for every purchase on any platform." The company will issue refunds itself (as opposed to your platform provider) and you can request one here.

I always had the impression that Paragon was doing well enough, but I suppose the stakes are just too high to keep something like this not only running but actively growing. (Also, Fortnite Battle Royale.)

"We truly appreciate everything you've put into Paragon," said Epic. "We received many passionate ideas for where to take the game; the outpouring of thoughtful suggestions is another testament to this incredible community."

Paragon to Close on April 26 [Epic Games]

Epic is closing Paragon in April and offering refunds screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/epic-is-closing-paragon-in-april-and-offering-refunds-484653.phtml

News:: Kid Niki Radical Ninja is back in action on PS4 & Switch

Another Arcade Classic is now available for rose-tinted inspection on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, courtesy of retro-enthusiasts Hamster and their burgeoning ACA range.

Kid Niki Radical Ninja is a 1986 acton-platformer from IREM, creators of other classic arcades such as R-Type and Vigilante. Radical Ninja sees the titular Kid Niki, a young ninja in training, embark on a dangerous mission to save his kidnapped girlfriend Margot from the evil Stone Wizard.

Armed with his legendary "Spinning Sword," Kid Niki must battle waves of enemies across seven stages, defeating boss characters en route to the final rooftop showdown with the Stone Wizard. The game saw multiple home ports, most famously the 1987 NES release. Though none of these releases truly answered the big question of what made Kid Niki particularly "radical"? I mean, at least Wonder Boy had a skateboard.

Well-remembered for its colourful graphics and jaunty music. Kid Niki's gameplay is a little linear, and this is perhaps another case of a game in the ACA range that could be bundled with another older title in a two-pack, to make the price-tag a little more appealing.

Kid Niki Radical Ninja is available now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at $8.

Kid Niki Radical Ninja is back in action on PS4 & Switch screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/kid-niki-radical-ninja-is-back-in-action-on-ps4-switch-484577.phtml

News:: The NFL, EA, and ESPN sign deal for Madden esports broadcast series

With esports seemingly on the rise and NFL ratings nearly decimated, the Father (Disney/ESPN), the Son (NFL), and the Unholy Ghost (EA) have penned a deal to bring a multi-year broadcasting plan of Madden NFL Football to ESPN and its family of channels.

Slated to start this weekend at the NFL Pro Bowl, the Madden NFL 18 Club Championship will be broadcast on ESPN News and consists of 32 players, each controlling a team in the National Football League, vying for the league championship. (My condolences to whomever drew the Browns for this.) The finals will be broadcast from the Minneapolis Convention Center at the Super Bowl Experience on February 1, and is receiving an upgrade of sorts to ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

The NFL, EA, and ESPN sign deal for Madden esports broadcast series screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/the-nfl-ea-and-espn-sign-deal-for-madden-esports-broadcast-series-484603.phtml

News:: Facebook takes on Twitch and YouTube in game streaming push

Last year Facebook launched a Creator app for video hosts to create more video content for the social network. Now it's doubling down on the concept, this time for those who make gaming videos. It's a pretty clear bid to compete with YouTube and Twitch for the attention of gaming fans who love watching other people play video games.

Source: Facebook



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/facebook-takes-on-twitch-youtube-game-streaming/

News:: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is getting a New Game+ mode next month

Director Tetsuya Takahashi has laid out the groundwork for Xenoblade Chronicles 2's near future, and it involves the coveted New Game+ mode. By way of version 1.3.0 next month, Monolith Soft will be adding it in the form of "Advanced New Game Mode," on top of a fix for a bug that arose in the last 1.2.0 patch.

Depending on who you ask the bug is either a nuisance or a massive pain. As described by Takahashi himself: "in certain instances during and after Chapter 7 where a Blade linked with a specific Driver disappears from the Blade List (it only disappears from the list, the Blade itself does not disappear)."

It's not like many people even needed a "Plus" here, as the game is just so massive that a lot of you probably haven't finished it yet.

1.3.0 [Nintendo.co.jp via Gematsu]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is getting a New Game+ mode next month screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/xenoblade-chronicles-2-is-getting-a-new-game-mode-next-month-484608.phtml

News:: Neo Geo blaster Shock Troopers available now on PS4 & Xbox One

Hamster have released the next in their wave of Neo Geo classics, relaunched for modern platforms. This week sees the return of SNK's Shock Troopers, for PS4 and Xbox One.

