Culture news Africa Games BREAKING NEWS China America ASIA Burkina Faso - UK UNIVERSITY... LES SITES QUI ME REFERENCE TELS UN AGENDA EVENEMENTIEL
MERCI A VOUS ...
JACKY BAYILI
Here, we present some of the most striking images around the world this past week.
Multilateralism and global partnership are critical to building a new world order that will ensure people reach the future they desire, agreed the attendees of a top-level international forum in Conghua district of Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, Monday.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Tuesday it will soon unveil a new round of relief measures, one day after the city recorded its biggest plunge in retail sales.
I just spent a week in Hong Kong, and luckily, it was peaceful. Radical protesters had called off violence for the previous weekend in order to "ensure" that the District Council elections would not be canceled. As a result, things were normal on the ground. However, as has been typical for the past few months, in the following weekend, things quickly sparked up again.
The government's proposal to create an Independent Review Committee to find why and how the violent protests happened and what to do in their aftermath would be a step in the right direction if Hong Kong is to move on, Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Chairman Allan Zeman said.
Although sentencing is an art and not a science, there are occasions when the duty of the courts is crystal clear. Public disorder is an obvious example of the type of criminality which invariably requires a firm response. As the Court of Final Appeal explained in its judgment in an unlawful assembly appeal in 2018, "public order must be maintained", and this requires the judges "to consider the factor of deterrence in sentencing" (FACC 8/2017).
Civil servants convicted of criminal offenses will face not only the legal consequences but also disciplinary action from the government, Hong Kong's civil servant chief said on Wednesday.
A United States senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, has pushed and prodded his colleagues with misleading information, gained bipartisan support, and finally managed to obtain unanimous Senate approval of his benignly named Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019.
The pro-establishment camp's defeat in the District Council Election is not entirely unexpected. Notwithstanding the common-sense presumption that most Hong Kong citizens are opposed to the street violence, property destruction and transportation disruption wreaked upon our once-safe and orderly society by the "blackshirts" in the past six months, there was a reliable opinion survey before the election showing that 40 percent of the citizens actually support their anarchy! With such deviant thinking, what can you expect!
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government should make no further concessions to violence, but must resist it with all the means at its disposal, the city's former director of public prosecutions said on Tuesday at a legal forum on the ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.
On Wednesday, both houses of the United States Congress passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - a bill designed to implement sanctions on officials and rescind the city's "special status" if Washington deems certain requirements are not met. Sponsored and pushed by hawkish senators such as Marco Rubio, the bill is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, despite his personal ambivalence and unwillingness to get involved on the issue. The legislation is expected to cause disruption to US-China relations, with Beijing condemning it as a violation of national sovereignty and intervention in its internal affairs.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
Following an extensive trailer last month diving into Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's wall-running and dash abilities, the team over at Insomniac Games has another inside look to share. The latest gameplay video for Rift Apart showcases more about the upcoming title's weapons as well as the in-game traversals.
The video, seen below, is a part of PlayStation's Zurkon Jr's Almost Launch Party. This is the first of three videos and it focuses on the many traversal techniques that players will need to master. Freeze your way through trouble, zap your enemies into oblivion, and explore everything your swanky new weapons arsenal has in store. Check out the latest gameplay look below:
Click here to watch embedded mediaIt feels like every time we get a new look at Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, it looks more and more stunning each time. Our own Andrew Reiner went hands-on with the latest Insomniac adventure and his praise was immense, calling it a true testament to next-gen power.
While the latest look is a blend of gameplay and cinematics, it's easy to see how expertly crafted this new adventure is. We've learned so much in recent months about what Rift Apart entails, including more on Rivet, the new Lombax character voiced by none other than Jennifer Hale. As Rivet joins the fight against the evil that would see Nefarious City rise to power, it is up to players to make sure that no stone is left unturned in the fight against evil.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart looks stunning and with the different ways to uncover all of the mysteries of this world, this new adventure is poised to be another huge win for the studio.
Players can dive right in for themselves when Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart arrives on PlayStation 5 this June 11.
Are you excited to take on a new Ratchet & Clank adventure with Rift Apart? What are your thoughts on the in-game traversal aspect? Sound off with those Insomniac Games hot takes in the comment section below!
Sonic Dash, the free-to-play mobile runner game from Sega, has introduced several new characters since it launched in 2013. While the main attraction in Sonic Dash is the stable of Sonic characters (including various forms of the Blue Blur himself ranging from Classic to Modern to even the 2020 live-action movie version), the game has had its fair share of brand collaborations and crossovers. The latest crossover was announced today and is perhaps the most unexpected yet, as Bongo, the enthusiastic mascot of the children's yogurt brand Danimals, is coming to Sonic Dash.
By buying specially marked Danimals pouches and smoothies, players can unlock the monkey as a playable character in Sonic Dash. If you're unfamiliar with Bongo, he's described in the press release as "Danimals kids' spirit animal; an imaginative adventure enabler who lives in a magical treehouse where he and his friends play the day away." Players receive Bongo when they scan a QR code on the back of Sonic Dash-branded Danimals packs to download Sonic Dash to their mobile device and complete the tutorial level.
If you're no fan of Bongo (presumably you're a parent since the press release explicitly states that "kids rule, no parents are allowed" when it comes to him), you can also use these Sonic Dash-branded Danimals packs to unlock new character customizations including Pirate Sonic and Captain Shadow. These character variants can be earned in-game by collecting all four birthday themed items on the track, which includes a Danimals smoothie pack.
"Danimals is a household name in the food and beverage industry, and a favorite among kids everywhere, so we're thrilled to partner up with them as part of Sonic's 30th anniversary celebration," chief brand officer for Sonic the Hedgehog and senior vice president at Sega of America Ivo Gerscovich said in a press release. "By integrating the packaging with Sonic Dash, we're able to offer Sonic fans an exciting new way to collect new characters in the game and experience Danimals unlike they ever have before — in the Sonic universe."
Past collaborations have included limited-time crossovers with brands like Angry Birds, Sanrio, Pac-Man, and more. Fans have been speculating for a long time what we might see from the Sonic's 30th anniversary celebration ever seen head of Sonic Team Takashi Iizuka told us at E3 2019 that "the next big year for Sonic is 2021." To this point, we've learned of merchandising deals, brand collaborations such as this one, and a new animated series on Netflix, but nothing of substance on the game front. Hopefully we'll learn more on the gaming front soon.
The most recent mainline Sonic games to release came in the form of Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces. Both of those launched in 2017 within a few months of each other. Since then, Iizuka and Sonic Team announced in 2019 that a new mainline Sonic game is in development, while developer Sumo Digital released Team Sonic Racing that same year.
Even more titles are being added to Xbox Game Pass this month, including the shark adventure that gnawed its way through our hearts. Microsoft revealed nine new additions just last week, with more confirmed today as a special treat.
The Xbox Game Pass library continues to evolve each month with new arrivals coming in to shake up the play experience and older additions being removed to make room. This subscription service allows for gamers to enjoy new gaming experiences, including day one launch titles, at no additional cost. But before diving into that, let's see what's new:
In case you missed what was previously announced earlier this month:
Xbox Game Pass offers members a deal that has grown impressively since it was first launched, and the value of this service continues to grow with the library. There are two versions of this membership to choose from with the standard Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Game Pass is $9.99, whereas the Ultimate version includes Xbox Live for $14.99.
With the price point of certain titles coming in at $70, a membership service like this is a welcome option. Even more so that the resources behind this library continue to grow, including the recent EA Play and Bethesda additions. With first-party day one games being included as a perk, and surprise reveals like MLB The Show 21, Xbox continues to prove that it has a few surprises up its proverbial sleeve with this new generation for the Microsoft brand.
Thoughts on the new Xbox Game Pass arrivals dropping this month? What do you hope gets added next? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
Rockstar has announced a pair of big summer updates coming to GTA Online and Red Dead Online. Beginning this month and lasting into the summer, fans of the popular multiplayer destinations can look forward to partaking in new modes and quality of life updates.
Later this summer, GTA Online’s new offerings puts a spotlight on street racing, with new multi-part heist missions centered on stealing the hottest rides. To get players ready beforehand, eight new stunt races, along with additional tracks, will join the GTA Online Stunt Series on May 27.
Rockstar is also adding seven new arenas to the Tron-esque Deadline competitive mode, and Survival mode will stretch across to new locations in Los Santos and Blaine County. Unfortunately, the update doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the single-player focused content that was hinted at last December.
Red Dead Online's big update arrives later this summer and brings new missions revolving around Saint Denis’ criminal underworld where Guido Martelli, the lieutenant of Angelo Bronte, is working to build an empire of his own.
Beginning May 25, players can put their riding skill to the test in eight new races. They include Standard Races which are exactly what they sound like; a pure horseback competition against other players. Meanwhile, Open Races offer a more freeform approach where you can blaze your own trail to the finish line across a series of signal fires. For a more offensive-focused twist, Target and Open Target Races challenge players to use a bow and arrow to shoot checkpoints while on horseback. Rockstar hasn't revealed what the other races will be, only that they'll take place in locations including Gaptooth Breach, Annesburg, and the swamps of Largas.
This news comes alongside Rockstar announcing the release date for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of Grand Theft Auto V. Read all about that here.
Do you still play GTA Online, Red Dead Online, or both? If so, what do you think of the summer updates? Let us know in the comments.
Neon Giant's dystopian vision of a future, The Ascent, arrives on July 29. The Ascent is slated to land on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC, and is joining Xbox Game Pass. I had a chance to play a demo of the upcoming title, an isometric cyberpunk romp with tons of questing, lots of looting, considerable customization, and relentless action. Despite absolutely feeling like a sort of Blade Runner or Shadowrun world, many of those modern games brands in the isometric space have decided to go with a classic CRPG feel. Not The Ascent.
The Ascent takes place in a world of shadowy deals, cybernetic implants, and neon lights, but the combat is action-oriented and far away from turn-based fare. Mastering dodge-rolling and reloading windows becomes essential, especially when you're under duress from some giant creatures with hammers or some rowdy gun-toting goons.
While I didn't get a chance to experiment with it in my short time with the game, The Ascent features co-op gameplay for up to four players, which should be interesting. The pacing is fast and furious, and in my session I died many, many times. However, I was always learning, leveling up, and finding new gear – all factors that made a huge difference as I would throw myself back into packs of enemies. From poppy little pistols to heavy shotguns, each weapon has a different style to master as you maneuver around, attempting to find the right dodge windows and then hammer your opponents back before reloading. There's no ammo meter to worry about, but something like a riot gun may only offer a few shots before having you manage a long reload window, whereas an automatic rifle may unleash tons of bullets, but not have a ton of impact from hit to hit.
Alongside picking your weapons and armor, improving your character comes from allocating skill points in traditional fashion. With my build relying on hitting hard, staying alive, and making every shot count, I went with a big hit point pool and critical hit chance as my focus. Augmentations (similar to cybernetic implants) allowed me to further customize my kit, giving me the ability to dash-punch and crush anyone who dared get too close to me while I was in the midst of reloading or attempting to get out of a fray. Check out the announce trailer below:
Click here to watch embedded mediaAre you looking forward to The Ascent? Let us know in the comments!
When the PlayStation 5 was first revealed last June, the event kicked off with the announcement that an enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V was heading to the console. We then learned just as quickly that the game was coming to Xbox Series X/S too. Rockstar Games has finally confirmed that the new-gen version of GTA V arrives this November and will include new features and perks for those who upgrade.
Circle November 11 on your calendar if you’ve been waiting to experience the wildly successful sandbox game on your next-gen console. While the game will likely look and run better, Rockstar hasn’t detailed its specific features as of yet but promises to share more information in the months to come. For now, it does share that players who upgrade will be treated to “special benefits” related to the GTA Online’s upcoming summer updates.
Speaking of GTA Online, the popular online mode launches for new-gen consoles the same day. However, PS5 players will get to play it for free during the first three months. Don’t forget that if you’re a PS4 player subscribed to PS Plus, you can claim $1 million in-game dollars from the PlayStation Store at the start of each month. You can do this every month until GTA V releases on PS5.
Grand Theft Auto V launched back in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Needless to say, it’s had quite the run in the eight years since it was released primarily due to the ongoing popularity of GTA Online. Despite being long in the tooth at this point, the game ranked as the 8th most popular game on Steam in 2020. If you're feeling nostalgic, you can read our reviews for both the original launch version of the game here or the PS4/Xbox One port here.
So GTA V fans, do you plan on upgrading to the PS5/Xbox Series X version? If you haven’t played the game yet, does this entice you to give it a shot? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Now that the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is out (and to stunning reviews, nonetheless), many returning players and newcomers are boarding the Normandy for a space adventure like none other. Like with any game released in recent years, the Legendary Edition just received a new update to make the experience even smoother. It's a small update, nothing major, but does tackle trophy and achievement issues, launcher glitches, and a few other odds and ends to make the trilogy a more optimized journey.
General fixes with the new update tackles launcher crashes where Xbox Series X players that enabled their wireless headset were not able to get into the game. BioWare did mention one small addendum, saying, "This can still happen if you enable/disable a headset in the launcher. A future fix will resolve this issue." Iris shaders for better ambient occlusion are also a part of this patch in addition to "minor calibrations, fixes, and stability improvements."
The first game is seeing some additional terrain texture improvements. The issue where kills weren't being tracked properly for achievements and trophies is also tackled in this new update in addition to the character code being corrected in the Squad Menu and smoother pre-rendered cutscenes.
