News:: Everything that happened at EA's tepid E3 2018 press conference where they didn't announce a new Skate

Oh EA. At least you didn't take the cringe-crown early this year (there's nothing quite as meme-worthy as the past few years), but I think the word of the day is "underwhelming."

Now EA did have some great showings for indies and that deserves some credit. Giving those smaller developers a chance to talk for themselves on stage instead of an executive and passionately share their stories with their audience (both Unravel Two and Sea of Solitude's leads were on the verge of tears) is commendable, and Unravel got a crazy amount of screen time.

Yet...there wasn't much else? EA confirmed that they're a trend follower and added battle royale to Battlefield V. There was "more of the same" sports news, nebulous promises of a cloud gaming revolution, a bizarre Star Wars game reveal that you could have missed, and...basically just some good footage of Anthem, which may or may not have alienated a lot of its audience by confirming microtransactions when it had the chance to be one of the only looter shooters without them.

Also, no Skate!

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/everything-that-happened-at-ea-s-tepid-e3-2018-press-conference-where-they-didn-t-announce-a-new-skate-506909.phtml

News:: Anthem is out in February 2019 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Today at E3, EA finally revealed the release date for Anthem, which seems to be done with delays -- February 22, 2019.

Anthem is still slated for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and come to find out it will have microtransactions of a "cosmetic" variety. BioWare explained that rather than loot boxes, players will "know" what they're getting with their purchases, which...might not really change a lot of people's minds?

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/anthem-is-out-in-february-2019-on-pc-ps4-and-xbox-one-506967.phtml

News:: 'Command & Conquer' mobile game wants in on that 'Clash of Clans' money

If you were looking for a full-scale return of the Command & Conquer franchise, this probably isn't it. During the EA Play presentation at E3, the publisher revealed the new mobile game Command & Conquer: Rivals, a simplified 1v1 combat game built for small-scale smartphone play. It takes all the trappings of the venerable RTS and crams them into a format made popular by the wildly financially successful Clash of Clans.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/command-and-conquer-mobile-game-wants-in-on-that-clash-of-clans/

News:: Madden NFL 19 is coming this year, brings the series back to PC

Just as vague as the NBA Live trailer, Madden NFL 19 got an announcement at EA's E3 presser and it didn't really detail anything about the title. As noted in the earlier "EA Access Premier" bit, this will be the first Madden game on PC in over a decade. As for the trailer, itself, Michael K. Williams narrates and provides some gravitas to the whole thing.

The only real juicy bit is that pre-ordering the game will net you your copy three days early (August 7). If you don't, you'll have to buy the game like the rest of us plebs on August 10.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/madden-nfl-19-is-coming-this-year-brings-the-series-back-to-pc-506966.phtml

News:: BioWare explains that Anthem will have paid cosmetics, but 'no loot boxes, or pay-for-power' advantages

EA's conference has been...weird, to say the least. We got a huge Star Wars reveal in a really strange fireside chat format, footage of several great looking indies, and a bunch of marketing nonsense.

But EA of course finished things up with Anthem, their prized would-be Destiny-killer, and it's still looking pretty impressive. BioWare's Casey Hudson took the stage to re-iterate that Anthem is a shared word where "everyone will be seeing the same thing, including a day/night cycle." Customization options for the Javelin suit are also shown off, and "cosmetic/vanity items" are confirmed, with no loot boxes or pay-for-power advantages.

BioWare and EA have been waffling back and forth on what microtransactions might be present in Anthem, and the whole Star Wars Battlefront 2 debacle clearly had an impact on their potential loot box plans. Still, paying $60 for a game, presumably for expansions, and for microtransactions on top might piss off some potential players -- it's the Destiny model!

Note that all of these cool looking features are just that -- cool looking on paper. We saw a lot of awesome concepts for the original Destiny and almost none of their visions were actually fulfilled. BioWare has a lot riding on this though and I doubt they'll be rushing into this unprepared.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/bioware-explains-that-anthem-will-have-paid-cosmetics-but-no-loot-boxes-or-pay-for-power-advantages-506965.phtml

News:: BioWare's 'Anthem' arrives February 22nd, 2019

The shared-world shooter Anthem finally has a release date following a delay early in the year. BioWare's Destiny-style game is now slated to arrive February 22nd, 2019 on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Developing...

