News:: New HypeZone stream shows only the final moments of Fortnite Battle Royale

If you liked Mixer's HypeZone concept but PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds isn't exactly your multiplayer game of choice, the streaming platform has now applied the same idea to Fortnite Battle Royale.

It's a single stream that roams from match to match to capture the "most intense moments." So if you like seeing people sweat it out in the endgame without the preceding buildup, you're golden.

I think HypeZone is a fun novelty and the kind of experimentation I'd like to see more of in streaming, but it lacks lasting appeal -- at least for me. That said, the name is pure cheesy goodness.

I hope to see Chance the Rapper on here at some point.

24/7 Battle Royales, HypeZone Fortnite Launches Today [Mixer]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/new-hypezone-stream-shows-only-the-final-moments-of-fortnite-battle-royale-486718.phtml

News:: This Switch overview trailer is a great intro to Bayonetta

With Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 releasing for Nintendo Switch next Friday, I'm stoked knowing that a bunch of folks are about to beat the shit out of angels with a witch's hair for the first time. I'm beaming.

Simply put, the Bayonetta series is an all-out riot. It shouldn't be missed if you're remotely into action games, particularly now that both titles will be easily accessible on a portable system many of us own and love and a third installment is in the works. Also, Enzo! Dear, sweet Enzo. Play for him too.

This latest trailer serves as an overview of all things Bayonetta for beginners and a refresher for those of you returning for round two on Switch. I don't mind paying a full $60 for the pair.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/this-switch-overview-trailer-is-a-great-intro-to-bayonetta-486713.phtml

News:: Harvest Moon: Light of Hope gets the 'Special Edition' treatment for consoles, launches in May

It has been quite some time since the announcement of Harvest Moon: Light of Hope coming to consoles, but the day is finally nearing. Released on PC late last year, the game will be heading to PS4 and Switch in May for $39.99/€39.99 and will bear the "Special Edition" moniker to make up for the wait.

This new version will include additional content that is only available to console players. Natsume didn't have much else to say, with President & CEO Hiro Maekawa writing, "The Special Edition has new features made specifically for console gamers that we will be unveiling throughout the coming months." Could be interesting, at least.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/harvest-moon-light-of-hope-gets-the-special-edition-treatment-for-consoles-launches-in-may-486705.phtml

News:: CD Projekt Red will be at E3 and that could mean anything

The Electronic Entertainment Expo is a proverbial field of dreams for the games industry, the perennial show where everyone fantasizes about the wildest and most unexpected reveals. Anything could, in theory, happen at E3 -- and it's probably most likely to happen there since it is the biggest stage. It makes us borderline presumptuous as our hopes turn into bold predictions.

CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 is the subject of today's E3 gossip (in February, no less!) because of the developer's inclusion on the convention's scrolling banner of participants. It's one of 57 currently-announced companies that will be at the show in some capacity. That a studio as prominent as CD Projekt Red is attending E3 is hardly a surprise.

However, coupled with recent activity from the Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account, this listing has people blissfully hopeful that it means a showing from the long-awaited cyberpunk RPG at E3 2018. And it might! CD Projekt Red might have a giant noisy booth right next to all the other giant noisy booths. Cyberpunk 2077 might be closer than we could've imagined.

Or, it could be entirely more boring than that. CD Projekt Red could be attending for low-key appointments to show press Gwent ahead of its eventual release. Even less exciting, CD Projekt Red could have a private room solely for business development meetings. For every possibility, there's an equal and opposite and less exciting possibility.

CD Projekt Red will be at E3 2018. Form whatever conclusions you feel comfortable with.

Show Hours [E3]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/cd-projekt-red-will-be-at-e3-and-that-could-mean-anything-486715.phtml

News:: The 300 Week 5: THIS IS SUN RA!

Welcome back to The 300, the weekly feature that chronicles my ongoing attempt to see 300 movies in theaters in 2018. I'll be watching new releases, classics, and hidden gems in hopes to explore the wide world of cinema in all its forms.

As always, there are three rules for The 300:

• The movie must be at least 40 minutes long, meeting the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' definition of a feature film
• I must watch the movie at a movie theater, screening room, or outdoor screening venue
• While I can watch movies I've seen before 2018, I cannot count repeated viewings of the same film in 2018 multiple times

I had to take a day off last week because of a cold, but I still caught at least one movie the rest of the week. I mostly watched repertory screenings since the selection is so eclectic: a Hong Kong action movie, avant-garde cinema by women, and the Sun Ra movie. So far, the MoviePass account is not frozen. May this river flow, long and powerful, until the end of days.

