Friday, June 1, 2018

News:: Bungie is completely overhauling faction rallies in Destiny 2

In what is one of the slowest cycles for a AAA game in recent memory, Bungie is slowly chipping away at issues in Destiny 2. It hasn't quite solved the content problem, given that the last two expansions were tiny and only introduced normal difficulty raid lairs (folks are already powering through the new one given that their item levels are raised), and I wouldn't even say the studio is getting there, but there have been several improvements since launch.

One of those is faction rallies, the typically ho-hum event where players pledge loyalty to one of three organizations, and reap rewards at the end of a fixed time period based on how well their faction performed. Factions pledging is now only once per account (instead of just pledging to all three via three characters), reputation is not reset after each season, factions now offer more unique rewards, and the timetable has been moved up to three events per season.

"Renown" is now a thing, which is earned by completing a public event/patrol/killing a high value target, which will in turn yield faction tokens while a renown aura is providing debuffs to players (less health regeneration, less damage). While renown is active, you can also see an aura (much like the one for Nightfalls in Destiny 1) that showcases a player's given faction.

It's...interesting! Now that you can only pledge to one faction though I'll probably be less inclined to play it. I get why it was done, but limiting the amount of stuff I can do across my alts isn't a way to get me to play the game more. There's a better system somewhere that encourages me to grind it out with all three characters.

This Week at Bungie [Bungie.net]

Bungie is completely overhauling faction rallies in Destiny 2 screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/bungie-is-completely-overhauling-faction-rallies-in-destiny-2-505664.phtml

News:: Review: The Council - Episode 2: Hide and Seek

Back in high school, my buddies and I used to always play a "hide and seek" map in Counter-Strike 1.6. It's a darker map set on just a single street of a neighborhood. Looking back, I'm not sure how we got so many enjoyable hours out of it, but hey, we made our own fun back then. This was during the heyday of NIPPER maps and Half-Life mods in general. I look back fondly on those times, and it is probably one of my favorite eras of gaming I had the pleasure of living through.

Anyway, here's a review.

Review: The Council - Episode 2: Hide and Seek screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-council-episode-2-hide-and-seek-505421.phtml

News:: Kickstart this: Grimshade is a hand-painted Steampunk tactical RPG

[This week Destructoid is brought to you by Grimshade, a tactical RPG coming Q3 2018 through the dark magic of Kickstarter. The following note was provided by our sponsor.]

Love tactical RPGs? How about Steampunk? Our studio, Talerock, has been developing a very unique title combining both those things, and now finally we are ready to share our progress with the public. The result is a labor of love called Grimshade, a game for mature audiences. we invite you to look at our new project. 

Grimshade is somewhat coy in its aesthetics. While the artwork may be bright and colorful at times, the events of the story are nothing but. Grimshade, as the name implies, sets out to tell a dark, thought-provoking tale, sorry, war, and dread.

Kickstart this: Grimshade is a hand-painted Steampunk tactical RPG screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/kickstart-this-grimshade-is-a-hand-painted-steampunk-tactical-rpg-505320.phtml

News:: Europe to get Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal 'Bountiful Beauties' special edition

Publisher Marvelous! Europe has revealed two special editions for their titillating fighter Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal - a remake of 2013's Nintendo 3DS title Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal - headed to PS4 and PC this Fall.

A "Shinobi Rivals Edition" will be available to download from the PlayStation Store upon the game's release. This includes the game itself, a digital soundtrack app, and a selection of DLC items, including playable character Yumi, two extra costumes, a diorama pose and a special prologue chapter.

European fans with money to burn, however, can plonk down around £80 for the super-duper "Bountiful Beauties Edition". This box set includes the game on PS4, the above mentioned DLC, a double CD soundtrack, art book and six very cute "Busty Bestie" Keychains. BUSTY. BESTIE.

The Bountiful Beauties Edition is available for pre-order exclusively at the Marvelous! Europe online store. Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is available now on PS4 in Japan and is scheduled to launch in the West on PS4 and PC this Fall.