Source: Anthem (Twitter)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/biowares-anthem-arrives-february-22/

News:: Command and Conquer: Rivals announced, stomps on childhoods everywhere

E3 is generally a pretty exciting time. But, if you're a Command & Conquer fan, it could also be a time for mourning, because EA has just announced Command and Conquer: Rivals, a new RTS that has been "re-imagined for mobile."

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/command-and-conquer-rivals-announced-stomps-on-childhoods-everywhere-506963.phtml

News:: 'Sea of Solitude' pits players against overwhelming loneliness

EA surprised the audience during its E3 2018 press conference on Saturday, announcing the upcoming release of "Sea of Solitude" from Berlin-based studio Jo-Mei games.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/sea-of-solitude-ea-e3-2018/

News:: NBA Live 19 gets a super quick reveal

NBA Live 19 got a ridiculously quick reveal at EA's E3 presser. It is a game, features basketball and will be coming out this year. Sounds good. More eagle eyed players will notice that a bunch of legendary players are in the roster, including AI, Magic Johnson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. That should make for some great match-ups.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/nba-live-19-gets-a-super-quick-reveal-506962.phtml

News:: 'Unravel Two' is a cooperative sequel and it's out right now

Yarny is back, right here and right now. Unravel Two is the sequel to 2016's Unravel, an adorable and emotional platformer starring a tiny character made out of bright red yarn, developed by indie studio Coldwood Interactive. The new game introduces a second, blue Yarny. Players are able to control both characters or puzzle out the entire thing with a friend in co-op mode. And best of all, Unravel Two is available today on PlayStation 4, PC and Xbox One for $20, published via EA Originals.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/unravel-two-is-a-cooperative-sequel-and-its-out-right-now/

News:: Poignant indie project Sea of Solitude looks great at E3, coming in early 2019

Although it was announced in late 2018, EA gave Jo-Mei Games' Sea of Solitude some screen-time today at E3. The  premise of  "when humans get too lonely they turn into monsters" is great on its own, but the project lead passionately pitched the game again to a sea of E3 viewers and made a great case for it.

We also got some new footage of its lovely art style, and a confirmation of a release window -- "early 2019." Platforms still haven't been fully announced.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/poignant-indie-project-sea-of-solitude-looks-great-at-e3-coming-in-early-2019-506961.phtml

News:: Origin Access Premier service gives you EA's latest games

Whatever you think of EA's Origin Access, it has an obvious limitation: you're getting the back catalog, not the latest titles. You'll have a better option going forward, though. EA has revealed Origin Access Premier, a new subscription option that will provide the publisher's hotter titles to Windows gamers before their official launch date. It'll start with Madden NFL 2019 (yes, it's returning to PC) and will include big-name releases like Battlefield V, FIFA 19 and Anthem. It's not yet clear how much this will cost, but it'll be available later in the summer. There's little doubt that EA is matching Microsoft's same-day availability for titles on Xbox Game Pass.

Source: Origin (Twitter), EA (YouTube)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/origin-access-premier-service/

News:: 'Madden' returns to PC this fall

With Madden 18, EA introduced "Longshot," which brought a story mode to the popular football franchise. This year, the big news (at least for right now) is that the game will return to PC when its annual installment arrives this fall. This is the first time you've had that option in about 10 years. So far at E3 2018, EA hasn't gone into a ton of detail about the other changes we'll see in Madden 19 -- like if that story mode will return -- but we're sure to hear more soon.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/madden-19-on-pc/

News:: (Update) Unravel 2 announced at E3, now with co-op!

[Update: It was also just announced Unravel 2 is available now to purchase and play.]

Unravel was easily one of my favorite platformers in the past few years. The yarn-based puzzle mechanics and platforming were absolutely brilliant. That said, it seems we're getting much more of Yarny, as Unravel 2 has just been announced at EA's E3 press conference, with an additional announcement of co-op as well!

Double the Yarny!

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/-update-unravel-2-announced-at-e3-now-with-co-op--506960.phtml

News:: Battlefront 2 will be getting Clone Wars DLC with massive levels

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 will be getting a big Clone Wars season. Along with featuring levels based around Geonosis (one that is set to be the largest level ever for Battlefront) and other locales, you'll also be able to play as General Grievous, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Count Dooku! Anakin will also be there to exact your rage upon.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/battlefront-2-will-be-getting-clone-wars-dlc-with-massive-levels-506957.phtml

News:: EA is high in the sky with cloud gaming and newly announced 'Origin Access Premiere'

Fresh out of EA's E3 conference, EA has announced 'Origin Access Premiere,' a new cloud gaming service coming this summer with titles such as FIFA 19, Anthem, Madden, and "many more titles in years to come."