And so, onward.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/the-300-week-5-this-is-sun-ra--486660.phtml

News:: Former STALKER devs are making Fear the Wolves, a new battle royale FPS

The burgeoning "battle royale" sub-genre is about to get another entrant. Coming from Focus Home Interactive and some of the devs behind the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, this post-apocalyptic first-person shooter will take place in Chernobyl and pit players not only against 99 other players, but the wasteland itself.

Much like the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, there will be anomalies and mutated beasts roaming around and hunting players. There will also be a day-night cycle in the game, which makes me think matches will be going on for far longer than PUBG or Fortnite. The game will contain solo and squads rule sets, so you won't need to bear the wasteland alone.

We'll get our first look at the game tomorrow from the annual "Le What's Next de Focus" event in Paris, which takes place on the 7th and 8th. It will be coming to PC and consoles sometime this year with an early-access period on PC. The setting, alone, has me intrigued, so I'm curious how it will play.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/former-stalker-devs-are-making-fear-the-wolves-a-new-battle-royale-fps-486683.phtml

News:: Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 is getting a balance patch next month

Fans of Arc System Works' classic Guilty Gear series will be happy to know that Xrd Rev 2 will be getting a balance update next month. There isn't much about who is getting tweaked or what is going to change, but the game will soon be updated for the (hopefully) better. The update should be heading to PS3, PS4 and PC, since the game is available on those platforms.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/guilty-gear-xrd-rev-2-is-getting-a-balance-patch-next-month-486672.phtml

News:: Owlboy will see a physical release on PS4 and Switch this Spring

Soedesco have announced that their charming, retro-styled adventure Owlboy will be getting a physical release on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

After nearly ten years of difficult development, Owlboy finally released on PC in 2016, where it received accolades across the board from critics and fans alike. Here on Destructoid, our own Patrick Hancock was enchanted by the title, ultimately scoring it a golden 10.

Owlboy tells the tale of young Owl-Human hybrid Otus, who is forced to go on a dangerous quest when his clan's village is attacked by bandits. Otus faces tough boss-battles and challenging puzzles along the way, while being helped (and hindered) by a variety of characters.

The long-awaited console port will be available for download from February 13 when it releases on Nintendo Switch. The PS4 and Xbox One versions will follow sometime soon, but the date isn't yet determined. This physical edition is expected to land on store shelves May 29.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/owlboy-will-see-a-physical-release-on-ps4-and-switch-this-spring-486646.phtml

News:: Well, guess I'm horny for a hard drive

First a motherboard and now an external hard drive. Against all odds, 2018 is shaping up to be the year that I'm extremely into the aesthetic of certain hardware.

Accompanying the recent reveal of the Sea of Thieves Xbox One controller, is an officially-licensed Sea of Thieves 2TB external hard drive. It has the exact same mystic purple and translucent green color scheme, but the Xbox logo is emblazoned in gold. Honestly, it looks incredible.

Maybe most surprising is that the hard drive doesn't really come at much of a premium. Microsoft will begin selling it on March 20 for $90. Xbox's original "official" 2TB Seagate hard drive that went on sale in 2015 is going for $86 on Amazon right now. This is basically a re-skin of that. However, the Sea of Thieves hard drive also comes with a month-long subscription to Xbox Game Pass an an exclusive in-game Midnight Blunderbuss item.

A pair of Sea of Thieves-themed controller stands were also revealed today. There's a normal controller-holder ($15) and a charging stand ($50), and they'll both go on sale on February 19. Given how many accessories are getting the Sea of Thieves treatment, it feels like a special edition console announcement might be right around the corner.

The Sea of Thieves Controller Has Some New Pirate Accessory Companions [Xbox Wire]

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/well-guess-i-m-horny-for-a-hard-drive-486712.phtml

News:: Well, guess I'm horny for a hard drive

First a motherboard and now an external hard drive. Against all odds, 2018 is shaping up to be the year that I'm extremely into the aesthetic of certain hardware.

Accompanying the recent reveal of the Sea of Thieves Xbox One controller, is an officially-licensed Sea of Thieves 2TB external hard drive. It has the exact same mystic purple and translucent green color scheme, but the Xbox logo is emblazoned in gold. Honestly, it looks incredible.

Maybe most surprising is that the hard drive doesn't really come at much of a premium. Microsoft will begin selling it on March 20 for $90. Xbox's original "official" 2TB Seagate hard drive that went on sale in 2015 is going for $86 on Amazon right now. This is basically a re-skin of that. However, the Sea of Thieves hard drive also comes with a month-long subscription to Xbox Game Pass an an exclusive in-game Midnight Blunderbuss item.

