May 23, 2018 | Game ON news

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

News:: Wolfenstein II has alternate box art options on Switch

Alt box art options rock. A few AAA games have picked up the trend over the years and while it's not a big deal to some people, but as a collector I like the idea of swapping out box art you cant' stand to look at with something unique. Bethesda is the latest publisher to get on the box art train with Wolfenstein II on Switch.

Starting today you can grab three alternate box art sleeves for the Switch edition of the game, right at Bethesda's website. One is a recreation of a combat scene with hero B.J. Blazkowicz, and another is a piece of art you've probably seen adorned across a banner somewhere. The third is particular gruesome, with B.J. lopping off an unsuspecting foe's leg in stealth mode.

Display that one upright during family gatherings and it's sure to be a hit!

Wolfenstein [Twitter]

Wolfenstein II has alternate box art options on Switch screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/wolfenstein-ii-has-alternate-box-art-options-on-switch-504264.phtml

News:: Sony isn't ready to give up on portable gaming just yet

While the PlayStation Vita didn't exactly set the world alight, there still might be a future in portable gaming for Sony. Gaming division head John Kodera said, according to Bloomberg, that Sony is testing mobile gaming efforts, which he believes should be a part of PlayStation's overall strategy.

Source: Sony (PDF), Bloomberg

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/sony-portable-gaming-ps5/

News:: Death Road to Canada Switch sale ends today

[Spoilers for this past season of The Walking Dead.]

In terms of his moral development, Carl Grimes was pretty far along the day that his life ended. According to Kohlberg, the social contract stage is way above the punishment avoidance stage when it comes to psychological sophistication and maturity.

In short, if doing something for someone else requires more of your humanity than purer survival instincts do. While his father, Rick, was working hard on plan to keep himself alive, Carl was out in the wood's helping a stranger, and that's when he got bit.

At first I thought this was an unlikely turn of events. After all, Carl had grown up in the zombie apocalypse. He was smart and experienced, to the point of being practically grizzled. After all he's been through, what are the chances that a small zombie ambush would take him out?

If my experience with Death Road to Canada is any indication, the answer is "very good". Most of my deaths in the game came a long after I had become stronger, wiser, but most of all, over-confident. Familiarity breeds comfort, and comfort can inspire unnecessary risks. In other words, when you think your life is in danger, you work hard to stay safe, greatly increasing your chances of survival. When you are a 18-year-old kid, totally sure of self, you're a lot more likely to feel invincible, and that feeling may get you killed.

But who wouldn't feel invincible with Mjonir - Thor's legendary magic hammer - flying through the air at your command, tearing through hordes of undead cannibals like a hot knife through butter?

Death Road to Canada Switch sale ends today screenshot

News:: Acer's Predator Helios 500 gaming laptop is a Core i9 powerhouse

It wouldn't be an Acer launch event without high-powered gaming PCs in the mix, and this year is no exception. The company is kicking things off with the Predator Helios 500, a 17.3-inch brute of a laptop with up to an overclockable Core i9 chip (with or without speedy Optane memory), overclockable GeForce GTX 1070 graphics and either a 1080p 144Hz screen or a 4K panel. You can load up to 64GB of RAM and either 1TB of SSD storage or a 2TB spinning drive. As always, this kind of portable speed won't come cheap: the Helios 500 shows up in June starting at $1,999.

Source: Acer

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/acer-predator-helios-500-and-gaming-desktops/

News:: Leisure Suit Larry making his ill-advised return in new PC adventure

A Steam listing that appeared, disappeared and then re-appeared, boldly announces that gaming's sleaziest lounge-lizard, Leisure Suit Larry, is getting an all-new point-and-click adventure.

The new game, titled Wet Dreams Don't Dry (like D4, y'see?) is being developed by German studio CrazyBunch and will see Larry bumble his way through the modern world of dating. Already allusions have been made to the cream-suited bellend coming face to face with elements such as smartphones, "Instacrap" and popular dating app "Timber". Take a shot every time someone makes a "Millenials" joke in this one, I reckon.

I remember playing the LSL games on the Amiga back in the day as a kid. This was more out of curiosity because they felt "naughty". They weren't exactly great games then and I'm really not sure what Larry's place in modern gaming is today. It will be interesting to see if Wet Dreams sees success, or whether Laffer's latest adventure proves to be another in a long line of poor efforts to rejuvenate the franchise, lest we forget 2004's Magna cum Laude or the abominable PS3 release, Box Office Bust.

Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Don't Dry launches on PC late in 2018.

Leisure Suit Larry making his ill-advised return in new PC adventure screenshot

News:: SMT: Strange Journey Redux video review and free demon passwords!

Over the past week or so, I decided to go on a strange journey down the Shin Megami hole. It's dark, full of demons, and everyone down there speaks Japanese. But, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is easily some of the best dungeon crawling you'll do down in said hole.

Now that I'm back above ground, I've decided to share a bunch of demon passwords from the many fusion accidents I've had. So, if you're playing Strange Journey now (or plan on playing it in the future), be sure to check those out down below to get some decently powerful demons for early on. Also, while you're doing that, check out our video review!

