https://www.gameinformer.com/ From the latest company acquisition to exciting game reveals and announcements, Game Informer covers the latest, breaking news in the industry. en https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/a-dragons-dogma-2-update-is-coming-in-the-near-future-but-wont-improve-frame-rates <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/25/2f6c4107/dd2-lightning-spell.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Last week, Dragon's Dogma 2 was released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dragons-dogma-2/on-the-shoulders-of-giants">to critical acclaim</a> followed by intense fan backlash. While the game itself is enjoyable to most, it launched with <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/22/capcom-addresses-dragons-dogma-2-pc-performance-and-microtransaction-backlash">microtransactions that provide in-game currency, as well as a litany of technical issues</a> for some players. <a href="https://twitter.com/DragonsDogma/status/1772207969620423009">Today, Capcom outlined some of its plans to update the game in the "near future,"</a> but specifically notes that improvements to frame rate will come in later patches. That said, these quick fixes are still useful.</p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/25/c9eba7e1/dd2_first_update.jpeg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> Click to enlarge <p>In addition to general text and bug fixes, there are a few significant quality-of-life improvements. For starters, the Pawn Guild now sells a lot more "Art of Metamorphosis" items, which is how you can change the appearance of a character or pawn after they've already been created. If you're dissatisfied with their appearance mid-game or want to add some changes for role-playing reasons, like a scar or tattoo, this will make that much easier. The Pawn Guild previously only sold two at a time – now, there will be 99.</p> <p>It also makes it easier to obtain a house, which has significant implications for the flow of the game. The longer you go without staying at an inn or campsite, the more your maximum health deteriorates when taking damage. It's also how you gain the items your pawn might have obtained while adventuring with other players. Early in the game, the main hurdle here is the cost – sleeping in an inn requires 1500 to 2000 gold, while staying at a campsite requires camping kits. However, once you have a permanent dwelling, you can rest and fully heal for free. Making it available earlier in the game will make that early struggle a little easier.</p> <p>Other than that, consoles will get some graphics adjustment settings (though these are what Capcom says won't significantly impact frame rates), while Steam users get improved quality when DLSS Super Resolution is on, along with a fix for certain low-quality models. </p> <p>For more Dragon's Dogma 2, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_kxXlZ4wA">check out our stream archive, where we played the opening hour</a>, then <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/21/dragons-dogma-2-and-rise-of-the-ronin-reviews-gi-show">listen to the latest episode of the GI Show</a>.</p> <p><em>Have you run into performance issues in Dragon's Dogma 2? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:11:00 CDT Charles Harte 122325 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail-launches-july-2-collectors-edition-revealed <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/25/d9edf292/ff14dawntrailhrothgar.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail release date and collector's edition" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Dawntrail, the fifth expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, is coming on July 2. The game is also getting a collector’s edition.  </p> <p>The $39.99 expansion takes players to the tropical island of Yok Tural and introduces a new storyline, two new playable classes (<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/01/08/check-out-final-fantasy-14-dawntrails-new-job-race-and-full-length-cinematic-trailer">Pictomancer</a> and Viper), and the level cap raised to 100, among other additions. Dawntrail will be available in all versions of the game, including the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-partner-preview/2024/03/06/final-fantasy-xiv-launches-onto-xbox-series-xs-later-this-month">newly launched Xbox editions</a>. </p> <p>During PAX East this past weekend, FFXIV director/producer Naoki Yoshida unveiled the Dawntrail Digital Collector’s Edition and the goodies-filled physical Collector’s Box. Here’s what comes in each package: </p> <h2>Collector’s Box ($155.00)</h2> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/a26b4387/ff14dawnbox.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/fd9015f3/ff14viperstatue.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/3a5c6d61/ff14map.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/33d9f69e/ff14book.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/e663460e/ff14pencase.jpg'></figure></section>   <ul> <li>Dawntrail Special Art Box </li> <li>Expertly Crafted Viper Figure (H 9.65" x W 4.52" x D 5.90"/H 24.5cm x W 11.5cm x D 15cm)</li> <li>Adventurer’s Cloth Map (16.53" x 29.52"/42cm x 75cm)</li> <li>The Unending Journey Notebook (5.90" x 4.33"/15cm x 11cm)</li> <li>Adventurer’s Pen Case (8.26" x 9.44"/21cm x 24cm)</li> </ul> <h2>Dawntrail Digital Collector’s Edition ($59.99)</h2> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/f3bf65fa/ff14arkmount.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/2bef8e7b/ff14garnet.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/25/b554e86b/ff14chocobrush.jpg'></figure></section>   <ul> <li>In-game Item: Ark Mount </li> <li>In-game Item: Garnet Minion </li> <li>In-game Item: Chocobo Brush: Pictomancer Weapon </li> </ul> <p>While the Digital Collector's Edition and Collector's Box must be purchased separately, a bundle containing both is called the <strong>Dawntrail Collector's Edition</strong> and runs for $214.99. However, it only contains a game code for the Windows/Mac version of Dawntrail. </p> <p>Pre-orders for the standard and collector's edition items begin Tuesday, March 26, at 9 a.m. PT. Doing so at certain retailers grants the bonus in-game items: Wind-up Zidane Minion and Azeyma's Earrings. </p> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:54:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122324 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/stellar-blade-gets-a-free-demo-this-friday <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/25/606ad035/stellar-blade-demo.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Stellar Blade, the flashy action game from ShiftUp, isn't officially out until late April, but eager players can get their hands on the game as soon as this week. <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2024/03/25/stellar-blade-demo-arrives-march-29/?_thumbnail_id=390356">A free demo hits the PlayStation Store</a> this Friday, March 29, and will throw players headfirst into the game's opening moments. To get an idea of what that gameplay looks like, check out the demo trailer below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C3GLEPFrlhw" width="640"></iframe> <p>Game director Hyung Tae Kim gave a deeper explanation on the PlayStation Blog. He writes, "This first stage will include the tutorial phase to help you familiarize yourself with basic combat features as you explore post-war Eidos 7, a human city now infested by the Naytiba, giving you an early grasp of gameplay mechanics that will serve you throughout the game’s story."</p> <p>Stellar Blade was quietly in development over the past few years (originally known as <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/09/project-eve-gets-slick-and-action-packed-trailer">Project EVE</a>) before its <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2024/01/31/stellar-blade-hits-playstation-5-this-april">in-depth feature during January's State of Play event</a>. The game follows Eve, the wielder of the titular Stellar Blade, as she journeys back down to Earth to save the people there from alien and robot attacks. For more on the game, you can take a look at our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/magazine">four-page feature in issue 364 of <em>Game Informer </em>magazine</a>.</p> <p>Stellar Blade is a PS5 exclusive that launches on April 26. Its demo launches on March 29 at 7 AM PDT / 2 PM GMT.</p> <p><em>Will you be checking out Stellar Blade? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:07:00 CDT Charles Harte 122323 https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive/2024/03/23/get-another-dose-of-roguelike-deckbuilder-acolyte-of-the-altar-in-new-launch <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/18/43ce20d1/acolyte_of_the_altar.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="acolyte of the altar exclusive launch day release trailer gameplay roguelike deckbuilder" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Acolyte of the Altar, the roguelike deckbuilder with a wasteland twist from developer Black Kite Games, hits PC via Steam on March 25. Ahead of the game's launch next week, <em>Game Informer </em>can exclusively reveal the Acolyte of the Altar launch trailer, which features plenty of deckbuilder action and another taste of this Magic: The Gathering and Shadow of the Colossus-inspired game. </p> <p>"Journey through desolate wastelands and hunt down colossal Beasts to grow stronger and serve your chosen Patron deity," the game's description reads. </p> <p><strong>Check out the Acolyte of the Altar launch trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q6KtkKP0IPY" width="640"></iframe> <p>As you can see, Acolyte of the Altar continues to look great (and spooky), and we're excited to try our hands at its unique style of deckbuilder. </p> <p>"Beware," the game's Steam page reads. "Beasts grow stronger during battle, allowing them to consume your creatures or counter your spells. Carve profane Gifts from these behemoths and grow stronger to serve your Patron. But serve them to what end?"</p> <p>That is the question players will answer when Acolyte of the Altar hits PC via Steam on March 25, 2024. If you're interested, you can play a demo of the game on Steam right now. </p> <p><strong>Here are some Acolyte of the Altar screenshots to enjoy in the meantime</strong>: </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/99c655f3/aota_-_noble_deck.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/5c59ae0a/aota_-_noble_setup.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/e3d98079/aota_-_swipe.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/d7f04605/aota_-_wave_of_lava.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/d49de17a/aota_acolyte_turn.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/de5c3301/aota_beast_turn.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/0efac713/aota_deck_page.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/d3568bee/aota_gift_screen.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/d7025d5a/aota_message.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/b4648a2e/aota_-_chasm_of_sleep.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/ac229dc8/aota_sunlit_spear.jpg'></figure></section>   <p><em>Are you going to check out Acolyte of the Altar? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:00:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122291 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/22/knockout-city-developer-velan-studios-may-potentially-suffer-significant-layoffs <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/22/349d5056/knockout-city-art-1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Velan Studios layoffs" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Velan Studios, the team behind Knockout City, has announced it is entering a reorganization that will likely result in layoffs. </p> <p>In a <a href="https://twitter.com/velanstudios/status/1770903295625764946?s=46">post to X (formerly known as Twitter)</a>, the studio's co-founders Guha and Karthik Bala revealed the team was working on a big project that an outside partner suddenly canceled. As a result, it might not be able to maintain its current team size; 46 out of 121 employees were given notice they may be laid off in the next 60 days. </p> <p>“This is a rough environment for a lot of indie studios, and like them, we are faced with some very hard choices,” Velan writes in the post. Should the worst come, Velan states it will do its best to support affected staff members. You can read the full post below. </p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/22/5a8e1f11/velan_studios_layoff_notice.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p>Velan Studios developed 2020's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/mario-kart-live-home-circuit/mario-kart-live-home-circuit-review-an-occasional-wipeout">Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit</a> , 2021 dodgeball competitive multiplayer game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/knockout-city/knockout-city-review-dodgeball-delight">Knockout City</a>, and 2023's Hot Wheels Rift Rally. Knockout City, an EA Originals title, is perhaps the studio's best-known title, which earned a generally positive reception and was supported through multiple seasons. Velan later transformed it into a <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/25/knockout-city-is-going-free-to-play-velan-studios-saying-goodbye-to-ea-to-self-publish">free-to-play experience</a> after ending its publishing relationship with EA. Unfortunately, the game would <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/02/03/knockout-city-will-shut-down-in-june">shut down</a> roughly a year after this transition and only two years after launch.</p> <p>These potential job cuts join a string of other disheartening 2024 layoffs, which now total <a href="https://kotaku.com/game-industry-layoffs-how-many-2024-unity-twitch-1851155818">more than 8,000</a> in just the first two months of the year. EA laid off <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/28/ea-lays-off-670-employees-cancels-respawns-star-wars-fps">roughly 670 employees across all departments</a>, resulting in the cancellation of Respawn's Star Wars FPS game. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/27/playstation-laying-off-900-across-insomniac-naughty-dog-guerrilla-and-more-closing">PlayStation laid off 900 employees</a> across Insomniac, Naughty Dog, Guerrilla, and more, closing down London Studio in the process, too. The day before, Until Dawn developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/26/until-dawn-little-nightmares-iii-developer-supermassive-games-is-laying-off-90">Supermassive Games announced it laid off 90 employees</a>. </p> <p>At the end of January, we learned <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/embracer-group-cancels-new-deus-ex-game-in-development-at-eidos-montreal-lays-off">Embracer Group had canceled a new Deus Ex game in development at Eidos-Montréal</a> and laid off 97 employees in the process. Also in January, Destroy All Humans remake developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/destroy-all-humans-remake-developer-black-forest-games-reportedly-lays-off-50">Black Forest Games reportedly laid off 50 employees</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/microsoft-is-laying-off-1900-employees-across-xbox-activision-blizzard-and-zenimax">Microsoft announced it was laying off 1,900 employees across its Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax teams</a>, as well. Outriders studio <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/outriders-studio-people-can-fly-lays-off-more-than-30-employees">People Can Fly laid off more than 30 employees</a> in January, and League of Legends company <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/23/league-of-legends-company-riot-games-lays-off-530-employees">Riot Games laid off 530 employees</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/18/lords-of-the-fallen-publisher-ci-games-lays-off-10-of-its-staff">Lords of the Fallen Publisher CI Games laid off 10 percent of its staff</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/10/unity-to-lay-off-1800-employees">Unity will lay off 1,800 people by the end of March</a>, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/10/twitch-to-lay-off-500-employees">Twitch laid off 500 employees</a>. </p> <p>We also learned that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/01/12/discord-lays-off-170-employees-due-to-overhiring#:~:text=Discord%20Lays%20Off%20170%20Employees%20Due%20To%20Overhiring%20%2D%20Game%20Informer">Discord had laid off 170 employees</a>, that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/17/ptw-a-support-studio-thats-worked-with-capcom-and-blizzard-lays-off-45-people">layoffs happened at PTW</a>, a support studio that's worked with companies like Blizzard and Capcom, and that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/17/thunderful-group-the-company-behind-2023s-steamworld-build-to-lay-off-roughly-100">SteamWorld Build company, Thunderful Group, let go of roughly 100 people</a>. Dead by Daylight developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/18/dead-by-daylight-studio-behaviour-interactive-has-reportedly-laid-off-45-people">Behaviour Interactive also reportedly laid off 45 people, too</a>. </p> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:18:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122322 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/22/capcom-addresses-dragons-dogma-2-pc-performance-and-microtransaction-backlash <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/8e172f8f/dd2_magick_archer.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="Dragon's Dogma 2 microtransactions" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of the year’s most anticipated games, and by most accounts, the experience lives up to the hype. The game earned rave reviews from most critics, including a <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dragons-dogma-2/on-the-shoulders-of-giants">9 out of 10 from us</a>. But now that it’s out in the wild, Steam players have bombarded the RPG with negative reviews due to its problematic launch performance and day-one microtransactions.</p> <p>In terms of performance problems, Steam players have reported issues such as framerate drops, freezes, and crashes. Capcom has acknowledged these issues in a <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/2054970/eventcomments/4289188745216852503?snr=1_2108_9__2107&ctp=2">Steam blog post</a> where it says, “To all those looking forward to this game, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience,” and adds, “We are investigating/fixing critical problems such as crashes and freezing. We will be addressing crashes and bug fixes starting from those with the highest priority in patches in the near future.” </p> <p>In regards to the frame rate issues, Capcom writes, </p> <p>“A large amount of CPU usage is allocated to each character and calculating the impact of their physical presence in various areas. In certain situations where numerous characters appear simultaneously, the CPU usage can be very high and may affect the frame rate. We are aware that in such situations, settings that reduce GPU load may currently have a limited effect; however, we are looking into ways to improve performance in the future.”</p> <p>The console versions have their own frame rate issues, as noted in our review by writer Jesse Vitelli who noted, "large-scale battles are where you will see the performance on consoles take a big hit. When I had multiple enemies on screen, and a pawn would cast a big spell, the frame rate dipped tremendously.”</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/e2f0127c/dd2_warfarer_archistaff.jpeg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>The game’s microtransactions have also drawn ire. In addition to selling Rift Crystals, the game’s currency, fans are upset the game sells useful exploration gear such as Portcrystals, fast-travel points that you can place in a chosen destination (though you still need another item, Ferrystones, to use it, which isn't for sale). Capcom is also selling the Art of Metamorphosis book, an item that allows players to redesign their character and revive items (Wakestones). You can purchase all of these items at once in the “A Boon for Adventurers - New Journey Pack” bundle, which comes included in the game's Deluxe Edition.  </p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/22/1adfe9c1/dragons_dogma_2_microtransactions.