A pair of Sea of Thieves-themed controller stands were also revealed today. There's a normal controller-holder ($15) and a charging stand ($50), and they'll both go on sale on February 19. Given how many accessories are getting the Sea of Thieves treatment, it feels like a special edition console announcement might be right around the corner.

The Sea of Thieves Controller Has Some New Pirate Accessory Companions [Xbox Wire]

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/well-guess-i-m-horny-for-a-hard-drive-486712.phtml

News:: Season 2 of Jessica Jones now has its first trailer

The first trailer for the second season of Jessica Jones sure looks like its jumping off from all the strong points of the first season. It's dark, moody, full of Jessica being a bad ass, psychologically challenging, and plays up the fact that Netflix's Marvel shows are far edgier than the films. 

This season looks to dive a bit deeper into Jessica's past as she searches for answers to her family's death, and discovers more about the research that was done on her. Looks like an interesting take on how to do an origin story while not doing one. It will be interesting to see how the season plays out without a big bad like Killgrave in it (though we may be getting some flashbacks). Their dichotomy was one of the reasons the show worked so well and tackled its themes so perfectly. Then again, who is that clapping at the end there?

Jessica Jones Season 2 hits Netflix March 8. 

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/season-2-of-jessica-jones-now-has-its-first-trailer-486665.phtml

News:: Ryu looks pretty sick in Monster Hunter: World

I love the crazy crossover costumes that the Monster Hunter series gets. Having Link in 4: Ultimate was the reason I jumped into the series and now that Ryu is going to be available in World, I'm super pumped. He also looks crazy good in this short video segment from a Capcom stream.

The best thing is that you can use the Shoryuken and Hadouken as actual attacks, so I'm wondering if Ryu can just bare hand brawl all of the monsters to death. If so, I would definitely drop all the weapons and just punch everyone. That would make for a new, exciting and completely inefficient way of dealing with enemies.

Sadly, those "gestures" are paid, so I probably won't ever be using them. Ugh...

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ryu-looks-pretty-sick-in-monster-hunter-world-486699.phtml

News:: Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 Plus coming to PS4

Compile Heart have a released a fairly straightforward, detail-free statement that comical RPG Hyperdimension Neptunia is to see a re-release on PS4.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 Plus will be the second re-release of the original Hyperdimension Neptunia title, which launched on PS3 back in 2010. It was later refined as Re:Birth 1, launching in 2014 on PS Vita and 2015 on PC.

No further details were forthcoming on what additions will be made for Re:Birth 1 Plus, but the game is scheduled for launch in Japan this Spring. Hopefully, along with a Western release, we'll see tweaks to bring the game's engine up to speed with some of the series' more recent titles.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 Plus announced for PS4 [Dengenki / Ryokutya2089]

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/hyperdimension-neptunia-re-birth-1-plus-coming-to-ps4-486618.phtml

News:: There should be a Super Mario Odyssey art book

Nintendo posted a piece of concept art for Super Mario Odyssey and it's too lovely not to share here. Look at that sunset! Tostarena is one of the earliest locales in the game, but it's among my favorites.

Here's the first concept art for Tostarena! Even then, certain gameplay elements were already incorporated and a sunset scenario was considered. #SuperMarioOdyssey pic.twitter.com/UuQSNRJBJA

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 7, 2018

If and when the company assembles an art book for Odyssey, I'm there.

This art also has us reworking the lyrics to Sublime's "Santeria" in our office chat today, led by Patrick. "I don't practice Tostarena, I ain't got no crystal ball. I had a million moons but I'd, I'd spend it all."

Nintendo of America [Twitter]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/there-should-be-a-super-mario-odyssey-art-book-486698.phtml

News:: Kerbal Space Program's 'Making History' expansion lands next month

The early-access darling Kerbal Space Program will finally be getting its long awaited Making History expansion on March 13, 2018. Along with including new content, this expansion will bring a "Mission Builder" to the game that allows users to create their own custom missions. The expansion will also have the "History Pack," which includes recreations of historical moments in space race history.

The expansion will launch for $14.99 and will only be available on PC, at the moment. Anyone who purchased the early-access version in 2013 will receive the update for free, as promised by the devs years ago.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/kerbal-space-program-s-making-history-expansion-lands-next-month-486676.phtml

News:: Pocketwatch Games working on bringing Tooth and Tail to Switch

Replying to a fan on twitter, indie-outfit Pocketwatch Games have subtly suggested that plans are in motion to bring farmyard-warfare title Tooth and Tail to Nintendo Switch.