SMT: Strange Journey Redux video review and free demon passwords! screenshot

News:: As it turns out Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 will have a new story mode

Some people criticize Capcom for farming nostalgia, putting up classics of yesteryear in a compilation with little to no extras to show for it. I guess it depends on what you're looking for in a compilation, but Capcom is seemingly going the extra mile for Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 when it's released in July on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.

We already knew about the rad new "X Challenge" mode that showcases bosses from several different eras of the series, but according to Famitsu, X Challenge will also sport its own story mode. Now we don't know what that will entail, and whether or not the "story" will be told through a few quick dialogue boxes, but the rumor is it'll feature a new armor type never seen before in the X franchise.

So far Duff McWhalen, The Skiver, Commander Yammark, and Blizzard Wolfang are confirmed for "X Challenge 1," and nothing is confirmed yet for "X Challenge 2." Yes, each X Collection entry will have its own challenge mode.

Mega Man X Legacy [Famitsu via Rockman Corner]

As it turns out Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2 will have a new story mode screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/as-it-turns-out-mega-man-x-legacy-collection-1-2-will-have-a-new-story-mode-504263.phtml

News:: The SCUF Vantage Performance Controller for PS4 could be the answer to the Xbox One Elite Controller

For years within the competitive console FPS gaming scene, unless you were a master of the claw grip, customizable controllers were simply the best answer for quick and easy grenade throws or crouch jumping while still keeping your thumbs on the analog sticks. Or more specifically, the programmable paddles behind them.

Having that ability made a world of difference for trick shots, or could be the deciding factor in a quick gunfight. Then, with the introduction of the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller in recent years, third-party controller manufacturers have been trying to mimic that concept of a premium pro controller on PS4 ever since (usually at a cheaper price and with very mixed results).

The SCUF Vantage Performance Controller for PS4 could be the answer to the Xbox One Elite Controller screenshot

News:: Watchmen HBO series to be 'New Testament' version

In a bizarrely written statement, Damon Lindelof, show runner for the upcoming HBO Watchmen series, stated that this isn't going to be the Watchmen we're used to.

On why he won't cover the beats of the original, Lindelof explained that, "Those issues are sacred ground and will not be retread nor recreated nor reproduced nor rebooted." Then, he quickly moved to muddy that statement by saying, "They will however be remixed. Because the bass lines in those familiar tracks are just too good and we’d be fools not to sample them. Those original twelve issues are our Old Testament. When the New Testament came along it did not erase what came before it. Creation. The Garden of Eden. Abraham and Isaac. The Flood. It all happened. And so it will be with Watchmen. The Comedian died. Dan and Laurie fell in love. Ozymandias saved the world and Dr. Manhattan left it just after blowing Rorschach to pieces in the bitter cold of Antarctica."

From baselines to the Bible in no time flat, we have a statement that, just, wow. I understand getting in ahead of fan backlash, but he could relax a smidge. There's saying that you'll treat the source material with respect, and then there's comparing it to the actual Bible--then going on to compare your show, which has no casting or story information at the moment, to the Bible as well. Dude's stretching metaphors to their breaking points.

Watchmen HBO series to be 'New Testament' version screenshot

News:: Sunset Overdrive for PC pops up on Korean ratings board

That infamous spoiler of secrets, the Korean video games ratings board, may have just made yet another publisher's announcement for them, having posted a rating for a PC port of Xbox One title Sunset Overdrive.

Originally launching in way back in 2014, Insomniac Games' Xbox exclusive sees a group of cookie-cutter rebels quarantined within their home turf of Sunset City. After a new brand of energy drink turns most of the population into raging orange creatures, the survivors must band together to escape the surrounding chaos.

The game was praised for its high-velocity, wall-running combat - which involved all sorts of neat "Xtreme" sports style-trickery - and for its colourful, frenetic visuals. It seems odd that Microsoft might be thinking that now, four years later, is the optimum time to port the game to PC. But I'm sure there are plenty of fans out there gladly willing to take another spin around the block, should this ratings board reveal prove accurate.

Korean Ratings Board rates Sunset Overdrive for PC [GRAC]

Sunset Overdrive for PC pops up on Korean ratings board screenshot

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/sunset-overdrive-for-pc-pops-up-on-korean-ratings-board-504256.phtml

News:: 'Fortnite' is a big money maker for PlayStation

Apparently, people really like to spend money on Fortnite even though it's free. On an investor call today, PlayStation head John Kodera was asked about a sudden increase in network sales. This was at the same time as the Fortnite launch on PS4. Kodera confirmed that the timing was not a coincidence.

Source: Sony

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/fortnite-free-to-play-revenue-playstation/

News:: Very Quick Tips: Dark Souls Remastered

Meet Dark Souls Remastered, same as the old Dark Souls. Well, in terms of mechanics and level design. It does have a new coat of paint and an improved framerate, the latter of which is pretty darn useful in Blighttown.