Shock Troopers launched in arcades and on the Neo Geo platform in 1997. The top-down run-and-gun title comes from the era of military shooters where a sexy gal and a square-jawed lunkhead were all that was needed to bring down a terrorist regime and an army of super-soldiers, powered up by a stolen experimental serum. Simpler solutions for simpler times.

The gimmick that Shock Troopers brought to the table came in the form of its character switch system. Players can head into battle as one of three heroes, or can choose to go in as the entire team, with the ability to switch between characters on the fly (though choosing the latter option gives you a shorter life bar).

The game has multiple weapons, boss battles and a variety of routes through the battlefield. It has has rad music and satisfying sound effects. Though a little clunky today, (given it's twenty years old) Shock Troopers is still good, old-fashioned, nihilistic fun for you and a pal to while away the afternoon.

Shock Troopers is now available on PS4 and Xbox One, priced at $8. It was released last year on Switch.

Neo Geo blaster Shock Troopers available now on PS4 & Xbox One screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/neo-geo-blaster-shock-troopers-available-now-on-ps4-xbox-one-484576.phtml

News:: 'Madden 18' eSports events will air on ESPN and Disney XD

ESPN and Disney are about to get a significant influx of eSports content. Through a new multiyear deal announced today, the two networks will broadcast a number of Madden NFL tournaments as well as an episodic series featuring Madden NFL 18 Ultimate League players. "Through this collaboration with ESPN and Disney XD, we'll provide ongoing coverage for fans worldwide across a variety of ESPN and Disney platforms, but also digitally through our own Madden streaming and social channels," Todd Sitrin, EA's competitive gaming division general manager, said in a statement.

Via: Variety

Source: ESPN



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News:: Aegis Defenders looks like a rad co-op tower defense platformer, coming to Switch

When its developers describe Aegis Defenders as "a Metroidvania-style action-platformer truly unlike any other game you’ve ever played," the stakes are going to be high. While that description is a take it or leave it kind of thing, the game itself looks gorgeous (and very Nausicaä-esque), and I adore the idea of split-screen platforming/tower defense co-op. 

Originally unveiled all the way back in 2014, Aegis Defenders has now pivoted to Switch, as well as PC and PS4, and is aiming for a February 8 release date. Also revealed back in 2014 -- the Shovel Knight cameo is still happening.

It was off my radar for a bit, and now it's back on it.

Aegis Defenders looks like a rad co-op tower defense platformer, coming to Switch screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/aegis-defenders-looks-like-a-rad-co-op-tower-defense-platformer-coming-to-switch-484616.phtml

News:: 'Destiny 2' update will boost rewards for its most loyal players

Bungie is still learning lessons about rewarding Destiny 2 players for their commitment, and that's reflected in its January 30th update. To begin with, it's promising much better loot for raids. You're now guaranteed raid-only equipment when you complete an encounter, and you'll always have a chance of scoring exotic gear you can start using right away. Those who go on Prestige raids get normal drops at the same time. Also, you can buy gear if you'd rather not grind the raid hoping to get that last armor piece you need -- so long as you've completed the raid that week, you can buy hardware from a rotating selection at Benedict. When you throw raid-specific mod perks and a drop-enhancing Ghost into the mix, you might be more inclined to come back to the raid without feeling like you have to repeat it ad nauseam.

Source: Bungie



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/destiny-2-update-boosts-raid-and-iron-banner-rewards/

News:: Investigate your first case in Layton's Mystery Journey for free

Players up for a bit of smartphone sleuthing can investigate the first case of detective sequel Layton's Mystery Journey gratis, as the initial chapter is now free for all to enjoy.

A "Starter Kit" has been made available for download for Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy. This opens up the first chapter, "The Hand That Feeds" for free, with the option to purchase the rest of the game should you enjoy your time snooping alongside the game's plucky hero, Katrielle.

On Google Play and iTunes, the complete adventure is available in a single download, or the cases can be purchased in smaller chunks. Be sure to specifically look for the Starter Pack if you just want to try the free chapter, though. Happy sleuthing!

Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire's Conspiracy is available now on iOS, Android and Nintendo 3DS.

Investigate your first case in Layton's Mystery Journey for free screenshot

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News:: Blizzard is patrolling YouTube for toxic Overwatch players

Toxic players are a big problem for the Overwatch team. As game director Jeff Kaplan explained in a developer update last September, they're actually delaying maps and feature updates by forcing the developers to create measures to stem the tide of crappy player behavior. Those tactics seem to be working. In a new video, Kaplan reported that competitive play has less abuse and players are reporting more often. But the Overwatch team has gone further with at least one new proactive strategy: Find toxic behavior uploaded to 'social media sites like YouTube' and punish the accounts responsible.