Released last Fall, Tooth and Tail is a curious, downbeat story of a community of countryside critters who're thrown into violent, back-stabbing conflict over control of the food chain. Gameplay itself is a scaled-down version of strategy titles such as StarCraft and Command & Conquer, with players taking to the front line themselves as one of a number of delightfully devious anthropomorphic characters.

Unlike many of the strategy titles it draws inspiration from, Tooth and Tail's battles play out at a quick pace, often ending with 10-15 minutes, so it would make for a great strategy game on-the-go. Here's hoping that Pocketwatch Games succeed in bringing this unique indie-hit to Nintendo's hybrid console.

Tooth and Tail is available now on PS4 and PC. 

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/pocketwatch-games-working-on-bringing-tooth-and-tail-to-switch-486622.phtml

News:: Deadpool prefers tea in bags in new Deadpool 2 trailer

Because everyone deserves a smile on their face, we bring you a new, full-length, Untitled Deadpool Sequel trailer featuring more of Josh Brolin's Cable and your favorite man in a red suit. As with the earlier Bob Ross homage, this trailer doesn't go exactly as planned, but it does serve its purpose very well.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/deadpool-prefers-tea-in-bags-in-new-deadpool-2-trailer-486661.phtml

News:: Rainbow Six Siege gets a free weekend during Six Invitational tournament

The weekend of February 16 will see the best Rainbow Six Siege teams gather for the Six Invitational tournament, as the best of the best shoot it out in the twitchy, high-intensity shooter.

In order to celebrate the weekend's festivities, Ubisoft have announced that Rainbow Six Siege will be getting a free play weekend on all formats. You can play the game gratis from February 15, with the trial ending on February 18 on PC, 19 on Xbox One and 20 on PS4. If you choose to pull the trigger on the title at any point during the trial, then all your unlocks and progress will carry over into the main game.

In related news, February 20 will see Siege's new year of content hit test servers. Operation Chimera and its intriguing co-op mode, Outbreak, will be available for PC players to beta test, ahead of the content's official release on all formats on March 6.

Rainbow Six Siege is available now on PS4, Xbox One and PC. The Six Invitational finals take place in Montreal between February 16 and February 18.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/rainbow-six-siege-gets-a-free-weekend-during-six-invitational-tournament-486615.phtml

News:: ‘Monster Hunter: World’ is the best way to fight bosses with friends

Monster Hunter: World is the latest entry in a decade-plus game franchise dedicated to killing huge monsters. But the series has another reputation: barely explained mechanics, labyrinthine menus and difficult co-op play. Capcom smoothed out a lot of those rough edges for Monster Hunter: World and released it simultaneously worldwide, which has made it the most accessible of the franchise. Now, finally, it can take the crown as the best co-op boss fight experience out there.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/07/monster-hunter-world-is-v-good-bossing-with-friends/

News:: Google is reportedly working on a video game streaming service

It sounds like Google might be working on a game streaming service. According to a report from The Information, the tech juggernaut has been floating the idea for a streaming service (like PlayStation Now or NVIDIA's GeForce Now) for around two years. The service is codenamed "Yeti" and Google is apparently even testing hardware for it as well. The Information's sources say that the service might stream to a Chromecast, and that hiring Phil Harrison last month as VP of hardware -- formerly of Microsoft and Sony's gaming divisions -- could point toward a standalone gaming console.

Source: The Information

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/07/google-game-streaming-console/

News:: Review: Dandara

Dandara is a metroidvania with a unique method of movement. It may not set the world on fire, but it certainly has an audience. The story revolves around a woman named Dandara who must fight some evil guys because they’re being jerks. That’s pretty much it. There isn’t a whole lot of dialogue either, but there really doesn’t need to be. The gameplay is what’s important.

The one thing that really sets this game apart from its contemporaries is the way that you travel between places. Instead of the typical standard, the character is limited to diagonal jumps. You tilt the joystick in the direct you desire, press the “A” button, and then watch as your character shoots across the screen. 

While this mechanic is one of the few things that Dandara does differently, it’s also one of its most frustrating features. 

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/review-dandara-486600.phtml

News:: Multiple Star Wars TV shows in the works

It was just yesterday that we got the news that the guys behind Game of Thrones would be making some Star Wars movies, but why stop there? Disney has announced that they have multiple Star Wars television shows in development for their new streaming service. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger revealed the news during an investor call.