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p>Capcom addressed these complaints in the same blog post, pointing out that the following items can be obtained through normal gameplay:</p> <ul><li>Art of Metamorphosis - Character Editor</li> <li>Ambivalent Rift Incense - Change Pawn Inclinations</li> <li>Portcrystal - Warp Location Marker</li> <li>Wakestone - Restore the dead to life!</li> <li>500 Rift Crystals / 1500 Rift Crystals / 2500 Rift Crystals - Points to Spend Beyond the Rift</li> <li>Makeshift Gaol Key - Escape from gaol!</li> <li>Harpysnare Smoke Beacons - Harpy Lure Item</li> </ul><p>If you want extra quantities of any of those items, you have the choice of paying real money for them instead of getting them the old-fashioned way, so they basically serve as optional convenience skips. While it's absolutely understandable why players would be annoyed regardless, this is actually quite normal for Capcom titles. The recent <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/2050650/Resident_Evil_4/">Resident Evil</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/1446780/MONSTER_HUNTER_RISE/">Monster Hunter</a> games, for example, all offer microtransactions of similar scope and have faced comparatively minimal, if any, pushback. </p> <p>Still, fans are taken aback by their appearance in Dragon's Dogma 2, and without context for how rare or easy-to-obtain these items are, some players believe the game's intentionally challenging/inconvenient design aims to push players towards these purchases to ease the experience. Others simply cite the age-old argument that full-priced games ($69.99 in Dragon’s Dogma 2’s case) shouldn’t charge additional money for in-game items at all. </p> <p>Combined with the aforementioned performance issues, disgruntled players have flooded the game with bad reviews to the point that it currently has a “Mostly Negative” Steam rating just hours after launch. Despite this initial chilly reception, it doesn’t appear Capcom will be altering its monetization plans for now. </p> <p>Dragon’s Dogma 2 is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.</p> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:12:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122320 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/22/final-fantasy-xvi-the-rising-tide-dlc-trailer-promises-a-reason-to-return <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/22/5657ce90/ffxvi_mediakit_10_png_jpgcopy.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Square Enix today revealed a new look at Final XVI: The Rising Tide, the upcoming piece of DLC scheduled to launch as part of the game's expansion pass. The new story content opens the door to an entirely new area to explore in Valisthea, but the big draw is the appearance of the Eikon Leviathan. </p> <p>Back in December, Final Fantasy XVI players were treated to the Echoes of the Fallen expansion, which took Clive and his companions to a long-abandoned tower created by the Fallen precursor civilization. The Rising Tide will further expand on the game's story, but in a new direction, focusing on Leviathan. In the new story sequence, a letter arrives to the hideaway with a request for help from the Dominant of that long-lost Eikon of Water, and the party must set out to face a new threat. We detailed some of what we learned in a <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/08/dlc-dose-of-leviathan">preview earlier this month</a>. </p> <p>The new trailer puts a big focus on combat sequences, giving us a good look at several fights, including Clive acting as Ifrit to battle against Leviathan as they each coast over a massive body of water. The new sights and characters offer a convincing reason to redownload that massive RPG and take Clive for one more big adventure. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jfl3KgFrAQc" width="640"></iframe> <p><em>Are you planning to jump back into Final Fantasy XVI for this Leviathan-themed DLC? Let us know in the comments below. </em></p> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:04:16 CDT Matt Miller 122321 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/22/shadows-of-the-damned-hella-remastered-invites-players-to-hell-again-this-year <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/22/55ece043/sotmremaster1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Grasshopper Manufacture <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/06/09/shadows-of-the-damned-is-getting-remastered">announced during its summer showcase</a> last year that its 2011 supernatural action game Shadows of the Damned is getting an encore in the form of a remaster. We now know the title of that update, along with a release window.</p> <p>The newly christened Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is coming later this year. Unfortunately, the game’s website and Steam page don’t detail exactly how the game has been enhanced from a performance standpoint. Grasshopper did release screenshots, so you’ll have to use those to discern the difference between this re-release and the original. A demo of the game is currently playable at Grasshopper’s booth at PAX East. </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/55ece043/sotmremaster1.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/777cf236/sotmremaster2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/bafc2aa6/sotmremaster5.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/9700b6d2/sotmremaster7.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/fb2d6881/sotmremaster4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/0500588b/sotmremaster3.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/22/c9226325/sotmremaster6.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Shadows of the Damned was first released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on June 21, 2011, and served as a collaboration between Resident Evil mastermind Shinji Mikami (who served as producer) and Grasshopper founder Goichi “Suda51” Suda (the game's writer). It stars Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter who battles his way through the depths of the underworld to rescue his captive girlfriend, Paula. The game’s fun, over-the-shoulder shooter action combined with its irreverent, absurd humor earned it a 9.25 out of 10 in our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/shadows_of_the_damned/b/ps3/archive/2011/06/19/this-goofy-thrill-ride-to-the-depths-of-hell-plays-like-heaven.aspx">original review</a> and a cult following over the last 13 years. EA originally published Shadows of the Damned, and it was never ported to other platforms. Grasshopper is self-publishing the remaster. </p> <p>Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.</p> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:15:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122318 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/21/survive-the-offshore-horrors-of-still-wakes-the-deep-this-june <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/21/446e66f7/still_wakes_the_deep_fgs_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Still Wakes the Deep release date" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Still Wakes the Deep, the atmospheric horror game from the makers of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, has a new trailer and a June release date. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2023/06/11/still-wakes-the-deep-is-the-next-game-from-the-chinese-room">First revealed</a> last June at the Xbox Games Showcase, it centers on an oil rig worker fighting to survive a supernatural threat. </p> <p>Developed by The Chinese Room, today’s Future Game Show provided a platform for a new trailer that serves as an effective tone-setter. Set in 1975, you play as an oil rig worker trapped on a deep sea rig off the coast of Scotland. Communications have been lost, and an unknown horror has overtaken the rig. The first-person adventure tasks you with locating your crew as a mysterious threat pursues you, and the raging ocean gradually tears the rig apart. With no weapons or special abilities, exploration is the name of the game.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9uuX4l34Czs" width="640"></iframe> <p>Still Wakes the Deep is launching on June 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It will also launch on Game Pass for console and PC. </p> <p>For more on The Chinese Room, the studio has also taken the reins of Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, also slated to release this year. You can read more about what the studio has in store for that game <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/31/heres-your-first-look-at-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-gameplay-from-its-new">here</a>.</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:15:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122310 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/21/larian-ceo-says-the-studio-is-done-with-baldurs-gate-3-to-focus-on-something-new <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/08/11/36603f58/baldurs_gate_3_art_crop.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Baldur’s Gate 3 was one of 2023’s most successful and critically acclaimed games, with many hailing it as one of the best role-playing games ever made. However, if you were hoping for the game to get an expansion or a sequel, that won’t be the case - at least not from its developer, Larian Studios. </p> <p>As reported by <em><a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/events-conferences/larian-is-finished-with-baldurs-gate-were-going-to-move-away-from-dandd-and-were-going-to-start-making-a-new-thing/">PC Gamer</a></em>, Larian CEO Swen Vincke stated during an address at GDC today that the studio is finished with Baldur’s Gate 3. That means it won’t be getting any expansions nor will it be making a Baldur’s Gate 4. "We are a company of big ideas. We are not a company that's made to create DLCs or expansions," Vincke said. "We tried that actually, a few times. It failed every single time. It's not our thing. Life is too short. Our ambitions are very large.”</p> <p>Not only that, but the studio is moving on from Dungeons & Dragons in general, with Vincke saying that "it's going to be up to Wizards of the Coast because it's their IP, to find somebody to take over the torch."</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpAGlgJMYLc" width="640"></iframe> <p>While Vincke says Larian is proud of what it accomplished, the studio wants to focus on a brand-new project. There's no telling what Larian may tackle next; given that it made Baldur's Gate 3 and the Divinity series, it's hard to imagine the studio not making another RPG of some sort. We'll have to wait and see. </p> <p>Baldur’s Gate 3 was released last August following a lengthy early access period to rave reviews, including several Game of the Year wins. While it’s disappointing that we won’t see any meaningful story updates for the title, we’re excited to see what Larian has in store next. </p> <p>As for other Dungeons & Dragons games that will pick up the torch, there's a few big titles on the horizon. Chief among them is Starbreeze's in-development <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/04/starbreeze-announces-project-baxter-a-new-dungeons-dragons-cooperative-multiplayer-game">D&D cooperative multiplayer game</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/14/disney-dreamlight-valley-dev-gameloft-making-dungeons-dragons-survival-sim-game">Gameloft's D&D survival sim</a>. </p> <p>You can read our review of Baldur's Gate 3 <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/baldurs-gate-3/a-true-soul-stirrer">here</a>. The game is also nominated for 10 BAFTA Awards next month, and you can read the full list of nominees <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/07/here-are-the-nominees-for-the-20th-annual-bafta-games-awards">here</a>. </p> <p>[Source: <em><a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/events-conferences/larian-is-finished-with-baldurs-gate-were-going-to-move-away-from-dandd-and-were-going-to-start-making-a-new-thing/">PC Gamer</a></em>]</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:25:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122314 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/21/dragons-dogma-2-and-rise-of-the-ronin-reviews-gi-show <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/4a4c37db/thegishow_ep699_webhero.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>On this week’s episode of <em>The Game Informer Show</em>, we’re joined by special guest Imran Khan to unpack his review of Rise of the Ronin. Friend of the show Jesse Vitelli also drops by to break down his Dragon’s Dogma 2 review. Kyle Hilliard shares his final thoughts on Princess Peach Showtime and gives his hands-on thoughts on the upcoming Hyper Light Breaker. We then round out the discussion with Imran sharing some of the coolest indie games he saw from Day of the Devs and giving our thoughts on our reader-voted <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/GameGauntlet2024">Game Gauntlet</a> to decide the greatest game of all time.</p> <h2><strong>Watch The Video Version!</strong></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VuIqlfEyw28" width="640"></iframe> <p>Follow us on social media: Marcus Stewart (<a href="https://twitter.com/marcusstewart7">@MarcusStewart7</a>), Kyle Hilliard (<a href="https://twitter.com/kylemhilliard">@KyleMHilliard</a>), Charles Harte (<a href="https://twitter.com/chuckduck365">@chuckduck365)</a>, Imran Khan (<a href="https://twitter.com/imranzomg">@imranzomg</a>), and Jesse Vitelli (<a href="https://twitter.com/jessevitelli">@jessevitelli</a>). </p> <p><em>The Game Informer Show</em> is a weekly gaming podcast covering the latest video game news, industry topics, exclusive reveals, and reviews. Join host <a href="https://twitter.com/itsVanAken" target="_blank">Alex Van Aken</a> every Thursday to chat about your favorite games – past and present – with <em>Game Informer</em> staff, developers, and special guests from around the industry. Listen on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-informer-show/id335246945" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2EWTEHrbZpNRAboYLimAhu" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or your favorite podcast app.</p> <strong>The Game Informer Show – Podcast Timestamps:</strong> <p>00:00:00 - Intro<br /> 00:09:22 - Rise of the Ronin<br /> 00:29:54 - Hyper Light Breaker<br /> 00:39:09 - Day of the Devs<br /> 00:54:53 - Dragon's Dogma 2<br /> 01:27:34 - Princess Peach Showtime<br /> 01:39:59 - Greatest Game Of All Time Gauntlet<br /> 02:12:38 - The Lunch Break: Like A Dance Break but with Lunch (Working Title)<br /> 02:15:27 - Pushmo and Dillon's Rolling Western?</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:00:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122300 https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/03/21/ark-the-animated-series-surprise-launches-on-paramount-today <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/21/e39ac7fc/ark_the_animated_series_announcement_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><em>Ark: The Animated Series</em> has surprised launched today on Paramount +. Based on the hit Ark: Survival Evolved, the series was first announced at The Game Awards in 2020 and went from not having a release date or platform to suddenly having its first six episodes available now in the U.S. and Canada.</p> <p>The series follows Helena Walker, a paleontologist who washes ashore a mysterious island brimming with dinosaurs and other extinct wildlife. After meeting another survivor and hunter named Bob, Helena learns how to fend for herself in this strange land while encountering myriad threats and survivors from throughout history. While the first six episodes of Season 1 are out now, the remaining seven episodes will arrive at a later date. </p> <p>The show’s star-studded cast includes Madeleine Madden, Michelle Yeoh, Vin Diesel, Gerard Butler, David Tennant, Russell Crowe, Jeffrey Wright, Karl Urban, Zahn McClarnon, Devery Jacobs, Elliot Page, Malcolm McDowell, Deborah Mailman, and Alan Tudyk. Check out the premiere trailer below. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4-iJa87w3YM" width="640"></iframe> <p>To mark the occasion, Ark: Survival Ascended is holding a special tie-in event in which players can unlock skins based on characters from the animated series, which replicate the show’s art style. Obtaining these involves collecting a series of notes titled “Dear Jane” written by Karl Urban’s character in the show, Bob. The first drop of skins will be for Helena, Bob, Dodo, and Scary the Parasaur. New notes will appear in the game each Tuesday and Thursday until April 11. Check out the trailer below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEobDHfvxc0" width="640"></iframe> <p>Meanwhile, we're still awaiting an update on the long-quiet <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2020/2020/12/10/ark-ii-announced-featuring-vin-diesel">Ark 2</a> (also featuring Vin Diesel) which was announced in 2020 at The Game Awards. That game is currently scheduled to launch towards the end of the year. Hopefully this animated show is a decent holdover until the next big game arrives.</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122312 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/20/marvel-1943-rise-of-hydra-is-skydances-captain-americablack-panther-game-arriving-next <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/20/ab3f7371/marvel_1943_rise_of_hydra_story_trailer_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Skydance New Media’s mysterious World War 2 Marvel game has a title: Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. It also has its first trailer and a release window.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/09/09/skydances-marvel-game-stars-black-panther-and-captain-america">First announced in 2022</a>, the game stars Captain America and Black Panther Azzuri, who is the grandfather of T’Challa. The trailer shows them pursuing the mutual goal of taking down the Nazis/Hydra, though for their own personal reasons. Hailing from different worlds, neither is particularly fond of the other's methods, which draws them into conflict. The game also stars Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos and Wakanda spy leader Nanali. First revealed at GDC, check out its first cinematic trailer below. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lb2wwEx6DVw" width="640"></iframe> <p>Marvel 1943 is a linear single-player experience where you’ll occupy the roles of all four characters at various points, providing different perspectives on the narrative and the war. The project is led by Skydance president Amy Hennig, best known as the principle writer of the Uncharted franchise. </p> <p>Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is coming in 2025, though platforms are currently unknown. You can learn more about how Skydance is approaching the game’s storytelling by reading our 2022 <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/09/10/a-side-of-captain-america-we-havent-seen-new-details-on-skydances-marvel-game">interview feature</a> with Amy Hennig and Skydance's story consultant, Marc Bernardin.</p> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:13:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122306 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/20/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-gameplay-video-reveals-new-mechanics-and-more-characters <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/20/932ea7ed/dbsparkingzerohit.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Dragon Ball Sparking Zero gameplay presentation" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-is-the-next-budokai-tenkaichi-game">Dragon Ball Sparking Zero</a> had a big coming out party in the form of a 13-minute gameplay presentation that gave fans a nice look at its moment-to-moment combat. Bandai Namco showed off what's new, what's staying the same, and even revealed more characters joining the roster. </p> <p>Naturally, Goku and Vegeta square off to show off Sparking Zero’s combat. The 3D fighter retains the familiar behind-the-back style of its predecessors, but graphically speaking, the flashy ki blasts and transformations look better than ever. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vPpKUl9BvE8" width="640"></iframe> <p>The presentation introduces four new mechanics. First up is Skill Count, a number that rises as you execute moves during the battle and is then spent to trigger special abilities. Revenge Counter lets players retaliate with a big attack in the midst of absorbing damage. Super Perception is a parry-type move that lets players deflect an attack at the last moment (such as Goku smacking away Vegeta’s Galick Gun), but doing this spends Skill Count points. Lastly, Vanishing Assaults are teleport-based attacks designed to close the gap at mid-range to keep the pressure on your opponent.