Feb 9, 2018 | Game ON news

Friday, February 9, 2018

News:: Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite won't be present at the Capcom Pro Tour

After being rejected for EVO 2018, you'd think Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite would avoid more headlines about exclusions from tournaments. Turns out that isn't the case. As reported by Kotaku, MvC: I won't be present at the Capcom Pro Tour, otherwise known as Capcom's own serious tournament for fighting games.

As pointed out in the Kotaku report, MvC: I was also not present at last year's Capcom Pro Tour, but this was due to releasing too late for inclusion. This year, it just seems like Capcom is moving on from the game. Capcom reps didn't have much to share, saying that the company is focusing on Street Fighter V's recent Arcade Edition and third season of characters at the moment.

While I've only played the demo for Infinite, I can't say I'm surprised. The game seems like a rushed attempt to capitalize on Marvel buzz following the success of the films. With more polish and attention to detail (not to mention a year delay to possibly incorporate X-Men), I feel like fans would be more on board with Infinite. As it stands, it looks like even Capcom doesn't care anymore.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite Won’t Be On The Capcom Pro Tour [Kotaku]

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite won't be present at the Capcom Pro Tour screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-won-t-be-present-at-the-capcom-pro-tour-487086.phtml

News:: Child's Play television show in development from series creator

Don Mancini, the creator of the original Child's Play is currently working to develop a TV show based on the franchise. He hopes that by invoking the Child's Play moniker for the series, he'll signal that the show is going to be "darker than ever before and very creepy."

The show is not, however, going to be a reboot of the material and will continue the canon of the seven film series. Maybe this will help, as I'm finding eight solid hours of Chucky hard to keep going.

Child's Play television show in development from series creator screenshot

News:: Doom's audio issues on Switch will be fixed soon

The Nintendo Switch version of Doom is an admirable effort, to be sure, but the port is not without its issues. One of the more annoying problems is that the audio can glitch out from time to time, as shown here. It's the type of thing you could probably learn to deal with if you already bought the game, but it's also pesky enough to put off new players (especially since Doom still runs a full $60 on Switch).

If you've been waiting for some of these kinks to be ironed out, it shouldn't take much longer.

We’ll be releasing an upcoming patch for #DOOM on #NintendoSwitch this month. We’ll provide full patch notes – covering audio issues, menu fixes, and more – as we get closer to release. pic.twitter.com/0YyJ9OTqzK
— DOOM (@DOOM) February 9, 2018

Normally I'd want to wait until the specifics are out there, but in the case of Doom, I know folks were starting to wonder if an update was still on the way. It is! And hopefully it's effective.

Doom [Twitter]

Doom's audio issues on Switch will be fixed soon screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/doom-s-audio-issues-on-switch-will-be-fixed-soon-487075.phtml

News:: Comments of the Week 36: Puppy Love

As everyone back in the quickposts may have noticed, my wife and I recently got a new puppy. New year, new me that likes dogs, and all that. Of course, that hasn't stopped me from wagging through all of your comments to pick out the most well-behaved ones to adopt for this Comments of the Week.

Let's go!

Comments of the Week 36: Puppy Love screenshot

News:: More evidence points to South Park: The Fractured but Whole coming to Switch

Like a cop's revelation that a right hand could actually be a left hand turned around, we're a little closer to solving South Park's latest mystery. While Ubisoft's still mum, a second retailer leak all but confirms that The Fractured but Whole is coming to Nintendo Switch at some point.

Amazon Mexico is the most recent premature listing, as spotted by a ResetEra forum user. A product page went live for the Switch version and the release date changed from February 13 to a placeholder December 31. Since then, the listing has been updated to The Stick of Truth on Xbox One, likely to cover up the mistake.

This one feels like all but a done deal. Now we just sit back and wait for the official announcement.

Amazon Mexico lists South Park: The Fractured but Whole for Nintendo Switch [ResetEra]

More evidence points to South Park: The Fractured but Whole coming to Switch screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/more-evidence-points-to-south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-coming-to-switch-487071.phtml

News:: Epic is adding a 60 FPS option to Fortnite Battle Royale on consoles

Epic has run through some of its update plans for Fortnite Battle Royale and one note in particular stands out: the game is getting a 60 frames-per-second mode later this month. It'll be available not just on Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro, but on the base consoles, too. The setting is "tuned for each console to maximize frame rate while minimizing loss of visual quality," according to the studio.