Mass Effect 2's fixes include largely what Mass Effect 1 offers in addition to improved lighting centering around cinematics, minor VFX improvements, and text issues relating to achievements.
The final game in the trilogy was largely untouched by bugs, but BioWare did fix an issue with the achievement and trophy tracking regarding kills.
Interested in learning more about Mass Effect Legendary Edition? Be sure to check out our dedicated hub here, including exclusive interviews with the team, gameplay, and our review-in-progress.
What do you think, dear reader? Have you been enjoying your time in the Garrus simulator? What are your overall impressions centering around the remaster? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
2021 may have kicked off with a slower-than-usual start thanks to numerous big delays, but that doesn't mean we still haven't been treated to a fair share of quality releases. Whether you're looking to get the most of out of your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S or still enjoying your PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC, we've evaluated many of 2021's most noteworthy games to help guide you towards the best of the best. What highly anticipated games met our expectations? Which under-the-radar indies deserve your attention? You can find the answers to those questions right here.
Below you'll find a list of the top scoring games of 2021, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We'll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
Hazelight's cooperative adventure is clever, different, and loads of fun. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 11, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Village doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to horror, but a consistent rollout of new weapons and tools makes it hard to walk away from these terrors. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
By bundling one of the best 3D Mario games with an all-new adventure, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a compelling package for all fans of the Nintendo mascot. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
With the launch of Like A Dragon on PS5, read about how this fantastic turn-based RPG captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5)
Devotion is terrifying experience backed by a compelling narrative that has a new lease on life after spending two years removed from sale. Horror fans would do well not to miss it a second time. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
The Final Cut opens this strange world up to a wave of new superstar detectives on console, and the additions provide a rewarding return trip for the rest of us. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
March 30, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PC), 2021 (Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
This retro revival is challenging, fun, and worth playing twice. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 25, 2021 (Switch), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
Every mission in the final arc is a statement, demonstrating a mastery of level design and a willingness to subvert expectations laid out five years ago. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Outriders lived up to every single expectation I had and then some. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
This second dive into an alien sea delivers a continual sense of wonder with huge discoveries backed by a strong story. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Experience Nioh and Nioh 2's remastered versions in a complete package on PlayStation 5. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Now that Crash Bandicoot 4 has arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch, read how the game's challenging but fun platforming and entertaining new mask abilities make it a successful return to form. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
October 2, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 12, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
A roguelite dungeon manager simulation that keeps you coming back for more, Loop Hero makes hours fly by. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Sony's long-running baseball series impress on the diamond yet again, but doesn't deliver many new experiences. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date:
New Pokémon Snap delivers all the thrills of the original game, but that throwback spirit isn't the only part of the experience that will give you a feeling of déjà vu. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere turn a disastrous voyage into a rewarding expedition. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Even if the action of Strikers is very different, the spirit and heart of the mainline series carries into this enjoyable sequel. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
A satisfying romp as you restore glory to your rodent empire, defend against waves of flavorful foes, and recruit colorful companions. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
Last week, Ubisoft rolled out title update 4.0 of Watch Dogs: Legion which added a slew of new features including new co-op mission and character abilities. The publisher is already looking ahead to the next patch, update 4.5, which will bring the much-requested 60 fps boost for Legion on new-gen consoles among other improvements.
There’s no word on when 4.5 will go live, but Ubisoft’s blog post provides a sneak peek of what’s to come. In addition to the 60 fps performance mode for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the update will address several bugs revolving around Mina Sidhu, a new Dedsec operative who arrived in 4.0. For fans of Legion’s online multiplayer, 4.5 will introduce a new Tactical Op, Project OMNI. Ubisoft promises to share the full patch notes closer to launch.
If you missed update 4.0, it added some big quality of life improvements, such as a “friends only” co-op mode, the ability to access the Deep Profiler of operatives, and a full character customization feature. It’s been a quietly eventful year for Legion overall, the biggest update being the launch of Watch Dogs: Legion Online launched earlier this year. While players can now liberate London alongside their friends on the same platform, we’re still awaiting confirmation on when crossplay will make its way into the game.
You can read our full review of Watch Dogs: Legion here. For an update on the release schedule for Ubisoft’s slate of upcoming games, including Far Cry 6 and Skull & Bones, take a look at this recent news article.
Have you kept up with Watch Dogs: Legion? If so, what do you think of the updates that have arrived so far, and are you looking forward to the performance boost? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
[Source: Ubisoft]
Lady Dimitrescu stole the show when Capcom first revealed Resident Evil Village and now that the game is out, that love hasn't slowed. While other aspects of the game are finally getting their time to shine, that Tall Vampire Lady fervor hasn't slowed one bit. We've previously shared an incredibly accurate cosplay of this particular character, but one fan took the character even further by doing an ASMR Ethan Winters scenario.
ASMR is a feeling that invokes a tingling sensation from the scalp down through the neck and into the rest of a person's body for a controlled stimulus effect triggered by certain sounds. It's been huge lately, especially in the YouTube community, and for good reason. While skeptical at first, a friend recommended particular ASMR sounds for migraines and it's been a total lifesaver, which has caused me to venture out into the web for more gaming takes on this community. Because I have no chill when going full-on fandom love with games I enjoy, it didn't take me long before I saw a crossover between Lady D and ASMR and you know what? I'm not mad at it at all.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe YouTuber in question goes by Saria ASMR and her entire channel is made up of different ASMR experiences. Some gaming takes with Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, and Dungeons & Dragons, but this Lady Dimitrescu take seems to be her first one in cosplay. You can scope out the rest of her videos through her channel here.
Regarding the game itself, we've loved our time in the latest Capcom horror adventure. While Lady Dimitrescu didn't have the biggest part to play, her role was important and added to the overall narrative that is Ethan Winters' disastrous life. Our own Ben Reeves scored Village an impressive 9.25 in his review. You can read his thoughts right here, as well as a small blurb below:
Resident Evil Village’s narrative is more compelling than I expected. Ethan is still a bit of a bland everyman, but his journey to rescue his daughter is full of wild characters and a handful of surprising moments. Village’s narrative was never the main thing driving me forward, but I’m glad to see that Capcom actually put some thought into this world, and a few of the late game twists have me genuinely excited to see where the series goes next.
Resident Evil Village is an impressive package. I loved the recent remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but I’m excited to see Capcom push the series forward again. Village expands on Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’s approach to first-person combat, offering a series of white-knuckle encounters that perfectly complement Capcom’s unnerving environmental design. Thankfully, Village’s amplified action doesn’t diminish its horror. If anything, Village maintains a sense of dread that few games can match. If you have the intestinal fortitude for intense terror, playing Resident Evil Village is a great way to check your pulse.
Resident Evil Village is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Don't forget to check out our handy dandy beginner's tips and tricks guide here before diving in.
Thoughts on this creative Lady Dimitrescu cosplay ASMR take on Resident Evil Village? Shout 'em out loud and proud in the comment section below!
Move over literally every other game slated to launch this year, because Mario Golf: Super Rush is going for GOTY. Or, it's just going for being a really enjoyable experience, which is all we can ask for as gamers. The latest trailer for the golf-inspired title breaks down more about what this experience will have to offer, including more game modes and what the roster will look like.
The trailer, seen below, shows off one particular aspect that has us intrigued if for no other reason than the chaos it looks like it spawns. The mode is called Speed Golf. Players will tee off at the same time and whoever gets to the final hole the fastest (easy, internet) takes the win. There's a stamina meter that players will need to be conscious of when using power-ups to get that W, as well as other tools in the proverbial belt like speed dashing and the ability to interrupt an opposing player's progress.
The below trailer also goes into the Battle Golf event for Speed Golf, pitting players against one another in a battle royale-esque arena environment. Players will have to do whatever it takes to claim holes on the course, with three marking a win. This aspect takes Speed Golf to even bigger heights, letting Nintendo fans get in touch with their competitive side a little more.
Click here to watch embedded mediaI'd also like to take a moment to point towards the section in the above video where Waluigi DAZZLES in true disco-inspired fashion. He's the real star here.
The latest Mario Golf: Super Rush trailer shows off the different ways Nintendo is making this experience worth it. From chilling on the green to golfing your way to the finish line like your life depends on it, Speed Golf definitely has a few different ways of keeping players engaged.
Mario Golf: Super Rush lands on Nintendo Switch on June 25.
Thoughts on the different ways Mario and the gang are taking to the golf course? What part of the latest trailer has you the most excited? Sound off with your hot takes in the comment section below!
To celebrate the launch of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a large portion of the original trilogy cast reunited for a special panel including both voices for Commander Shepard, Joker's Seth Green, and so many more. When Mark Meer, the voice behind Male Shepard, put out a call to fans to edit the Citadel DLC in Mass Effect 3 to have both Sheps battle it out, one fan took to the challenge in a pretty epic way. Just be warned, the video has spoilers for one of the greatest DLCs in gaming history, so if you haven't played it yet, you might want to turn away now.
Seriously, last chance. Spoilers for the Mass Effect 3 Citadel DLC ahead.
Spoiler warning given. Fandom mode activated. Let's do this. In the Mass Effect 3 Citadel DLC, there are a few parts. An entirely new area of the Citadel is open, filled with bars, casinos, arcades, and a swanky sushi joint. It all goes to hell, as things often do with Shepard, when a band of mercs attack them when they meet up with Joker at the fanciest restaurant on the Citadel. The plot thickens when it is found that the true enemy is... well, Shepard. Turns out, Cerberus built a backup clone in case Shep needed any "spare parts," and that clone has some issues with being second best. Before the best party ever to hit space arrives, Shepard and their crew must fight to take the Normandy back and prove that the galaxy is only big enough for one of them.
On fan, YouTuber RangerDelk, took Meer up on his challenge and edited the DLC in a way that MaleShep and FemShep square off, giving us the crossover that has only been available via mods and less than SFW fan fiction. The result? Pure epicness:
Click here to watch embedded mediaThis from the original trilogy, not the remaster, but is really awesome to see the pair battle it out. It turns out that this user created a video previously where FemShep was the clone, but Meer requested another version where he was the backup organ donor instead, giving Jennifer Hale's take on the character time to shine.
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is out now and has been met with pretty stellar reviews, including our own right here. For the those wanting a little more remaster goodness in their life, be sure to check out our Exclusives hub below to see more from our time chatting with BioWare to dive deep into what the Legendary Edition has to offer. You can check that out here in between missions that... you know, save the galaxy? No pressure.
It looks like the dry spell of Dying Light 2 news is finally over, because this is the second video we've had in a short amount of time offering more insightinto the highly anticipated sequel from Techland. As part of an ongoing developer update video series for the studio, the latest episode puts associate producer Julia Szynkaruk center stage to talk more about the story, the characters players will meet, factions, and quite a bit more.
In the video, Szynakurk talked about a few details previously confirmed, including that the 15-year time jump of the sequel means that we will not see any familiar faces from the first game. That being said, that doesn't mean Kyle Crane's efforts were in vain, the new story will reflect back on Crane's role in the franchise frequently. Techland even teases ways that his decisions will impact the second game, though how exactly that goes down is up to players to find out.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAlso included in the video seen above is a little more about two of the game's primary factions. You've got the Survivors and you've got the Peacekeepers and choosing one over the other will drastically change the worldview in Dying Light 2. Oddly enough, the Peacekeepers are anything but the hippy lovers that the name implies. Instead, this faction is heavily rooted in military protocol. Their job is to put down any infected that could cause further harm, but that doesn't mean a line or two won't be crossed. The Survivors, on the other hand, are just trying to do that: survive. In a world that can change at the drop of the hat, the latter faction focuses on rebuilding, thriving, and adapting when needed.
Techland has already spoken about how much bigger Dying Light 2 is from its predecessor, but Techland did take it a little further by opening up about new areas players will be able to explore. For this video, she went into the Dark Places and GRE Quarantine zones, each offering unique challenges to face and overcome.
Dying Light 2 is a completely new start for this budding franchise with many new additions to make it truly something special and unique based on player choices. With the E3 look of year's past, we saw firsthand how drastic the consequences can go, even changing the entire landscape of the world map. Dying Light 2 has the potential to have a massive impact on the gaming industry and its approach to development that will last forever, that is if it's done well and matches the vision this team has.
We still don't have any release date information at this time, but we're excited to learn more about the road ahead. Dying Light 2 is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
What are your thoughts on Dying Light 2 and its development progress? Are you excited to explore the much bigger map and learn more about aspects like factions? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is out now and so many of our readers have been sharing their Commander Shepards with us. While many newcomers are joining the Normandy for the first time, veterans of the franchise are having a great time exploring what's new in this familiar universe. If you were a fan of the original trilogy, you probably remember the conversation that centered around the very badly photoshopped Tali photo in Shepard's cabin. While we still don't get to see this mysterious Quarian's face in a cutscene like we'd like, we do at least have an updated photo for those that romanced this little cutie.
For those that may be unfamiliar, Quarians are a race of alien beings that are forced to wear bodysuits that are completely enclosed due to weakened immune systems following a war with the Geth. The Geth are a race of AI built by the Quarians, a race that was slaughtered when they started to show signs of true intelligence. The war chased the Quarians from their homeworld, forever changing their daily lives and forcing them to hide their true faces behind a helmet.