"We are developing not just one, but a few Star Wars series specifically for the Disney direct-to-consumer app. We've mentioned that and we are close to being able to reveal at least one of the entities that is developing that for us. Because the deal isn't completely closed, we can't be specific about that. I think you'll find the level of talent … on the television front will be rather significant as well."

We already knew about one live-action show that was in development, but having multiple shows in the works is brand new. It's not that surprising, of course, Disney is clearly using Star Wars to be the anchor of whatever their new streaming service is going to be. You know, just in case the entire Marvel catalog, entire Disney catalog, and the entire Fox catalog wasn't enough. This is just like CBS did with Star Trek: Discovery, except on a much larger scale. 

There's no word on what these new properties will be or if they'll be animated or live-action, but considering Star Wars Rebels is airing its last episodes we're guessing that some more animation could be in the works. 

'Star Wars' TV Series: Disney Developing "a Few" for Its Streaming Service [THR]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/multiple-star-wars-tv-shows-in-the-works-486637.phtml

News:: Kim 'Geguri' Se-yeon could be the first woman signed to the Overwatch League

You've probably heard about Kim “Geguri” Se-yeon at some point since the launch of Overwatch. She's so good that people thought she was cheating, and had to literally prove her skills before she was accepted as a force in the pro scene. According to reports from ESPN we could be seeing a whole lot more of her, too.

Based on rumblings from ESPN, Se-yeon is set to sign with the Shanghai Dragons and become the first woman to join the Overwatch League. Right now the Dragons are 0/8, so they could really use the injection of some great players like Se-yeon, and it makes perfect sense that they'd want to make pickups and roster shakeups this early to prevent a losing record.

Right now there's no official confirmation from the League, and we've reached out for more details. Make no mistake though -- if not now, Se-yeon will probably be involved in the League eventually.

Sources: Geguri set to join Shanghai Dragons, become Overwatch League's first female player [ESPN]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/kim-geguri-se-yeon-could-be-the-first-woman-signed-to-the-overwatch-league-486649.phtml

News:: The Surge 2 coming next year to PC, PS4 and Xbox One

Deck 13 and Focus Home Interactive have announced they are once again teaming up to develop The Surge 2. The sequel to last Summer's challenging action adventure will be coming to PC and consoles in 2019.

In a press release, Focus spoke of how the game will be retaining its predecessor's hardcore combat, including its trademark limb-targeting system, while expanding the game's arsenal of weaponry, abilities, implants and drones. An upgraded game engine has allowed Deck13 to create an ambitious, sprawling cityscape to be explored.

The Surge launched last year to mixed reviews from critics and gamers, with various outlets citing its Souls-esque difficulty setting as either a positive or a negative aspect of the title, depending on your taste for masochistic action. The consensus was that although the game had some interesting aspects and a decent story concept, it never quite lived up to its own potential.

Focus Home Interactive are currently holding a five-day press event in Paris, so we can probably expect to hear more information regarding this new project over the next few days. The Surge 2 is scheduled for launch on PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2019.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/the-surge-2-coming-next-year-to-pc-ps4-and-xbox-one-486628.phtml

News:: FTL creator's tactical mech game Into the Breach hits PC this month

The minds behind FTL: Faster Than Light are back with a tactical turn-based game in which you'll dispatch mechs to fend off giant monsters. If and when you lose, you'll "send help back through time to save another timeline." I don't need to know any more about Into the Breach with a pitch like that.

It's been fairly quiet as of late but clearly it's the good, productive kind of quiet. Subset Games has announced a February 27, 2018 launch for the game on Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store.

Into the Breach will be coming to Windows on Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store on February 27th! pic.twitter.com/DNthiNRWw3

— Subset Games (@subsetgames) February 6, 2018

Much to our delight, composer Ben Prunty returns from FTL, and Subset Games also brought on Chris Avellone (Fallout 2, Planescape: Torment, Prey, and countless others) as a writer.

I'm expecting to die a lot in Into the Breach and have a grand old time doing so.

Subset Games [Twitter]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ftl-creator-s-tactical-mech-game-into-the-breach-hits-pc-this-month-486579.phtml

News:: Review: Middle-earth: Shadow of War - Blade of Galadriel

I hope that we're nearing the end of the tale that Monolith started to tell in 2014 with Shadow of Mordor and whatever is next is a clean slate. With a portion of the token DLC shipped we're nearing the finish line, and Talion's story has been squeezing blood from a stone.

The Elven assassin Eltariel is a little more interesting, but her add-on's narrative also fails at providing a sufficient reason for her to be there.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/review-middle-earth-shadow-of-war-blade-of-galadriel-486639.phtml