Beyond that much-appreciated feature, the developers also plan to improve load times, add servers, address server stability issues (Fornite Battle Royale recently hit 3.4 million concurrent players), and tweak matchmaking in hopes of "creating matches with a more balanced distribution of skill."

As you'd expect, new cosmetics are also on the way, with the art team now trending toward "more adventurous items." Fortnite Battle Royale will get new weapons and consumables too, and to make room, Epic will begin putting certain weapons in the Vault. First up is the SMG, which will leave the game next week. These sorts of vaulted items "may or may not return" down the road.

Those are the highlights, but if you're an ardent FBR player, you'll probably want to skim the full post.

Fortnite Battle Royale State of Development V4 [Fortnite]

Epic is adding a 60 FPS option to Fortnite Battle Royale on consoles screenshot

News:: The Shadow of the Colossus remake's greatest mystery has been solved

Among all the enhancements and overhauls that were a part of the Shadow of the Colossus remake, there was one fairly substantial secret addition. There's a new collectible, something that fans have taken to calling "enlightenments" or simple "gold coins." There are 79 of them sprinkled throughout the world, and getting near one will cause a chime to play through your DualShock 4 controller.

We're a mere couple of days after the remake's release, and people have already figured out the purpose the enlightenments serve. Nabbing all of them will activate a secret door that leads to the bottom of the Shrine of Worship. A new items awaits down there -- the Sword of Dormin, which is a powerful damage-dealer but reduces health regeneration.

For anyone unwilling to wander the land to find all of these, PS4Trophies has done the dirty work in a stream that lasted nearly three hours. The video embedded below starts right at the sweet spot, just seconds before they discover the new door. And with that, the remake's greatest mystery has been put to rest (unless there's something even more enigmatic out there).

The Shadow of the Colossus remake's greatest mystery has been solved screenshot

News:: Dragon Quest Builders is just as delightful on Switch

I was skeptical of Dragon Quest Builders when it was first announced, but Square Enix's take on the sandbox genre ended up hitting the mark. It's not just Minecraft through the lens of Dragon Quest as some initially feared -- there's a proper RPG story nestled in here. The game feels surprisingly heartfelt.

I played and liked Builders on PlayStation 4 back in 2016, but never finished it. Other games got in the way. With the Nintendo Switch version, that shouldn't be an issue. Dragon Quest Builders meshes perfectly with the Switch's portability and it looks and runs about as well as I would've hoped.

Dragon Quest Builders is just as delightful on Switch screenshot

News:: New Persona Dancing trailers showcase Ryuji and Yukari

Atlus are starting a series of character trailers to build hype for upcoming rhythm-action titles Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night, coming to the PS4 and PS Vita in Japan.

The first two trailers in the series feature P5's hot-headed track star Ryuji Sakamoto and P3's cheerful archer Yukari Takeba, busting a move. I'm always impressed with the slick movement in these games, and Ryuji's artwork absolutely nails the "point downward with two fingers" stance that white guys love to take when Doing the Hip-Hop.

Both characters hook up with a buddy during their respective videos, with emotional artist Yusuke joining Ryuji on the dance floor, whilst Fuuka teams up with Yukari to trip the light fantastic.

Persona 3 Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night are scheduled for launch in Japan on May 24, for PS4 and PS Vita. There is yet to be any announcement of a Western localisation.

New Persona Dancing trailers showcase Ryuji and Yukari screenshot

News:: Monster Hunter: World is Capcom's fastest title to ship six million units

Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter: World has become the fastest shipping title to hit six million units in Capcom's history. After breaking a series record for shipping five million units in three days, World is now closing in on becoming one of Capcom's best selling games of all time. While that gets a bit messy with the 724 versions of Street Fighter II, there is a very real chance that World might outsell everything the company has previously put out.

I'm eager to see how many more sales will come in thanks to the PC version. A lot of niche Japanese titles have taken on new life thanks to PC ports, so I have a feeling Monster Hunter will blow up when it finally hits Steam in the fall. I know I'm definitely going to jump in then.

Monster Hunter: World Ships 6 Million Units! [CapcomIR]

Monster Hunter: World is Capcom's fastest title to ship six million units screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/monster-hunter-world-is-capcom-s-fastest-title-to-ship-six-million-units-487015.phtml

News:: Review: Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Freed is the final chapter in a franchise that has been solemnly focused on one thing. No, not the bondage or the S&M, though those do play a crucial role in dressing up (or stripping down) the focal-point of this series. Really, Fifty Shades has always been about the fantasy. A handsome billionaire introducing an unremarkable girl to a world of unlimited possibilities is a powerful escape into la la land. Give that billionaire a brooding, dominating personality, and a passion for sexual play to match it, and you’ve got a fantasy that is at the same time lavish and dangerous. It’s no wonder that so many people have been sucked into it.