Basically, this more or less seems like EA's version of Xbox Game Pass. Notably, this is also the first time in over a decade the Madden series will be making its way to PC.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ea-is-high-in-the-sky-with-cloud-gaming-and-newly-announced-origin-access-premiere--506951.phtml

News:: EA reveals Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order at E3

During their E3 conference today amid a very weird low key back and forth conversation in the crowd, EA's Vince Zampella announced Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. It takes place "during the dark times when the Jedis are being hunted," between the third and fourth Star Wars films.

It'll arrive in holiday of 2019. Maybe. It's a Star Wars game with a huge lead time -- it could be canceled!

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ea-reveals-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-at-e3-506953.phtml

News:: UEFA Champions League announced for FIFA 19

FIFA 19 has scored a huge win this year as it will feature the UEFA Champions League for the first time. This was previously exclusive to Konami's PES series, which means FIFA is going to really dominate in sales this year.

Since the World Cup is right around the corner, EA is hosting a free trial for FIFA 18 complete on all platforms. You'll be able to download and play the entire game to hype yourself for the coming championship. The trial is available on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch right now.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/uefa-champions-league-announced-for-fifa-19-506952.phtml

News:: Of course ‘Battlefield V’ is getting a battle royale mode

EA started off its EA Play show at E3 answering a question on everyone's lips: Will Battlefield V follow the shooter vogue and have its own battle royale mode? Yes, yes it will. While the game's leads introducing the feature offered no details, the franchise's Twitter account tweeted that it will have team play and vehicles. Time will tell if the game puts its own spin on the mode or is just trying to cash in on the zeitgeist, but at least it won't have loot boxes.

Source: Battlefield (Twitter)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/of-course-battlefield-v-is-getting-a-battle-royale-mode/

News:: UEFA Champions League is coming to 'FIFA 19'

EA has been keen on telling the story of English soccer phenom Alex Hunter for a while now, but his story is about to be told from another perspective. With FIFA 19, EA is adding UEFA Champions League to the game. This move was hardly a surprise though, since UEFA ended its partnership with Konami back in April. However, it's still a big get for EA, bringing the big club tournament in the world to its soccer franchise. It also allows EA to pad its options on the pitch, following the recent addition of the World Cup.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/uefa-champions-league-is-coming-to-fifa-19/

News:: EA announces Battle Royale 're-imagined' for Battlefield V

EA announced today during their E3 conference that battle royale is going to be a part of Battlefield V. We sort of got that tease in the past through "Airborne" mode, but the publisher confirmed that it will be a "battle royale" gametype.

"More details" are coming later (they didn't specify whether or not that's during their conference, during E3, or later in the year, but for now it's confirmed. Everything is getting a battle royale, confirmed! Remember when every announcement was a collectible card game or a MOBA?

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/ea-announces-battle-royale-re-imagined-for-battlefield-v-506950.phtml

News:: Come watch EA's E3 2018 press conference with us!

Here we go! E3 is officially underway in 30 minutes when EA's press conference goes live. These next few days are going to be a nonstop blur of announcements and trailers. Video games, baby!

The majority of EA's stable of games are known about and nearly sure successes. There's Battlefield V which looks like it could be every bit as good as Battlefield 1 was (and it may get a battle royale mode announcement today). All the sports titles -- Madden 19, FIFA 19, and NHL 19 -- will sell just as well as they always do.

But, there's a giant question mark hanging over the EA library. Anthem is supposedly getting a big share of the spotlight, as EA will finally reveal details about the story, combat, and looting. It feels like EA's E3 will depend entirely on whether it can sell people on Anthem.

And, as always, EA assures us that it has "a few surprises" in store. No E3 press conference would be complete without the unexpected happening. We've got (probably) 90 minutes carved out entirely for EA. Kick back with us and watch. That comment section below seems like a great place to publicly share your opinions, but what do I know. I'm just a guy who's going to be on a plane while this whole presser goes down.

(Also, here's a link to the week's press conference schedule so you always know which publisher is up next.)

