Apr 26, 2018 | Game ON news

Thursday, April 26, 2018

News:: John Wick Chapter 3 gets its first synopsis and promotional poster

Lionsgate dropped the first details for John Wick Chapter 3 at CinemaCon. The synopsis, which is more a summary of the end of Chapter 2, tells that John Wick will now be fighting his way out of New York City with a $14 million bounty on his head and without any of the Continental's help. He'll use what the synopsis refers to as the "service industry" to help make his violent escape.

They've also released a very boring promotional poster, which you can view below.

John Wick Chapter 3 gets its first synopsis and promotional poster screenshot

News:: H1Z1 dev Daybreak Game Company has laid off staff

Daybreak Studios, developer behind the previously popular H1Z1, has confirmed that an undisclosed amount of staff have been let go from the company. The dev told PC Gamer in an e-mail, "We are realigning our workforce to better position our company for the future. Because of this, we have had to make an extremely difficult decision to part ways with some of our employees across various disciplines at the studio. We are doing everything we can to take care of each affected individual by providing them appropriate transition assistance."

This was followed up by an assurance that Daybreak will continue to support its currently available games and won't stop developing new IPs. While it isn't uncommon to see layoffs following the release of major triple A titles, H1Z1 had been a paid early-access title for years before eventually launching as a premium title. The shift to free-to-play came within a week of release, which certainly ticked off people who had been supporting the game for years.

While sad to see, I can't say I'm surprised. H1Z1 started a craze, but then failed to capitalize on the popularity it had. Players can only take so much before they move on, which probably hit Daybreak harder than most realize. Hopefully the people effected move on to something better.

H1Z1 publisher Daybreak Game Company cuts staff [PC Gamer]

H1Z1 dev Daybreak Game Company has laid off staff screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/h1z1-dev-daybreak-game-company-has-laid-off-staff-500502.phtml

News:: See the new Xenoblade Chronicles 2 T-elos and Poppibuster blades in action

Nintendo and Monolithsoft just announced that they're going to be adding two bits of DLC (one paid, one free) to Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in the form of extra blades -- T-elos Re and Poppibuster -- and now you can check them out in action in the videos below.

As a reference T-elos Re is the counterpart to the already included KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, and you'll nab her by finishing the campaign. The Poppibuster is basically an Iron Man Hulkbuster mech piloted by another Poppi robot, and will be included by way of the season pass.

All of this will be added in tomorrow when Xenoblade Chronicles 2 gets its 1.4.0 update. More content is still on the way, including an extra difficulty level and some more added tweaks. It's the game that keeps on giving.

See the new Xenoblade Chronicles 2 T-elos and Poppibuster blades in action screenshot

News:: Here's a list of songs removed in GTA IV's latest update

For those unaware, earlier in the month, Rockstar announced that a number of licensed songs within Grand Theft Auto IV's radio stations were going to be removed in a new update, due to the 10-year licensing agreement on them expiring.

Well, the update has officially gone live and over 50 tracks have been removed, with Vladivostok FM in particular almost being completely gutted. However, Rockstar has attempted to address this by adding a number of replacement tracks to that specific station in the new update.

Here's the full list of removed (and new) tracks:

Here's a list of songs removed in GTA IV's latest update screenshot

News:: Paramount announces that two new Star Trek films are in the works

Only last month we were all a little concerned that Paramount might be giving up on Star Trek after each film had seen diminishing returns, but it turns out they're not giving up, they're pulling a KFC and doubling down. At CinemaCon the studio announced that they not one, but two Star Trek films in the works.

We knew a bunch of treatments were bouncing around, including Quentin Tarantino's, but the idea that they'd be branching out the series into multiple films at once wasn't even an idea. This could mean that we get a Enterprise film starring our regular cast, and a universe expanding film starring some other crew and ship or aliens or something. That would be a new territory for Star Trek, which has, for the most part, kept its film series focused on one crew at the time.

There's really not anymore details right now, but for Trek fans who thought the franchise might be going to cinematic bed once again this is huge news.

Paramount: Two More STAR TREK Movies in the Works [Trek Core]

Paramount announces that two new Star Trek films are in the works screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/paramount-announces-that-two-new-star-trek-films-are-in-the-works-500455.phtml

News:: Can an esport succeed with a game nobody is playing?