Senran Kagura Bountiful Beauties edition [Marvelous Store]

Europe to get Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal 'Bountiful Beauties' special edition screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/europe-to-get-senran-kagura-burst-re-newal-bountiful-beauties-special-edition-505667.phtml

News:: This free PlayStation 4 theme is super gay

It's June 1 and all across Twitter, corporations are shoehorning the rainbow flag into their company logos in celebration a Pride. This month-long parade of everything fabulous and fierce is the one time a year when gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, and all the other letters of the alphabet soup that is the LGBTTQQIAAP community stop body shaming each other and instead express love and pride without fear -- so long as they do it in a major metropolitan area that's cool with the gays. Sorry Arlington queers.

But the pandering isn't limited to redesigned Twitter handles. This year we're also getting Pride Apple Watch faces, Pride H&M clothing made by woefully underpaid foreigners, and a free Pride "For All the Players" theme for your PlayStation 4.

This free PlayStation 4 theme is super gay screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/this-free-playstation-4-theme-is-super-gay-505691.phtml

News:: Who's your favorite Soulcalibur fighter?

I have some really fond memories of Soulcalibur, starting from the very first game the day it launched on Dreamcast. My friend had a lot of ridiculous names for its cast members, including "Butterknives" Taki and "Mitsubishi" Mitsurugi. Okay so they weren't comedy gold but the fact remains I have conversations about Soulcalibur tech burned in my mind from 20 years ago, a testament to its staying power: oh, and I also totally remember my first and last SoulCalibur II tournament run, when I got crushed by a pro Cervantes player in the semi-finals.

As the series dropped some of the great campaign-style modes and started focusing more and more on gimmick characters my interest waxed and waned along with many others, but so far Soulcalibur VI is really getting me jazzed up to get back into this one great universe. The addition of Nightmare and Siegfried, my personal favorite duo, raises my spirits a bit.

It's unusual for me to gravitate toward a slower playing style but SoulCalibur has so much style that practically any character is worth playing for me. The different stances for the aforementioned pair just looked cool to use, and allowed for some of the trickier plays in the series.

I'm sure you all have a favorite though, which may or may not include the newly revealed Maxi. Share away!

Who's your favorite Soulcalibur fighter? screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/who-s-your-favorite-soulcalibur-fighter--505579.phtml

News:: Sonic the Hedgehog 2018 birthday event and livestream set for June

Sega's irrepressible mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, turns 27 years old this month. To celebrate nearly thirty years of shenanigans from the spiky blue blur, Sega will hold a special birthday event at Tokyo Joypolis.

Scheduled for June 23, Sonic Birthday 2018 will see series producer Takashi Iizuka take to the stage to talk details on the upcoming Sonic Mania Plus and other releases, no doubt including the just-announced Team Sonic Racing. Special limited edition merch will also be available for sale at the event.

If you don't have the gold rings to get over to Tokyo, never fear, as the event will also be streamed live on YouTube and Periscope. Links for the stream, along with more details about the event, will be released closer to the time.

I can't say I remember the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog like it was yesterday, but the cultural impact that happened, almost overnight, on launch is still clear as crystal to me. That release ranks alongside games such as Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat as moments in game history that transcended the schoolyard and became a part of the mainstream.

Sonic Birthday 2018 takes place June 23 at Tokyo Joypolis, Japan.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2018 birthday event and livestream set for June screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-2018-birthday-event-and-livestream-set-for-june-505660.phtml

News:: Galak-Z is coming to Switch in 'Variant S' form

Some of you may remember Galak-Z -- the fun but flawed anime love-letter shoot 'em up from 2015. Some of you probably don't. And that's okay! Because with an impending Switch release, you're probably going to be hearing about it soon enough, as is the case with most Switch ports.