It’s important to realize that, while this is a powerful escapist fiction, it does not necessarily translate into a good movie. After all, a fantasy can begin and end whenever you want, comforting you when times are bleak, or when you just need to shed the baggage of modern life. Movies have to be entertaining for two hours, not just when it suits the movie to be so. In this sense, Fifty Shades Freed fails as a movie. The plot is threadbare, bordering on nonexistent, and there’s a distinct lack of interesting characters and moments that make this outing feel like a hazy daydream rather than a real story. It’s pure fantasy, and not particularly well-written fantasy either.

Review: Fifty Shades Freed screenshot

News:: Razer suspends 'Paid to Play' rewards over negative feedback

Last March, Razer put forth a way to earn points that could be redeemed for the company's peripherals like keyboards and mice. All you needed to do was to launch games via Razer's Cortex desktop software and play up to five hours of eligible games each day. Unfortunately, this "Paid to Play" initiative is now at an end, at least temporarily. Razer will suspend the program beginning on March 1, based on what the company calls negative feedback from the community.

Source: Razer

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/09/razer-suspends-paid-to-play-rewards/

News:: Dragon Ball FighterZ producer entering EVO 2018 as competitor

We learned this week that Namco Bandai's Dragon Ball FighterZ has made the cut for the EVO 2018 tournament, which takes place in Las Vegas this Summer. Lots of new contenders are expected to show up for the game's first major, and it seems one of the Namco's producers, Tomoko Hiroki, is also swept up in the hype.

On a video uploaded to Namco Bandai's Youtube account, Hiroki thanks fans for supporting the tag-team anime fighter, before apparently announcing that she will be competing at EVO 2018 herself. Hiroki also busts out a Vegeta-style fist-bump and signs of with Goku's trademark "See ya!" salute.

It's a fun bit of PR, as generally developers, directors and other employees rarely step up to the plate on their own games. Even pro-players who end up joining studios usually leave the brawlin' behind. Rule Lawyers are already questioning whether Tomiko should be allowed to enter due to her position as Producer, but as she works for the publisher, rather than developers Arc System Works, everything should be copacetic.

Besides, it's just larks, right?

EVO 2018 takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas from August 3-5.

Dragon Ball FighterZ producer entering EVO 2018 as competitor screenshot

News:: Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is getting a physical release on Switch/PS4

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, spiritual successor to the Wonder Boy series, will be getting a physical release on Switch and PS4 in North America when it launches. FDG Entertainment announced the news on Twitter, saying it has teamed up with Sega to get the game to retail shelves for the summer. Better is that you won't need to wait to play the game; it will be shipping day and date with the digital release (which still doesn't have a firm release date...).

Sadly, our European brethren will not be getting a physical release. This has to do with some complicated chain of supply that FDG couldn't settle. The game will still be coming digitally, though, so at least you'll be able to play it.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is getting a physical release on Switch/PS4 screenshot

News:: The Custom Goo Tuber coming to Splatoon 2 this weekend

This weekend sees an all-new weapon arrive in Nintendo's arena-shooter Splatoon 2, as the Custom Goo Tuber is set to become a part of the game's arsenal tonight.

The Goo Tuber is a medium-range weapon of the Charger class. It kind of reminds me of those hand-held jet-wash tools your dad never let you use, rightly predicting that you'd just piss about with it.

While the Goo Tuber takes longer to charge than most weapons of its class, it can hold that charge for much longer, waiting for some poor sod to come stumbling around the corner and into its path.The new Custom variant of the weapon comes equipped with a Curling Bomb sub and an Inkjet special. The Custom Goo Tuber goes live this evening in America, with Japan and Europe to follow early tomorrow.

This weekend also sees Europe's first Splatfest of 2018, as Team Disgusting and Team Delicious battle over the Earth-shattering question of whether you like gherkins in your burger. Good luck, Squid-kids!