</p> <p>Dragon Ball Sparking Zero looks to have a massive roster of fighters (<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/new-dragon-ball-sparking-zero-trailer-reveals-24-new-fighters-and-theyre-all-goku">many of them variations of Goku and Vegeta</a>), and the following characters are joining the line-up:</p> <ul> <li>Broly (Super Saiyan Full Power)</li> <li>Burter</li> <li>Dyspo</li> <li>Hit</li> <li>Jeice</li> <li>Kakunsa</li> <li>Kale (Super Saiyan Berserk)</li> <li>Master Roshi (Max Power)</li> <li>Nappa</li> <li>Super Trunks</li> <li>Toppo</li> </ul> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/e0c881bb/dbszdysbo.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/96bd4a29/dbszkakunsa.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/33edb386/dbsztoppo.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/1f06df01/dbszroshi.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/11db24d5/dbszhit.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/a5ad2ef0/dbsz_ginyu_force.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/aad410ae/dbsz_kale.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/b0aa5928/dbsz_nappa.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/20/452b872e/dbsz_broly.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Dragon Ball Sparking Zero still doesn’t have a release window, but it’s coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. </p> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:44:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122303 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/19/marchs-xbox-game-pass-line-up-has-diablo-iv-and-cars-galore <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/3e8fabd2/diablo-4-construct.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Microsoft's highly publicized acquisition of Blizzard has had wide-reaching effects, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/microsoft-is-laying-off-1900-employees-across-xbox-activision-blizzard-and-zenimax">and while some of them have been quite awful</a>, this month showcases one of the upsides. Diablo IV, one of Blizzard's big 2023 releases, comes to Xbox Game Pass late next week, on March 28. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/diablo-iv/heaven-sent">We enjoyed the game quite a bit at launch</a>, calling it a "massive and deeply engrossing action RPG," so if you've been waiting to check it out, now is a good time to do so.</p> <p>This month also includes a trio of games built around cars, though the three are each very different. F1 23 simulates the realism and intensity of Formula 1 racing, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is an arcade racer full of child-like wonder, and Open Roads (which will launch on Game Pass) is a quieter, narrative-driven game about a mother and her daughter going on a road trip. Maybe they'll help me on <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2024/02/29/im-learning-how-to-drive-and-pacific-drive-is-helping">my journey of learning how to drive</a>.</p> <p>Here's the rest of the line-up:</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/2e950f98/tw_coming-soon_03.19.2024-5dfe76e566427686b372-1024x576.png" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <h2>What's Coming To Game Pass This Month</h2> <p><strong>Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) </strong>(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Today</p> <p><strong>MLB The Show 24 </strong>(Cloud and Console) – Today</p> <p><strong>The Quarry</strong> (Cloud and Console) – March 20 | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-quarry/screaming-until-dawn">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Evil West</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 21</p> <p><strong>Terra Invicta </strong>(Game Preview) (PC) – March 26</p> <p><strong>Diablo IV</strong> (Console and PC) – March 28 | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/diablo-iv/heaven-sent">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 28 | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/hot-wheels-unleashed-2-turbocharged/a-respectable-lap">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Open Roads</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 28</p> <p><strong>Ark: Survival Ascended</strong> (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – April 1</p> <p><strong>F1 23</strong> (Cloud) EA Play – April 2</p> <p><strong>Superhot: Mind Control Delete</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 2 | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/superhot-mind-control-delete/superhot-mind-control-delete-review-forward-motion">Our Review</a></p> <h2>What's Leaving Game Pass On March 31</h2> <p><strong>Hot Wheels Unleashed</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/hot-wheels-unleashed/hot-wheels-unleashed-review-simple-satisfying-speed">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Infinite Guitars</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) </p> <p><strong>MLB The Show 23</strong> (Cloud and Console) | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/mlb-the-show-23/loading-the-bases">Our Review</a></p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:00 CDT Charles Harte 122298 https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/03/19/lego-reveals-massive-dungeons-dragons-set <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/18/8f1f92b2/21348_lifestyle_build_02.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Today, after months of rumors and speculation, LEGO (in partnership with Wizards of the Coast) revealed the first full look at the new <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/ideas/dungeons-and-dragons/about">Dungeons & Dragons-themed building set</a> entitled Red Dragon’s Tale. The large 3,745-piece set is set to release on April 1 in LEGO stores and to those in the LEGO Insiders program. Everyone else can roll for initiative on snagging a set on April 4, for the price of $359.99.</p> <p>Produced through the popular LEGO Ideas platform, where fans are able to submit their own build concepts that are then refined and produced as official sets, the final set includes a full dungeon and tower, a tavern, and six minifigures (including an Orc Rogue, Gnome Fighter, Elf Wizard, and Dwarf Cleric). Builders also get several iconic D&D monsters, including an owlbear, beholder, displacer beast, and, of course, the red dragon Cinderhowl, who acts as the centerpiece of the set.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/844a17bb/21348_lifestyle_build_11.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/dac06a0f/21348_lifestyle_build_12.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/e3d9aa32/21348_back_03.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/3face43c/21348_lifestyle_build_13.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/97e2954a/21348_back_10.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/e530be98/21348_prod.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/ed271b1f/21348_box1_v29.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/9f0631d1/21348_left_01.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/18/16e4529b/21348_lifestyle_build_01.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Interestingly, LEGO is offering an actual D&D adventure book to LEGO Insiders as a free digital download or as a paperback book that can be purchased with 2,7000 Insider points. That same book will show up on D&D Beyond (Wizards of the Coast’s digital hub for D&D) complete with characters sheets and digital dice. Presumably, the idea is that you could play out the adventure with the included LEGO minifigs and monsters as the miniatures used on the table, which is a pretty slick way for dedicated players to capitalize on the completed build.</p> <p>In addition to the larger set, LEGO also revealed plans for a full line of D&D-themed minifigures, launching in September 2024.</p> <p><em>Will you be checking out this crossover set? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:00:00 CDT Matt Miller 122293 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/19/the-riven-remake-arrives-this-year <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/cda64704/riven-screenshot-5.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Riven remake release window" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The remake of the 1997 classic Riven is officially launching later this year. This modern facelift of the acclaimed sequel to Myst is also coming to VR.</p> <p>Developed by Cyan Worlds, a team led by the masterminds of the original game, Riven is being remade from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. First announced in 2022, the game is promised to be a faithful homage that leverages modern tech to allow for immersive visuals, free movement, expanded storytelling, and new puzzles. Check out its latest teaser trailer below. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nSxURpOiBjM" width="640"></iframe> <p>Riven: The Sequel to Myst was first released in 1997 and has been hailed as a PC classic of the era. It's so beloved that an existing fan-driven remake, The Starry Expanse Project, was already in the works when Cyan Worlds announced this remake. Recognizing their efforts, Cyan Worlds worked with The Starry Expanse to incorporate their efforts into this official remake. </p> <p>Outside of PC, it's unclear which platforms, VR or otherwise, Riven will target. To keep up with similar projects, check out our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/29/the-big-list-of-upcoming-video-game-remakes">Big List of Upcoming Video Game Remakes</a>.  </p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:14:09 CDT Marcus Stewart 122297 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/19/stardew-valley-16-patch-drops-today-heres-what-to-expect <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/5acb113b/stardew-1.6.png" width="800" height="429" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><em><strong>Update, 3/19/24:</strong></em></p> <p>The 1.6 Patch is now live, and it's a doozy. If you want to read the patch notes in their entirety, which includes new content, balance updates, visual improvements, and more, <a href="https://www.stardewvalley.net/stardew-valley-1-6-update-full-changelog/">you can do that right here</a>.</p> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p>Eight years after its official launch, Stardew Valley remains one of the most popular games on the market right now, which is no surprise; whether you're marrying a neighbor, farming crops, or toiling away in the mines, it's a game with something for everyone. Its creator, solo developer ConcernedApe, has updated it with plenty of free patches over the years, adding multiplayer, new farm types, and more, but when he moved on to work on his next game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/05/haunted-chocolatier-feed-that-eerie-craving-with-what-we-know-so-far">Haunted Chocolatier</a>, the Stardew updates came to an end. That is, until today.</p> <p>1.6 was announced <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1647638975568568320?s=20">almost a year ago</a> and promises to add a number of new features, including <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1710021649771434352?s=20">hats on pets</a> and <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1663958903519080449?s=20">the highly coveted iridium scythe</a>. Here's an image of some of the planned updates from last September.</p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/2aea9113/stardew_valley_1.6.png" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p> </p> <p>As the release draws closer, ConcernedApe has also teased smaller updates as well, leaving small patch notes on his X account each day. The patch will <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1767964221114036658?s=20">fix the sword's downward hitbox</a>, <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1767589731565707382?s=20">make sure harvesting is the same speed walking right-to-left as left-to-right</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1768685328746135664?s=20">pickles, jellies, juices, and wines will be colored to match their fruit or vegetable of origin</a>. Finally, you can drink mayonnaise. Yeah, you read that right.</p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/65f2080d/you_can_drink_mayonnaise.png" alt="You can now drink mayonnaise." typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p>Some more updates are included as images below.</p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/d08b97d7/honeymoon_period_stardew.png" alt="Spouses now have a seven-day "honeymoon" period after marriage which prevents them from laying in bed all day due to being upset." typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/ec4765ed/fruit_quality_stardew.png" alt="Cutting down a fruit tree new yields the appropriate fruit sapling. If the tree is mature (i.e. the fruit quality is > basic), it will yield a sapling with the same quality as its fruit. The higher the quality, the faster the sapling will mature" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/542e6b26/stardew_new_farm_type.png" alt="Added a new farm type: Meadowlands Farm. It has chewy blue grass that animals love. You also start with a coop and two chickens." typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/7187fcff/pet_time_stardew.png" alt="Reduced the amount of time you need to push against a pet before they start shaking and then let you pass through them (1.5 → .75 seconds)" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p>In addition to the new content, ConcernedApe says he wanted to update the game to make modding "easier and more powerful." On that note, he recently announced that many existing mods are <a href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1769797473613008995?s=20">already updated for the new version</a>, though he recommends trying the patch without mods first. There will also be an option to keep your game in the 1.5.6 patch if you don't want any of the changes.</p> <p>Stardew Valley's 1.6 patch launches later today on PC, with mobile and console updates coming sometime in the future.</p> <p><em>Will you be jumping back into Stardew Valley? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:00 CDT Charles Harte 122296 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/19/balatro-sells-1-million-copies-in-first-month-mobile-version-on-the-way <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/02/28/eb86734e/balatro_1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Balatro 1 million sales" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Balatro, the hit poker-inspired roguelike deckbuilder, has hit 1 million sales within its first month of release. Publisher Playstack also revealed a mobile version is in development.</p> <p>Created by solo developer LocalThunk, Balatro is a roguelike tasking players to play poker hands to fulfill score criteria and advance a series of rounds. Along the way, they’ll spend money to augment their deck with new cards with special effects while collecting powerful Jokers that bestow a wide range of passive and trigger abilities.  </p> <p>The game has earned widespread acclaim and popularity since launching on February 20. I awarded it a 9.5 out of 10, writing in my <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/balatro/a-winning-hand">review</a>, “Balatro is an ingenious and entertaining roguelike and one of my favorite games of the year. Playing it has become a near-obsession; everything feels perfectly designed to encourage you to keep trying because that next run could be the run of your life. Even after hours of play, I still can’t overcome Balatro’s biggest challenge: putting it down.”</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HvHJCZOly80" width="640"></iframe> <p>In a press release announcing the 1 million milestone, LocalThunk writes, </p> <p>“I'm so grateful to all the players and people that have made this happen. I still can't grasp the response to this game, and I am overjoyed that so many people have been able to have fun with my silly creation. I'm so fortunate that I can continue working on my passion as a career. Thank you!”</p> <p>Balatro is currently available for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. There’s no release window for the impending mobile versions.</p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:29:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122295 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/18/valve-introduces-new-steam-family-game-sharing-program <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/12/18/39f66a8f/steamgraphic.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Steam Families announced" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Valve has announced Steam Families, a revamped program that allows players to create a group to share and play games with close family members. The program launches today in the Steam Beta Client and it replaces the Steam Family Sharing and Steam Family View features. </p> <p>Steam Families can have up to six members, and joining gives you access to any sharable games in each member's library. “Sharable games” is an important distinction, as Family Sharing is a feature that any developer can choose to opt out of for any reason at any time. Some games are also ineligible for sharing due to technical reasons. </p> <p>Noteworthy games currently eligible for Family Sharing include Helldivers 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Balatro, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy. You can read the full list <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/search/?category1=998&category2=62&supportedlang=english&ndl=1">here</a>. </p> <p>While playing a game that a family member owns, you will create your own save files, earn your own achievements, and have access to workshop files, among other features. When you purchase a game, it still remains in your ownership and only appears in your own library.</p> <p>Two members cannot play one copy of a game at the same time. For example, if two members want to play co-op using Member 1’s copy of Helldivers 2, Member 2 will either have to buy their own copy or play another copy owned by a different member in the family.  </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/18/911e83f5/steam_sharing_1.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Steam has released an <a href="https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/054C-3167-DD7F-49D4">FAQ</a> that answers some burning questions about Steam Families, including parental controls and how to manage child purchases. We recommend reading the full post for all the finer details, but here are some of the biggest takeaways:</p> <ul><li>Members can leave a Steam Family at any time. However, that person will have to wait one year before creating or joining a new family. Additionally, vacant family slots cannot be filled for one year. Family Members can also kick out other members of the family.</li> <li>Children in a Steam Family cannot leave on their own and must be removed by an adult in the family.</li> <li>Shared family games can be played offline.</li> <li>Playing a member's game also provides access to any sharable DLC they own.</li> <li>You can change which Steam Family member's copy of a game you play, though if one has different DLC than the other, your save may not work.</li> <li>With the exception of Child members, you cannot restrict Family members from playing a game you own.  </li> <li>If a family member gets banned for cheating while playing your copy of a game, you will also be banned in that game.</li> </ul><p>As previously mentioned, some games are ineligible for Family Sharing due to technical reasons. These include:</p> <ul><li>Games that require an additional third-party key, account, or a subscription in order to play</li> <li>Free-to-play games and any purchased DLC for those games</li> <li>Free DLC for a game</li> <li>Games or DLC that is restricted in your or the borrower's region</li> <li>Games that do not support the borrower's operating system</li> <li>Games that the publisher has marked explicitly as unavailable for sharing</li> <li>Games marked as private by the original owner</li> <li>Games that are currently excluded from Family Sharing will continue to be excluded from sharing in Steam Families. This includes games that require an additional third-party account or subscription.