If a Male Shepard romances Tali, the only Quarian squadmate, he can see her face in the Love Interest scene in Mass Effect 2 (and again in Mass Effect 3 planet-side), but the player is still left in the dark. Shepard's romance option will be displayed in their cabin with a small photo, Tali included. Everyone looked in line with their character models except for the Quarian. Tali got a really badly edited stock photo as her tribute, something that was sad and honestly hilarious at the same time. Luckily, the remaster fixed more than the Mako controls and the uglies of Mass Effect 1; it also gave Tali a real face. While not a full reveal, it is at least something. You can see the updated portrait below, showing an actual Tali sans face covering, courtesy of Maxgoods on Reddit:
While we were reviewing the remaster, Kim and I took two paths. She played FemShep for the official review, and I provided backup as MaleShep. This time around, playthrough number 32 now in the books, I romanced Jack (sorry, Tali, we had fun though in the past!) so I didn't see the image. From the looks of it though in the above screenshot, this is a massive improvement because the other one was just... not good. For those curious, you can see the original here.
To learn more about Mass Effect, check out our dedicated hub here, including exclusive interviews with the team, gameplay, and a ton of community love!
After a successful beta period, Final Fantasy XIV has a PS5 release date. Ahead of the highly anticipated Endwalker expansion for the MMORPG, Square Enix has released a few other details about the online adventure that fans will enjoy.
Game director Naoki Yoshida outlined new content that Final Fantasy XIV fans can look forward to with patch 5.5 on the horizon, bringing with it the conclusion of the Shadowbringers experience. Final Fantasy XIV is set to release on PS5 this May 25, alongside update 5.5, and will bring with it the main scenario questline, Save the Queen questlines, and YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse. Also revealed are new events kicking off later this Summer with the Make It Rain festivities launching in July, Moonfire Faire and The Rising events later in August, and a special Final Fantasy XV collaboration soon after in September.
Click here to watch embedded mediaFor the next few months, the below schedule is what players can look forward to:
For those that love music, Square Enix is partnering up with Fender for a new line of musical peripherals for fans to enjoy, including a limited run of Final Fantasy XIV Stratocaster guitars equipped with crystal detailing and unique game-themed branding.
Also revealed is a new art book for the Shadowbringers expansion with Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers - The Art of Reflection, Histories Unwritten. Citizen and Square Enix are also collaborating (it's the time for collabs for this team!) for a new line of Final Fantasy XIV-themed watches with a Darkness and Light models.
From an updated UI to beautiful 4K, the game looks and feels amazing on PlayStation 5. Paired with all of the other goodies that Square has in place for this passionate community, it's a good time to be a fan of Final Fantasy. For those who haven't been able to score one yet due to console shortages, the latest update also lives on other platforms. You can learn more about that here.
This year's Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival may not have been the joyous gathering of fans that it has been in years past, but the move from an in-person event to a digital livestream still delivered plenty of surprises and excitement. The focus was intently on the forthcoming Endwalker expansion pack, which was announced to have a November 23 release date.
One of the biggest reveals was a new job called Reaper. Wielding a giant scythe that channels dark magics each time its swung, this role appears to be primarily close-range DPS, although you can see a ghostly transformation in the video below that appears to have some kind of a ranged magical attack. This job can only be accessed if the player has another at level 70, and is only available to people who purchased the Endwalker expansion.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAs the Endwalker story unfolds, players will travel to unexplored areas, including Sharlayan, a new HUB city. This location hasn't been touched by war, showing prosperity in its soaring architecture and beautiful courtyards. Players will also travel to Mare Lamentorum, an otherworldly location with a moon-like feel.
Click here to watch embedded mediaEndwalker is brimming with most of the feature sets and additions you'd expect from an expansion of this ilk. The level cap is increasing from 80 to 90, which will be put to good use in new dungeons and raids, and there are plenty of new bosses to face, including Anima and the Magus Sisters.
Ever since its rebirth, Final Fantasy XIV has long been one of the most played and celebrated MMOs out there. Game Informer's Dan Tack gave the Shadowbringers expansion a review score of 9 out of 10, praising its new questline and worlds. We don't have long to wait to see how Endwalker adds to this sprawling experience. The cinematic at the top of this article gives you a great idea of what to expect from the story and new content.
If you're wondering what games are coming up in 2021, we've put them all in one convenient location. This list will be continually updated to act as a living, breathing schedule as new dates are announced, titles are delayed, and big reveals happen. This should help you plan out your next several months in gaming and beyond.
As the gaming calendar is constantly changing, we highly recommend you bookmark this page. You'll likely find yourself coming back to this to find out the most recent release schedule for the most anticipated games across PC, consoles, handhelds, and mobile devices. If you notice that we've missed something, feel free to let us know! Please note that games will not get assigned to a month until they have confirmed release dates.
Influential and poignant, the Mass Effect trilogy left a lasting impression on gamers, advancing the impact of choice in games and proving that personal connection endears players to the overall experience. It could have been a story merely about saving the galaxy, but BioWare created a rich and complex world full of unique and realistic viewpoints that factored into the difficult choices that must be made. With the fate of the galactic civilization on your shoulders, nothing came easy in Mass Effect, and that’s part of the reason the series still resonates with people all these years later.
The Mass Effect trilogy is a gaming experience that shouldn’t be missed, which is why finally having a remaster is such a big deal; not only in terms of keeping the series’ legacy alive, but also in allowing players an easy way to access and play through the story the way it is meant to be played with its DLC. While it’s not a perfect remaster, BioWare did an excellent job of updating Commander Shepard’s adventure to make it a better and smoother ride on the Normandy, and not just in the visual department.
The first Mass Effect received the most attention, which makes sense considering that game is now a teenager and hasn’t aged well. Even back when it launched in 2007, the first game was rough around the edges, as BioWare was still trying to figure out how to balance action gameplay with role-playing systems. Mass Effect’s unique sci-fi future always won out over any flaws or frustrations, but going back to relive these great moments came with some unfortunate caveats. With Legendary's improvements, that is no longer the case, and I enjoyed playing through the first game a lot more in the remaster.
Many mechanical aspects have been tweaked here, from removing class-based weapon restrictions to providing a more modernized HUD, but some changes feel more significant than others. For instance, the new Mako controls made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the game; the traditionally lumbering vehicle steers better, moves faster, and has better aiming mechanics for shooting. I used to dread hopping into this six-wheeled vehicle of chaos, but that all dissipated thanks to these smoother controls.
Click image thumbnails to view larger version
Speaking of better controls, ME1’s shooting is much improved and closer to ME2’s gameplay, with smoother targeting and all different gun types being useful from the get-go. You won’t forget you’re playing an older quasi-shooter, but it makes playing this first game much better. The visual enhancements here hit the hardest, especially the added detail to the lush environments, which now have richer vegetation, new particle effects, and improved lighting. The structures of these levels haven’t changed, but the way they’ve been visually improved makes them way more interesting to explore and I stopped to take in the sights more than ever before.
The visual improvements aren’t as vast in ME2 or ME3, but everything looks better overall. Enemies and alien species are the biggest beneficiaries, but the trilogy’s age is evident in the poorly lip-synced human faces. However, characters like Miranda look more natural, thanks to the better lighting and more realistic make-up alongside her fuller hair. In addition, most armor and casual clothes have better shine and realistic folds, especially on characters like Tali and Liara. These may seem like little details, but they are noticeable, adding to the immersion and just making for better-looking games.
In addition, better camera angles help scenes feel more organic, but, unfortunately, some flaws still carry over from the original entries, like characters having stiff movements or awkward mannerisms. You also still see the occasional technical hiccup; I experienced a few stutters, freezes, and instances of Shepard getting caught on the geometry. Also, be aware that while the load times are reduced (especially in the elevators), they’re still a little longer than what we’ve come to expect today.
Part of the fun of having the entire trilogy easily accessible in one place means being able to play the games back-to-back and seeing the evolutions and improvements between entries. I really appreciated being able to create a Shepard in ME1 that I could take across each game and not having drastic differences in her appearance between each game, adding a cohesive feeling. The new customization options for your avatar’s appearance aren’t grand, but I did like the more natural hair textures. A new photo mode also allows you to capture your favorite moments; it’s pretty standard and gets the job done, but the filters are limited.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAnother great aspect of this package is it contains most of the DLC, such as standouts like Citadel, Lair of the Shadow Broker, and Leviathan. Sadly, The Pinnacle Station isn’t included due to being unable to recover the source code, and BioWare chose not to carry over Mass Effect 3 multiplayer at this time. The latter is the most glaring and disappointing omission. At the very least, the galactic readiness progress in single-player is no longer tied to this.
Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time. The Legendary Edition provides a great way to experience this powerful story, adding just enough enhancements to create a better experience while still staying true to the original. If you’re a longtime fan or haven’t had a chance to play through one of gaming’s milestone franchises, look no further than this remaster.
Seeing your choices carry over across three games is exciting, but it’s also about the squadmates you meet along the way. So, become Commander Shepard, rally people to your cause, make painstakingly difficult choices, and watch others around you grow stronger because of your influence. The sacrifices and rewards will stay in your memory, and the Legendary Edition is a terrific reminder of why all these years later, people still can’t stop talking about this series.
Summary:Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time.
Concept:Provide a one-stop-shop remaster to experience the iconic Mass Effect trilogy which includes the majority of the DLC and various quality-of-life improvements
Graphics:The graphical enhancements are mostly for the better, especially in the more detailed environments and different alien species. The humans and their mannerisms are hit-or-miss
Sound:A moving soundtrack and stellar voice performances make Commander Shepard’s journey shine brighter
Playability:BioWare made the trilogy much more approachable for a modern audience, especially with the updates to the first game, which include smoother Mako controls and better gunplay
Entertainment:Mass Effect Legendary Edition updates the trilogy in smart ways while retaining its essence, giving fans and newcomers alike a fantastic way to experience one of the most memorable series in gaming
Replay:High
Activision has confirmed that the First thing I did was google 552 kills, (since the og tweet emphasis that stat) and the first thing that popped up was JOHN Rambo’s kill count!
Not only that, the amount of games matches the amount of Rambo films!
names match. Am I losing it or is this a Rambo in COD tease??? pic.twitter.com/MEKcuVEk2P
A few weeks ago, Activision began dropping First thing I did was google 552 kills, (since the og tweet emphasis that stat) and the first thing that popped up was JOHN Rambo’s kill count!
Not only that, the amount of games matches the amount of Rambo films!
names match. Am I losing it or is this a Rambo in COD tease??? pic.twitter.com/MEKcuVEk2P
First thing I did was google 552 kills, (since the og tweet emphasis that stat) and the first thing that popped up was JOHN Rambo’s kill count!
— eric maynard (@EricMaynardII) May 5, 2021
Not only that, the amount of games matches the amount of Rambo films!
names match. Am I losing it or is this a Rambo in COD tease??? pic.twitter.com/MEKcuVEk2P
Not long after, another tease was dropped, but this time it was for a "player" by the name of Cowboymcclane#0070030. I feel like this one was a little easier to crack, given the references in Die Hard about that character being called a cowboy (and you can't forget that famous line of "yippee kay yay").
With more community fan theories that followed soon after, Activision has officially confirmed its 80s action heroes crossover for Call of Duty: Warzone, Black Ops Cold War, and Mobile. The fun kicks off on May 20:
Some heroes Die Hard. Others draw First Blood.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 13, 2021
The action begins May 20th. pic.twitter.com/8Rr3c7g26u
Shortly after the initial confirmation, a trailer for the crossover was also shared:
Answer the call on May 20th.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 14, 2021
80s Action Heroes coming to #BlackOpsColdWar, #Warzone, and @PlayCODMobile. pic.twitter.com/FibQXa4Lfj
It's a weird one, but not entirely unexpected. Action icons paired with a shooter make for a good crossover, especially since Call of Duty continues to dominate the gaming charts as one of the most downloaded titles in recent months.
Thoughts on Rambo and Die Hard making it into Call of Duty? What other crossovers would you like to see? Sound off in the comment section below!
As many of our readers know, I am an avid Destiny 2 player and have advocated for others to give it another shot following several expansions and the most recent conclusion of Season of the Chosen. The space shooter has evolved incredibly since its launch, but for those diving in, especially with Season of the Splicer now live, there are a few things those with photo-sensitive epilepsy need to be aware of. This is something I've been working on for a few weeks now. If you feel I may have missed something, please email me at lianaruppert@gameinformer.com (only for work purposes, please).
In any space game that has futuristic undertones, you can expect dramatic visual effects to impact the player experience. These are made in a way to cause the action to pop more, especially in high-intensity fights, boss encounters, and raid progression. With the new season now available, more Guardians are diving back into the adventure, especially with much of the game being free for those giving it a shot for the first time and with it being on Xbox Game Pass. There are a few things you should be aware of, something I've been working on since the release of Beyond Light, but more urgently in the past weeks; a sentiment that was echoed recently in a thread on the Bungie forums.
Before we get started diving into some of the triggers below, I want to reiterate something from my previous epileptic PSA's. You do not have to be epileptic to have a seizure. The people in your home do not have to be epileptic to have a seizure. As noted in my Epileptic's Guide to Gaming, a common misconception about seizures is that they only happen to people with epilepsy. That's not true; seizures can occur in anyone. There is also no "one type" of an epileptic episode, which means learning about triggers can be a tricky process. With accessibility in gaming becoming more of a priority within the gaming space, studios are finally beginning to look at the impact of certain effects on those susceptible to neurological episodes beyond simply slapping a warning label on games and calling it a day.