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/come-watch-ea-s-e3-2018-press-conference-with-us--506146.phtml

News:: PSVR's 'Ghost Giant' turns the world into your sandbox

VR is great at providing new perspectives for seemingly familiar experiences, and PlayStation VR's latest game is a textbook example of that. Zoink Games (the creators of the beautiful and inventive Fe) has unveiled Ghost Giant, which uses VR to turn you into an all-powerful companion for the lonely boy Louis as he embarks on a grand journey. Effectively, the world becomes your sandbox: you can open buildings, uproot trees and move vehicles with your ethereal hands. From what we've seen in the trailer, it's a refreshing spin on third-person gaming where you're consciously aware of how you loom over the landscape.

Source: PlayStation Blog

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/ghost-giant-for-playstation-vr/

News:: Fallout Shelter trophies spotted online

Nearly 3 years later and it would appear Fallout Shelter is finally making its way to the PlayStation 4. This news comes from a leaked trophy list for the game that has shown up on Exophase, a website that lets you track your PSN, Xbox, Steam, Origin, and Blizzard activity (including trophies and achievements).

Notably, if this leak is real, Fallout Shelter also appears to include a platinum trophy -- which I imagine is great news for all you hardcore trophy hunters out there. Outside of that, however, all the trophies are pretty much the same as the Xbox One achievements.

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/fallout-shelter-trophies-spotted-online-506930.phtml

News:: Rafael Nadal takes on Mario in great Mario Tennis Aces advert

We all know in the world of Mario Tennis that real-life physics take a backstep to ridiculous super shots and gravity-defying leaps, but how well would they hold up to the play of a real pro?

Well, you can find out in Nintendo's fun new commercial for Mario Tennis Aces, which sees the plumber turned sportsman step up against one of the greatest professional tennis players of all time, Spain's record-breaking, multi-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

Mario showcases some of the abilities that make him such a great all-rounder on the court, but is up for a real fight against the King of Clay, who seems to return a volley of insane shots with relative ease. When the dust settles and the winner is declared Nadal, not content with already being the best in world, decides to start wrecking everyone on Switch as well.

It's a cute couple of minutes and does a great job at promoting Aces' colourful, over-the-top action. Be sure to listen out for the great audio cue from Mario's marker when he signs the lens!

Mario Tennis Aces launches June 22 on Nintendo Switch

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/rafael-nadal-takes-on-mario-in-great-mario-tennis-aces-advert-506768.phtml

News:: We're live from E3 2018 in Los Angeles!

The calendar has flipped to June, which only means one thing: We're back in LA. It also means that you can keep it locked here this week for all the news from E3 2018 as it happens. While Microsoft, Sony, Ubisoft, Bethesda and others all have events planned before the show floor opens on Tuesday, the festivities kick off today with with EA at 2PM ET/11AM PT. We'll be bringing you all the gaming news and analysis starting this afternoon through the end of the week in what's sure to be a jam-packed installment of the summer gaming soirée. In the meantime, prepare yourself with a look at our in-depth preview right here.

Follow all the latest news from E3 2018 here!

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/e3-2018-in-los-angeles-do-it-live/

News:: Review: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

How can I be a better person?

That's the thought that was in my head when I was walking around the streets of New York after seeing Won't You Be My Neighbor?, a documentary detailing the life of Fred Rogers and his show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Fred Rogers was an incredibly interesting man, but also one of the most influential father figures in all of television, both on and off screen. Generations of children grew up watching his show and learning life lessons while being treated like a human being and not just as an underdeveloped kid. I grew up watching several of his episodes, and I'm fairly certain a large majority of people here have at least seen one episode. 

So when a documentary about Fred Rogers gains enough traction to get a theatrical release, that's pretty spectacular. When was the last time you've heard of a documentary getting released at an AMC or a Loews? And if you go see it I can guarantee that not only will you learn a thing or two, but you may also shed a tear while doing it. 

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/review-won-t-you-be-my-neighbor--506289.phtml

News:: The Morning After: Weekend Edition

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Welcome to the weekend! We're getting ready for the start of E3 2018, so stay tuned for the opening events with EA this afternoon ahead of Microsoft and Bethesda's showcases on Sunday. Check below for highlights from the past week, plus bad news for Yahoo Messenger.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/09/the-morning-after/