The Custom Goo Tuber coming to Splatoon 2 this weekend screenshot

News:: 'The Red Strings Club' explores the morality of transhumanism

If you had the ability to turn off all the negative emotions in your mind -- depression, anxiety, rage -- would you do it? Would you eagerly implant a device in your body that eliminates these feelings, or would you pause and consider the consequences? Without anxiety, would your drive to succeed stagnate? Without rage, would your body be primed to fight or flee in a sticky situation? Without depression, would you appreciate joy?

Think about it for a moment. We'll wait.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/09/red-strings-club-transhumanism-morality-gods-will-be-watching/

News:: 'The Red Strings Club' explores the morality of transhumanism

Think about it for a moment. We'll wait.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/09/red-strings-club-transhumanism-morality-gods-will-be-watching/

News:: Legend of Kay Anniversary Edition is coming to Switch

Legend of Kay arrived around the time when mascot platformers were dying off. 2005 wasn't quite the death-knell yet but it was close, and even at launch on PS2 it had a relatively muted response. Well it came back in 2015 on just about every previous and current-generation platform, and now it's making it way to Switch.

THQ has announced that sometime this year, Legend of Kay Anniversary Edition will arrive on Switch. It'll sport the same "high-resolution textures, new, more detailed character models, modern rendering techniques and crystal-clear surround sound" as the other anniversary releases, with the added portability of Nintendo's latest system.

As much as I love this adorable little subgenre, I think I had my fill of Kay.

Legend of Kay Anniversary Edition is coming to Switch screenshot

News:: New tech 'addictions' are mostly just old moral panic

The World Health Organization took an unprecedented step in January when it decided to include "gaming disorder" in its 11th International Classification of Diseases (IDC). Though doctors and researchers have examined the effects of heavy internet usage since the days when access arrived on AOL CDs, this marks the first time that the organization has listed this disorder as a mental health condition. Doing so could have far-reaching, and potentially negative, implications for how the disorder is diagnosed and treated.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/09/new-tech-addictions-are-mostly-just-old-moral-panic/

News:: German ratings board refuses classification for Gal*Gun 2

PQube have announced that their up and coming, erm, love-'em-up(?) sequel, Gal*Gun 2 has been refused classification in Germany, making it illegal for the game to be sold within the country's borders.

Gal*Gun 2 (ironically the fourth game in the series) is a rail shooter in which the player fires "pheromone arrows" at high school girls, making them fall madly in love with you. Along the way the player must also capture chibi-demons running rampant throughout the school. This is done via the use of a vacuum-type weapon, which also conveniently pulls off the clothing of any hapless Gal wandering into its line of fire. Subtle stuff.

PQube released a statement voicing their disappointment at the USK's decision: "We’ll always try to get games through classification regardless of the possibility of it being denied, as we feel that everyone should have the right and the access to play the games they want to play. It is our opinion that disliking the content in a piece of entertainment or art, and voicing that dislike, is totally fine and even encouraged, but denying that work the right to exist in a market based on personal opinions and prejudices, is something we strongly disagree with."

The statement also refers to an attempt to appeal the decision, that was ultimately overturned by the ratings board. "Given that Gal*Gun: Double Peace did receive classification in Germany, we’re doubly disappointed that we cannot bring the highly-anticipated title to our fans in Germany. However, we will have to accept and respect the decision of the USK."

There are no laws against importing the title into the country, so German gamers who want in on Gal*Gun 2's eyebrow-raising shenanigans will be able to order the game from elsewhere.

Gal*Gun 2 launches on PS4 and Switch on March 15 in Japan and April 27 in America and Europe.

German ratings board refuses classification for Gal*Gun 2 screenshot

News:: Review: Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory

A little over twenty years ago now, Digimon would hit the scene in the form of a spinoff series of Tamagotchi toys. Following their popularity would come an animated series, the combined success of which sent these digital monsters to new found heights. Heights that would include a film, with teenagers trying to prevent Japan from getting nuked again, and a plethora of video games. As great as the show was, it fell out of favor for me as I got older, and the Tamagotchi stuff never captured my interest to begin with.

The video games on the other hand, always kept me coming back. Whether it was the classic PlayStation Digimon World games that had you raising and growing your Digimon. Or the recent turn-based RPG action of Digimon Story: Cybersleuth, taking the series in a new, and somewhat more mature, direction with its storytelling, very much reminding me of the Persona series. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory continues this trend, introducing new gameplay mechanics, over 90 new Digimon, and the ability to transfer over your save file from the original Cyber Sleuth (including all your Digimon info, hours played, and evolution trees from that save file).