Some have reported the Titan Striker flashbang grenade in PvP as a trigger, but the frequency of the color pattern is not flagged for being a dangerous animation. Speaking with my own neurologist for my epilepsy and various resources through the ESA, the rate of animation isn't something that registers as dangerous. That being said, the poster on the forum mentioned that she had issues with this particular animation, and if even one person does it's worth noting because that's only one person that is coming forward, not necessarily the only person experiencing that reaction.
Season of the Splicer, for the most part, has seemed a lot safer because of the color palette largely chosen with purple and turquoise hues. The new Override instance, a 6-player matchmaking activity, does get a little dicey when the instance begins to pick up speed and intensity. With the various enemies converging all on one point with shields going down and purple motes being banked, the flashing used to note the change in pace can also be a strain on those with any sort of neurodivergent instances.
As Destiny 2 continues to gain traction with each expansion post-Activision, the game has evolved a lot. So have the animation styles. While Destiny 2 largely does a good job at being conscientious, there are always ways to be a little safer and how to do that is to bring awareness to the forefront in a productive and respectful manner. Accessibility in gaming still has a long way to go, especially when a common reaction in the gaming community is just "don't play games." That attitude is callous, especially given that many of the same points raised in the gaming space apply to movies, TV, and even casual commercials.
One thing I am pushing for within the gaming space (and something Xbox is doing a phenomenal job with in regards to making it a priority with the studios it works with) is more options in the settings menu of games. Obviously, the best course of action would be to tackle potential triggers during the creation process, but sometimes that's not always possible. When there are multiple departments involved and a lack of consulting regarding neurodivergent, it's easy to overlook potential dangers. You also don't want to limit developer vision because sometimes (not all of the time) certain animations are vital to properly conveying the desired effect to the player. When this happens, and this is something that has been gaining traction in the development space, especially with indies, is to implement certain settings. Just as colorblindness is becoming more and more of a norm when looking at which options should be available at launch, it's starting to become a little more normalized to offer anti-shake options, different color options (I recommended in the Epileptic's Guide that colorblindness options and blue light eliminators can be a godsend), and different filters during those instances where epileptic concerns are a part of the conversation.
Brannon Zahand, a senior program manager for gaming accessibility at Microsoft, previously opened up about new goals the company has regarding its efforts. "Passion for game accessibility has grown exponentially among developers and gamers alike in the past decade," he says in the post when talking about why this movement is so crucial. "According to the ESA Foundation, there are nearly 46 million gamers with disabilities in the U.S. alone, [sic] so we’re heartened to see that game developers are actively seeking out resources that guide inclusive game design to ensure that their games are fun for everyone who wants to play."
According to Zahand, accessibility has become a "core aspect" behind all development decisions within the Xbox brand. This became the norm when the company created the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines back in 2019, and from there the efforts grew in both scope and support.
Since the launch of programs within the company to be more community-focused in areas that are usually left unrecognized, Xbox has worked alongside many groups targeted various aspects of accessibility to continue growing and properly addressing fan feedback. "Over the past year, developers have expressed enthusiasm for the XAGs (Xbox Accessibility Guidelines), but also asked for additional context and clarification as to how to ensure these guidelines are properly implemented in their games," Zahand added. "Additionally, there has been a clear desire for more content that helps a developer understand 'where to start' or 'how to focus efforts.'" In an effort to make the impact of XAGs even more effective, the team is implementing new growth goals for 2021 and beyond. You can learn more about Xbox's initiative here.
As someone who has seizures due to an injury from my time when I was active duty, the years following this new development have been a steep learning curve for me when navigating some of my favorite and most anticipated games. I no longer can enjoy titles like Dead Space as freely as I used to, which opened up an entirely new world of development that never even entered my scope of awareness. Since seizures have become my new norm, I often make sure to pay special attention to certain design choices that can be harmful to those sensitive to neurological traps. That way, I can decide for myself if something is safe to play, and see if there is a way to work around those obstacles and try to offer some navigational tools for others that may be facing similar roadblocks. For those who experience any type of seizure or those who live in the same household with someone with epileptic tendencies, I encourage you to check out my Epileptic's Guide to Gaming breakdown right here that goes over different types of epilepsy, warning signs, and how you can game a little more safely.
I want to also say a special thank you to @Orchidfor also helping to bring this to light. We can all make gaming a safer hobby but banding together and helping each other raise awareness. I've been talking about epilepsy in the gaming space for years now throughout my career, but only in the last year has that finally begun to garner results. I'm excited to see what the future holds and thrilled to see more and more studios take notice of how expansive this issue truly is.
Two things generally come to mind while I'm playing Returnal. One is “Wow, this game is pretty fun!” and the second is “I kind of wish I could save because I need to go to bed.” Most players seem to enjoy the game but have been vocal about the lack of a proper save system. Thankfully for those players, Housemarque has heard the complaints and is investigating a solution. Just don't expect a fix to come in the very near future.
If you haven’t played Returnal, the game is a third-person roguelite where players blast their way through ever-changing levels teeming with hostile aliens. It’s a very challenging game, especially since you can’t save your progress. At all. That can get hairy since a good run often lasts for a couple of hours at least, and dying (or quitting) restarts you from the beginning of the game due to its time-loop story premise.
If you need to walk away mid-run, putting the PS5 into rest mode is the only way to halt and preserve your progress. At best, you’re burning electricity for potentially hours until you return. At worst, the game closes anyway due to the occasionally unreliable nature of suspend mode, a sudden power outage, or an auto-update forces Returnal to close to install a new patch (though you can disable that feature at least).
So what can be done? Speaking to Axios Gaming, Housemarque marketing director Mikael Haveri acknowledges the complaints, saying “We understand that there are some systems in place that are currently a hindering factor,” and that the team is very much looking into a remedy. However, it sounds like introducing saves won’t be as easy as simply flipping a switch.
In terms of figuring out a solution, Haveri says “But currently, we just don't know exactly what it is. So it's very difficult to announce anything, because I think there's a lot of different people looking for different things.”
Housemarque intentionally designed Returnal as a hardcore experience, lack of saves included, so introducing the feature likely requires more work than players may realize. You’ll just have to take solace in knowing a save system of some sort is in the works. Preserving save files has been the story of Housemarque's life since Returnal launched. It recently squashed aprogress corrupting bug that plagued players following an update.
I love Returnal but as I explore deeper and my sessions grow longer, I find myself wishing I could put it down without leaving the machine running. I personally don’t think it would spoil the experience to have a normal save system. Hades, for example, allows you to save mid-run and it didn’t take away from that game’s challenge. We’ll see what Housemarque comes up with while I continue to pray that lightning doesn’t knock out my PS5 while my current awesome run is suspended.
Do you want to see Returnal get a save system or are you satisfied with its hardcore design as it is? Let us know in the comments!
[Source: Axios Gaming]
Back in February, we sat down and talked with game director Mac Walters and environment director Kevin Meek to dive deep into the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Among the many topics discussed was the decision to not include the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer in the remaster. With the Legendary Edition now out and so many raving about it, including myself and Kim Wallace (who is reviewing the remaster), Walters is now saying "never say never" when it comes to that cherished multiplayer component.
In a recent interview with CNET, Walters mentioned that he would be open to seeing multiplayer but that it really just depended on the reception of the Legendary Edition. “I would never say no to that,” Walters said when talking about bringing back multiplayer. “We want to see what kind of reception the Legendary Edition gets and what the demand for the multiplayer is. And then we’ll ask ourselves if we have the resources and time to bring it up to the quality level we and fans want.”
The multiplayer was fun. When BioWare first announced that Mass Effect 3 would have an online component with MP, the collective community groaned since this is such a single-player focused story. That being said, when it launched it was met with positive feedback and delight as players dove in as different races to just absolutely pwn. With all of the amazing work done with Mass Effect 1 in particular thanks to the remaster, excitement is high once more for this trilogy and there are so many newcomers learning what it means to be a part of the Normandy crew for the first time. To bring back the social aspect of the game would be incredible to see with a new generation of gaming now available with PS5 and Xbox Series X. Maybe this time, even crossplay?
But why wasn't it in it in the first place? In a previous interview with Game Informer, Meek had this to say:
"I had all of these analogies early on to try to help people understand what this remaster is going to be about," he said. "It's one thing to take a 1982 Porsche that needs to be fully restored, but now I want you to imagine that it was actually buried in concrete. So you've got to chip away at all of that, and every time you go to try something it's like 'is this even going to work?' Do I blow the engine turnover? You know, it's just a lot of work. And I think people underestimate what it's like to do this game, because - at every step - you are given an agonizing choice of 'is this the thing that we want to spend our time on and really try to improve it' and 'where will this lead us down the road?'"
He added, "I feel strongly that we've chosen the things that are what the majority of our fans were most passionate about. On the topic of multiplayer, it was just really hard. Getting all of the online systems working and functionality would have been another large chunk to do but at the same time, there are a lot of other logistics involved. The economy is built completely differently. Then questions came up like, 'Do we support it post-launch? What about people who are still playing multiplayer today? Do we try to find a way to somehow do crossplay between the PS3 and PS4?' and it was a lot."
To learn more about Mass Effect, check out our dedicated hub here, including exclusive interviews with the team, gameplay, and our review-in-progress.
What do you think, dear reader? Do you think it was a mistake to leave multiplayer out of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, or did they make the right call? Would you like to see it be added to the Mass Effect Legendary Edition? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
We're here ready for part ten of our epic playthrough of FromSoftware's Bloodborne! We're starting just slightly later than usual today, but that just gives you more time to get some snacks or something to bring to the show! Last week, we took on one of the big bosses of The Old Hunters. This week, we have our eyes on a pizza cutter. Let's see what happens! Check out our review hereand join us today at 3 PM CT!
Are you ready for a chilling thrill ride through FromSoftware's masterpiece? Bloodborne is a dark horror action/RPG that tasks the player with navigating through haunted streets full of werewolves and shuffling, shambling ghouls – and that's just the first hour. Bloodborne showcases immaculate environments dripping with atmosphere, creative and cruel monster designs, and terrors ripped from the great beyond. And we're going to play through it! Super Replay, the legendary Game Informer series that pairs pro players with even more professional commentary, is back.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAs the flagship revival title, Bloodborne is going to be live and uncut every Friday at 2 PM CST. So won't you come join us for a blood-tinged brawl? How many times will I choke during boss fights? Will I even remember how to use the parry guns? (Probably not).
But I have faith that together, we will make it through, even if that includes farming up a mess of blood vials to get past a grotesque pig and other creatures of the night. This is a raw, organic playthrough at its finest, as I haven't really touched the game since my second playthrough of The Old Hunters shortly after it launched. In short, it's the perfect way to bring all the fun and intensity of the Super Replay directly into your eyeballs, shot live and beamed into reality via livestream.
"Bloodborne is a blood-drenched horror gem that has only the faintest of cracks in its façade. Bloodborne succeeds through sparse storytelling, lush atmospheres (conjuring up notions of the best of Lovecraft’s work), and tight combat that forces you to be aggressive," I said in my Game Informer review. "While this new IP doesn’t stray far from the established Souls franchise, it is a magical, wondrous work that admirably instills both terror and triumph in those brave enough to delve into it."
Checkout the entire Replay series here and get started with the Bloodborne run in epic fashion here.
Do you like Super Replay? Are you glad to see it back? What other games would you like to see featured in the future? Let us know in the comments!
Sunset Overdrive was a wacky, colorful, and just all-around weird (in a good way) open-world adventure fueled by monster-making energy drinks. When it debuted, it was an Xbox One staple. Fast forward a few years later, and Sony ended up acquiring Insomniac Games, the studio behind Sunset, making many wonder what the move meant for a potential sequel. Shortly after a trademark filing was found by Sony for the property, the game's director isn't committing to a hard "no" when it comes to a Sunset Overdrive 2.
Director Marcus Smith recently sat down with GQ Magazine to talk about a plethora of topics, among them being Sunset Overdrive. "I think there are a lot of stories that can be told in that universe and I would love to return to it. I had a lot of fun making that game," Smith told the site. Is that a definitive "yes" a sequel is happening? Nope, not quite, but it doesn't totally rule out the idea which means that anything is possible in the realm of Insomniac.
So if it's not a firm answer to whether or not there will ever be a sequel, why are we writing about this? Glad you asked, dear reader! Several reasons! In the same interview, Smith said, "I mean, never say never is my approach," when asked if we would get a potential second game. "Obviously, we're a part of Sony now, but we own the IP and so there's nothing really stopping us other than we have a lot of really exciting things in the future."
Hold the squees, there is more.
Earlier this year, a variety of rumors began circulating that a "revamped" Sunset Overdrive experience could be coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 systems. Sony didn't comment on the rumors, but those continue to gain traction with "insiders" swearing up and down they are accurate. Paired with the recent trademark, the community is once more asking for any news regarding this newly budded franchise. Even though Sony won't be participating in E3 this year, the company has a ton of new announcements to share in the coming months. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get some clarification.
Thoughts on Sunset Overdrive and its reception? Would you like to see this energy drink-chugging adventure make its way into this new generation of gaming? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
Dave Bautista, the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy star, wants to play Bane in a Batman movie, and also sees himself in Marcus Fenix's armor for a Gears of War film. In an interview with Collider, Bautista said he sat down with people from Warner Bros. to discuss various roles, and brought up the idea of playing Bane, and WB countered with a potential role in a Fast & Furious film. Bautista fired back "I'm not interested, let's talk about Marcus Fenix."