</li> </ul><p>To create a Steam Family, you'll need to opt into the Steam Family Beta. Click on Steam in the upper left, then choose the "Settings" menu. Select "Interface", then under "Client Beta Participation", select Steam Family Beta from the dropdown menu. You'll then have to restart Steam to complete the process.</p> <p><em>What do you think of Steam Families, and do you plan to make one? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:59:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122294 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/18/indie-metroidvania-animal-well-the-first-game-from-dunkeys-bigmode-publisher-gets <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/18/2636b855/animal_well_release_date_trailer_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="animal well gameplay release date trailer may bigmode shared memory dunky" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Animal Well, the gorgeous indie metroidvania that will also be the first game published by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@videogamedunkey">Videogamedunkey's</a> Bigmode, will hit PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC this May. More specifically, developer Shared Memory, which is just solo dev Billy Basso, revealed in a new gameplay trailer the game will launch on May 9. </p> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/PEt27Jgp8gs?si=_ijcyDoO1hSAgZkH">Dunkey revealed Big Mode</a>, his own publishing arm, back in 2022, later announcing that Shared Memory's Animal Well would be the first game it publishes. Now, just shy of two years later, Animal Well will finally be in the hands of players in just a couple of months. </p> <p><strong>Check out the Animal Well release date trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhB6dLh9nn4" width="640"></iframe> <p>"After nearly 7 years of development, Animal Well is finally almost ready to be released out into the world," Basso writes on <a href="https://x.com/Billy_Basso/status/1769527715462348962?s=20">X</a> (formerly Twitter). "I have made this trailer to commemorate the occasion. I hope you like it. I don't really know what else to say." </p> <p>As you can see in the trailer above, Animal Well continues to look hauntingly gorgeous, and even kind of cute if you're a fan of spooky animals. We also get new glimpses of the game's metroidvania exploration, too, by way of a special yo-yo with a light that lures animals forward and more. Plus, there's a dog, which rules. </p> <p>Animal Well hits PlayStation, Switch, and PC on May 9. </p> <p><em>Are you going to play Animal Well in May? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:22:14 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122290 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/18/sci-fi-puzzle-platformer-planet-of-lana-hits-playstation-and-switch-next-month <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2022/08/26/5f1b8d8a/planet_of_lana_game_informer.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="planet of lana gameplay playstation switch release date trailer" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer Wishfully and publisher Thunderful have revealed <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/planet-of-lana">Planet of Lana</a> is coming to PlayStation and Switch. More specifically, the cinematic sci-fi puzzle platformer that hit Xbox and PC last May is set to hit PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch next month on April 16. </p> <p>The companies revealed this in a new release date trailer published over the weekend. It showcases more of the game's gorgeous imagery and some of the puzzles players will face in it. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the new Planet of Lana release date trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3rgiAY6Xp0" width="640"></iframe> <p>We had a good time with Planet of Lana last May, giving it a 7.75 out of 10. Read why in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/planet-of-lana/chasing-potential"><em>Game Informer's </em>Planet of Lana review</a>. </p> <p><em>Have you played Planet of Lana? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:56:30 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122289 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/18/fatal-fury-city-of-the-wolves-gets-early-2025-release-window-in-new-gameplay <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/18/49819ca8/fatal_fury_city_of_wolves_reveal_trailer_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="fatal fury city of the wolves release date announcement trailer terry bogard" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>SNK has released a new gameplay trailer for its upcoming fighter, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, revealing it's due out in "early 2025" as well. This trailer arrives roughly half a year after <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/08/07/the-new-fatal-fury-is-called-city-of-the-wolves-new-teaser-released">SNK formally revealed Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in a trailer</a> similar to today's, featuring Terry Bogard facing off against Rock Howard. </p> <p>That duo returns for another fight in the latest trailer, spotlighting the game's new "REV" system that features Rev Guard, Rev Blow, Rev Accel, and presumably more we'll learn about when the game is released next year. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves gameplay trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJg7MhV2znQ" width="640"></iframe> <p>Unfortunately, the trailer doesn't reveal anything else about the game, including platforms. Presumably, it will come to PlayStation and Xbox (possibly Switch), and PC. </p> <p>SNK will release Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in early 2025.</p> <p>In the meantime, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/08/snk-reveals-a-new-fatal-fury-game-the-first-in-more-than-20-years-is-now-in-development">check out SNK's original tease for the game from 2022</a>, and then <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/08/07/the-new-fatal-fury-is-called-city-of-the-wolves-new-teaser-released">watch the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves reveal trailer</a> from last year. </p> <p>After that, catch up on <em>Game Informer's </em>thoughts on the latest fighting game releases:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/street-fighter-6/a-clean-reversal"><em>Game Informer's </em>Street Fighter 6 review</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/mortal-kombat-1/gory-glory"><em>Game Informer's </em>Mortal Kombat 1 review</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/tekken-8/aggressively-absurd"><em>Game Informer's </em>Tekken 8 review</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Are you excited for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:31:49 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122288 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/among-us-animated-show-casts-ashley-johnson-elijah-wood-randall-park-and-yvette <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/15/c11e13b9/among-us-movie-casting.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="among us movie film adaptation casting round 1" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Among Us animated series being developed at CBS Studios has found its Purple, Green, Red, and Orange crewmembers in Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us), Elijah Wood (<em>The Lord of the Rings </em>trilogy), Randall Park (<i>Ant-Man</i>, <em>Always Be My Maybe</em>), and Yvette Nicole Brown (<em>Community</em>, <em>Drake & Josh</em>). </p> <p>The official Among Us X account (formerly Twitter) announced this news today with a tweet showing what each of these crewmembers will look like in the show. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🎬 Meet some of the cast for our upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmongUsAnimated?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmongUsAnimated</a> show!!! 🎬<br /> <br /> ROUND 1:<br /> ⭐️ Ashley Johnson - Purple<br /> ⭐️ <a href="https://twitter.com/elijahwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elijahwood</a> - Green<br /> ⭐️ Randall Park - Red<br /> ⭐️ <a href="https://twitter.com/YNB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YNB</a> - Orange <a href="https://t.co/XgUf4FDVYe">pic.twitter.com/XgUf4FDVYe</a></p> — Among Us (@AmongUsGame) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmongUsGame/status/1768689309467517409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <p><em><a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/among-us-animated-series-cast-randall-park-yvette-nicole-brown-elijah-wood-ashley-johnson-1235943087/">Variety</a> </em>has more details about these crewmembers, including quick descriptions of each: </p> <h3>Red – Captain of The Skeld</h3> <ul> <li>People-pleaser, blowhard</li> <li>Task: leadership, confidence</li> <li>Fun fact: failed upwards</li> </ul> <h3>Purple  – Chief of Security</h3> <ul> <li>Safety, suspicion, sarcasm</li> <li>Task: wet blanket</li> <li>Fun fact: trust issues</li> </ul> <h3>Orange – HR</h3> <ul> <li>Spineless corporate shill</li> <li>Task: eliminate redundancy, redundantly</li> <li>Fun fact: fires you over email</li> </ul> <h3>Green – Unpaid Intern</h3> <ul> <li>Happy to be there</li> <li>Task: whatever they're told</li> <li>Fun fact: gets paid in pizza</li> </ul> <p><em>Big Mouth </em>and <em>Star Trek: Lower Decks </em>studio Titmouse is the animation studio for this series, which has Owen Dennis as the show's creator and executive producer.</p> <p>"Members of your crew have been replaced by an alien shapeshifter intent on causing confusion, sabotaging the ship, and killing everyone," the CBS series logline reads, according to <em>Variety</em>. "Root out the 'Impostor' or fall victim to its murderous designs." </p> <p><em>Variety </em>reports that there is no network or streamer attached to the show.</p> <p><em>Are you excited about this Among Us animated series? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:28:41 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122285 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/capcom-releases-nearly-8-minutes-of-new-dragons-dogma-2-gameplay-narrated-by-actor <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/15/f27265be/dragons-dogma-2-gameplay-showcase.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="dragon's dogma 2 gameplay showcase trailer ian mcshane capcom march 22 release date" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Dragon's Dogma 2 is right around the corner, launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/28/dragons-dogma-2-gets-march-release-date-and-new-trailer">next week on March 22</a>. Ahead of the game's launch, Capcom has released a new gameplay overview trailer with more than seven minutes of new footage; and perhaps strangely, it's narrated by actor Ian McShane (<em>Deadwood</em>, <em>John Wick</em>, <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides</em>). </p> <p>Broken up into three sections in the video, McShane discusses "The Hero" of Dragon's Dogma 2, the "Two Nations," and, of course, "The Monsters" that players will be killing plenty of during their journey. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the Dragon's Dogma 2 gameplay overview trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NCbt7qSweHM" width="640"></iframe> <p>Dragon's Dogma 2 hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on March 22, 2024. </p> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/05/keeping-the-faith"><em>Game Informer's </em>hands-on Dragon's Dogma 2 preview</a>, and then check out this story about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/05/dragons-dogma-2-main-story-campaign-is-about-the-same-length-as-the-first-game">Dragon's Dogma 2's main story campaign is about the same length as the first game</a>. After that, read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/05/dragons-dogma-2-has-an-uncapped-framerate-but-no-visual-presets-or-modes-on">Dragon's Dogma 2 has an uncapped framerate but no visual presets or modes on consoles</a>, and then check out this story about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/05/dragons-dogma-2-has-just-one-save-file-to-encourage-exploration">why Dragon's Dogma 2 has just one save file</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you picking up Dragon's Dogma 2 on day one next week? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:15:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122284 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-will-have-photo-mode-new-screenshots-revealed <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/15/a925341d/senuas_saga_hellblade_ii_photo_mode_new_screenshots.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Senua's Saga Hellblade II May 21 Release Date Xbox Launch Photo Mode Images" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is right around the corner, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2024/01/18/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-releases-in-may">hitting Xbox Series X/S exclusively on May 21</a>, and ahead of the game's release, Ninja Theory has revealed it will have a dedicated photo mode. Plus, the studio released four new images of Hellblade II taken using the game's photo mode. </p> <p>While in-game photo modes are becoming the norm more and more with each new release, there are still some games that launch without one. With how good Hellblade II continues to look in trailers and screenshots, it's great to hear the game will feature this mode. </p> <p><strong>Check out the four new Hellblade II images taken using the game's photo mode for yourself below</strong>: </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/15/e0d29f5d/senua_i.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/15/dec931d6/senua_ii.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/15/dabd7c27/senua_iii.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/15/5bc26a8f/senua_iv.jpeg'></figure></section>   <p>Based on the tweet revealing the photo mode, it sounds like players can expect it to launch with the game. </p> <p>"Photo mode returns in Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," a Ninja Theory <a href="https://x.com/NinjaTheory/status/1768653457165058133?s=20">tweet</a> reads. "Here are some shot we took purely using photo mode in-game this week." </p> <p>Senua's Saga: Hellblade II hits Xbox Series X/S on May 21, 2024. </p> <p>For more about the game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2024/01/18/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-releases-in-may">watch the latest Senua's Saga: Hellblade II trailer</a>, and then <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/get-a-look-at-senuas-saga-hellblade-iis-visceral-combat-in-new">check out this gameplay trailer from December</a>. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2023/06/11/ninja-theory-shares-new-senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-gameplay-footage">watch this other gameplay trailer</a> for another look at the game's action. </p> <p><i>Do you enjoy taking photos with photo mode in games? Let us know in the comments below!</i></p> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:35:11 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122283 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/embracer-reportedly-set-to-sell-star-wars-kotor-remake-dev-saber-interactive-in-500 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2021/09/09/8615d0f7/knightsoftheoldrepublic.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Saber Interactive Developer Embracer Group Deal $500 Million" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Update, 03/15/24:</em></strong></p> <p>Last month, we learned that Embracer Group, the company behind <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/08/31/saints-row-developer-volition-games-has-been-shut-down#:~:text=Original%20story%2C%208%2F31%2F,the%20studio%20was%20no%20more.">the closure of Saints Row studio Volition Games</a> and layoffs at companies like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/destroy-all-humans-remake-developer-black-forest-games-reportedly-lays-off-50">Black Forest Games</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/embracer-group-cancels-new-deus-ex-game-in-development-at-eidos-montreal-lays-off">Eidos-Montréal</a>, was reportedly set to sell <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-remake">Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake</a> developer Saber Interactive. The deal apparently carried with it a $500 million price tag, according to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/embracer-group-to-sell-saber-subsidiary-in-500-million-deal?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTcwOTIyNDAyMiwiZXhwIjoxNzA5ODI4ODIyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTOU1MT0hEV0xVNjgwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.FEstMR3SIwvzRPJbFsxB3md8oVqWTap-AamikkO6YQ8"><em>Bloomberg </em>report</a>. </p> <p>Now, it's official: Embracer has sold off Saber Interactive to a group of private investors under Beacon Interactive, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-confirms-247m-sale-of-saber-assets-and-withdraws-from-russia/">VideoGamesChronicle</a>. </em>Beacon Interactive is controlled by Saber Interactive co-founder Matthew Karch, the publication reports. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xap47IbByoU" width="640"></iframe> <p>Embracer sold Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive for $247 million, but there was an option for the former to bring Metro series developer 4A Games and Pinball FX developer Zen Studios with it as well, increasing the price tag to around $500 million. According to <a href="https://x.com/jasonschreier/status/1768216189661024581?s=20"><em>Bloomberg </em>reporter Jason Schreier</a>, Karch and Saber Interactive have decided to enact that option, bringing 4A Games and Pinball FX out of Embracer and with it to Beacon Interactive. </p> <p>"Today, through a company we formed called Beacon Interactive, we have agreed to buy back the rights to Saber (and all of its worldwide studios and exclusive contractor relationships), Mad Head, DIGIC, Nimble Giant, Fractured Byte, Spligate, 3D Realms, New World Interactive, SPL, Stuntworks, Bytex, 4A and Zen (through options), totaling over 3,000 developers across the world," Karch writes in a letter to Saber Interactive. "We have decided precisely on these studios for acquisition because we believe they represent the best of what Saber is and can be. </p> <p>"This group comprises some of the most talented and creative developers in the world. Our track record and, more important, the projects we have in development speak, volumes about our capabilities. I truly believe that we currently have the best game collection of game developers in the industry thanks to all of you." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Us0FB4tnx2U" width="640"></iframe> <p>Following the deal, Embracer will still have the following studios: 34BigThings, Aspyr, Beamdog, Demiurge, Shiver, Snapshot Games, Tripwire, and Tuxedo Labs. </p> <p>Despite 4A Games going with Saber Interactive, Embracer says license and publishing rights to current and future games on PC and console in the Metro series are held by Embracer. </p> <p>"I am pleased that we have found a win-win solution for Embracer and the parts of Saber that now will leave us," Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors writes in a <a href="https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-ceases-all-operations-in-russia-through-the-divestment-of-selected-assets-from-the-operative-group-saber-interactive/">statement</a>. "This transaction puts both companies in a stronger position to thrive going forward. Embracer is now able to discontinue all operations in Russia, according to a previous board decision, while safeguarding many developer jobs under new independent ownership. At the same time, we keep key companies, valuable IPs, and future publishing rights." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w7Xt0rPgWPc" width="640"></iframe> <p>Tuxedo Labs, the studio behind Teardown, released a statement following the deal to discuss its future as a studio previously controlled by Saber Interactive now under the Embracer umbrella. The team says, "This is a big change and it gives us full creative control with a heightened sense of independence and creative liberty. Saber will continue to aid us in Teardown's future development. </p> <p>"This change opens new doors for us to showcase more of the innovative work happening within Tuxedo Labs. Our commitment to Teardown remains steadfast, with the entire team dedicating our efforts to the game's ongoing development."