Caesar's Entertainment Studios in Las Vegas hides in plain sight. Just off the main strip where the entire human history of excess and wealth, from the orgies of ancient Rome to the Wall Street decadence of New York City, are recreated and celebrated by throngs of thong-footed tourists, it stands a simple building. Among the liquor stores and chain motels I’m sure have the saddest little slot machines in the lobby, this warehouse is ground zero for what Caesars, Twin Galaxies, Facebook, and 3-Time NBA champion Rick Fox are hoping will be the next great thing in esports: the H1Z1 Pro League.

“I strongly believe battle royale is the next biggest gaming genre by far. We’ve seen all these different, wonderful takes on the genre, and that’s exciting, but H1Z1, at the moment, is really the most digestible, easily understandable expression of the battle royal genre and I think it can continue to lead the growth of the entire industry. H1Z1 was effectively first and now it’s effectively first with the Pro League.”

Those are the words of Jace Hall, owner of Twin Galaxies and the H1PL [H1Z1 Pro League] spokesperson for the inaugural weekend. Hall is no stranger to the industry. Before buying Twin Galaxies he served as the general manager of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, started his own video game talk show with The Jace Hall Show, produced 800 episodes of Hulu’s The Morning After, and released a rap album titled Video Games Aren’t Bad for You.

Hall purchased Twin Galaxies in 2014. What originally started as a way to track video game world records is morphing into something entirely new. The H1PL is set to be the first of what could be many pro gaming leagues run by Hall and Twin Galaxies. There are obvious plans for more. He’s already in contact with other publishers and developers, eyeing something far larger than the foundation the H1PL will set. But can you effectively build an esports league on the back of a game nobody cares about?

Can an esport succeed with a game nobody is playing? screenshot

News:: Even more original Xbox games have come to Xbox One

Following that recent batch of Xbox games headed to Xbox One including Morrowind, Jade Empire, and Conker: Live & Reloaded, Microsoft has rolled out another wave of backward-compatible titles.

Starting today, you'll be able to play these games on Xbox One:

Destroy All Humans!
Full Spectrum Warrior
Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction
MX Unleashed
Panzer Elite Action: Fields of Glory
Star Wars Battlefront
Star Wars Battlefront II
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

That lineup should last us a while, but the recent work Microsoft has put into bringing these games up to date just has me thinking of everything else I'd like to see eventually make it onto the BC list.

Jet Set Radio Future, Burnout 3: Takedown, SSX Tricky... the list goes on.

Major Nelson [Twitter]

Even more original Xbox games have come to Xbox One screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/even-more-original-xbox-games-have-come-to-xbox-one-500494.phtml

News:: Paramount is giving us another A Quiet Place

A Quiet Place, a cool movie and massive commercial success, will be getting a sequel, as Paramount announced at CinemaCon. The movie made $213 million against a $17 million budget, so a sequel was inevitable. Hell, ten sequels are probably inevitable for that kind of mega-millions. And the original screenwriters, Bryan Woods and Scott Beck are on board, saying that they have plenty of extra material.

I do have to wonder what kind of material that is, though.

Paramount is giving us another A Quiet Place screenshot

News:: Wirecutter's best deals: Get Samsung's Level On wireless headphones for $50

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/wirecutters-best-deals-samsung-level-on-wireless-headphones/

News:: Quake Champions' April update launches alongside free-to-play trial

Shortly after being announced, Quake Champions was slated to be a free-to-play game at some point. While that time hasn't quite arrive, Bethesda is going to be demoing the free option this weekend. This limited run version is to test out how the transition will affect servers when it launches later this year. PC Gamer and MMORPG.com will be handing out keys over the weekend that will grant permanent access to the free version, for the time being.

Along with that, Champions' April update will also introduce the "Strogg" character from Quake II. Quake III's amazing plasma gun is making a return while a brand new Cthala-themed map will be added into the rotation for all game modes. The April update also brings daily rewards and a brand new UI, which should be useful for jumping into matches quicker.

Quake Champions' April update launches alongside free-to-play trial screenshot

News:: Review: Agatha Knife

Most games present a problem and offer up a set of tools as a means to solve said issues. More often than not, it involves weapons or fisticuffs or some other form of good, old-fashioned violence to make everything go away.