You can see the full interview below. He provides insight into how he would play Bane, and said that he thought WB was a little put off by his suggestion of playing Fenix and not wanting to be in Fast & Furious. Bautista said he didn't mean to offend anyone with his ideas, but he found those potential roles more interesting. "I don't want to pretend I'm interested in something I'm not," he added. "When there's something I'm excited about, and something that [WB] has under control, would you consider me for that? I don't think there's any harm in that. I'm not trying to step on anybody's toes or disrespect anybody else, I'm just saying this is what I love. I don't see any harm in chasing your dreams."
Click here to watch embedded mediaBautista clearly has the look to bring Fenix to life, but despite numerous attempts, a Gears of War movie has yet to get off of the ground. New producers and different screenwriters haven't been able to figure out the right approach to get this video game property on the silverscreen. Attaching a huge name like Bautista, who wants the role and would likely be accepted by most fans of the game series, is a great first foot forward if talks continue in the future.
I'd love to see what Bautista would do with this role, and can see the battle against the Locust creating quite the spectacle with a nice budget. Do you think Bautista is a good fit for the lead role? Who else should be considered for roles if it gets off of the ground?
If you’re a fan of the soul-like shooter Remnant: From the Ashes and own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, a you've got an update to get excited about. First, the game is receiving visual and performance upgrades on current consoles beginning today. Second, the Xbox version now supports crossplay with Windows players.
As with many new-gen enhancements, the upgrade comes in two forms. You can go the visual route and bump the resolution to 4K with 30 frames per second. Alternatively, you can play the game at 60 fps with an 1080p resolution. Remnant also benefits from reduced load times on both consoles. The upgrade appears to be free, which is always good news – especially if you picked up Remnant on Xbox Game Pass or as a free PS Plus game in March. You can watch the next-gen trailer below.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAdditionally, Remnant is now available to purchase on PC via the Windows Store after it joined Xbox Game Pass for PC earlier this month. As such, crossplay is now enabled between the Windows 10 and Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S versions.
Remnant: From the Ashes launched in August 2019. It challenges up to four players to survive a post-apocalyptic world teeming with supernatural enemies. The gameplay consists of third-person, over-the-shoulder shooting while the progression and difficulty takes cues from Dark Souls. We liked it quite a bit (read our review), and it wound up being one of 2019's hidden gems.
Since launch, the game has received two big DLC updates. The first was Swamps of Corsus, which added a rogue-style survival mode and extra content like new weapons and armor. The second expansion, Subject 2923, is more story-based, featuring a whole new area filled with fresh enemies and bosses.
Now that Remnant: From the Ashes has a fresh coat of paint, will you be firing up another playthrough or embarking on your journey for the first time (hopefully with pals in tow)? Let us know in the comments.
Katy Perry’s latest video has dropped and it contains a few surprising faces alongside the pop star. Pikachu and Pichu, two of the iconic electric Pokémon are prominently featured in the video for the track Electric. With the name of the track syncing up with the Pokémon’s type, it kind of makes sense, and the two are as usual quite adorable with their behaviors during the tune. And yes, Katy Perry pets Pikachu in the video. We’ve made it.
You can watch the video below:
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe video’s launch got a shout out from the official Pokémon Twitter account as well. It turns out, people really like the cute little creatures that have become the face of the brand over the years, ever since the earliest days of the franchise with Red and Blue.
Trainers! @katyperry's "Electric" is out now!! ⚡️
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 14, 2021
👉 https://t.co/FDFXu5jese pic.twitter.com/sqNbm7Eu7R
This single is to be featured on an album releasing later this year, which is known as Pokémon 25: The Album, which is scheduled to feature a multitude of artists including J Balvin and Post Malone. Utilizing huge celebrities and the music world's power with Pokémon kind of makes a lot of sense, as the brand has found its way into almost every aspect of the modern world at this point includingmajor motion pictures.
The Pokémon franchise continues to harness incredibly powerful brand recognition and power for Nintendo, with Sword and Shield and the more recent side offering of New Pokémon Snap. New Pokémon Snap channels back to yesteryear with a game that involves visiting multiple locations to take photos of all your favorites from the series. I mean, who wouldn’t want to catch the coolest Pokémon like Machamp down at the beach?
“New Pokémon Snap delivers an experience similar to that of the original while expanding on the formula in ways that prolong the appeal of the expedition,” said Brian Sheain his Game Informer review. “In the two decades since the first game’s release, the Pokémon world has changed in innumerable ways, but the simple appeal of immersing yourself in this universe and taking pictures has remained unchanged.”
Do you like the song? Do you like the video? Is Katy Perry and Pikachu teaming up the best thing ever? Let us know in the comments!
Dystopian cyberpunk action game Ghostrunner is getting a sequel. 505 Games announced Ghostrunner 2 today, giving fans of the brutal yet stylish adventure a new challenge to test their reflexes against.
Sadly, the announcement doesn’t share any details on gameplay, story, nor a release window. All we know is that Ghostrunner 2 is planned to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. 505 Games will assume full publishing duties after acquiring the IP and replacing All In! Games who published the first game. Speaking of which, the press release also reiterates that the original Ghostrunner is still coming to new-gen consoles before the end of the year.
If you missed Ghostrunner the first time around, its gameplay blends first-person swordplay with fast-paced parkour-style traversal. Players must swiftly traverse its futuristic world with pinpoint accuracy, cutting down foes in rapid succession and rarely pausing to take a breather, lest you risk death. It launched in October 2020 to positive reviews thanks to its fantastic sense of movement but it was also a tale of two games.
Ghostrunner’s action looked and ran great on PC. It was a different story on consoles; the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions suffered from unstable frame rates and other issues that made it nigh unplayable in some instances. Despite the differences, 505 reveals that Ghostrunner has sold 600,000 copies across the board since launch.
We can only hope Ghostrunner 2 will be better optimized for consoles given the extra horsepower behind the PS5 and Xbox Series X. There’s no word on when we’ll learn more about the game, but fingers crossed we’ll get the full reveal sooner than later.
Did you enjoy Ghostrunner and what changes or improvements would you like to see in the sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Earlier this month, we got a new look at Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance courtesy of Tuque Games creative art director Stefan Leblanc. He shared how heavy metal inspired the game, including sharing new concept art to show off the new direction. You can see all of that, and more, right here. But, there's more! Today, Microsoft has confirmed that the new Dark Alliance game will be a day one addition to Xbox Game Pass, giving members a chance to play for free!
Players will be able to be the adventurer they were always meant to be when Dark Alliance arrives on June 22. With its arrival as a day one launch title on Xbox Game Pass, this means that players that are members of this particular subscription service can jump into a new journey at no additional cost. There is a lot to be excited for with this third-person action brawler. This is especially true for those that are looking for a new fantasy game to dive into with friends. With up to 4-player co-op, what do you have to lose when you can play for free?
Click here to watch embedded mediaThere is no denying that the Xbox Game Pass is a solid deal for those looking for a more cost-effecitve way to expand their library, and the value of this service continues to grow every month. For those interested, there are two versions of this membership to choose from with the standard Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Game Pass is $9.99, whereas the Ultimate version includes Xbox Live for $14.99.
An option like this has become even more viable as the price point for certain games is now at $70. This fact is even more prevalent since the resources behind this library continue to grow, including the recent EA Play and Bethesda additions. With first-party day one games being included as a perk, and surprise reveals like MLB The Show 21, Xbox continues to prove that it has a few surprises up its proverbial sleeve with this new generation for the Microsoft brand.
Are you excited for the arrival of Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance? What do you hope gets added next? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
The Wild At Heart is an adventure game about two kids, magical creatures, and adventure. The game starts as a young kid named Wake prepares to run away from his troubled home environment. After packing the essentials, PB & J sandwiches and his handheld "Game Bun" gaming system, Wake runs off into the woods behind his house, quickly gets lost, and finds himself in a magical woodland realm called The Deep Woods. Sounds like an interesting premise for an adventure game, right? If so, be sure to watch this exclusive episode of New Gameplay Today, during which Alex Van Aken, Ben Reeves, and Moonlight Kids' Co-Founder, Chris Sumsky, show off the game's first 20 minutes.
The Wild At Heart doesn't waste much time before showing off its Pikmin-derived inspirations, giving the player command over magical Spritelings that can collect loot, attack enemies, remove obstacles, and build new paths through the environment. When combined with Wake's super-powered vacuum gadget, the Gustbuster, the player can uncover hidden objects, recruit new Spritelings, open locked gates, and a lot more.
You won't have to wait long before playing The Wild At Heart since the game releases on May 20, 2021 on Xbox and PC. For more information, check out the game's official website. If you enjoyed this episode of New Gameplay Today, be sure to subscribe to the Game Informer YouTube channel and catch up on previous episodes here.
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition drops tomorrow and many returning fans are prepping to board the Normandy once more. That being said, there are a lot of people that missed out on the original trilogy that are diving in for the very first time. My number one piece of advice for newbies going in is to be aware of the morality choices to ensure you don't hover too much in the middle to avoid losing out on choice options. But that leaves one question: do you go renegade or paragon? Let's dive in.
While I encourage everyone to play the way they want to play, there is a caveat that you should at least be aware of, something that I've noticed many players aren't even aware of when the credits have rolled. When you go paragon, there are renegade choices you must hit, it's tradition (punching the reporter, anyone?). Vice versa, as well, but you want to be careful not to lean too heavily into playing that middle ground. Why, you may be asking? Choices.
It's important to mostly dedicate your time leaning one way or the other right off the bat, especially early on in the game. With each paragon action taken and dialogue option chosen, you're earning points for "blue." This is the same with renegade, noted as "red." Both sides dictate how your Shepard reacts to certain situations and how others react to them.
Throughout the entire trilogy, there are pivotal moments that can have small consequences (such as an ally potentially turned away) but they can also have massive ones as well, up to and including wiping out entire races. The common mistake I see a lot of people make when talking about Mass Effect is players saying they "didn't know" there were options to save so and so or options to make 'X' decision. The reason is that they are going with their gut on how to respond to certain situations, meaning that the paragon and renegade levels are too intertwined, so there aren't enough points to lean in one particular direction. When either end of the spectrum isn't filled out to a certain point, certain choices will be blacked out, making them inaccessible to the player. Some of the consequences to this are small: not being able to convince someone you are right, not being able to get information the easy way, etc. But some? Some consequences are massive: an entire species is now extinct, a beloved squadmate takes their own life, a monstrous discovery can no longer be corrected. Player agency can still be achieved, but be aware of the goal that you want for your Shepard. What kind of hero are they? How do they evolve over the course of the three games?
Click here to watch embedded mediaTo put it simply, going paragon means you're choosing the blue options (and the options on the right of the dialogue wheel at the top). These choices center around a more diplomatic approach. Kinder, less rash, more "by the books." If you like being the "good guy," this is the route for you. Not all paragon choices are sunshine and roses, but they are geared towards being more politically correct and more thought out. Sometimes, that's a bane, because paragon options often make your work to save the galaxy a little harder; certain quests might take longer to complete.
For renegade, this option (indicated by red or bottom choices on the dialogue wheel) is for players that love to be ruthless. In Mass Effect 2, this option is my favorite. Punch anyone you want, throw bad guys out the window, threaten those that stand in your way. This type of Shepard does whatever needs to be done to get the mission accomplished, a real "the ends justify the means" type of character. In Mass Effect 3, however, those renegade options become something more ruthless than a lot of players may have expected. Characters that paragon-Shepard becomes close to suddenly don't like the thought of being a part of their crew. It's a very different experience, especially if you commit to the renegade options 100%. If you dedicate yourself to this path, be prepared: some of the renegade choices in Mass Effect 3 are rough.
At the end of the day, play how you want to play. This is your game experience and the Mass Effect trilogy is really geared towards running the story numerous times, not just the one playthrough. Play around with renegade one playthrough and paragon another. I would recommend starting with paragon just so you can see how truly meaningful some of these in-game relationships are, but really? Do you. Do what feels right. Kind-hearted hero or ruthless leader? You decide.
To learn more about Mass Effect, check out our dedicated hub here, including exclusive interviews with the team, gameplay, and our review-in-progress.
Insomniac Games’ Ratchet & Clank is one of Sony’s most beloved franchises. Rift Apart is the upcoming chapter in the classic series and looks to take advantage of PlayStation 5’s next-gen technology. With the highly-anticipated action game slated for an early-summer release, it’s only natural that more exciting information centered around the narrative and gameplay are coming to light. Moreover, Insomniac Games announced that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has gone gold today.
We’re pleased to announce that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has Gone Gold 🔩 ahead of its release on June 11th exclusively on PlayStation 5. #RatchetPS5 pic.twitter.com/DKgbc5Jd3C
— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) May 13, 2021
Gold status means that development on a game is finished and that it's ready to be sold and distributed to consumers. Insomniac Games’ Twitter post (see above) is a good sign that Rift Apart is in the perfect condition to be experienced by all the eager fans who’ve been waiting to dive back into the world of Ratchet & Clank. Rift Apart features two playable Lombaxes: the titular Ratchet, and resistance fighter Rivet. Both main characters, with the help of their tinier, quirky robot companion, Clank, must navigate multiple realities in order to defeat Doctor Nefarious. The gameplay in Rift Apart revolves around jumping into different dimensions while dashing, wall-running, and utilizing different weapons that employ the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers.