Just announced by way of publisher GungHo Online Entertainment, Galak-Z is getting a Switch version under the name of "Variant S." It'll be playable at E3, and will contain "new changes," as well as the obvious tabletop and handheld modes.

Again if you're in the dark you can check out our review, and for returning players; more information will be coming out in just a few weeks about what's actually new. In the meantime we've reached out to developer 17-BIT for clarification.

Variants [Galak-Z via Gematsu]

Galak-Z is coming to Switch in 'Variant S' form screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/galak-z-is-coming-to-switch-in-variant-s-form-505577.phtml

News:: Fighting EX Layer returns to the ring on PS4 June 28

Developer Arika have announced that their long-awaited punch-up, Fighting EX Layer, will finally launch on PS4 on June 28.

Fighting EX Layer was first revealed on April 1, 2017 before being officially revealed at EVO that Summer. Originally nameless and shrouded in mystery, Arika have since added classic characters to the roster, detailed the game's mechanics, and tested online gameplay via last December's beta. It appears that the game is now good to go and will become available at the end of the month.

Fighting EX Layer will be available for purchase in two formats: The Light Edition comes with 12 playable characters and five "Gougi decks" (bonuses that help your character in battle) at a cost of around $40. The Standard Edition, featuring 12 characters, plus DLC character Hokuto and 15 Gougi decks, will be available at around $60.

There are currently no plans to port the game to other formats, or release any further DLC, though Arika have previously stated that those options are a possibility, should the game see financial success. Although Fighting EX Layer is a fun title, it has a upward battle brawling its way through a crowded market to find its audience, but don't bet against the plucky underdog.

Fighting EX Layer will be available for download on PS4 June 28.

Fighting EX Layer returns to the ring on PS4 June 28 screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/fighting-ex-layer-returns-to-the-ring-on-ps4-june-28-505654.phtml

News:: Mega Man 11's Complete Edition is Japan-only, $120

Mega Man 11 is now locked in for an October 2 release date on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch -- now all we have to do is wait. Or, pay up for a special edition version of the game.

In the US, you don't have very many options for that due to nonsense exclusivity deals that force fans to pick up a special GameStop bundle -- currently, it's the only way to get the amiibo in the region. But in Japan, you can not only pre-order the amiibo as a standalone figure, but choose between two different special edition packages.

First up is a $90 edition for Switch and PS4, which includes the game, a 64-page production note book, a 30th anniversary keychain, a piggy bank, a collector's box, and postcards (if you get it from e-Capcom's store). Plussing up to $120 will net you the amiibo, a 32-page starter guide, and a cloth poster.

The bank is totally cute (it's a smiling Mega Man head) and even though I'll never use it I kind of want it!

Mega Man 11 [e-Capcom via Rockman Corner]

Mega Man 11's Complete Edition is Japan-only, $120 screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/mega-man-11-s-complete-edition-is-japan-only-120-505580.phtml

News:: Dark Meta Knight confirmed for free Kirby: Star Allies DLC

Based on the datamining efforts of the Kirby: Star Allies community close to its launch, we learned about the "wave" strategy that Nintendo was fixing to use to deliver free DLC. Over the course of three waves new characters would be introduced as playable friends, and right now we're gearing up for Wave 2 with Daroach and...Dark Meta Knight.

Based on the datamined info there will be one more addition for Wave 2, then four more characters for Wave 3 (one sounds like a trio similar to Rick/Kine/Coo). Again, if you want to read the full datamined list of DLC, you can find it here. If you haven't played Star Allies yet, dream friends are accessible in a special area on the world map, and allow you to customize your team with new characters, including the aforementioned DLC.