I think this is the first time one has ever had me create my own religion to cure what ails me.

Review: Agatha Knife screenshot

News:: Nendoroid Kratos will be great at silently judging you from your desk

Kratos is now a Nendoroid figure and I feel like his eyes are piercing through my soul.

Good Smile Company has opened pre-orders for Nendoroid Kratos right here, with an expected October 2018 release. He comes with a shield and his trusty Leviathan Axe, which can be affixed to his back, just like in God of War. I spent a silly amount of time marveling at that animation in the game.

If you're interested in this figure, it's 4,500 yen (~$41) and you have until May 23 to pre-order.

Nendoroid Kratos will be great at silently judging you from your desk screenshot

News:: New Final Fantasy XIV items allow for the perfect Sora cosplay

Square Enix has been somewhat aggressively pursuing premium cosmetics in Final Fantasy XIV, a playbook they took directly from Blizzard's World of Warcraft, and some of them have been pretty ace.

The newest set to hit the block is the "Nezha" line, which involves clothes for lords and ladies, as well as a goofy looking flying chariot mount that turns you into Axel from Twisted Metal, and a cute Nezha Chocobo barding. It also allows for an amazing Sora Kingdom Hearts cosplay, as seen from player Aeduken.

In case you were wondering the boots are the Tidus outfit "Abes Boots," and the pants are the new Nezha attire. The 50 additional zippers and chains required to make this outfit even more authentic are sold separately.

Sora glamour with the new mogstation outfit! [Reddit]

New Final Fantasy XIV items allow for the perfect Sora cosplay screenshot

News:: Import Review: Super Robot Wars V

Picture this: an enormous purple and green giant stares down a black titan, its pilot intent on putting a stop to the rampage in the middle of a city. With a bestial cry, the out-of-control machine leaps at the defender, pinning it down as it ferociously tears into it, oil spraying in all directions. However, it is not enough to defeat the guardian, who is left with a sliver of health. Flying towards his assailant, the pilot calls upon the power of the almighty Zeus to defeat his foe. Proudly proclaiming the power it now has, the machine changes, becoming a divine golden fist. With everything it has, and a triumphant cry of "Big Bang Punch!", Mazinger Z slams into the Evangelion, quickly raising it into the atmosphere with a giant explosion, ending its rampage once and for all.

Welcome to Super Robot Wars V, where that's only a taste of the crossover fun within.

Import Review: Super Robot Wars V screenshot

News:: Breath of the Wild takes the throne as the top-selling Zelda game

Some fun sales tidbits made it out of Nintendo overnight as the company released its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2018, from raised Switch sale expectations to Super Mario Odyssey clearing 10 million copies sold to the SNES Classic moving 5.28 million units. Here's another one to note: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the top-selling Zelda game.

Nintendo has reported 8.48 million sales for Breath of the Wild on the Switch, and there's also the Wii U version to think about, which brings an additional 1.5 million sales. That total beats out Twilight Princess' combined 8.85 million sales across the GameCube and Wii. (The conversation gets a little trickier when you take Ocarina of Time and its various incarnations into consideration.)

On Switch, Breath of the Wild is surpassed by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (9.22 million) and Super Mario Odyssey (10.41 million), but still -- heck of a payoff for a beloved series that took deliberate risks.

Breath of the Wild takes the throne as the top-selling Zelda game screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/breath-of-the-wild-takes-the-throne-as-the-top-selling-zelda-game-500474.phtml

News:: Four new weapons have been added to Splatoon 2

A selection of four new weapons have been added to the arsenal of Nintendo Switch shooter Splatoon 2. As part of the game's Version 3.0 update, which hit earlier this week, it is expected that new ink shooters will now come in monthly batches, replacing the usual weekly weapon.

The first wave of weapons, which are live in the game right now, consists of the following:

Four new weapons have been added to Splatoon 2 screenshot

News:: Arcade classic '10-Yard Fight' is the Switch's first football game

Nintendo has been keen to capitalize on nostalgia, however, its latest attempt has us scratching our heads. Next week the Switch will have a football game to call its own, but rather than, say, a classic Madden, Mutant League Football from EA or Tecmo Bowl, we're getting 10-Yard Fight for $7.99. The game originally appeared on the NES back in 1985, a two-year delay after its arcade debut.