Editor in Chief Andrew Reiner spent an hour playing Rift Apart and heralded it as “The Best Looking Next-Gen Game Yet.” Reiner went into detail about his history with the franchise, how the latest game raises the bar with spectacular action and setpieces, and how the combat gameplay feels responsive and satisfying. He concluded his preview saying, “Insomniac has been on a roll with the Spider-Man games, and Rift Apart looks every bit as epic and fun. It’s one of the few early PlayStation 5 exclusives we've seen, and it looks like the team at Insomniac is taking this new hardware for a serious ride.”
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart launches exclusively for PlayStation 5 on June 11.
What features are you looking forward to experiencing the most when the game releases? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a Pokémon fan which means you’re probably aware that the trading cards have become an absurdly hot commodity in recent months. The pandemic has caused card values to skyrocket, so retail stores (and McDonald’s) have struggled to keep the cards in stock. Some businesses have limited the number of packs customers can buy, others have removed them from shelves to lock behind registers. Target in particular has faced increasingly aggressive customers, and instances of violence have forced the company to stop selling them in stores for the foreseeable future.
The policy goes into effect this Friday, May 14. It will also apply to NBA, MLB, and NFL cards, which are in high demand as well. You’ll still be able to buy cards online through Target’s website, but the in-store ban comes on the heels of various reports of violence breaking out amongst customers trying to buy packs. I’ve heard personal anecdotes of people being robbed for their cards outside of stores and fights unfolding in the long lines that form at locations receiving fresh inventory. Various retail outlets in general have suffered attempts of theft with multiple reports of break-ins including one particularly daring heist in Tokyo. Not to mention the numerous accounts of store employees being harassed by disgruntled collectors.
The straw that broke the camel’s back for Target specifically seems to be a recent incident at a Wisconsin location where a 35-year old man pulled a gun after he was assaulted by four attackers. No shots were fired, but the altercation was reportedly triggered by an argument over sports cards.
In a statement made to Polygon, a Target spokesperson says the decision to ban in-store sales of Pokémon cards was indeed safety related and that the well-being of the company's employees and customers are its “top priority”.
A few factors have resulted in this latest Pokémon card frenzy. The biggest is that the pandemic has slowed down the production and distribution of physical cards, creating a scarcity in stores. Rare cards, especially from older editions, are netting thousands of dollars in online auctions right now. Thus, fans have spent the last several months flocking to stores or unearthing old collections to try and make a quick buck, which has severely strained the card grading industry. Celebrities and influencers purchasing ultra-rare cards and packs, in some cases to open in front of an audience, have also fueled the fire of collecting.
If you’re an enthusiast who only wants to bolster your collection or worse, have kids that just want to indulge in their favorite hobby, you have a seemingly growing number of jerks to thank for things going down like this. One would imagine this will be a temporary ban until the frenzy dies down. If you're curious, Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh seem somewhat unaffected by the craze (at least based on the Targets I've visited recently). But you're planning to hunt for Pokémon cards at other stores, all I can say is to be safe and try to maintain some civility until things return to normal. Please?
PlayStation 5 brings with it a ton of improvements over the last generation of hardware, but perhaps the most novel addition of Sony's latest console is the DualSense controller. Featuring a built-in mic, haptic vibration, and adaptive triggers housed in a comfortable casing, the PS5 DualSense controller adds immersion to games that effectively harness the capabilities of the gamepad. Following terrific uses by games like Astro's Playroom and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, a new wave of developers of games coming to PlayStation 5 have revealed their plans for using the technology of the popular controller.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart allows players to feel everything from footsteps to explosions in the palm of their hands. As you might imagine, those sensations occur pretty frequently in Insomniac's upcoming adventure, but the team says it has worked to make it so the feeling of those responses don't get old as you continue to play. Insomniac Games calls the decision to make firing weapons and hitting different surfaces with your wrench "no-brainers" for haptic feedback, but the studio also added several more subtle features. For example, picking up bolts from defeated enemies gives you a tiny impulse from each bolt in addition to a quiet sound in your controller's speaker. Players can also look forward to feeling the weapon wheel or map scans in more tactile ways when Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart comes to PlayStation 5 on June 11. For more on the upcoming game, check out our recent preview.
If you're looking for a more immediate feature to experience, Subnautica: Below Zero launches tomorrow, giving players unique features on PS5 through the DualSense controller. Haptic feedback accompanies the use of certain tools, like flipping the switch on your flashlight or feeling the coil of your grappling arm. The DualSense also lets you feel the drilling sensation as you mine for resources with your drill arm. The rumble feature of the PS5 controller vibrates to let players sense their target when using the metal detector, and the controller will even pulse faster as players get closer to their resource objective. If you're curious about how Subnautica: Below Zero turned out, you can read our review here.
The next game from The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo, also puts unique features in the palms of PS5 players' hands. As players walk through the environment, they'll not only feel their supernatural powers through distinct adaptive trigger responses, but they'll hear otherworldly voices emanate from the controller speaker. Tango Gameworks says that thanks to the DualSense controller, players will be able to tell the difference between using their wind, water, and fire powers, and that performing in-game exorcisms is aided by the triggers to make pulling out a spectral enemy's core even more intense. As players increase the power of their abilities, the feedback of the controller will also intensify, giving players a tactile sense of progress. For more on Ghostwire: Tokyo, check out our interview from last summer where we attempted to get answers to some of our biggest questions.
The recently announced Life is Strange: True Colors looks to give players added immersion into the world of protagonist Alex Chen's psychic powers. As her emotions change to anger, feature, sadness, and joy, the light bar will react with red, purple, blue, and gold respectively. The adaptive trigger also gets stronger as Alex reaches out with her psychic abilities to hint at a supernatural sense that she's barely able to keep in control of.
Scarlet Nexus, the upcoming action title from Bandai Namco, plans to use the haptics and adaptive triggers to enhance the sensation of smashing and slashing through enemies and the environment. Lifting and tossing objects give you the feeling of doing so through vibration that moves from side to side while adaptive triggers provide a more realistic experience by making you feel the weight of what you're picking up in the game. For more on Scarlet Nexus, be sure to check out our recent episode of New Gameplay Today here.
Speaking of Bandai Namco, the PS5 version of Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 gives players the feeling of firing various weapons and taking hits. When firing using the two triggers, you'll notice resistance that differs based on the weapon. In addition, the vibration also recreates the discharge of larger caliber bullets and the unique sensations of machine guns and beam rifles. Melee attacks also give you the feeling of landing a heavy blow. Finally, the weapon fire and weapon switch audio outputs on the DualSense's built-in speaker.
One of the most anticipated games from the early days of the PlayStation 5, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, may have gotten delayed, but developer Ember Lab has increased the DualSense immersion. The main star is the trigger resistance as Kena transforms her staff into a bow, pulls back an arrow and the wood bends. For more on Kena: Bridge of Spirits, check out our exclusive coverage hub here.
While I'm a huge fan of the DualSense's features and all of this sounds awesome. Unfortunately, many players are still unable to get their hands on a PlayStation 5 due to supply shortages. While the system's sales are outpacing its competitors and predecessors, Sony said the shortages could even stretch into 2022. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones to have a PS5 in your possession, do these features drive you towards picking up games on the PS5 over other platforms? How important are DualSense features to you?
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon arrives in Early Access today on Steam, and is coming to Switch in 2022. This “roguevania” lets players dive into Japanese ukiyo-e style environments as they slash their way through dangerous, beautiful levels and titanic bosses. GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is being developed by Konami and GuruGuru. Players can explore various levels that look like living tapestries, from the fires of hell to majestic waves.
While players crash into the levels to take on bosses, find weapons, and explore again and again, there are persistent elements in play as well. At your home base, the Getsu Clan Estate, you can add a wide variety of permanent bonuses and boosts to your character as well as strengthen your weapons and equipment. In this fashion, the game leans toward the “roguelite”, where if you persist over time from run to run, you will eventually gain significant power that gives you a serious edge in combat, giving you a considerable advantage in lower levels and difficulties.
You’re going to pick up standard weapons like katanas, clubs, battle umbrellas, and fist armaments, but also side weapons that can help you get past more challenging foes that require some thought. Items like the bow and arrow, caltrops, or bombs can help you deal with difficult encounters without having to put yourself at risk.
In this episode of New Gameplay Today, join the Game Informer gang as they watch Alex Stadnik pilot his way through the first stage. There are plenty of different levels to work through even in this early access period, showcasing diverse and sometimes captivating environments. While GestuFumaDen: Undying Moon is currently only available on PC, I highly recommend using a controller to play instead of mouse and keyboard.
Interestingly enough, this is technically not the first GetsuFumaDen game, with the original landing on the Super Famicom all the way back in 1987. The games are obviously quite different, but both feature side-scrolling action.
What do you think of GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon? Are you going to check out Early Access? Wait for release? Make a comment about Konami making something other than pachinko machines? Let us know!
Total War: Warhammer III is scheduled to arrive on PC this year, and we had a chance to dive in and try out one of the big new features: Survival battles. These are akin to major boss battles, and are huge in scale, size, scope, and time investment, and can be much more involved than a traditional Total War fight. Over the course of multiple skirmishes and large scale battles in the same space, you are tasked with recruiting and replenishing troops, building defenses, holding points, and potentially engaging in several battles simultaneously.
Click here to watch embedded mediaSurvival battles are strategic enagements that force you to make both micro and macro choices as you progress throughout an experience. In the case of the demo I participated in, the massive confrontation culminated with an epic demonic encounter.
Playing as the Kislev and their Ice Queen Tsarina Katarin, it was cool to get a feel for one of Total War: Warhammer III’s playable races. The Kislev features powerful cavalry units, flexible infantry, and of course, ice magic. In the demo, I only had access to ice powers via Queen Katarin, but the Kislev also wield wind magic capabilities in the full game. Katarin was enough to shift many battles in my favor with a multitude of potent skills, allowing me to buff allies, freeze enemies in their tracks to control the battlefield, and of course, dish out plenty of direct icy damage.
Finding fun factions to play likely won’t be a problem in Total War: Warhammer III, as there are a multitude of flavorful and fantastic options across the first two titles. However, these extended big survival brawls are a new element to enjoy - and endure. In this survival demo, my Kislev forces faced off against the hellish hordes of Khorne. Initially, it was essentially a battle against another army, which is nothing new. However, we battled over a capture point. Once taken, I could choose how to use my supplies. Supplies in survival allow you to make choices that rippled across the entire battle. These resources can be used to heal existing troops, recruit new ones, and even set up multiple kinds of defensive structures from giant walls to magical towers. You can also upgrade your troops in terms of armaments.
How you choose to allocate your resources can make a big difference, especially as your options can option up as you progress through an encounter, offering higher-tier units for purchase. In this case, that’s the giant Kislev ice bear unit that can take on tons of demonic little annoyances by itself! Essentially, capturing each outstanding victory point and defending your current victory points is the imperative, and each point essentially comes with its own full-scale battle. By the time I had captured the third and final victory point, I had participated in three big battles and countless smaller ones.
However, taking that final point was not the end, as the final armies of Khorne, led by an Exalted Greater Daemon, came charging in to attack. During the distraction of this major encounter, first I lost one of my previously held victory points and eventually capitulated in a war of attrition to the big Daemon threat. Some of my loss I attribute to misallocation of resources, and the rest to poor distribution of troops during that final battle. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt these survival battles are designed to be both lengthy and challenging, with tons and tons of choices to make along the way. I was impressed with theprevious Total War: Warhammer titles, and I really have no reason to expect this one will be any different. When will we see it in 2021? Hopefully soon! Ice bears!
Are you looking forward to Total War: Warhammer III? Let us know in the comments!
Yep, that’s right. The lovable protagonist of the Yakuza series is now available as a TUBBZ duck, complete with a bicycle. If you’ve never played a Yakuza game and brawled your way through a throng of enemies, you’ve missed out. And now you can bring the cool hero of the Yakuza saga home, as a duck. Now the real question is, when can we play as a duck Kiryu in a game? Or better yet, a duck Majima? These are the real inquiries that we need answers to!
🦆🚲
— RGG Studio (@RGGStudio) May 13, 2021
Kazuma Kiryu TUBBZ available to pre-order now!https://t.co/vJFaLMUkOC pic.twitter.com/VmRkk3wM0r
The Yakuza series prominently features Kazuma Kiryu in many titles as the protagonist, with the notable exception being the turn-based Yakuza: Like A Dragon. In Like A Dragon, the franchise got a cool new protagonist with Ichiban while retaining many of the strange, eccentric, and often hilarious quirks that make the series a joy to explore. The series is looking to continue this turn-based focus into the future.
“Like a Dragon is a departure from the games that came before it, but I found those changes to be revitalizing. As much as I enjoyed the Yakuza formula, it was definitely a formula. Like a Dragon has enough familiar elements to make it feel like, at its heart, it’s a Yakuza game,” said Jeff Cork in the Game Informer review. “All the while, I fully appreciated how much of a new identity this entry is establishing. Here’s hoping this is the first step in yet another great journey for the series.”
If you’re looking to go back to the beginning so to speak, the best game to start your Yakuza journey on is probablyYakuza 0, which functions as a prequel for some of the most popular characters.
The figure is official SEGA merchandise and comes with a bathtub display box. Other ducks of interest in the TUBBZ line if you’re into Kazuma Kiryu may be Shenmue’s Ryo Hazuki or a Jet Set Radio duck.