I originally blogged these tips years ago, but since the game is fundamentally the same, they still apply. I'm sure you have your own spin on them at this point so feel free to share them!

Very Quick Tips: Dark Souls Remastered screenshot

News:: EA snaps up GameFly's cloud gaming technology

It sounds like EA has big game streaming plans for the future. The gaming giant has acquired GameFly's cloud gaming technology assets and personnel, a move that will (in its own words) "enable the company to continue exploring new ways for players to access and experience games from any device." GameFly is mostly known for its video game streaming service, which it used to pitch as the "Netflix of Games." A subscription gives you unlimited access to seven titles per month, which you can play online through Samsung smart TVs, the Amazon Fire TV and other devices. To note, EA only acquired the company's technology and personnel, but it's not taking over GameFly's streaming business.

Source: EA

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/ea-gamefly-cloud-gaming-acquisition/

News:: Review: Dark Souls Remastered

The gaming landscape has changed a lot since I first plopped into a pre-release version of Demon's Souls and soloed my way through its campaign. What was once a niche dungeon crawler in the same vein as King's Field became an inescapable worldwide phenomenon by the time Dark Souls wrapped, and you probably haven't been to a convention where at least one person wasn't wearing a "Praise the Sun" shirt.

It's worked out rather well for both publisher Namco Bandai and developer From Software, so much so that they're now mining into their seven-year history together with a remake of the original Dark Souls, the start of their partnership. Coincidentally, it's also one of the best places to start if you've never tinkered with the series.

Review: Dark Souls Remastered screenshot

News:: Redbox is going to start renting 4K Ultra HD blu-rays

In a move destined for failure, Redbox will soon be allowing rentals of certain movies in 4K Ultra HD. You know, the definition so high that only enthusiasts want it enough to pay near a thousand dollars for a setup? Well, soon enough those privileged few can go to their local Walgreens and wrestle with the meth addicts, so that they can throw their heads under the sun visor and spend $2.50 a day to rent a movie like The Matrix or Inception in the very highest of qualities.

Redbox is going to start renting 4K Ultra HD blu-rays screenshot

News:: 'Knights and Bikes' captures childhood in '80s England

Knights and Bikes is a game about friendship, adventure and a county in the southwest corner of England called Cornwall. The area is littered with sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns that attract British families looking for a cheap summer holiday. Tourism, though, is not enough to sustain the region during the winter months. Rex Crowle, an artist, animator and video game developer, knows this all too well. He grew up in Cornwall in a farming family that raised sheep. It was a "pretty hard life," he said. Enough so that he sold his own flock at age 10 and bought a Commodore Amiga 500 computer.

Source: Foam Sword

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/knights-and-bikes-foam-sword-80s-nostalgia/

News:: Nintendo is now selling a dockless Switch in Japan

Are you prone to dropping things? Do you have kids who can't share? Do you live in Japan or are willing to purchase things from Japan? Well, if you answered yes to these three things or just want to own multiple Switches -- you might be in luck!

It would seem Nintendo is slightly expanding on the purchasing options for those interested in buying a second console, as the company has introduced a new “customize” option on the Japanese My Nintendo Store website. This new option now allows you to purchase the main body of the Switch itself, with both Joy-Con and wrist straps in a color scheme of your choosing, minus the AC adapter, HDMI cable, dock, and Joy-Con Controller Grip.

Nintendo is now selling a dockless Switch in Japan screenshot

News:: Sony says it’s the beginning of the end for PS4

The PS4 era is over. Speaking to investors today, PlayStation boss John Kodera outlined the company's three-year roadmap and it seems the console, which has sold 79 million units since its launch in 2013, is not going to be part of it. This is largely due to declining sales which is, Kodera notes, typical of the usual profit- and life-cycle of consoles. It does also suggest a new console might be on its way -- likely the PS5 -- but Kodera didn't give away any specifics.

Source: Sony [PDF], Sony webcast

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/sony-says-it-s-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-ps4/

News:: The Morning After: Netflix teams up with Ryan Reynolds

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Hi there! Mark Zuckerberg faced important questions from the EU, but didn't really deliver much in the way of meaningful answers. Belkin figured out a way to connect your brand-new iPhone to your not-at-all-new car stereo (spoiler: It's a wire), and our latest feature from our team-up with Silica Magazine tells the tale of Wonders of Wildlife, a giant natural history museum established by Bass Pro's billionaire founder.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/the-morning-after-netflix-teams-up-with-ryan-reynolds/

News:: Next Xbox One update finally saves multiple WiFi passwords

Microsoft continues to chip away at software concerns with the Xbox One (work in progress indeed -- can you even recognize the launch UI shown above?), and its latest Alpha test addresses two pain points that have existed practically from the start. One option upgrades the system's Pins options with Groups. It's similar to the way gamers can organize items on the PS4 ribbon, popping games and apps into sets for easier access, instead of just having a single group of Pins on the home screen or in the mini guide.

Source: Xbox Wire

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/05/23/june-xbox-one-wifi-groups-search/

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Wednesday, May 23, 2018