Source: Polygon

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/10-yard-fight-nintendo-switch/

News:: Nintendo updates its projections, seeks to sell 20 million Switch units by March 2019

Nintendo had a pretty good year. They went from the miry haze of apathy with the Wii U, an endearing blunder, to the explosive excitement of the Switch. What was once a time of uncertainty is now a proving ground, as anyone and everything now wants a piece of the Switch. In just under a year they managed to beat out the Wii U's lifetime sales, an impressive feat.

Now, the company is gearing up to take down 2018. Just this week at the end of their fiscal year they've announced their intentions to push 20 million units by the end of March 2019. They're almost at 20 million worldwide right now, so that's basically double what they've already done, putting them at approximately 40 million sold by March 2019.

At 40 million, Nintendo would be cracking the top 14 all-time best-selling console list, coming in right above the Nintendo 64's 32.94 million and SNES' 49.10 million.

Consolidated Financial Statements [Nintendo]

Nintendo updates its projections, seeks to sell 20 million Switch units by March 2019 screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-updates-its-projections-seeks-to-sell-20-million-switch-units-by-march-2019-500444.phtml

News:: Microsoft shuts down a 'Halo Online' fan mod

Microsoft takes copyright violations as seriously as Nintendo does, it'd seem. The Xbox-maker has requested that a fan-made version of Halo Online stop production. Microsoft canned the Russia-only, free-to-play Halo Online back in 2016. From the sounds of it, things like textures and asset packs from the game made their way to the internet, where the "ElDewrito" team found and used them in their fan-made resurrection of the game.

Via: Gamasutra

Source: ElDewrito, 343 Inudstries

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/microsoft-shut-down-halo-online-eldewrito/

News:: Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima to retire in June, Satoru Shibata steps down as head of Nintendo Europe

Nintendo has announced that their current President and Representative Director, Tatsumi Kimishima, is to retire from his role at the head of the Japanese industry giant on June 28.

Kimishima, 68, is the fifth Nintendo President, having stepped into the role following the passing of Satoru Iwata in 2015. Kimishima joined Nintendo as the Chief Financial Officer of the Pokemon division, eventually rising to President of Pokemon USA in 2001. In the following years, Kimishima would be promoted within Nintendo itself, becoming Chairman of the Board, then Managing Director, before finally taking on the Presidential position.

Kimishima is to be succeeded by 46-year-old Shuntaro Furukawa. Furukawa currently holds multiple positions at Nintendo, having been with the company for almost 25 years. Already a Director and Managing General Officer, Furukawa is also the General Manager of corporate planning and the supervisor of the corporate analysis and administration division.

In other personnel news it was announced that the President of Nintendo Europe, Sotaru Shibata, has also decided to take leave of his position. Shibata, who has made regular appearances on Nintendo Direct streams and headed up the European division since 2000, is expected to take a new position in Japan on the company's board of directors.

Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima to retire in June, Satoru Shibata steps down as head of Nintendo Europe screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-president-tatsumi-kimishima-to-retire-in-june-satoru-shibata-steps-down-as-head-of-nintendo-europe-500425.phtml

News:: Set TV guarantees they won't get in trouble from the Amazon/Netflix lawsuit

Set TV sounds too good to be true, and it turns out it is. They offer a cable alternative where a measly $20 a month gets the user over 500 channels, including premium services such as HBO. Not only does that sound like a bargain, but they promote the ability to watch movies that are still in theaters. Nothing shady here, nothing at all.

While the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are generally seen as competitors, there is a coalition binding Hollywood creatives against the common foe of piracy. The enemy of my enemy and all that. The coalition, dubbed ACE (Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment), filed the lawsuit at the end of last week against the subscription service and are seeking $150,000 per copyright infringement. It's probably a safe bet that Set TV wouldn't be able to avoid bankruptcy if found at fault, but a quick conversation with one of their customer support reps reveals they fear no repercussions.

Set TV guarantees they won't get in trouble from the Amazon/Netflix lawsuit screenshot

News:: Nintendo Labo review: A labor of love

Over the last week, I've spent more than 20 hours folding and assembling cardboard, and I've learned a few things. One: You don't want to follow exactly in my footsteps. And two: Nintendo's Labo is ingenious. It's something few other companies could have produced and turns the Switch into so much more than a game console: With Labo, it's an engine powering a whole new world of DIY creations. The only downside? Building Labo kits can be a pretty huge time sink. But for some, that might be a good thing.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/nintendo-labo-review/

News:: Nintendo Download: Jotun: Valhalla Edition

The Switch is on a rampage yet again to dump a billion indie games on the eShop -- can it hold all these games? We'll find out!