Kirby [Twitter]

Dark Meta Knight confirmed for free Kirby: Star Allies DLC screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/dark-meta-knight-confirmed-for-free-kirby-star-allies-dlc-505668.phtml

News:: Get your first taste of 'Mario Tennis Aces' on Switch this weekend

If you can't wait to try out Mario Tennis Aces, which is coming to the Switch on June 22nd, Nintendo has some good news for you. The company is hosting a pre-launch online tournament starting today, June 1st, at 3:00 PM ET through Sunday, June 3rd, at 11:59 PM ET. To participate, all you have to do is download the free demo from the Nintendo eShop or from the Mario Tennis Aces website.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/01/mario-tennis-aces-nintendo-switch-tournament-weekend/

News:: Jump into Monster Hunter: World today for free potions

For any Monster Hunter: World fans that haven't already been completely roasted to a crisp by the deadly duo of Lunastra and Teostra, logging into the best-selling adventure game today will earn you another free stack of goodies.

This week's bounty to help you on your monster hunting way is the Prep Time! Potion Gift Set. This set includes 20 Max potions, 10 Ancient potions, 10 Dash Juices, 10 Mega Demondrugs, and 10 Mega Armorskin. That stuff is sure to help you on your way, so go get it!

As usual, the Quest Schedule has been updated, you can check it out right here. Looks like Kulve Toroth has returned to add to this week's Elder Dragon madness. Have you guys and gals stepped up to Lunastra and her mate yet?

Monster Hunter: World is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

Jump into Monster Hunter: World today for free potions screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/jump-into-monster-hunter-world-today-for-free-potions-505650.phtml

News:: The debut 'Sea of Thieves' campaign almost makes it fun again

Sea of Thieves was an opportunity for Microsoft and studio Rare to do something completely new. The multiplayer pirate simulator promised endless hours of entertainment. A sandbox world steeped in lore in which you make your own adventures. But upon the game's release in March this year, the internet was befuddled, asking the question: Is this really it? There just didn't seem to be that much to do, but Sea of Thieves was always supposed to follow the "game as a service" model of trickling in new content. That starts with The Hungering Deep campaign that beached earlier this week in a flawed but potentially important step in re-injecting some semblance of fun into the game.

Source: Rare (1), (2)



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/01/sea-of-thieves-campaign/

News:: The next Warhammer game, Chaosbane, is a Diablo-esque action RPG for PC and consoles

Warhammer games seem to just truck along and have become inevitable. Whether they're too ambitious for their own good and fall flat, are too niche, or actually find an audience seems to be the complete luck of the dice, as they need to truly cross that hobbyist threshold and move into the mainstream. Warhammer: Chaosbane definitely has a better chance than a lot of projects Games Workshop has facilitated over the years.

The newly announced Chaosbane is set for release on PC and consoles (no date or console specifics were given), and will be the first action RPG (aRPG) set in the Warhammer universe. In case you're wondering, think Diablo or Path of Exile and you're on the money.

It's being developed by Eko Software, creators of How to Survive 1 & 2, and as you may expect it deals with the conflict between various races and the evil Chaos faction in the Old World. Players can choose between a human, high elf, wood elf, or dwarf during their adventures.

If this is done right and the endgame is sound, I'm in!

The next Warhammer game, Chaosbane, is a Diablo-esque action RPG for PC and consoles screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/the-next-warhammer-game-chaosbane-is-a-diablo-esque-action-rpg-for-pc-and-consoles-505666.phtml

News:: Ubisoft recaps For Honor's history so far, teases new character

Much to Ubisoft's credit, they've been going full hog with several of its multiplayer games.

Rainbow Six Siege (2015), Division (2016) and For Honor (2017) have been getting a ton of updates both of the paid and free variety, and each team has taken in the input of fans to help shape the evolution of their projects. Ubisoft Montreal went out of their way this week to showcase all of the updates For Honor has gotten in particular to date, as well as teasing an upcoming E3 announcement that will detail the future of the game and...a potential new fighter?

If you aren't familiar with For Honor the power fantasy theme pits various warriors of history against each other, and what seems to be coming next is an eastern combatant who wields a scimitar. Given the middle eastern skew it's entirely possible that Ubisoft is adding a new faction (especially since they're using E3 as a showcase for this), or it could simply be an addition to an existing one.

