May 2020

Sova is one of the two primary recon specialists in Valorant’s roster of agents. But while his fellow scouter Cypher focuses entirely on gaining information, Sova also comes equipped with the power to eliminate those unfortunate enough to be scouted by his arrows. Our Valorant Sova guide will walk you through how to make the most of each of his abilities so you can become the bane of the enemy team’s (hopefully short) existence.

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Microsoft's Xbox Series X gameplay reveal livestream, due Thursday, will include our first proper glimpse at Assassin's Creed Valhalla in action.

In a new blog post published this afternoon, Microsoft has laid out a detailed plan for when you will hear more about Xbox Series X and its games over the rest of the year - and reconfirmed that both the console and its big budget launch title Halo Infinite are both still on track for 2020 - the latter of which sounded a little shaky just one month ago, as teams moved to work from home.

In July, Microsoft will show its own slate of Xbox Series X games currently in development across its 15 studios worldwide. This will be, in essence, Microsoft's replacement for its big E3 reveals. We should get a peek at things like Halo Infinite, Rare's Everwild, and the not-so-secret projects currently in development at Playground Games and The Initiative.

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Crucible comes out on PC via Steam on 20th May 2020, Amazon has announced.

The free-to-play hero shooter is Amazon's first big video game launch, and comes ahead of the release of its MMO New World, and its video game streaming service Project Tempo.

Crucible is developed by Relentless Studios, the Seattle-based development team of Amazon Games. Relentless, which is run by Westwood Studios co-founder Louis Castle, was meant to release Crucible in March but Amazon's plans were delayed by the coronavirus outbreak.

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What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of 2001: A Space Odyssey? Is it Moonwatcher throwing that bone in the air? HAL singing to Dave Bowman while he slowly gets unplugged? Is it the Monolith standing at the base of a hotel bed?

Recently I've been thinking of another of the film's iconic sequences - Heywood Floyd's trip to the moon in the first hour. He stops off half-way on an orbiting space station, and suddenly this astronaut is chatting to his daughter by video phone, navigating a futuristic Howard Johnson's and even chatting to Leonard Rossiter on a sofa.

What I've only recently realised is that 2001's actually quite a self-contained film. An awful lot of the action - if you could call it that - takes place on the Discovery, a spaceship en route to Jupiter. The reason the film feels so expansive is partly because of the hominids at the start and partly because of the stargate at the end, sure, but much of it comes down to that trip to the space station, where we get to see a little of the wider world of the future.

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Codemasters has teased the arrival of a new entry in its long-running rally series, DiRT. The hint was dropped in a "letter to the community" posted on the British developer's website, along with the surprising news that the unnamed game will be developed by a brand new team, outside of the Codemasters studio.

Thanking fans for their support, the letter states that the curtain is starting to drop on current release DiRT Rally 2.0. This particular entry will see no further seasons or major DLC drops - although one or two "surprises" are in store. For the time being, the daily/monthly/weekly challenge series will continue, as will the game's technical support.

The letter closes with the teasing of the new project, stating that an announcement will be coming "very soon." Codemasters has changed some of its social media branding - replacing DiRT 2.0 banners and avatars with a general DiRT logo. While fans may be disappointed that the DiRT 2.0 experience is entering its twilight period, at least there are exciting new prospects in the series' immediate future.

DiRT Rally 2.0 is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

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You'd be forgiven if the name "Crucible" doesn't ring any bells. The team-based shooter was among the three PC games Amazon Game Studios revealed at TwitchCon four years ago--and there's been barely a rumbling about it since. Even then, the game's description was a pretty vague mix of multiplayer shooter ideas and battle royale features.

Though nobody's heard much about Crucible for the last four years, Amazon's Seattle-based development studio Relentless has been hard at work on the shooter in all that time. And whatever Crucible started out as, it has changed significantly. Though it retains some battle royale elements, most of it is more an objective-focused hero shooter. Crucible combines a number of multiplayer shooter ideas to try to push toward something a little different, with an emphasis on teamwork and character combinations without the need for building teams based on specific roles. Earlier this spring, GameSpot got a chance to spend some time playing Crucible at Relentless Studios, where we tried out each of its three game modes and most of the 10 characters that will be available at launch.