This week Jotun: Valhalla Edition hits the platform, as well as Light Fall, 12 orbits, A Robot Named Fight, NeoGeo Ghost Pilots, NeoGeo Stakes Winner, Agatha Knife, Another Lost Phone: Laura's Story, Aqua Moto Racing Utopia, Arcade Archives 10-Yard Fight, Bouncy Bob, DragoDino, Galive: Brick Breaker, Goetia, Hello Kitty Kruisers, KORG Gadget for Switch, Late Shift, Ninja Striker!, Saturday Morning RPG, Save the Ninja Clan, Sky Rogue, Snow Moto Racing Freedom, Sparkle Zero, and Super Saurio Fly. The Wii U is getting Unalive.

Nintendo Download: Jotun: Valhalla Edition screenshot

News:: The next Adventure Time game is open world, coming in July with a Switch release

We knew that Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion existed, but thanks to a new trailer from developer Outright Games, we have a better idea of what it looks like and how it plays.

The idea is that you're free to explore the game's Land of Ooo realm from the series as four characters (Marceline, Finn, Jake, BMO) as you partake in combat and exploration. Pirates promises some form of progression system along with on-brand humor and charm, a lofty goal for a franchise that's really lacking when it comes to many of its gaming adaptations for the past decade or so.

Maybe this'll be different, but for now, I'm cautious. Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion will arrive on July 17 on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.

The next Adventure Time game is open world, coming in July with a Switch release screenshot

News:: Atlus show off Persona Dancing title's Persona 4 Arena and Catherine crossover content

In the latest issue of Famitsu, Atlus shared images of more (yes, even more) DLC content headed for the upcoming Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night.

We get to see two new characters that will be available for purchase post-release; Sho Minazuki and Labrys, both of whom appeared in fighting game Persona 4 Arena. These characters will be available to download for either dance title. Currently, I'm unable to ascertain whether purchasing the DLC for one game will carry over to the other. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part.

Alongside the new characters, we also get to see a selection of new DLC costumes. Certain characters across both games will get outfits based on Persona 4 Arena, whilst the Phantom Thieves of Persona 5 get gear paying homage to twisted puzzler Catherine, including an fun sheep onesie for Morgana.

You can check out all the new content in the scans below. Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night are both set for release in Japan May 24 on PS4 and PS Vita.

Persona 3 and Persona 5 Dancing scans feature Labrys and Sho [Persona Central]

Atlus show off Persona Dancing title's Persona 4 Arena and Catherine crossover content screenshot

News:: Super Mario Odyssey hits 10 million sold, beats Zelda sales on Switch

While major Zelda games take an eon to make, you can always count on Mario to grace your system in some fashion as often as he possibly can. Whether it's by way of some sports or racing iteration or in 2D or 3D form the little plumber is always ready and willing to boost up any system, and it's significantly puffed up the Switch these past few months.

Nintendo is reporting in their Fiscal Year End report that Super Mario Odyssey hit 10 million units sold -- or 10.41 to be exact. That's just on Switch alone as it was indeed an exclusive, which is super impressive for a newer piece of hardware.

As Nintendo has revealed, this makes it the current number one-seller on Switch, beating out the second-place Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's 9.22 million (see, Mario again!). 10 more Mario games it is!

Earnings Release [Nintendo]

Super Mario Odyssey hits 10 million sold, beats Zelda sales on Switch screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/super-mario-odyssey-hits-10-million-sold-beats-zelda-sales-on-switch-500433.phtml

News:: Blendo Games announces Flotilla 2, coming to VR this Summer

Blendo Games has been one of the pioneers of storytelling in gaming for the better part of a decade. Blendo's games range from "walking-simulators" all the way up to action-based hackers. Blendo have an unmistakable air of confidence, exuding the perfect amount of cinematic influence while still using the video game medium to their advantage.

Blendo Games announces Flotilla 2, coming to VR this Summer screenshot

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Thursday, April 26, 2018