Hacker's Memory will come off feeling like a case of deja-vu for many that played the original game, but, it's a case of deja-vu I absolutely welcome.

Review: Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory screenshot

News:: Dragon's Crown Pro ventures West on May 15

Vanillaware's remaster of RPG brawler Dragon's Crown Pro is finally available on PS4 in Japan. Those of us in the West won't have too much longer to wait, as Atlus have announced that the epic adventure title will be hitting Europe and America on May 15.

Dragon's Crown Pro is a multiplayer brawler which encourages tactical play and stat-building. Players choose from a variety of highly-stylised characters and do battle with hundreds of monsters, undead warriors and gigantic bosses, all while greedily snatching up as much loot as possible. The PS4 release features a re-recorded score and crisp new 4K resolution. It also includes cross-save and cross-play with the original Dragon's Crown, released last generation on PS3 and PS Vita.

In related news, Vanillaware have launched Valentine's Day site, whereupon you can send the Knight or Sorceress of your dreams a fun, Dragon's Crown-themed Valentine's e-card. Aww.

Dragon's Crown Pro launches on PS4 in Europe and North America May 15, priced around $50. A "Battle-Hardened" edition has been confirmed for America, but there is unfortunately no sign of the "Royal Package" set that is available in Japan.

Dragon's Crown Pro ventures West on May 15 screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/dragon-s-crown-pro-ventures-west-on-may-15-486967.phtml

News:: It seems as if Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4

Rumors have been swirling as to who exactly is handling Metroid Prime 4, and Eurogamer seems to have the answer based on multiple sources. According to the outlet it's Bandai Namco Studios Singapore that's handling the Switch exclusive, not Retro Studios.

At the moment other than this report, all we have to go on is the logo. Nintendo really gave people the goods with their Switch announcements, tossing out a title screen for this and Pokemon Switch to create excitement for the fledgling system -- and it worked.

For reference, Retro Studios (a subsidiary of Nitnendo that is also handling the Donkey Kong Country series now) handled the original Metroid Prime trilogy. With Samus Returns handed off to Mercury Steam and Metroid Prime 4 likely given to Bandai Namco, all Metroid games are currently under the supervision of third parties.

Yes, Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4 [Eurogamer]

It seems as if Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4 screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/it-seems-as-if-bandai-namco-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4-487004.phtml

News:: Monster Hunter: World updates now live on PS4 and Xbox One

Capcom has sent out its first wave of updates for smash-hit adventure title Monster Hunter: World. The new patches, which should be good to go as you're reading this, update the PS4 version to 1.05 and the Xbox One edition to 1.0.0.10.

The update mostly pertains to bug fixes, with the PS4's "Lost Squad" error getting corrected. Unfortunately, this will mean all of those affected by said bug will have their squad data wiped, and will have to re-invite party members again. Players who were unable to claim the time-limited "5 Million Celebration Item Pack" should now be able to do so, and the pack will remain available until February 22.

It terms of balance changes, the Bowgun has been tweaked, with a nerf to Slicing Ammo and buffs given to Normal, Pierce and most Elemental Ammo in exchange. Xbox One matchmaking remains an issue, however, with the developer apologising for the delay in rolling out a fix.

The full notes can be read below:

Monster Hunter: World updates now live on PS4 and Xbox One screenshot

News:: Review: Break Arts II

What's cooler than the ability to pilot your very own mecha? That's easy: The ability to build your very own mecha (as well as pilot it).

Break Arts II, from indie Japanese studio MercuryStudio, takes that hook and runs it in an unusual direction. Much to the envy of 90% of Japanese mecha anime protagonists, players won't be forced to take their robots into battle.

That's right, they won't fight. They've just gotta go fast.

Review: Break Arts II screenshot

News:: Review: The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia

The Seven Deadly Sins is one of the most fun anime series in recent memory. An interesting, unique premise with great character design and a bouncy art style and fight choreography are all reasons the series succeeds in both manga and anime form. If only the series would have made as successful a jump to video games as it did to anime.

Unfortunately, the exuberance and fun of The Seven Deadly Sins is all but gone and there is nothing left in The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia but a stiff, terribly paced mess.

Review: The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia screenshot

News:: The Morning After: Buying a camera in 2018

Hey, good morning! It's Friday, and we're figuring out which cameras are worth buying this year, why Snap ditched its Spectacles and discovering that some iPhone source code has leaked into the wild.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/02/09/the-morning-after-buying-a-camera-in-2018/

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Friday, February 9, 2018