The closest description of what Crucible feels like is a third-person version of Overwatch meeting Evolve, the now-defunct four-on-one monster hunting game from publisher 2K. Crucible's modes are about capturing objectives, making smart use of resources found on the map, and managing environmental threats, as much as about fighting the other teams who show up. Even the mode that's most similar to battle royale games offers some welcome twists on the formula. Since all the heroes have their own weapons and abilities, you're always armed and ready to go when you drop into a match.

With E3 2020 canceled, Xbox is shifting some of its plans to create digital events to showcase the Xbox Series X, its games, and more in the lead-up to release this holiday season. That includes a new Nintendo Direct-style video series called Xbox 20/20.

These events will happen each month for the rest of 2020, beginning with the May 7 Inside Xbox stream that will focus on third-party Xbox Series X games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Each instalment of Xbox 20/20 will be different, focusing on things like Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Studios, Xbox Game Pass, xCloud, and more. They won't each be Inside Xbox events, either. With E3 canceled, its plans for the June edition are as of yet unconfirmed.

More specifically, the May 7 event will feature next-generation gameplay trailers for a variety of third-party games, though Valhalla is the only confirmed title so far. Additionally, game developers will talk about how they are leveraging the power of the Xbox Series X for their new games. This briefing will also confirm the games that use the new Smart Delivery feature, which ensures you don't have to pay twice for an Xbox game should you decide to buy the new Xbox Series X.

As part of Microsoft's announcement of its new monthly Xbox 20/20 series, the company also shared important updates about the Xbox Series X, Halo Infinite, and its wider development pipeline.

Starting off, Microsoft confirmed that it still believes it will release the Xbox Series X and Halo Infinite as a launch title this holiday, despite concerns around COVID-19. Xbox boss Phil Spencer previously commented that he's confident the hardware will launch on schedule, though he warned games could be delayed due in part to complexities related to development teams working from home.

But for now, Microsoft sounds confident that Halo Infinite remains on schedule. That's a big deal, because Microsoft has not released a new Halo game as a launch title for Xbox hardware since Halo: Combat Evolved for the original Xbox back in 2001.

Despite being less than a year away from release, Microsoft has shown no gameplay footage for the much-anticipated Xbox Series X launch title, Halo Infinite. That could change relatively soon, as Microsoft confirmed that its Xbox 20/20 event in July will focus on Xbox Game Studios titles.

Given that Halo Infinite is perhaps the biggest Xbox Game Studios title we know about so far, and that it's a launch title for the new console, it's expected that the first gameplay or at least new details on the project will be divulged during the July event. It's also possible that Microsoft shares new footage or details for the game before the July event; you never know.

Halo Infinite is one of the 15 Xbox Series X games that is currently in development from Xbox Game Studios. Some of the others will be announced during the July event. You can see a rundown of Microsoft's 15 Xbox Game Studios teams below.

Mortal Kombat 11 has received numerous new fighters through its multiple post-launch content seasons, but the next big release will include additional story chapters for the game's narrative campaign.

NetherRealm is teasing the new story content with the tagline "the epic saga continues," and a brief trailer that picks up right where the game's original story ended. The trailer mentions that a full reveal is scheduled for 6 AM PT on May 6, so you won't have to wait long to see what that entails.

In the teaser, Raiden and Lui Kang are seen where the story left them at the end of Mortal Kombat 11's story, as they begin work on creating new timeline for Earth. At least until the unexpected arrival of sorcerer Shang Tsung and some cohorts interrupts them. Considering where Mortal Kombat 11 left the entirety of this series' universe, NetherRealm has a blank slate to experiment with moving forward.

NetherRealm’s big reveal drops on May 6

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The Netflix sitcom finds workplace comedy in the military

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Respawn Entertainment released a surprise update for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order that adds combat challenges, a battle grid, New Journey+, and more cosmetics for Cal Kestis and BD-1. We knew Respawn wasn't planning on any paid DLC for this single-player experience, but the developer has said nothing about periodic free updates like this. We'll take 'em!