We'll have info, as they say, "soon."

Ubisoft recaps For Honor's history so far, teases new character screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ubisoft-recaps-for-honor-s-history-so-far-teases-new-character-505619.phtml

News:: Destiny 2 players comically destroy Escalation Protocol with the Rat King

Destiny 2, much like the original, has been having a whole host of issues since launch. Bungie will often times just push the "go" button and deploy patches while closing their eyes, and all sorts of code will just rattle around in the process. In addition to loot being bugged on a major activity recently (which wasn't disclosed until after people ran it constantly looking for loot), the Rat King weapon recently was disabled entirely -- to the point where players couldn't even use it.

When it came back people were anxious to see what it could do with the proper power level and team, and that's just what The Chemical Twins did. Hilariously, their Fireteam manages to take down bosses in Escalation Protocol, the hardest non-raid event in the game, in seconds. For those of you who don't play Destiny 2, the Rat King is a new exotic that could be earned at the launch of the game that gets strong whenever multiple users are present through a perk called "the rat pack." It stacks up to six times, which comes in handy during raids (its intended use) and of course, Escalation Protocol, if users manage to sleaze the system to get all of their friends in.

They even manage to exploit the wave seven boss (the last wave) in roughly 10 seconds as well by getting him to constantly slam and nail him with Rat King shots. If you can jump through the hoops required to get six people into Escalation Protocol, you may as well give it a shot -- people were worried that once players hit the proper power level events would be too easy, and at this point they're reaching that apex, even with Bungie slowing down powerful loot acquisition to a crawl.

Rat King versus Escalation Protocol [Reddit]

Destiny 2 players comically destroy Escalation Protocol with the Rat King screenshot

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/destiny-2-players-comically-destroy-escalation-protocol-with-the-rat-king-505661.phtml

News:: Fortnite for Nintendo Switch appears on Korean Ratings Board

Following on from yesterday's rumours that Epic Games' colossal success Fortnite could be coming to the Nintendo Switch, our old friend the Korean Ratings Board recently uploaded a listing all but confirming that said port is happening.

Online shooter Fortnite launched to moderate success in 2017 before blowing up into a global phenomenon once it added its Fortnite: Battle Royale mode. Having since gone on to become a pop-culture icon, played by fans and celebrities alike, as well as becoming the latest "GAMEZ ARE EV1L" scapegoat, Fortnite's brand of multiplayer mayhem has taken the world by storm.

No further details are currently available, nor is this an official confirmation of a Nintendo Switch port, but the Korean Ratings Board rarely let us down and, coupled with yesterday's leak, this is looking more and more like a sure thing.

Fortnite is available now on PS4, Xbox One, PC and iOS devices.

Fortnite for Nintendo Switch appears on Korean Ratings Board screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/fortnite-for-nintendo-switch-appears-on-korean-ratings-board-505657.phtml

News:: The Morning After: Xiaomi's (maybe not-so) transparent phone

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

June the first be with you.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/01/the-morning-after-xiaomis-maybe-not-so-transparent-phone/

News:: All signs point to 'Fortnite' launching on the Switch

Since its launch last September, Fortnite has already appeared on PS4, PC, Xbox and your iPhone, but it's not stopping there. Rumors suggest a NintendoSwitch release, soon — which would go nicely alongside that Android port we've been promised this summer. First up, a leaked E3 document from 4chan yesterday outlined a showroom display for Nintendo's hybrid console lineup that includes Fortnite (alongside Mario Tennis Aces, Dragonball FighterZ and several more titles). Kotaku sources backed up the claims, and then hours ago Fortnite made another appearance, this time on the Korean game ratings board (GRAC), headed for the Switch once again. The filing doesn't give that much away, yes there's cartoon violence and in-game purchases, but you knew all that already, right?

Source: Kotaku, Nibel (Twitter)



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/01/fortnite-nintendo-switch-leak/