</p> <p><strong>You can read the full statement below</strong>: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Changes in ownership structure. <a href="https://t.co/zi3fIS8DEA">pic.twitter.com/zi3fIS8DEA</a></p> — Teardown (@teardowngame) <a href="https://twitter.com/teardowngame/status/1768293976522514541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Original story, 02/29/24:</em></strong></p> <p>Embracer Group, the company behind <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/08/31/saints-row-developer-volition-games-has-been-shut-down#:~:text=Original%20story%2C%208%2F31%2F,the%20studio%20was%20no%20more.">the closure of Saints Row studio Volition Games</a> and layoffs at companies like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/embracer-group-cancels-new-deus-ex-game-in-development-at-eidos-montreal-lays-off">Eidos-Montréal</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/destroy-all-humans-remake-developer-black-forest-games-reportedly-lays-off-50">Black Forest Games</a>, is set to sell <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-remake">Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake</a> developer Saber Interactive, according to a new <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/embracer-group-to-sell-saber-subsidiary-in-500-million-deal?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTcwOTIyNDAyMiwiZXhwIjoxNzA5ODI4ODIyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTOU1MT0hEV0xVNjgwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.FEstMR3SIwvzRPJbFsxB3md8oVqWTap-AamikkO6YQ8"><em>Bloomberg </em>report</a>. Embracer is selling the developer to a group of private investors in a deal worth $500 million, a source told the publication. </p> <p>Once the deal goes through, Saber Interactive will be a privately owned company and free from Embracer, which is behind layoffs spread throughout the past couple of years. Following the transaction, the studio will continue work on its Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, which it took over as the developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/report/2022/07/26/report-star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-remake-on-hold">after Aspyr Media was removed from it in 2022</a>. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UinsNBOTNyU" width="640"></iframe> <p><em>Bloomberg </em>reports this sale is another effort of Embracer to cut costs alongside studio closures and layoffs after a planned $2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia-backed Savvy Games Group fell through in 2023. The publication writes one of its sources says the $500 million deal comes with the option for Saber Interactive to bring with it multiple Embracer subsidiaries as well. </p> <p>Saber Interactive is also working on the recently announced first-person <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/jurassic-park-survival-is-a-stunning-first-person-adventure-set">Jurassic Park: Survival</a>. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/embracer-group-to-sell-saber-subsidiary-in-500-million-deal?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTcwOTIyNDAyMiwiZXhwIjoxNzA5ODI4ODIyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTOU1MT0hEV0xVNjgwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.FEstMR3SIwvzRPJbFsxB3md8oVqWTap-AamikkO6YQ8">Bloomberg</a>]</em></p> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:45:34 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122181 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/star-wars-battlefront-classic-collection-is-off-to-a-rough-start-on-pc <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/14/bcd48493/sw-battlefront-classic-collection.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="star wars battlefront classic collection steam pc launch terrible issues servers online broken" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Update, 03/15/24</em></strong><strong><em>:</em></strong></p> <p>Following the rough launch of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection, which is an HD port combo of the original Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront II on modern consoles and PC, developer Aspyr Media says it's working to address issues and increase network stability. </p> <p>Shortly after the game's launch on March 14, players across all platforms (but especially PC), experienced server issues preventing them from getting into matches as well as other connectivity issues like disconnects, rubberbanding, and more once actually in a match. The result was a wave of disappointment from players excited to play these classic multiplayer games. Now, a day later, Aspyr has acknowledged the issues and is working to fix them. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/15/0f99e1af/aspyr_media_logo.jpg" alt="aspyr media star wars battlefront classic collection" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>"We'd like to thank the Battlefront community for their overwhelming support and feedback for the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection release," an <a href="https://support.aspyr.com/hc/en-us/articles/25019494892429-An-update-on-the-STAR-WARS-Battlefront-Classic-Collection">update</a> from the studio reads. "At launch, we experienced critical errors with our networking infrastructure. The result was incredibly high ping, matchmaking errors, crashes, and servers not appearing in the browser. </p> <p>"Since launch, we've been working to address these issues and increase network stability, and we will continue our efforts until our network infrastructure is stabilized to prevent further outages."</p> <p>Aspyr encourages player to report bugs, errors, or unexpected behaviours to its support team via this <a href="https://aspyrsupport.zendesk.com/auth/v2/login/sso?auth_origin=201384%2Ctrue%2Ctrue&brand_id=201384&locale=en-us&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.aspyr.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Frequests%2Fnew&theme=hc">request form</a>. </p> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Original story, 03/14/24:</em></strong></p> <p>We learned last month that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2024/02/21/everything-announced-at-todays-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase">Aspyr Media was developing Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection</a>, a remastered port combo of Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront II, first released in 2004 and 2005 respectively. This collection is now live but it seems the game is having a rough start at launch, especially for PC players. </p> <p>The viral tweet below posted to X (formerly Twitter) early this morning is indicative of many of the problems PC players are experiencing with the game: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en" xml:lang="en">-10,000 people playing on launch night.<br /> -Only has 3 servers that have 64 slots for a total of ~200 players.<br /> -Multiplayer doesn't work otherwise.<br /> -Price Tag of 35 USD<br /><br /> Jesus Christ I am so disappointed this is robbery, don't buy Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection <a href="https://t.co/JB7oCTHzgh">pic.twitter.com/JB7oCTHzgh</a></p> — seb 🦝📕 (@sebbaku) <a href="https://twitter.com/sebbaku/status/1768155178903978034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Replies to that tweet highlight some of the other issues players are apparently running into: zero options to party up with friends and a lack of expected quality-of-life improvements (<a href="https://x.com/Damnitbobbywhy/status/1768158331468689765?s=20">@damnitbobbywhy</a>), rubberbanding (<a href="https://x.com/SoCalZork/status/1768174636699955374?s=20">@SoCalZork</a>), and more. However, <a href="https://x.com/Rice06370538/status/1768224335376929183?s=20">some players</a> are saying the biggest issues, like a low amount of servers and an inability to actually get into matches, were fixed within two hours of launch. </p> <p>Over on the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/">Star Wars Battlefront subreddit</a>, dozens of users are posting memes about the game's launch, discussions about connectivity issues, and more. One user <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/comments/1beejrd/welpback_to_it_then/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button">posted</a> a screenshot of them downloading the original Star Wars Battlefront games on Xbox (through backward compatibility) to play instead of this collection, while another <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/comments/1bee20w/i_loved_the_originals_this_rerelease_so_far_is/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button">says</a> this re-release is "hands down the word video game I have ever paid money for." It's clear players on that subreddit are not happy with Aspyr's Battlefront collection. </p> <p>On Steam, the game, which has a price tag of $35.01, has a "mostly negative" rating after 1,407 reviews – 21 percent of the reviews for the game are positive.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6VskJBPMSw" width="640"></iframe> <p>Now, players absolutely have the right to be upset about a $35 game they paid for and are seemingly unable to play at launch, which is doubly unfortunate when it's clear a lot of these players were excited to jump in right at launch. But, there's a good chance Aspyr is already working on fixes for the collection and ideally, a week from now, nobody is running into the issues Day One players are experiencing. That's still not fair to Day One players but if you're a fan of online games like this, you know rough launches aren't all that unusual, as unfortunate as they can be. </p> <p><em>Are you experiencing issues in Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:16:55 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122271 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/14/disney-dreamlight-valley-dev-gameloft-making-dungeons-dragons-survival-sim-game <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/14/10236b66/gameloft_dnd_header_promo.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="disney dreamlight valley dev gameloft dungeons and & dragons game DND sim survival action RPG" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Gameloft, the studio behind <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/disney-dreamlight-valley">Disney Dreamlight Valley</a>, has revealed it is partnering with Wizards of the Coast to create a new Dungeons & Dragons game. It's being developed for both consoles and PC and Gameloft describes it as an "innovative hybrid of survival, life simulation, and action RPG."</p> <p>Disney Dreamlight Valley is popular in the life sim genre, mixing fun gameplay, unique customization, and Disney together into a package that players seem to really enjoy. It launched into Early Access back in 2022 before the full release debuted in December. All of this is to say: if you're a fan of Disney Dreamlight Valley and Dungeons & Dragons, there's a new game to keep an eye on. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/14/63ba640f/gameloft_full_dnd.jpg" alt="disney dreamlight valley dev gameloft dungeons and & dragons game DND sim survival action RPG" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Currently untitled, Gameloft says in its <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4fzi8qoC3e/">announcement on Instagram</a> that the game is set in the mythical Forgotten Realms, which is also the D&D setting <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/baldurs-gate-3/a-true-soul-stirrer">Baldur's Gate 3</a> takes place in. The game, which will mix survival, life simulation, and action RPG elements into one, will feature "unique cooperative gameplay," the studio says. </p> <p>"Players can expect an adventure where the rich lore of this legendary franchise meets real-time strategy in a unique campaign of resilience, camaraderie, and danger at nearly every turn," the announcement reads." </p> <p>There's no name for the project and no release window either. Gameloft is currently hiring for the project. </p> <p>News of this D&D game arrives roughly a year after Wizards of the Coast, which owns the D&D IP and is a division within Hasbro, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/01/04/dds-wizards-of-the-coast-reportedly-cancels-five-unannounced-games">reportedly canceled five unannounced games</a>. The last D&D game released was Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance back in 2021 – read <em>Game Informer's </em>review of it <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dungeons-dragons-dark-alliance/dungeons-dragons-dark-alliance-review-missing-ingredients">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you excited about this game? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:43:15 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122278 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/14/sonic-and-angry-birds-are-crossing-over-in-multiple-games <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/4e18993a/gij40zuamaascfi.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>In 2023, <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e89a552c-6fcd-43a6-b1b0-1dd2694e9bd6" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/04/17/sega-to-acquire-angry-birds-developer-rovio-entertainment">Sega Sammy Holdings acquired Rovio</a>, subsequently making the famed Angry Birds developer a subsidiary of Sega Europe. While Sega's Japanese social media account shared a photo of a Red statue standing alongside Sega's other mascots (see below), we haven't seen the acquisition impact the games to this point. That changed today, as Sega and Rovio announced a multi-game crossover event between Sonic and Angry Birds on mobile devices.</p> <p>The crossover event even comes with its own storyline, which includes a plot to steal the Angry Birds' eggs that accidentally creates a portal between the world of Angry Birds and Sonic's world. Sonic, Red, and their friend groups must work together across five mobile titles to stop Dr. Eggman. The event will include new playable characters, cross-brand collectibles, and exclusive rewards.</p> <p>In Sonic Forces, Sonic and Red team up to collect rings and power-ups to score points and defeat Dr. Eggman. If you collect character cards, you can unlock Red and Chuck as playable characters. Red and Chuck also join the other active Sonic mobile game, Sonic Dash, where they are playable characters that can join your roster through both free and premium methods. Sonic Dash is also adding Angry Birds-themed collectibles.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/13/2b8afc45/ab2_sonicgoogleplayscreenshot_feb24_3840x2160_4_sonicthehedgehogspell.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/13/62b2d5d0/friends_screenshot_core_sonictournament_feb24_4k_lvl7547.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/13/b102ce07/sonicdash_angrybirds_shot_1_1242x2208.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/13/771d32a1/sonicforces_angrybirds_chuck_shot_2_1242x2208.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>On the Angry Birds front, Angry Birds 2 is adding Sonic Friends Hats that you can equip to your Angry Birds to grant power boosts. Angry Birds 2 players can also play through a "You're Too Slow" adventure that is only available to birds wearing the correct hats. Hats are acquired through the in-game Tower of Fortune. In Angry Birds Dream Blast, players can enjoy Sonic's Flash Race event, which adds 10 saga levels to race through with "dreamy" rewards. Finally, Angry Birds Friends receives 30 Sonic-themed levels based on locales and characters from the Sonic franchise. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Vt5ZKTTZUw" width="640"></iframe> <p>The Sonic x Angry Birds multi-game crossover event runs from today, March 14, to March 21. All five of the games – Sonic Forces, Sonic Dash, Angry Birds 2, Angry Birds Dream Blast, and Angry Birds Friends – are available for iOS and Android through the App Store and Google Play, respectively. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="ja" xml:lang="ja">セガ大崎本社受付に、新しい「なかま」が加わりました！ <a href="https://t.co/XgkcdeL7vU">pic.twitter.com/XgkcdeL7vU</a></p> — セガ公式アカウント🦔 (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEGA_OFFICIAL/status/1766977385214390593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:00:00 CDT Brian Shea 122269 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/14/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-cowabunga-collection-is-getting-delisted-in-japan <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/14/76d3857f/cowabunga_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="teenage mutant ninja turtles the cowabunga collection digital eclipse konami tmnt delisting steam pc" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is getting delisted on Steam in Japan later this month. That's according to a new "Notice of End of Sales" <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1659600/view/4104539668011449221">post</a> on the game's Steam page. From Friday, March 29, 2024, onward, the game will no longer be available for purchase in Japan on the storefront. </p> <p>However, online play will remain available after the game's delisting, and purchased copies of the collection will remain available for re-download from the Steam store. </p> <p>Released less than two years ago on August 30, 2022, on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, The Cowabunga Collection getting delisted so soon comes as a shock. However, it's seemingly only affecting TMNT players in Japan. <em>Game Informer </em>reached out to publisher Konami to ask if there are plans to delist the game outside of Japan and was told it will not be removed from any other store outside of Japan. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8uOX4rDyXBI" width="640"></iframe> <p>TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection features the following <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/09/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-cowabunga-collection-announced-features-13-games">classic turtles games</a>: </p> <ul> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (NES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles In Time (SNES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Sega Genesis)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of The Foot Clan (Game Boy)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers (Game Boy)</li> <li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (Game Boy)</li> </ul> <p>We loved this roster of games in the collection back in 2022 <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/impressions/2022/08/29/tmnts-cowabunga-collection-is-nostalgia-done-right">as it's nostalgia done right</a>. It also got <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/04/18/tmnt-the-cowabunga-collection-has-a-nostalgia-packed-collectors-set">an excellent nostalgia-packed Collector's Set</a> that same year, too. If you haven't jumped into the collection yet, it's even better now than it was at launch thanks to <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/12/21/tmnt-the-cowabunga-collection-patch-adds-online-co-op-to-snes-turtles-in-time">a post-launch patch that added online co-op to the SNES Turtles in Time game</a>, which is easily one of the best in the turtles' history. </p> <p>TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection will get delisted from Steam in Japan on March 29, 2024. </p> <p>For more about everyone's favorite turtles, check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive/2024/03/05/exclusive-first-details-and-screenshots-of-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles"><em>Game Informer's </em>exclusive details and screenshots</a> about the upcoming <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mutants-unleashed">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleased</a>, which is <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/09/06/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mutant-mayhem-game-coming-next-year">a game that continues the story of the animated film, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem</em></a>. </p> <p><em>Have you played Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:18:44 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122274 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/14/runescape-creators-reveal-brighter-shores-a-new-point-and-click-fantasy-adventure <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/14/2446e7d5/brighter_shores_9.