On this week's episode of The Game Informer Show, we discuss a handful of the games we've been digging recently, including Subnautica: Below Zero, Hundred Days, Yakuza 0, Resident Evil Village, Scarlet Nexus, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. At the end of the show we have an interview with Justin Roiland (@JustinRoiland), the co-creator of shows like Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites. Roiland is also currently the CEO of Squanch Games, the developer behind Trover Saves the Universe. We talk to Roiland about his experience making games, how Trover’s recording sessions were basically long improv sessions, and why he changed the name of his company to avoid getting sued by Nintendo.
It's a full show, but we make time for another round of fantastic community emails. So please join Andrew Reiner (@Andrew_Reiner), Blake Hester (@metallicaisrad), Dan Tack (@dantack), Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken), and Ben Reeves (@Benjaminreeves) for a new wild and ever-entertaining episode!
Thanks for listening! Please make sure to leave feedback below and share the episode if you enjoyed it. You can watch the video above, subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes or Google Play, listen on SoundCloud, stream it on Spotify, or download the MP3 at the bottom of the page. Also, be sure to send your questions to podcast@gameinformer.com for a chance to have them answered on the show!
Our thanks to The Rapture Twins for The Game Informer Show's intro song. You can hear more of their music on their website.
To jump to a particular point in the discussion, check out the time stamps below.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:24 - Subnautica: Below Zero
00:13:13 - Resident Evil Village
00:15:15 - Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
00:16:41 - Yakuza 0
00:18:10 - Hundred Days: Wine Making Simulator
00:24:30 - Scarlet Nexus
00:28:20 - Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
00:34:59 - Community Emails
01:07:46 - Justin Roiland
As Call of Duty continues to embrace the 80s with content for both Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone, there are rumors swirling about some iconic characters from that era coming to the game(s) as operator skins. The official Call of Duty twitter has been the source of speculation here based on some not-so-cryptic tweets hinting at Rambo a little while ago, and the Die Hard protagonist more recently. You can see those tweets below here and connect the dots.
Does anyone know SURVIVORJOHN#1009062? Their #WarzoneReport is a sight to be seen. pic.twitter.com/EUFPmexQnF
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 5, 2021
Welcome to the party, COWBOYMCCLANE#0070030. #WarzoneReport pic.twitter.com/N26Y2vrN2A
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 12, 2021
However, more recently we have a purported image on Reddit. While the accuracy of the image can’t be verified and people always love to have fun mocking up potential reveals, you cancheck out this post right here to get a look at what these two new characters might look like. Reddit user JohnnyUtahBrah has posted the image and it’s gotten plenty of attention over on the Call of Duty: Warzone board. Whether or not the images are 100% accurate or not, the clues that have been dropped on Call of Duty’s social channels are fairly blatant, so it’s likely that both Rambo and John McClane are going to make their way to the Warzone soon.
This invites further speculation into other 80s action hero icons that may find their way to Verdansk in the future. Who would you like to see join the crew? Honestly, nothing is really out of potential scope here. For instance, if you would have told me ages ago that the Saw puppet was coming to Call of Duty, I would have been completely mystified. But as crossover inclusion from massive media properties continues to become more of the rule both here in the Warzone and in big battle royale brands like Fortnite, I wouldn’t be surprised to see other characters from the era joining the ranks. We really need John-Claude Van Damme from Bloodsport, for instance, to really round this crew out.
Some may wonder why Christmas movie icons are headed to the Warzone, but I’m pretty much all for it. At this point in time, when the CoD store is loaded with everything from anime angels to weed-themed fare, there’s no sense in keeping things grounded.
Who do you want to see from the 80s make their way into the Warzone? Let's get Back to the Future characters in there! Let us know in the comments!
It's almost Mass Effect Legendary Edition time! To celebrate, we are boarding the Normandy once more with Mass Effect 1 to show off the changes seen with the very first game. From Eden Prime to meeting the council face to face once more, we're doing it all with a new 2-hour stream to dive back into a beloved favorite.
Kicking Geth butt, learning more about the Reapers, and finding what it means to be a hero, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a remaster of a trilogy that means so much to so many. Most of us here at Game Informer are huge fans, but we thought we'd spice it up this time around to offer a new kind of experience. Myself and Kim Wallace have numerous playthroughs under our belt, with this most recent being playthrough number 32 for me, but Mr. Alex Van Aken is a newcomer to this space adventure. We're walking him through the different worlds of Mass Effect and showing him the ropes of what it means to be a Spectre, so join us in the fun and help us convince him to go Renegade!
Join Alex Van Aken, Kim Wallace, and Liana Ruppert as they check out Mass Effect Legendary Edition. You can find us on our YouTube and Twitch channels to join in on the fun. Join in on the conversation, share with us your canon Shepards, and tell us what you're going to be doing differently this time around. For those that have never played the BioWare trilogy, there will be spoilers in the stream, but we will be talking about the unique changes the remaster brings, so if you're interested all are welcome!
We will be going live at 11 a.m. Central, so come in, hang out, and let's kick Reaper butt!
To learn more about our thoughts on the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, check out our review-in-progress right here. Don't forget! Ahead of Mass Effect's May 14 launch, BioWare is also giving away a ton of free content, so don't miss out! You can look at what's up for grabs right here. Interested in learning more about Mass Effect Legendary Edition? Check out our exclusive game hub too. From no multiplayer game modes to lost code that can never be recovered, no topic was left untouched!
Microsoft is celebrating 20 years of Xbox with new gear in its shop, Halo reflection, and so much more! Can you believe it? 20 years of Team Green, time sure flies! Xbox has made some drastic pivots through the generations and the Xbox Series X has kicked off a strong start for a new era of gaming for those that love the Microsoft platform.
Xbox's Major Nelson took to the company's official blog to reflect back on the last two decades from its inception on November 15 back in 2011. "Twenty years ago, playing on Xbox meant hooking up your console with three (or more!) cables to a standard definition CRT TV. You had to pre-order the hottest new games and stand in line at your favorite retail shop to pick them up. Games were played in 640×480 resolution, and you only had 8GB of storage and 64MB of memory to enjoy them with. And you either played alone or with a friend sitting next to you on the couch."
With the Xbox Series X and S, players can enjoy every generation before the current one, which means that some of the most beloved adventures from the past don't have to stay there. With Xbox Game Pass, games are even more accessible than ever before in terms of a more cost-effective library model. Xbox has also broadened its reach immensely in recent years, bridging the gap between console and PC and even more growth is expected on the horizon.
"Thanks to game creators and players like you, we have a greater variety of games and diverse characters – with more worlds to explore, stories to tell, heroes and villains to meet, and achievements to unlock – in the 7 thousand games that have been released across the Xbox platform. Do you remember unlocking your first Xbox achievement? To-date, you and the Xbox community together have racked up nearly 1 trillion total Gamerscore. Most importantly, you’ve worked together to change the face of gaming by welcoming players from all walks of life, everywhere in the world."
Xbox also paid tribute to Halo, the game that started it all for Team Green! Master Chief became an icon when he first made his DNA and this franchise was a vital part of what made Xbox... well, Xbox! With Halo Infinite on the horizon later this year, the legacy continues. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.
For those that love gear, Xbox is offering special merch to celebrate the 20-year milestone. You can find out what is available with the Xbox Gear Shop right here. Other ways Xbox is celebrating 20 years with fans include:
And so much more! Read all about it right here!
What are some of your favorite memories of Xbox through the years? Shout them out in the comments below!
Sony has revealed two new DualSense controller colors for PS5 players to enjoyand the reveal couldn't have come at a more perfect time with so many amazing releases on the horizon. The two new color options are set to go live later next month, but we've got our first look at the new Cosmic Red and Midnight Black today.
Senior director of PS VR, esports, peripherals marketing, and licensing Isabelle Tomatis took to the PlayStation Blog to reveal the newest additions to the PS5 accessory line. When the PlayStation 5 was first revealed in all of its white and blue glory, gamers were enthralled with the unique futuristic design, but there was a high demand for a black option. While the console itself will remain white, one of the new DualSense controllers being offered hits that sleek tech spot, with the other coming in with a vibrant Cosmic Red look:
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe two new controller options will be hitting shelves next month, though exact dates will vary depending on the retailer. “Both Midnight Black and Cosmic Red feature a subtle blue hue, that produces unique shades of red and black," said Satoshi Aoyagi in the blog post about the newest additions. "A blue hue is also present in the original DualSense wireless controller colors, so all three colors compliment each other nicely. The controller’s button colors and detailing has been tailored to complement the new colors as well. We hope these new additions will bring further joy and excitement to our fans’ gaming experience.”
To learn more about the two new controllers, you can check out the official posting right here.
The blog post also teased more insight into the controller's unique features, including a deeper dive into Returnal's impressive haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support. On the subject of Returnal, you can also learn more about how that game is every bit worth the $70 price tag, at least according to our own Dan Tack.
What do you think about the two new DualSense controller colors for PS5? What other designs would you like to see Sony add next? Shout out those thoughts loud and proud in the comment section below!
Mass Effect Legendary Edition’s release date is just a day away, meaning your next meet-up with Wrex, Tali, and Garrus could be tomorrow. I’m sure as you prepare for the occasion, you’re wondering how BioWare’s remaster of its beloved trilogy shaped up. Let’s just say, pretty damn good so far!
Since Monday evening, I’ve been playing Mass Effect Legendary Edition, scoping out as much as possible for review. I’ve completed the first game of the trilogy (which has the most substantial improvements), but haven’t had the opportunity to experience as much of Mass Effect 2 or 3. Until I see more of both games, I’m not ready to deliver a review score.
Here’s what I’ll say for now: Mass Effect Legendary has impressed me. The most noticeable improvements are to the first game, which includes the Mako controls, shooting mechanics, and more detailed environments. These all make a positive difference. For instance, the Mako now steers better and moves faster. You no longer feel like you're controlling chaos and hoping for the best. I loved using my boosts to get out of difficult situations. As for the shooting controls, it feels more like a ME2's third-person shooter gameplay as opposed to the strictly RPG mechanics of the original game. I’ll admit, I was dreading going back to the first entry (it’s a teenager!), and these enhancements made me enjoy and appreciate it even more.
Mass Effect 1 plays smoother, but the enhanced visuals should really catch your eye. The enemies and different alien species look noticeably better, and the extra hint of detail to environments makes them a joy to explore. The human faces are the only thing that looks off, and it doesn’t help that the characters’ mouths don’t sync up with their words. That being said, when I visited memorable places like Virmire and Eden Prime, I saw a new beauty to them, thanks to little touches like adding particle effects, fog, and extra vegetation that sell the personality of each locale. There’s also a photo mode, so you can really take in the sights and your experience.
Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time. You won’t forget these are older games while you play, but this remaster makes the first game much more approachable. That’s the best way to sum up my journey to this point. If you were looking forward to the remaster or wanting an easy one-stop-shop to experience Shepard’s story, I think it’s a safe bet to pick this one up.
We’ll have a more complete breakdown of Legendary’s strengths and weaknesses in our review, coming soon!
In the meantime, watch our latest New Gameplay Today to see Legendary Edition in action. You can also check out our cover story hub to hear from Legendary's developers and learn more about the little changes that make a big difference.
The Mass Effect trilogy holds a special place in our hearts, and for good reason. Developer Bioware's collection of games stand as some of the greatest western RPGs of all-time through their use of bombastic setpieces, memorable writing, and meaningful use of player choice.
Yet, since the original game's release in 2007, there's a whole new generation of players who've yet to experience the thrill of commanding the Normandy with your very own Spectre. That all changes on Friday as Bioware is releasing Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a collection of the original trilogy with the modern trappings of quality of life changes, updated textures and lighting, and the sweet speeds of 60 frames per second (Xbox Series X owners can even get to 120fps).
But now that we've gotten our hands on the game, how does it feel to be back with Garrus, Wrex, and the rest of the crew? Join us on this episode of New Gameplay Today to find out. Liana Ruppert and yours truly board the Normandy in the remastered version of the original Mass Effect and take you to an updated Eden Prime, where we get to see the graphical upgrades as we first meet the Geth and the evil Saren.
Later, we hop back on the ship to show off the small but meaningful changes Bioware implemented for the remaster. Finally, we round out our tour of the title with a trip to the Citadel to see how the galaxy's bureaucrats are living now that they're living in a visually updated world.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition releases on Friday, May 14, but if you simply can't wait for more from Bioware's seminal sci-fi series, be sure to check out Kimberley Wallace's first impressions, Liana's dive into why you should roll with FemShep, and our massive coverage hub from our cover story earlier this year (listed below). Thanks for watching!
When I reminisce about the ‘90s, I think about the rise of boy bands, the Nickelodeon Super Toy Run, and being such a rebellious scamp that regularly conned people into giving me everything I wanted. Okay, only those first two memories are real, but The Big Con will at least give me an idea of what it's like to relieve hapless folks of their hard-earned money. As a con artist with a heart of gold (maybe), you’ll swipe, swindle, and steal whatever it takes to save a family business from ruin.