Via: Polygon

Source: 'Overwatch' developer update 1.26.18



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/blizzard-is-patrolling-youtube-for-toxic-overwatch-players/

News:: Drew Stuart's favorite films of 2017

[Ed. Note: We do awards a bit different at Flixist. Most of our writers do not get early screenings or award screeners of movies, which means it isn't easy to see some of the films that only get limited releases in December for many of us. As such we wait a few weeks into January so that we can see everything before we choose our favorites, and then vote in February for the site's awards.]

The new year has a magical quality. It’s a quality that gives us a degree of separation from the times and events we were, until just recently, desperately involved in. It allows us to finally put the damn bookend on the end of year and say, “Thank god that’s done with.” We get to exercise some foolish (but not undeserved) wishful thinking for the beastly collection of months lying ahead, before shot gunning a beer and lumbering to work the next morning. It’s a kind of order based on the indulging ourselves with the idea of chaos before realizing that it would be difficult, and slowly sinking back into that order.

However, there’s a kind of chaos we do like: media! And oh yes, what a year it has been for media.

Not only were we treated to one of the best years for gaming in quite some time (I have a lot of catching up to do in that department) but film saw several astounding works released as well, both in a good and terrible sense. But mostly good! Mostly. Denis Villeneuve continues to prove that he is the hardest-working and most adaptive director in the industry with Blade Runner 2049, and Martin McDonagh made his best film yet since 2008’s In Bruges. Ah, I’m getting ahead of myself. Well, uh, let’s just start this damn list already.

Captain Underpants

I have to give a quick shout out to Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie because of how damn funny and unexpected it was. Most Kids movies seem to be written by kids themselves these days; they’re so atrocious in focus, writing and humor that there’s nothing to enjoy about them besides fuzzy colors shifting across a screen. Captain Underpants breaks this notion by incorporating some decently funny humor alongside some laugh-out-loud sequences that threw me back into elementary school, where I first discovered this series. It’s funny, it’s well delivered, the animation is great, and my god, it isn’t an annoying wreck. Watch this movie for god sakes.

I also have to give a quick fuck you to The Emoji Movie for being bland, predictable, boring, and making me feel like I didn’t have a soul for its brief runtime. We knew it was going to be awful, and it sure as hell was. I thought it would be a funny to review that movie. I was so wrong. It was painful. Like wiping your ass with single ply, then accidentally tearing through it and fingering your wet butthole. Not that I’ve ever done that.

Blade of the Immortal

Okay, Blade of the Immortal was a damn good movie, and you didn’t even watch it. Coward. Takashi Miike is a samurai/yakuza/action/horror enthusiast who pumps that enthusiasm into nearly all his films. Blade of the Immortal is no different. Excellent action, excellent humor, and a decent collection of themes and characters as well. I had so much fun watching this that I want to see it again right now. You should too.

War for the Planet of the Apes

War for the Planet of the Apes was a great blockbuster experience that capped off one of the most entertaining and unexpected franchise reboots I’ve seen in a long time. It’s a film with just enough complexity, just enough character, just enough heart, just enough action, and, yeah, you get the point. It’s well balanced and great movie. I recommend watching the entire trilogy – it’s a great time.

The Post

The Post was also a very, very good film. Can you expect anything less from Spielberg? When he gets to working on something he cares about, especially if it’s in any sort of historical context, he comes back with at least a little bit of gold. The Post certainly has that kind of glimmer to it, though the directing and the technical work that makes his past films like Schindler’s List and Munich shine isn’t as prevalent here. Thankfully this film doesn’t dip far down in quality – it’s buoyed by Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, a couple of the best actors alive. If you’re at all interested in what it’s like to be a journalist, or what it’s like to uncover corruption, see it.

Drew Stuart's favorite films of 2017 screenshot

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News:: Square Enix speak about possibilities for Secret of Mana on Switch

Since the Secret of Mana remake was first announced last year, many fans have been asking whether the new version of the 1993 SNES classic would see a Switch port, given the game's retro stylings and Nintendo origin.

Secret of Mana Producer Masaru Oyamada addressed the fan-request in a recent interview with US Gamer. Oyamada gave the often-heard story that when development began on the title, no-one even knew Nintendo Switch was a thing.