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="brighter shores andrew gower runescape creators mmo rpg magic fantasy fen research ltd" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The creators of RuneScape, Andrew and Paul Gower, have revealed Brighter Shores, a new point-and-click fantasy adventure MMORPG. And if you're a fan of RuneScape, Brightet Shores looks like a game you'll want to keep an eye on. </p> <p>After starting Jagex in 1999, the Gower brothers focused their efforts on the studio's first big release: RuneScape. The rest is history. RuneScape is still a very popular game today, both in its modern form and as Old School RuneScape. The Gowers left Jagex in 2010 and little was known about what they were up to until now. It turns out Andrew Gower was working as the lead designer on their new game, while Paul Gower was working as the narrative designer for it. </p> <p><strong>Check out the Brighter Shores reveal trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ASIbNq_pLQQ" width="640"></iframe> <p>"Brighter Shores is an all-new adventure from award-winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower," the Brighter Shores <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2791440/Brighter_Shores/">Steam page</a> description reads. "It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner." </p> <p>In retrospect, we can learn more about Brighter Shores through some of Andrew Gower's tweets. <a href="https://x.com/AndrewCGower/status/1725549202787258470?s=20">He wrote on X</a> (formerly Twitter) that the team is planning to launch "our big game with 4 episodes to start with," and that "the first 3 episodes are very playable now and just need a bit more testing/tuning," back in November. </p> <p>In Brighter Shores, players will be the newest recruit in the Hopeport town guard, looking to make a name for themselves. However, this turns out to be more challenging than anciticpated as a strange storm rages over the harbor while local goblins go into a frenzy. </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/4012ec11/brighter_shores_4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/1dd0bff4/brighter_shores_5.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/f583d052/brighter_shores_6.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/0cd53230/brighter_shores_7.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/84dc7a7e/brighter_shores_8.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/2446e7d5/brighter_shores_9.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/b3c84404/brighter_shores_10.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/05bbe74e/brighter_shores_1.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/c5418b4c/brighter_shores_2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/3a37aef0/brighter_shores_3.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>"You will discover powerful magic sources and become one of the legendary classes of old: Cryoknight, Guardian, or Hammermage," the game's description reads. "Which is fortunate, because something is corrupting the deepest reaches of the nearby Hopefrost, and only through the strength of your newfound powers will you be able to deal with it." </p> <p>In-game professions include Fisher, Forager, Chef, Woodcutter, Miner, Alchemist, Stonemason, Merchant, and Blacksmith, but the team promises "many more." </p> <p>Developer Fen Research Ltd, with the Gower brothers at the lead, say, "The game will be constantly expanding, with new content being released in an episodic format," noting that "each episode features its own unique side quests, professions and lands, as well as advancing the central story." </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/a5cdb20d/brighter_shores_18.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/342a6922/brighter_shores_19.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/21dd12eb/brighter_shores_20.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/dfc8462f/brighter_shores_11.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/8edb16df/brighter_shores_12.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/dd8c8db2/brighter_shores_13.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/6099aab9/brighter_shores_14.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/32d4e4bb/brighter_shores_15.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/8f8099ba/brighter_shores_16.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/03/14/48f7d733/brighter_shores_17.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>There will be a free version of Brighter Shores to play, and a Premium Pass version. In the free version, players will only have access to Hopeport and Hopeforest. However, in the Premium Pass version, players will gain access to Hopeport, Hopeforest, Mine of Mantuban, and Crenopolis, as well as features like a unique character name, exclusive armor dyes, the ability to change names, and player-to-player trading. </p> <p>As far as PC requirements and specifications, it seems this game won't require too much power, similar to RuneScape. Check out the <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2791440/Brighter_Shores/">Steam page</a> for more details on that. </p> <p><em>Are you excited for Brighter Shores? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:31:20 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122273 https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive/2024/03/13/no-rest-for-the-wicked-moon-studios-on-killing-its-ori-perfectionism-and-being <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/04/df735496/cliff-faces.jpg" width="800" height="398" alt="No Rest for the Wicked Ori Perfectionism Game Informer Exclusive Coverage Hub Moon Studios" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>No Rest for the Wicked <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/01/moon-studios-no-rest-for-the-wicked-hits-early-access-in-april">hits Early Access on PC on April 18</a>, but ahead of that release, the upcoming action RPG from <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/ori_and_the_blind_forest/b/xboxone/archive/2015/03/09/beauty-in-death.aspx">Ori and the Blind Forest</a>/<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/ori-and-the-will-of-the-wisps/ori-and-the-will-of-the-wisps-review-even-better-than-the#:~:text=This%20is%20not%20a%20game,which%20are%20often%20ridiculously%20hard.">Will of the Wisps</a> developer Moon Studios is gracing <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/cover-reveal/2024/03/01/cover-reveal-no-rest-for-the-wicked">the latest cover of <em>Game Informer</em></a>. After checking the game out for a few hours alongside some of the leads at Moon Studios in Vienna, Austria, last month, cover story writer and <em>Game Informer </em>editor Marcus Stewart and I have a pretty good idea about what to expect from No Rest for the Wicked's early access release – you can read my preview thoughts <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/01/fantastically-familiar-in-a-faraway-land">here</a> and his cover story <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/digital-issue/2024/03/05/the-no-rest-for-the-wicked-digital-issue-is-now-live">here</a>.</p> <p>We're both excited for the release, too. It's a fun game so far, and it's a unique approach for Moon Studios. No Rest for the Wicked tech and production director and Moon Studios co-founder Gennadiy Korol and studio CEO and creative director Thomas Mahler are self-admitted perfectionists when it comes to game development, and I was curious how that works with an Early Access release where bugs, issues, and more are typically present.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_6cRdhg9ILk" width="640"></iframe> <p>It turns out, it required a shift in the entire team's mindset. </p> <p>"It's really strange, right?" Mahler tells me. "It's almost like being naked in the buff. As artists, you're always kind of like scared to death, seeing shots and seeing stuff on screen, it's like, 'Oh my god, I see all these issues.' But I think with games of this complexity, there's just no other way [than an Early Access release]. Either you make smaller things and you don't dare to take those risks, and then you can perfect it, or you can make a game of this scale and you're okay with, 'Okay, not everything is going to be immediately perfect.' But I think that's okay because, over time, it will be."</p> <p>Mahler says as long as the game is fun, people will be more willing to forgive potential issues. No Rest for the Wicked launching into Early Access first helps, too, where players (ideally) understand the game is a work-in-progress. He also believes a shift is happening in games where people do still want beautiful games with "crazy graphics and so on," but more than that, they just want something that, first and foremost, is fun.</p> <p>"I think we can do both," he adds. "I think it's interesting, though, that the biggest games out there are often not the ones that are technically the most crazy ones. You see Fortnite and Minecraft and so on, which aren't pushing crazy boundaries in terms of tech necessarily – they're just really fun to play." </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/04/677fc1ea/nrftw_screenshot_forest.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Korol tells me it's still a struggle at Moon Studios today to lay aside the perfectionist mindset applied to the Ori games to prepare for the work-in-progress release of No Rest for the Wicked. </p> <p>"I think we're still such perfectionists and we want everything to be super dialed in, and it's super fun for us to do," he says. "But we also just have to accept that, yeah, you know what, it's going to be on the market [as a work-in-progress], and we will learn a lot from it. On one hand, it's terrifying; on the other hand, it's really a relief because, as [Mahler] was saying, if something [...] isn't perfect, you can react quickly and adjust it.</p> <p>"So I think we're both excited and kind of terrified because we're very much being vulnerable as artists, and we have to show basically almost unfinished art. That being said, I think there's still a lot of polish that you cannot take out of us – we're always going to be polishing and perfecting things."</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/04/b2ea8d79/boss_painting_executioner_mikhail.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Korol notes the team feels No Rest for the Wicked will still be a polished title when it launches into Early Access next month, and after playing it for a few hours, I agree – it feels less like an active work-in-progress game and more like a mostly finished game the team wants feedback on before releasing more content. Of course, that's not the case as there's still plenty the team plans to add. Check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/05/early-access-roadmap-and-cerims-crucible-endgame-content">the Early Access roadmap for No Rest for the Wicked here</a>. </p> <p>"It might have a few things that are just not quite there yet, as the game development process would have you, but I think every day we're still in this tension of, 'Ahhh, just ship it and we'll see what happens,' and, 'Let's perfect it,' and [...] that needle is going from side to side and we're trying to stay in the middle and find a good balance." </p> <p>No Rest for the Wicked hits Early Access on PC next month on <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/01/moon-studios-no-rest-for-the-wicked-hits-early-access-in-april">April 18</a>. </p> <p>While waiting for its launch, check out this feature breaking down the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/05/early-access-roadmap-and-cerims-crucible-endgame-content">Early Access roadmap and endgame content of No Rest for the Wicked</a>, and then check out more than 25 minutes of the game in our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/ngt/2024/03/01/no-rest-for-the-wicked-new-gameplay-today">No Rest for the Wicked New Gameplay Today</a>. </p> <p>You can learn even more about No Rest for the Wicked by checking out our features and videos rolling out over the coming weeks in our exclusive coverage hub below. </p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:45:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122264 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-gets-new-story-dlc-modes-trials-and-more-this-year <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/01/09/5f648c97/pop_3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Prince of Persia The Lost Crown Game Informer Review Metroidvania Ubisoft" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer Ubisoft Montpellier's excellent metroidvania, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown">Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown</a>, hit consoles and PC in January, and it's still one of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/TopReviews2024"><em>Game Informer's </em>top scoring reviews of the year</a>. You can read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown/a-royal-resurgence"><em>Game Informer's </em>Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review</a> here to find out why we love it so much. Now, Ubisoft is giving players another reason to jump back in with a new post-launch content roadmap. </p> <p>What's more, all of the new content coming to the game is set to release throughout the year, starting with new Speedrun and Permadeath modes this month as well as new outfits for Sargon. In spring, a Boss Rush will be released alongside even more outfits for Sargon, and in summer, the Divine Trials update brings new combat, platform, and puzzle challenges as well as new amulets, outfits, and more. All of this will be free, too. </p> <p>However, later in 2024, new paid story DLC will hit Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, although Ubisoft offers no teases about what to expect. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/97c3946b/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-post-launch-roadmap.jpg" alt="prince of persia: the lost crown post-launch content roadmap dlc " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>It's an exciting roadmap, doubly so considering the majority of the new content is free. </p> <p>For more, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown/a-royal-resurgence"><em>Game Informer's </em>Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review</a>, and then check out our breakdown of the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/01/18/four-ways-prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-gets-the-genre-right">four ways Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown gets the metroidvania genre right</a>. After that, check out this guide about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/tips-tricks/2024/01/18/how-to-beat-prince-of-persia-the-lost-crowns-hardest-platforming-challenge">how to beat Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's hardest platforming challenge</a>. </p> <p><i>Have you played Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!</i></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:27:28 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122268 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-nba-2k24-resident-evil-3-and-more-join-the-ps-plus-catalog <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/f8c1e3a2/ps_plus_lineup.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="ps plus lineup playstation 5 ps5 dragon ball z kakarot nba 2k24 resident evil 3" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Last week, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/obituary/2024/03/08/akira-toriyama-creator-of-dragon-ball-has-passed-away">Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama passed away</a>, and now, PlayStation is giving players the chance to play through Goku's journey as Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is one of the games headlining this month's PlayStation Plus game catalog additions. Other games hitting the catalog this month include NBA 2K24, Midnight Suns, Resident Evil 3, Lego DC Super Villains, Mystic Pillars Remastered, Blood Bowl 3, and Super Neptunia RPG. </p> <p>All of these games will be available starting Tuesday, March 19, for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-tYq2I5GlQ" width="640"></iframe> <p>If you're a PlayStation Plus Premium subscriber, you'll also get access to the following "Classics" games: </p> <ul> <li>Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier – PS5, PS4</li> <li>Cool Boarders – PS5, PS4</li> <li>Gods Eater Burst – PS5, PS4</li> <li>Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy – PS4</li> </ul> <p>For a full breakdown of everything coming to PlayStation Plus this month, <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2024/03/13/playstation-plus-game-catalog-for-march-nba-2k24-marvels-midnight-suns-resident-evil-3-mystic-pillars-remastered-and-more/">check out the PlayStation Blog post here</a>. </p> <p>For more, read <em>Game Informer's </em>reviews of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-flawed-but-still-enthralling">Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/lego-dc-super-villains/its-quite-good-to-be-bad">Lego DC Super-Villains,</a> <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/marvels-midnight-suns/super-powered-strategy">Midnight Suns</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nba-2k24/a-flagrant-stepback">NBA 2K24</a>, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/resident-evil-3/resident-evil-3-review-a-relentless-terror">Resident Evil 3</a>. </p> <p><em>Which of these additions are you most excited to play? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:03:53 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122267 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/flying-terminid-bugs-have-snuck-into-helldivers-2 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/06bd96a6/helldivers-2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="helldivers 2 arrowhead game studios flying terminid bugs shriekers balance patch update" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios quietly snuck flying Terminid bugs into the game in the latest update, it seems. <em>Windows Central </em>noticed flying Shrieker bugs are enemies that appear on planets plagued with Terminids and while official accounts for the game play coy, more and more players are running into them. </p> <p>It seems the Shriekers were added with Patch 1.000.102, which went live yesterday. Coincidentally, that patch was centered on Terminids and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/terminid-bug-spawn-rates-nerfed-on-harder-difficulties-in-new-helldivers-2-patch">nerfing spawn rates for Bile Titans and Chargers</a> on the harder difficulties of Helldivers 2. <em>Windows Central </em>reports Shriekers only appear when a "Shrieker Lair" is one of the side objectives on a planet, noting they look like "smaller versions of the mushroom-like Spore Towers that perpetually keep a large area around them covered in a thick haze." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dmN09ock04Q" width="640"></iframe> <p>Shrieker Lairs, like the Spore Towers and Terminid egg nests can be destroyed up close and from afar with a well-placed rocket, grenade, or strategem. </p> <p>Keep your eyes on the skies, Helldivers and remember...DEMOCRACY.</p> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/helldivers-2/bullet-heaven"><em>Game Informer's </em>Helldivers 2 review</a>, and then read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/06/helldivers-2-patch-includes-fire-tornadoes-meteor-showers-mission-changes-bug-fixes">a recent patch that introduced meteor showers and fire tornadoes</a> to the game. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/07/helldivers-2-season-2-launches-next-week-with-new-cutting-edge-warbond">check out the Cutting Edge Warbond</a> coming to the game tomorrow. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/they-fly-now-helldivers-2-patch-stealthily-adds-flying-shrieker-bugs-that-swoop-down-from-above-to-cut-you-to-ribbons">Windows Central</a>]</em></p> <p><em>Have you encountered any flying Terminids? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:30:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122266 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/this-years-summer-game-fest-streams-live-on-june-7 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/bb5ba9ca/summer_game_fest_2024_youtube_theater_la_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="summer game fest 2024 youtube theater los angeles dates tickets may 7 stream live announcements" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>This year's Summer Game Fest livestream returns to Los Angeles' YouTube Theater for announcements, first-looks, trailers, and more this June. More specifically, the livesream will begin at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET on June 7. There will be a live audience like last year's, but you can also watch the stream live from a variety of services such as YouTube and Twitch. </p> <p>Public ticket sales to attend this year's showcase begin on May 7, according to a press release. Confirmation of the livestream's date follows news from last year that <a href="https://www.summergamefest.com">Summer Game Fest</a> will return to LA this June. Following the June 7 showcase, an invite-only media and influencer event in downtown LA for hands-on gameplay with upcoming games will return from June 8 to June 10, produced by iam8bit.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/32acfbee/sgf_2024_1920x1080_2.jpg" alt="summer game fest 2024 youtube theater los angeles dates tickets may 7 stream live announcements" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Plus, Day of the Devs: SGF Edition returns with an online livestream immediately following the official Summer Game Fest stream on June 7, with more than a dozen games to highlight.  The full lineup of participants and activities will be announced in the coming months, according to the press release. </p> <p>Last year's Summer Game Fest brought in more than 34 million global livestreams, which is 26 percent more than the previous year, with a peak concurrent viewer count of 3.8 million. </p> <p>For a recap of the last year's event, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/sgf-2023/2023/06/09/the-coolest-games-we-played-at-summer-game-fest-2023">check out the coolest games we played at Summer Game Fest 2023</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you excited for Summer Game Fest 2024? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:00:01 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122263 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/vampire-survival-game-v-rising-launches-into-10-this-may-before-it-hits-ps5-later <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/13/b2fc9e5e/v_rising_1.0_release_date_playstation_5_ps5_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="v rising stunlock studios 1.0 release date pc playstation 5 ps5" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>V Rising hit Early Access on PC in 2022, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/05/31/v-rising-reaches-15-million-copies-sold-in-just-two-weeks">selling more than 1.5 million copies in just two weeks</a>. Since then, the game has continued to garner attention from players for its great mix of survival mechanics and action-RPG combat. Now, just shy of two years in Early Access, V Rising will launch into 1.0 in May. </p> <p>More specifically, V Rising transitions into 1.0 on May 8. We learned during a State of Play in January that developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2024/01/31/v-rising-awakens-on-playstation-5-this-year">Stunlock Studios' vampire game would be coming to PlayStation 5 this year</a>, and today's announcement further affirms the team is confident it will hit the platform in 2024. </p> <p><strong>Check it out in the official V Rising release date trailer for yourself below</strong>, courtesy of <em>IGN</em>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dBEIFTreqdY" width="640"></iframe> <p>V Rising is currently available to purchase via Early Access on PC before it launches into 1.0 on May 8. It hits PS5 later this year. </p> <p><em>Are you going to check out the 1.0 release of V Rising? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:16:48 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122265 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/sabotage-teases-sea-of-stars-three-player-co-op-mode-as-game-surpasses-5-million <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/08/24/15b9170e/presskit-seaofstars-screenshot-19.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Sabotage Studio has teased a new three-player co-op mode for its 2023 RPG <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/sea-of-stars">Sea of Star</a>s alongside news the game has surpassed 5 million players in less than a year. This new mode, dubbed Single Player+, lets three players journey together through the story of Sea of Stars, and it will feature new traversal and combat mechanics to accommodate playing with friends. </p> <p>Sabotage announced this news today with a special teaser trailer you can watch below. In it, you'll get a glimpse of what Sea of Stars' Single Player+ mode looks like, how it works, and what to expect. Check it out: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RnFLiMeV9B8" width="640"></iframe> <p>"Staying true to the game's core turn-based roots, each player will engage in traversal and combat with a new 'co-op timed hits' mechanic as they embark with friends on Sea of Stars' grand adventure," a press release reads. "The new mode is currently in development and more details are set to be released soon." </p> <p>As you can see, Sabotage isn't quite ready to reveal when this new mode will hit the game. After all, the team is still working on Throes of the Watchmaker, a new DLC coming to the game sometime in the future. </p> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/sea-of-stars/genre-excellence"><em>Game Informer's </em>Sea of Stars review</a>, and then read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2023/08/16/sea-of-stars-cover-story-nouveau-pastiche"><em>Game Informer's </em>Sea of Stars cover story</a> for behind-the-scenes details about the game's development. </p> <p><em>Are you interested in Sea of Stars' three-player co-op mode? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122262 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/new-playstation-5-update-enhances-dualsense-audio-share-screen-and-more <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2020/11/04/ec26ee10/ps5controller.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="PlayStation 5 PS App Share Screen Microphone Output Input DualSense Update " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>PlayStation is rolling out a new update for the PlayStation 5 that enhances audio on the DualSense controller, adds new Share Screen features, and more. This update was in beta last month but rolls out for everyone starting today. </p> <p>The biggest features are coming to the PS5's DualSense controller. The built-in speakers can now produce higher volume sound, which PlayStation says will allow players to hear in-game sounds and voice chat audio more clearly. Plus, the noise cancellation on the controller's built-in mic has been improved. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sOYcjx_-AOg" width="640"></iframe> <p>"The mic input quality on these controllers has been improved, courtesy of a new A.I. machine learning model," a <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2024/02/06/ps5-beta-adds-dualsense-controller-sound-enhancements-and-share-screen-interactions/?sf271633644=1&sf272190857=1">PlayStation Blog post</a> reads. "Background noise from button presses and game audio are suppressed, resulting in a better voice chat experience."</p> <p>Share Screen is also getting some new features with today's update. Namely, viewers can move a pointer around and send a ping or draw a line on a shared screen, allowing them to highlight objects in-game or guide a player. Plus, viewers can now send emoji-based reactions to the host's screen – these features are turned off by default and the host and viewer must turn them on. PlayStation says these Share Screen features will hit the PS App, which also allows Share Screen, later this month. </p> <p>Finally, today's update allows users to adjust the brightness of the PS5 power indicator. Simply go to <strong>Settings</strong>, then <strong>Beep and Light</strong>, and then <strong>Brightness</strong>. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7HJZJTMP9gw" width="640"></iframe> <p>For more, read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/07/31/update-new-ps5-update-includes-dolby-atmos-larger-ssd-capacity-and-more-following">the last big PS5 update that added Dolby Atmos, larger SSD capacity,</a> and more to the console, and then check out this story about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/11/retailer-listing-of-a-v2-dualsense-with-12-hour-battery-life-for-ps5-spotted-online">a retailer listing of a "V2 DualSense" with a 12-hour battery life</a>. After that, read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/20/playstation-5-sales-surpass-50-million-units">the PS5 surpassed 50 million units</a> in December, and then check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/19/the-top-10-playstation-5-games"><em>Game Informer's </em>top 10 PS5 games to play right now</a>. </p> <p><em>Are your excited about today's PS5 update? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:30:36 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122261 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/system-shock-remake-hits-playstation-and-xbox-this-may <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/c9f770c5/system_shock_remake_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="system shock remake nightdive studios pc playstation 5 ps5 xbox series x/s console release date may" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/atari-to-aquire-system-shock-remake-developer-night-dive-studios">Night Dive Studios'</a> System Shock remake is finally coming to PlayStation and Xbox consoles. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/14/system-shock-remake-launches-on-pc-this-may">Originally released on PC on May 30, 2023</a>, Night Dive and publisher Prime Matter revealed today that System Shock hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 21, just shy of the game's one-year anniversary. </p> <p>This reveal comes by way of a new trailer over at <em><a href="https://youtu.be/Zct6_8yhQG0">IGN</a></em>, which teases some of the sci-fi horror and first-person shooting players can expect in the game. Check it out for yourself below in the System Shock consoles release date trailer: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zct6_8yhQG0" width="640"></iframe> <p>The remake today is in great shape on PC, and players should expect a well-made retread of the classic game. This remake had been in the works for years before its PC release last year – <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/system_shock_remastered/b/pc/archive/2016/03/14/watch-two-minutes-of-system-shock-remastered-pre-alpha-footage.aspx">check out the game in a pre-alpha state in 2016 here</a>. </p> <p>For more, read about how Warren Spector revealed in 2022 that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/14/warren-spector-says-otherside-entertainment-hasnt-worked-on-system-shock-3-in-three">OtherSide Entertainment hasn't worked on System Shock 3 in years</a>. After that, check out this story about the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/10/13/live-action-system-shock-series-in-the-works-will-air-exclusively-on-binge">live-action System Shock TV series in the works</a>. </p> <p>If you're in the mood for more Shock-content, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2024/01/31/new-look-at-judas-gameplay-reveals-more-bioshock-inspiration">check out the latest look at Judas</a>, the next BioShock-like game from <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/bioshock_infinite/b/pc/archive/2013/03/25/enjoying-the-view-from-above.aspx">BioShock</a> creator and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/05/08/the-tomb-raiders-how-nightdive-studios-brought-back-system-shock.aspx">System Shock 2</a> director Ken Levine, and then read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/01/03/what-we-want-from-bioshock-4">what we want</a> from new <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/12/09/2k-announces-new-studio-for-the-next-bioshock">2K studio Cloud Chamber's BioShock game</a>. </p> <p>System Shock hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 21. </p> <p><em>Are you going to check out System Shock on consoles this May? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:56:29 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122258 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/final-fantasy-xs-theme-song-to-zanarkand-wasnt-originally-intended-for-the-game <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/7316de33/to_zanarkand.jpg" width="800" height="432" alt="final fantasy x x-2 hd remaster to zanarkand nobuo uematsu FFX theme song main" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>If you ask any Final Fantasy fan what their top five favorite songs in the franchise are, there's a 99 percent chance one of them is "To Zanarkand" from Final Fantasy X. However, it turns out, it wasn't originally intended for the game. </p> <p>This news comes from Audrey (<a href="https://twitter.com/aitaikimochi">aitaikimochi on X</a>, formerly Twitter), a mega Final Fantasy fan, Twitch streamer, and CEO of Aitai Japan Inc., who translated a recent interview between <em><a href="https://youtu.be/A1vaw1R5UOc">Weekly Ochiai</a></em> and Final Fantasy X composer Nobuo Uematsu, whose credits also include One-Winged Angel and Aerith's Theme from Final Fantasy VII and so much more. In that interview, Uematsu revealed "To Zanarkand" originally began as a piece for a French flute player, meant to be played during a recital. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z0pj-Bhvvzk" width="640"></iframe> <p>"'To Zanarkand' was actually not meant to be the theme for Final Fantasy X," Uematsu tells <em>Weekly Ochiai</em>, as translated by Audrey on X. "There was a flute player from France who originally asked me to write a song for them to play during a recital. When I wrote the piece, I thought perhaps this sounded a bit too sad for a recital. So I set it aside for the time being. </p> <p>"Sometime after, when I was making the score of Final Fantasy X, I was falling behind all the while the producers were hounding me. So since that flute piece was unused, I just kind of meekly handed it to them. They listened to it and said, 'Yes! This is brilliant!'" </p> <p>In retrospect, it's wild "To Zanarkand" wasn't originally composed by Uematsu for Final Fantasy X because it fits the game's themes so well, nailing the somber and sad tone present throughout Tidus and Yuna's journey in Spira. </p> <p>For more about Final Fantasy music, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/FFXVI"><i>Game Informer's </i>exclusive</a> four-part series on composer Masayoshi Soken's score for last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-xvi/victory-in-the-land-of-gods-and-monsters">Final Fantasy XVI</a>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/06/02/the-music-of-final-fantasy-16-part-1-creating-the-prelude">Part 1: Creating The Prelude</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/06/02/the-music-of-final-fantasy-16-part-2-the-victory-fanfare">Part 2: The Victory Fanfare</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/06/05/the-music-of-final-fantasy-16-part-3-finding-a-main-theme">Part 3: Finding A Main Theme</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/06/05/the-music-of-final-fantasy-16-part-4-the-sound">Part 4: The Sound</a></li> </ul> <p>After that, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/final_fantasy_xx-2_hd_remaster/b/ps3/archive/2014/03/18/final-fantasy-x-x-2-hd-remaster-review.aspx"><i>Game Informer's </i>review of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster</a>. </p> <p><em>What's your favorite Final Fantasy theme song? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:25:39 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122256 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/12/akuma-terrorizes-street-fighter-6-this-spring <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/222777dd/street_fighter_6_akuma_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Street Fighter 6 Akuma" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Yesterday’s Capcom Highlights Day 2 presentation gave us our first look at Akuma before he joins Street Fighter 6 sometime this spring. The master of the Satsui no Hado serves as the game’s final Year 1 DLC fighter.</p> <p>A cinematic trailer shows off the now white-haired Akuma’s new look and his apparent mastery of the art of punching giant statues to rubble. We’ll have to wait to see gameplay, but this teaser certainly sets the mood for the brooding warrior. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sAU1fPK0K4" width="640"></iframe> <p>Akuma joins previous Year 1 characters <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/07/06/rashid-hits-the-street-fighter-6-roster-later-this-month">Rashid</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/08/31/aki-joins-the-street-fighter-6-roster-next-month">A.K.I.</a>, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/25/street-fighter-6-ed-early-impressions">Ed</a>, and Capcom plans to detail Year 2 content later this year. In the meantime, be sure to check out our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/street-fighter-6/a-clean-reversal">Street Fighter 6 review</a>. </p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:29:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122255 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/starbreeze-studios-ceo-out-less-than-six-months-after-payday-3-launch <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/10/02/8a32764e/payday_3_matchmaking_issues_multiplayer_always_online_launch_fixed_patch_update.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Payday 3 CEO Tobias Sjogren Fired Let Go Expectations multiplayer live service shooter heist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Starbreeze Studios CEO Tobias Sjögren is no longer with the studio and the Payday 3 developer is now recruiting for a new leader. This news comes from a recent <a href="https://corporate.starbreeze.com/en/press/press-releases/2024-03-12-juergen-goeldner-appointed-as-interim-ceo-of-starbreeze/">notice to investors</a> that explains board member Juergen Goeldner is taking over as interim CEO in the meantime, as reported by <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starbreeze-ousts-ceo-tobias-sj-gren-with-payday-3-in-dire-straits"><em>GameDeveloper</em></a>. </p> <p>While Starbreeze's messaging around Sjögren's leave isn't super clear – the team simply says it is bidding farewell to the former CEO – today's news arrives after Payday 3 failed to meet expectations, according to <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starbreeze-admits-payday-3-is-massively-underperforming"><em>GameDeveloper</em></a>. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dc5gw3ctb0o" width="640"></iframe> <p>"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Tobias Sjögren for his achievements during the past three years," board chairman Torgny Hellström writes in the notice to investors. "Tobias took over the helm of Starbreeze in a challenging phase of its journey and we wish him well in his future endeavors."</p> <p>Goeldner, the new interim CEO, adds, "Starbreeze has a strong history of developing and publishing games globally. After launching Payday 3, the company is well-positioned to leverage the strengths of the organization to monetize and develop the IP portfolio. I am looking forward to assuming an operative position and, together with the management, ensure the execution of this strategy."</p> <p>Goeldner has 40 years of experience in the games industry, including several executive positions, according to the notice. His last executive position was as CEO of Focus Home Interactive. He has been a member of Starbreeze's board of directors since last year. Starbreeze has initiated a recruitment process for a permanent CEO. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TlkwDNirzF8" width="640"></iframe> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/payday-3">Payday 3</a> hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 21. We enjoyed the game around launch, giving it an 8 out of 10 in the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/payday-3/a-turbulent-yet-successful-heist"><em>Game Informer </em>Payday 3 review</a>. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/02/payday-3-starbreeze-says-matchmaking-issues-fixed-first-update-hits-this-month">More than 3 million people played Payday 3 in its first month</a>, but the game still failed to meet the expectations of the studio. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starbreeze-ousts-ceo-tobias-sj-gren-with-payday-3-in-dire-straits">GameDeveloper</a>]</em></p> <p><i>Are you still playing Payday 3? Let us know in the comments below!</i></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:16:59 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122254 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/former-star-wars-jedi-survivor-director-forms-new-studio-giant-skull-to-create <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/a4c54508/giant_skull_aaa_studio_stig_asmussen.jpg" width="800" height="487" alt="Giant Skull AAA studio stig asmussen star wars jedi survivor AAA action adventure unreal engine 5" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Former <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-jedi-survivor">Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</a> director Stig Asmussen has revealed Giant Skull, a new triple-A studio developing action-adventure games. Prior to directing Survivor and its predecessor, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order">Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order</a>, Asmussen worked as the director of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/god_of_war_iii/b/ps3/archive/2010/03/08/kratos-brings-down-the-mountain.aspx">God of War III</a> and art director of God of War II at <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2023/12/13/god-of-war-ragnaroks-valhalla-is-so-much-more-than-just-a-roguelite-dlc">Sony Santa Monica</a>.</p> <p>He left Star Wars Jedi developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/02/star-wars-jedi-survivor-director-wants-the-series-to-be-a-trilogy">Respawn Entertainment</a> in September. Giant Skull is headquartered in Los Angeles but will feature remote developers from around the world. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/8f675c2f/stig_asmussen_giant_skull_games.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>"The Giant Skull studio culture is focused on creativity and curiosity," Asmussen, who is CEO of the new studio, writes in a press release. "We have assembled a talented team renowned for immersive storytelling, heroic combat, and exhilarating traversal, and our goal is to craft a rich universe that players will want to lose themselves in for years to come." </p> <p>According to the press release, Giant Skull is a triple-A studio dedicated to building "gameplay-driven, story immersive action-adventure games set in captivating worlds." Considering Asmussen's work on franchises like Star Wars Jedi and God of War, this sounds like he's taking that experience to create a new intellectual property. </p> <p>Other developers at Giant Skull include chief technology officer Jon Carr, who was the technical director on Jedi Survivor, art director Patrick Murphy, whose resume includes art director on Fortnite and Valorant, lead producer Lauren McLemore, who was a lead producer on Fortnite, and designer director Jeff Magers, who previously handled design on Jedi Survivor and Fallen Order. Giant Skull's animation director is Brian Campbell, who was a founding member of the Fortnite team at Epic Games and then an animation director there, and the studio's chief operating and financial officer is Anthony Scott, who has experience running teams such as Rocksteady Studios. </p> <p>"Our values for the studio to translate into how we make our games and our relationship with players – autonomy, momentum, curiosity, and respect," Scott writes in the press release. "We want players to join us on every step of this amazing journey, as we pave the way for our upcoming game. We're creating something special and have been fortunate enough to assemble an incredible team of developers who are extremely passionate and experienced in creating genre-defining, third-person, action-adventure games." </p> <p>Giant Skull is currently developing its first game in Unreal Engine 5 right now, and it will be a triple-A single-player-focused action-adventure game. </p> <p>Alongside today's news, <a href="https://www.giantskull.com/">the studio's website is now live here</a>, and it features "an endless amount of possible commands" to input into its special terminal to unlock secrets and more. </p> <p>For more, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/star-wars-jedi-survivor/capturing-the-fantasy"><em>Game Informer's </em>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review</a> and then read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-review-a-turbulent-thrill-ride"><em>Game Informer's </em>Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review</a> after that. </p> <p><em>What do you hope to see from Giant Skull? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:00:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122252 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/moon-studios-no-rest-for-the-wicked-doesnt-require-online-connection-to-play-single <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/02/29/08645fc6/nrftw_3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="No Rest for the Wicked Single player offline no internet connection mode" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Moon Studios co-founder and tech and production director Gennadiy Korol has revealed the team's upcoming action-RPG, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/NoRestForTheWicked">No Rest for the Wicked</a>, which is also the game on <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/cover-reveal/2024/03/01/cover-reveal-no-rest-for-the-wicked"><em>Game Informer's </em>cover</a> this month, will not require an online connection to play single-player. Although, if you've read our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/digital-issue/2024/03/05/the-no-rest-for-the-wicked-digital-issue-is-now-live">cover story</a> about the game, you already know this, and you also know you can play the game with up to three friends on a shared living server.</p> <p>What's more, Korol says the game will feature "a rich Offline Mode" for those not interested in the game's multiplayer elements.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_6cRdhg9ILk" width="640"></iframe> <p>Korol announced this today on <a href="https://x.com/TheGennadiy/status/1767381395154846115?s=20">X (formerly Twitter)</a>, expanding on Moon's thoughts about No Rest for the Wicked as both a single-player and multiplayer game. </p> <p>"Even though Wicked was built from the ground up with multiplayer in mind, we did not want offline-play to feel like a second thought and we want people to be able to play on the go when connection quality is not always ideal," Korol writes. "Our April 18th [<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/01/moon-studios-no-rest-for-the-wicked-hits-early-access-in-april">Early Access launch on PC</a>] will focus on the single player experience and we will be sharing more details about the Multiplayer aspect of the game later in our Early Access campaign." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLzo8BMukuY" width="640"></iframe> <p><em>Game Informer </em>has played hours of No Rest for the Wicked, so far only in single-player, and it's been a blast. You can read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/01/fantastically-familiar-in-a-faraway-land">our preview thoughts on the game's opening hours here</a>, and you can watch it for yourself in our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/ngt/2024/03/01/no-rest-for-the-wicked-new-gameplay-today">No Rest for the Wicked New Gameplay Today</a>.</p> <p>Read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/05/early-access-roadmap-and-cerims-crucible-endgame-content">No Rest for the Wicked's early access roadmap and Cerim's Crucible endgame</a> content after that, and for even more exclusive content, head to <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/NoRestForTheWicked"><em>Game Informer's </em>No Rest for the Wicked coverage hub</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you going to play No Rest for the Wicked with friends or alone? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:50:48 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122253 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/12/terminid-bug-spawn-rates-nerfed-on-harder-difficulties-in-new-helldivers-2-patch <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/12/72b0654b/helldivers-2-patch-terminid-difficulty-spawn-rate-fix-balance.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Helldivers 2 patch terminid difficulty spawn rate fix balance update arrowhead game studios" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer Arrowhead Game Studios is releasing a new patch for Helldivers 2 today that nerfs the spawn rate of heavily armored Terminid bug enemies like Chargers and Bile Titans alongside some other changes that should make fighting these enemies, especially on harder difficulties, easier. Set to go live today on PlayStation 5 and PC, Patch 1.000.102 follows <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/06/helldivers-2-patch-includes-fire-tornadoes-meteor-showers-mission-changes-bug-fixes">a patch from last week</a> that introduced fire tornadoes, meteor showers, weapon buffs, and more to the shooter. </p> <p>"Good day citizens of Super Earth," the patch notes read. "A new patch to aid you in your efforts is coming in. May Super Earth give you courage. Today's patch is dealing with the spawn rate of heavily armored Terminid enemies as well as the possible play against them. It also contains some fixes to U.I. elements and crash fixes." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dmN09ock04Q" width="640"></iframe> <p>In terms of Terminid nerfs and fixes, Arrowhead says the spawn rate of heavily armored targets on higher difficulties has been a "big discussion point online and internally." The studio says the intent of the challenge was for groups to have to bring some form of anti-tank capability, but admits not to the degree now needed. </p> <p>"To that end, we have reduced the spawn rate of Chargers and Bile Titans on difficulties 7 and up," the team says in the patch notes. "In addition, we have reduced the risk of spawn spikes of Chargers and Bile Titans."</p> <p>It's important to note that today's patch does not affect the difficulty of these Terminid bugs – just the spawn rate. Arrowhead says to expect other enemy types to appear in greater numbers instead. However, the patch notes say Arrowhead is lowering the health of the Charger's head, making it easier to target that weak point with something like a Recoilless Rifle or EAT-17, which will instantly kill a charger. </p> <p>Elsewhere in the patch, the Electronic Countermeasures stratagem has been confirmed as removed – it was actually removed in a past last week but patch notes didn't mention it – so it can be reworked. Here are some other fixes in today's balance update: </p> <ul> <li>Fixed missing text on several HUD / UI elements.</li> <li>Fixed several subtitle / VO mismatches in the news videos.</li> <li>Fixed various crashes that occurred mid-gameplay and when deploying to missions.</li> </ul> <p>For more information on things like known issues within the game, head to the full patch notes <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4113546867256852245?l=english">here</a>. After that, catch up on <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/06/helldivers-2-patch-includes-fire-tornadoes-meteor-showers-mission-changes-bug-fixes">all the changes introduced to Helldivers 2 in last week's patch</a>, and then read up on <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/07/helldivers-2-season-2-launches-next-week-with-new-cutting-edge-warbond">the latest Warbond coming to the game</a>. Be sure to <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/helldivers-2/bullet-heaven">read <em>Game Informer's </em>Helldivers 2 review</a>, too, to find out why we love the game so much. </p> <p><em>Are you happy with the changes coming in today's Helldivers 2 patch? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:26:22 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122251 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/11/multiversus-is-back-in-action-this-may <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/11/8d9fffd2/multiversus_key_art_2024_1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="MultiVersus 2024 release date" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>MultiVersus, the Warner Bros. free-to-play crossover platform fighter, makes its big comeback on May 28. The game has been rebuilt and returns almost a year after its <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/27/multiversus-is-being-taken-offline-to-relaunch-in-2024">open beta was taken offline</a>.</p> <p>Player First Games game director Tony Huynh explains in a developer diary that MultiVersus has been remade from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, meaning it sports improved visuals and lighting. It also has a totally revamped netcode to provide what Huynh promises will be consistent online performance regardless of platform.</p> <p>Every existing fighter sports new attacks and combat mechanics, and Huynh promises that new fighters are on the way. Additionally, new stages were teased with concept art depicting arenas based on <em>The Powerpuff Girls</em>’ Townsville and <em>Dexter’s Laboratory</em>.</p> <p>Lastly, Huynh reveals a brand-new PvE mode is coming to the game. He doesn’t go into detail, only teasing it will offer “additional ways of playing with unique rewards.” </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W1Yx-Cz0l9U" width="640"></iframe> <p>MultiVersus was first launched in open beta last May and pits characters across Warner Bros. stable of IPs, such as DC, Looney Tunes, and even <em>Game of Thrones</em>, in a tag-team-focused twist of Super Smash Bros. inspired combat. The game was initially quite popular and generally well-liked. Writer Bryan Vore gave the game’s beta incarnation an <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/27/multiversus-is-being-taken-offline-to-relaunch-in-2024">8 out of 10 in our review</a>, writing that “Living games have the potential to go in frustrating directions, but MultiVersus has a strong foundation. If it can meaningfully roll out content and smooth out its rough edges, this could become a new crossover obsession for years to come.” </p> <p>Unfortunately, months of infrequent updates and lack of communication following the game’s second season saw engagement decline. Player First Games pulled MultiVersus from stores to address these criticisms. When the game returns, it will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.</p> <p><em>Are you looking forward to jumping back into the new and improved MultiVersus? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:01:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122246 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/11/final-fantasy-xvi-pc-version-in-final-stages-of-optimization-expect-a-demo-before <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2022/06/06/d716aa30/ff16.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Final Fantasy XVI PC Release Date Demo Specs Requirements" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Final Fantasy XVI exclusively hit PlayStation 5 last June. However, Square Enix had already revealed a PC version of the action game was in development. When I spoke to producer Naoki Yoshida about it in Square Enix's Tokyo, Japan, offices for <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/FFXVI"><em>Game Informer's </em>FFXVI cover story</a> last year, he said <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/05/23/dont-expect-the-pc-version-of-final-fantasy-16-anytime-soon">players shouldn't expect the PC version anytime soon</a>. </p> <p>With FFXVI's first DLC, Echoes of the Fallen, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/final-fantasy-xvi-is-getting-two-dlcs-and-one-of-them-is-available">already out, and its second DLC, The Rising Tide, due out this spring</a>, I spoke to Yoshida once more about the PC version. I also talked to him and DLC director Takeo Kujiraoka about The Rising Tide and what players can expect, and you can read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/03/06/dlc-dose-of-leviathan"><em>Game Informer's </em>exclusive preview here</a>. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qk4TDTo0-E" width="640"></iframe> <p>While Yoshida is unable to share when the PC version of FFXVI will be released, he says the team is in the last stages of optimization. </p> <p>"In terms of where we are in development currently, we're trying to figure out the final stages of optimization right now," Yoshida tells me through a translator. "When we can release the PC version might be dependent on that – the system requirements and specifications for PC that players will need, so we're trying to figure that out. Naturally, [the PC specifications] are looking to be somewhat high."</p> <p>He says players can rest assured, though, that development on the PC version of FFXVI is going smoothly, but, "In terms of when it's going to come out or when we can announce it, I'd like to ask for more time on that." </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_zUKx44AQXA" width="640"></iframe> <p>Yoshida tells me before FFXVI releases on PC, the team will do its best to announce the best specifications and requirements ahead of time so players can determine if the game will run on their PCs. </p> <p>"And to do that, we're looking to release a demo for the PC version as well," he adds. "Again, we can't really talk about too much in terms of details of when it's going to come out – I think in a little bit more time we'll be in a better place to announce things. But one thing's for sure: It won't be too distant in the future; it won't be a year, it won't be two years, it will probably be shorter than that, so stay tuned." </p> <p>For plenty more about the game, head to <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/FFXVI"><em>Game Informer's </em>Final Fantasy XVI coverage hub</a> for exclusive behind-the-scenes features, video interviews, and more. Read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-xvi/victory-in-the-land-of-gods-and-monsters"><em>Game Informer's </em>Final Fantasy XVI review</a> after that.  </p> <p><em>Are you going to play Final Fantasy XVI on PC? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122214 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/10/three-mario-spin-offs-coming-to-nintendo-switch-onlines-game-boy-catalog <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/10/7b701f49/gameboy.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Mario Day Game Boy Games" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>To close out its Mario Day announcements video, where we learned about <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="eda66208-b15b-4580-8fff-0e402ce5ca92" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/10/new-super-mario-bros-animated-movie-announced-for-2026-release">a new movie set in the world of Super Mario Bros</a>, as well as the release dates of <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a3bbd6a5-3d54-4a6d-abe1-ff0b8edf2e04" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/10/paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-release-date-set-for-may">Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door</a> and <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cd608b3d-1872-47a1-9c69-dbf0eaab491d" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/10/luigis-mansion-2-hd-screams-onto-switch-in-june">Luigi's Mansion 2 HD</a>, Nintendo revealed that three classic Mario spin-offs are arriving on Nintendo Switch Online this week. The games join the Game Boy library, which is included with the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($20 a year).</p> <p>Dr. Mario from Game Boy, Mario Golf from Game Boy Color, and Mario Tennis from Game Boy Color join the Switch Online Game Boy catalog. The collection already includes the likes of Super Mario Land 2 – 6 Golden Coins, Kirby's Dream Land 2, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, and Metroid II – Return of Samus. Oddly enough, the library is missing all of the Pokémon titles, as well as the original Super Mario Land.</p> <p>Dr. Mario, Mario Golf, and Mario Tennis arrive on the service this Tuesday, March 12.</p> Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:43:00 CDT Brian Shea 122245