You control Ali, a, shall we say, resourceful teenager oozing ‘90s ‘tude on cross-country quest to save her mom’s video store from shady loan sharks. Ali is a con artist and must employ every dirty trick up her sleeve to raise as much cash as possible alongside her criminal buddy, Ted. The Big Con is a comedic narrative adventure game filled with puzzles and mechanics revolving around pickpocketing, donning disguises, sneaking, and other dubious tactics. If stealing the old fashioned way doesn’t work, you can use Ali’s power of persuasion to talk your way into getting what you want. Sure, you could also choose to help people, but that doesn’t sound nearly as satisfying. I might have a problem.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe Big Con comes from developer Mighty Yell and is being published by Skybound Games, who recently published the very good Before Your Eyes. It’s already making some noise as one of the eight upcoming games selected as part of the Tribeca Film Festival’s first Official Selection for games. With its unique hook and fluorescent color palette that bleeds the 1990s (the different skin tones reminds me of Nickelodeon’s Doug), it’s easy to see why The Big Con would stand out.
If you like putting those sticky fingers to use and are up to embark on a totally rad road trip, be sure to keep your eye on The Big Con when it comes to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC this summer.
So you got your hands on an Xbox Series X? Congratulations! As you've probably noticed by now, the hardware allows for lightning fast gaming when compared to previous generations, and the Quick Resume feature that allows you to seamlessly change games is, well, a game-changer. While the feature set of the Xbox Series X is impressive (not to mention its stellar backward compatibility library), you probably want some games to play on that beast of a console.
The team at Game Informer worked together to compile a list of the 10 games we think are the best on Xbox Series X/S. As more games come out, we'll update this list with the latest releases that we feel deserve to crack the top 10.
Please note that while the list below contains 10 entries, we aren’t ranking them. If a game has made it this far (and managed to stay here), it’s a must-play, period. As such, we’ll be listing entries in reverse chronological order. Also, with future updates, you’ll find a rundown of previous entries at the bottom of the list. While those titles have gotten bumped over time, they are still all great games in their own right and worth exploring if you’re already caught up on the latest hits.
Here are Game Informer’s picks for the top 10 games on Xbox Series X/S:
Following two remakes of classic Resident Evil games, the franchise is back and pushing forward with the changes made in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in tow. Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters as he tries to save his daughter from werewolves and vampires. The first-person gameplay, which debuted alongside Ethan in Resident Evil 7, feels better this time around. Village also expertly carries forward the tension you feel while being stalked by a powerful and ghastly creature, and the boss battles only bring the tension to new levels as you take on all manner of abhorrent beasts and baddies.
Click here for our review.
Hazelight Studios' debut effort, A Way Out, pioneered new ways to tell a narrative in the context of cooperative multiplayer gameplay, but the team truly perfected it with It Takes Two. The splitscreen co-op multiplayer game leverages its unique mechanics to provide fun and challenging puzzles, platforming sequences, and minigames as you work your way through several creative levels. It Takes Two isn't just one of the best co-op games of all time, it also features a heartfelt story that touches on themes you don't often come across in games.
Click here for our review.
The "World of Assassination" trilogy from IO Interactive came to a thrilling conclusion with 2021's Hitman 3. The latest game in the series not only provides players with an abundance of killer content, but also a ton of side activities, gameplay that rewards experimentation, and outstanding level design. On top of all that, if you own the last two Hitman games (or their content packs), you can import the levels from those games into Hitman 3 and play through the entire trilogy in one seamless experience.
Click here for our review.
After a turbulent launch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection has grown into one of the best collections we've seen. Initially gathering and remastering the mainline games (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4), the bundle has grown to include Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST in addition to a ton of other improvements (including all new content for the classic games). On top of the massive collection of multiplayer offerings, players can experience all of these campaigns for a total of 67 missions across the six games.
Click here for our review.
Call of Duty has always garnered attention with its massive campaigns, intense competitive multiplayer, and tense zombie modes. Those hallmarks are all alive and well in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, but its the battle royale component, Warzone, that is perhaps the biggest draw for players these days. Featuring amazing visuals, fantastic gunplay, and a ton of content delivered in a steady stream, Call of Duty fans have more than enough to keep them coming back for more.
Click here for our Black Ops Cold War review and here for our Warzone review.
Coming off the critically acclaimed Odyssey and its massive expansions, the Assassin's Creed franchise delivered the Viking fantasy players have been craving. Assassin's Creed Valhalla masterfully balances its combat, exploration, and storytelling, giving players an engaging and epic experience from start to finish. Valhalla takes many of the successes and lessons of Odyssey and carries them forward, offering another stellar adventure in the ever-growing Assassin's Creed universe.
Click here for our review.
When Sea of Thieves launched in 2018 on Xbox One, it felt more like wading through waist-high, lukewarm pools rather than the oceans of content we hoped for. Fast forward three years and Rare's swashbuckling adventure is worthy of sailing the Seven Seas. Superb post-launch support from Rare has added a ton of new content and activities for prospective pirates to take part in, and has made it a mainstay on the Twitch charts. The Xbox Series X/S version brings with it various improvements, and we're excited to see how the game grows going forward.
Click here for our review.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's long-running Yakuza series bid a fond farewell to its protagonist Kiryu after seven mainline games. With Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the developer took a chance with Ichiban Kasuga, a loud, dorky, and well-intentioned protagonist that players immediately fell in love with. However, the changes didn't stop with the gold-hearted Kasuga. This also marked the series' transition to turn-based combat, which it transitioned to in seamless fashion. Despite these massive changes to the well-worn formula, Yakuza: Like a Dragon still feels decidedly at home when stacked alongside its predecessors thanks to the serious drama, the goofy side quests, and the nonstop action.
Click here for our review.
Gears 5 continues the story of the growing Gears of War cast in an action-packed campaign full of narrative twists and new conventions for the series. However, the main reason Gears 5 is still such a mainstay in Xbox consoles to this day is the post-launch support provided by developer The Coalition. Horde, Escape, and the competitive PvP modes all received content updates following launch, but the biggest release came in the form of Gears 5: Hivebusters, a campaign expansion. When the game arrived on Series X, it brought with it a bunch of improvements including higher-resolution textures, better framerate, and new visual effects, making it the best place to play Gears 5.
Click here for our review.
The 2D platformer genre isn't what it used to be, but that hasn't stopped Moon Studios from releasing some of the greatest entries in the illustrious genre's recent history. Ori and the Will of the Wisps took everything the first, beloved game did and made it better. With a fantastic story, a breathtakingly gorgeous world, and gameplay that allows you to run, jump, and fight through any challenge thrown your way, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an action-packed platformer that delivers on all fronts.
Click here for our review.
For more lists about the best games on other platforms, check out our lists of the top 10 games on PlayStation">https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/05/07/the-top-10-playstation-5-games"… 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer is here and while it had the usual server issues with Guardians trying to get into the game, the team at Bungie continues to push through to get everything back in working order. Just like with every other season, there are new instances to enjoy, more lore to be learned, and new gear to be won. For those interested in getting started on those seasonal challenges and new matchmade events, here is the gear you can look forward to for Guardians itching for more Exotics.
The first drop that Guardians will get is the new Cryosthesia 77K sidearm. It's a new weapon that is available with the Season Pass right from the get-go. For those that don't have the Season Pass, that's OK! You can still earn this bad boy, you're just going to need to reach Season level 35 first.
Here's a breakdown:
If you're like me and are excited by Mythoclast's return, the Light.gg database sheds some more light on what the weapon's return has to offer regarding any tweaks. There will be two Exotic perks for its Destiny 2 arrival. Here's what you need to know:
There is also a Catalyst tied to this weapon's return that adds the Calculated Balance park, which stacks Overcharge to improve stability.
It's probable that we'll see new Exotic additions as the Season continues on. There are quite a few Legendary rewards added as well, in addition to a ton of other gear drops that players can look forward to. To learn more about Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer, check out the reveal trailer here.
Ubisoft provided an update for its game release schedule during a recent earnings call, including information regarding Skull & Bones, but there was also talk of the company's new initiative going forward: free-to-play games. With the announcement that Tom Clancy's universe is expanding with two new F2P adventures, many have been concerned about what this means for single-player staples under the Ubi umbrella such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and more.
In the earnings call, it was revealed that a big focus shift is currently in the works, making the move towards more free-to-play expansions on beloved universes and new IPs, as well. In a small statement provided to Game Informer, a Ubisoft representative had this to say:
“Our intention is to deliver a diverse line-up of games that players will love - across all platforms. We are excited to be investing more in free-to-play experiences, however we want to clarify that this does not mean reducing our AAA offering. Our aim is to continue to deliver premium experiences to players such as Far Cry 6, Rainbow Six Quarantine, Riders Republic and Skull & Bones to name a few while also expanding our free-to-play portfolio and strengthening our brands to reach even more players.”
Ubisoft's Frederick Dugeuet mentioned during the financial presentation that the change had to do with moving away from the annual release model that the studio became infamous for. By pulling away from that yearly release schedule for games like Assassin's Creed, the quality of those mainstay franchises soared in a massively positive direction, proving that the annual model was no longer working. With that shift, there is a little more freedom to explore other avenues of expansion, including the F2P model and mobile ventures.
The long and short of it is that yes, Ubisoft is going to be focusing on free-to-play experiences, but that does not mean that it is abandoning what it is known for. Now, we've just got to wait patiently for some dang Beyond Good & Evil 2 news...
What would you like to see Ubisoft focus on in the future? Are you worried by the F2P push, or are you excited for these teams to have avenues to explore more gaming options? Sound off with your hot takes in the comment section below!
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is just two days away and while we've already broken down why you should give it a shot anyway (regardless if you're a returning fan or new player), we've got one more case to make. Please, for the love of all things Garrus Vakarian, please give FemShep (Jane Shepard) a shot.
When you boot up the trilogy, there is an option to play as Male Shepard (John Shepard) or Female Shepard (Also referred to as FemShep with Jane Shepard). Mark Meer is the voice behind the former, with Jennifer Hale taking Shepard to new heights with the latter. With over 30 playthroughs under my belt, I can promise you that I've played every which way you can imagine: every romance - including the one night stands, John versus Jane, Renegade versus Paragon, all three endings, and all of the little different variances that often get overlooked. I definitely enjoy my time with John Shepard, especially when looking at the Tali, Jack, and Cortez romances, but there is something uniquely special about Hale's portrayal of this character.
When I play RPGs, I tend to go for the male characters. I'm not sure why, but that's kind of always where I leaned. My first playthrough of Mass Effect was as John and I thought at that time This is my Commander Shepard. But then I played as Jane for my second run, and my entire world changed regarding this franchise.
There is a reason why you'll find Hale among the voice talent of many of your favorite games: she offers incredible talent when it comes to bringing different characters to life. She knows any character she portrays inside and out, making it an impressive sight to see when she uses that knowledge to add her own voice to a vast array of gaming icons. With Shepard, though, her deeper voice commands respect in a way that is believable and enjoyable to witness. This is doubly so for those that are opting into the ruthless route by going Renegade.
Her inflection is detailed to the very last syllable, her passionate and motivating speeches are made even more impactful by her voice control. To me, despite playing John Shepard almost as many times as I've played Jane, FemShep is the ideal way to play the trilogy. It's a shame that the original trilogy was focused on John so much during the marketing period, but the Legendary Edition seems to be giving Hale her time to shine. If you're playing for the first time, don't discount her when looking at your usual play choice. If you're jumping in again and have only played as John, I can't recommend stepping out of your comfort zone enough. Hale's performance is so worth it.
I'm Commander Shepard and she is my favorite voice on the Citadel.
Ahead of the game's May 14 release, BioWare is also giving away a ton of free content, so don't miss out! You can look at what's up for grabs right here. Interested in learning more about Mass Effect Legendary Edition? Check out our exclusive game hub too. From no multiplayer game modes to lost code that can never be recovered, we made sure to ask about everything.
So tell me about YOUR Shepard? This is obviously just one person's opinion, I want to hear from you! Tell me what your Shepard is like: what's their life path, romance, philosophy? Sound off in the comment section below!
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s first major expansion, Wrath of the Druids, goes live tomorrow, May 13. The DLC was previously delayed from its April 29 release to allow the team more time to polish up the experience. Wrath of the Druids sees Eivor travel to Ireland where they’re tasked with uniting the island’s warring factions to combat the druidic cult, the Children of Danu.
The expansion offers a new thematic spin by diving headfirst into Gaelic myths and folklore. You’ll explore the city of Dublin along with three new provinces dotted with historical landmarks such as Giant’s Causeway, Black Pig’s Dyke, and Tara Hill. For an idea of what to expect, take a look at the launch trailer below:
Click here to watch embedded mediaThroughout the adventure, you’ll explore haunted forests and battle mythical creatures with new weapons such as the sickle, smoke bomb arrows, and the Irish Hound Summoning ability. You can also conquer Irish Ring Forts and shape Dublin’s economy by forming alliances to establish trade routes. By trading rare, sought-after goods with other nations, you can build the city into a bustling center of commerce.
If you’re still playing Valhalla’s main campaign but can’t wait to dive into Wrath of the Druids, you’re in luck. You don’t need to finish the story in order to start the expansion. As long as you’ve reached England and have completed either the Grantebridgescire or Ledecestrescire arcs, you’re good to go.
Wrath of the Druids is included in the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla season pass and can be purchased standalone for $24.99. Remember that the expansion is just the beginning of a longer roadmap of post-launch content. To see what else is coming in the future, check out this breakdown of what’s to come here. Just keep in mind that some dates could change due to Wrath of the Druids’ delay.
So Valhalla fans, are you looking forward to setting sail once more with Wrath of the Druids? Let us know in the comments. You can also read our review of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s base game here.
French
Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Armenian
Azerbaijani
Basque
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Catalan
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Galician
Georgian
German
Greek
Haitian Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Spanish
Swahili
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese
Welsh
Yiddish