"To kind of give background in terms of when the project started... the Switch hadn’t been announced," said Oyamada. "Once we had announced this title, we were very surprised to see the amount of demand and feedback we received for a potential Switch version."

Oyamada would go on to state that Square Enix are definitely looking into the possibilities of a Switch release for the title down the line. In the same interview, Oyamada also touched upon fan callings for the localisation of Seiken Densetsu Collection, once again stating that the company was listening to the demand and looking into the possibilities.

Secret of Mana launches February 15 on PC, PS4 and PS Vita.

Square Enix speak about possibilities for Secret of Mana on Switch screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/square-enix-speak-about-possibilities-for-secret-of-mana-on-switch-484567.phtml

News:: Final Fantasy XIV's 4.2 massive patch notes detail changes, classic boss fights

As always, Final Fantasy XIV's new 4.2 patch is accompanied by a massive notes dump, and you can read the preliminary notes now (Square Enix refrains from publishing exact numbers, until right before the patch actually drops, especially for item values, to prevent economy gaming).

As expected it'll come with a new four-party raid that's based on bosses from Final Fantasy VI, a new trial, two more dungeons, more story content, and a ton more. Many things are quality of life focused, like more inventory space (by way of a Chocobo pack), additional housing items, instant teleportation to the houses of friends, a baked-in recording feature (currently just for the new trial, with further testing to occur), more "perform" (read: in-game instrument) actions, class balancing (Warrior, or "WAR" was changed the most), the shaking up of various roulette (ways to do old content for currency rewards), and a lot more.

It took me roughly 30 minutes to really take it all in, so get to reading this weekend before 4.2 drops on Tuesday!

Patch 4.2 Notes (Preliminary) [Final Fantasy XIV]

Final Fantasy XIV's 4.2 massive patch notes detail changes, classic boss fights screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-xiv-s-4-2-massive-patch-notes-detail-changes-classic-boss-fights-484593.phtml

News:: Rapid Blaster Deco coming to Splatoon 2 this weekend

It's Friday, thus time for a new weapon to hit the arsenal of Nintendo's team-based shooter, Splatoon 2. This week sees the implementation of a high-fashion variant of the Rapid Blaster, the Rapid Blaster Deco.

Although its look and name conjure up thoughts of an automatic weapon, such as the MP5, the Rapid Blaster actually has more in common with the shotgun class, providing a strong-but-steady rate-of-fire, rather than peppering the opposition with ink. The Rapid Blaster is a variation of the standard Blaster, albeit with further range at the sacrifice of radius and damage.

This Deco variant features a colourful new design, and comes equipped with a Suction Bomb sub and an Inkjet special. As always, the new face-painter will go live in North America this evening, with Japan and Europe to follow early tomorrow.

Splatoon 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch. Have a great weekend, squid-kids!

Rapid Blaster Deco coming to Splatoon 2 this weekend screenshot

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News:: Nike’s 'PlayStation' shoes make hypebeasts out of gamers

It's not often we see a shoe that appeals to both the sneakerhead and gamer communities. But Nike managed to do exactly that with the PG2, the second signature model of professional basketball player Paul George, which features a design inspired by Sony's PlayStation console and its DualShock controller. Nike says that George, who plays for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, worked closely with PG2 designer Tony Hardman to create an on-court shoe that would represent his love for gaming and, specifically, the PlayStation.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/nike-playstation-pg2-paul-george-sony-first-look/

News:: Maiev Shadowsong is the next character for Heroes of the Storm

Blizzard keeps pumping out combatants for Heroes of the Storm, and the vast majority of them have been pretty great additions to the game. I have no doubt that Maiev Shadowsong will be included in that category, whenever the newly announced hero ends up being released (all signs point to a PTR next week).

Maiev's kit will probably be similar to the "Warden" archetype from Warcraft III, which includes light invisibility, the area-of-effect fan of knives, blinking, ranged poison damage, and multiple shadow clones. We'll know more once her spotlight debuts later today. As a refresher, she's still relevant in the overall universe, having just appeared in WoW's Legion expansion. 

So breaking down what we need so that the original Warcraft III roster (including the tavern from the expansion) is complete -- Naga Sea Witch, Pit Lord, Tauren Chieftan (E.T.C. isn't quite the same), Dread Lord, Shadow Hunter, and Goblin Alchemist.

Heroes of the Storm [Twitter]

Maiev Shadowsong is the next character for Heroes of the Storm screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/maiev-shadowsong-is-the-next-character-for-heroes-of-the-storm-484596.phtml