If you've already finished Jedi: Fallen Order, returning to the main menu will bring up an additional avenue of play called New Journey+, which is basically New Game+.  You won't enter this mode with Force abilities unlocked, but will have all of your collectibles, such as lightsaber parts, kyber crystals , and cosmetics. All chests you opened will still be empty. When you start this second playthrough, you can equip Cal with a new Inquisitor uniform along with a red kyber crystal and two new lightsaber sets (which match hilts you can purchase at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge).

On your second playthrough, you'll also see a new Meditation Training option appear whenever Cal reaches a checkpoint. Should you choose to train, you can take on Combat Challenges or enter the Battle Grid.

Microsoft has revealed the Xbox Series X May 7, 2020 presentation is the first of monthly Xbox 20/20 game reveals and announcements.

The post The Xbox Series X May 7, 2020 Announcement Is the First Xbox 20/20 appeared first on Siliconera.

Nintendo's new Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition trailer takes a look at Xenoblade Chronicles characters and their fighting styles.

The post Xenoblade Chronicles Characters Reintroduced in a New Definitive Edition Trailer appeared first on Siliconera.

Unlike its Souls siblings, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has no multiplayer. No wrong’uns invading your game to murder you, no friends helping you or hanging out. If you’d like that, good news: a new mod is out, adding multiplayer in both cooperative and antagonistic flavours. It’s an impressive achievement, even if the mod’s creator does warn it might be a little rough. It’s nice to play a nice game and have a nice chat with your nice pal.

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As if there weren't already enough different versions of the game, a new The Last of Us Part 2 Limited Edition Steelbook has been revealed.

Much like last year's Higgs cover for Death Stranding, The Last of Us Part 2 Limited Edition Steelbook will be available exclusively through Amazon UK. If it seems familiar, it's actually very similar to the Steelbook that already comes with the Special Edition of the game. It is, however, a slightly different detailed illustration of the game's lead, Ellie.

A quick search shows that the other editions of The Last of Us Part 2 are sold out at most major retailers, so this could be your last chance to snag something special to go with the PS4 exclusive.

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We are less than a month away from the release of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. To help get new fans acquainted with the spirited adventure's cast of characters, Nintendo has released a new trailer introducing its squad of brave heroes.

The preview shines the spotlight on budding young protagonist Shulk, loyal powerhouse Reyn, the heartful Fiora, and the brooding Dunban. Also putting in appearances are sharpshooting support gal Sharla, ethereal sorceress Melia, and obligatory goofy creature Riki.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is out, and we've had plenty of time to take it in and debate it.

But no matter what side of the fence you're on, odds are you probably still like Final Fantasy VII in general. That's what Play Arts is counting on as they continue to rely on this subfranchise as a source of income: and at this point, it is a subfranchise, if Advent Children didn't solidify that already.

Announced this week, Play Arts is adding baddies Sephiroth, Reno and Rude to their figure line, joining Cloud, Aerith, Tifa and Barret. They'll run you 12,200 yen each, which roughly translates to $111 US.

The figures are high quality (they better be!), and come with several accessories and articulated limbs. For instance, you can have Sephiroth engaged in several different sword poses. The wait is going to be long, as the three baddies are out in early 2021, which the heroic squad coming out this September.

What's another nine months or so of waiting for fans of this series?

Play Arts [Aitai Kuji]

05.06.20. 7:00am PT. pic.twitter.com/zSrS3SOZ6U

In a blog post today, Microsoft not reaffirmed its plans for 2020 –launching Series X, Halo Infinite, and Project xCloud– but also announced a new monthly digital series of events called “20/20.”

The first is to premier in tandem with this week’s Inside Xbox on May 7, offering a first look at Series X gameplay, while also announcing new games and revealing trailers from third-parties.

That includes Ubisoft and footage of its upcoming Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which was revealed last week for the first time. We’ll also “hear from game creators about what they’re doing with their games on Xbox Series X.

Additionally, Microsoft will also spend time detailing the Series X’s Smart Delivery System functionality, and we’ll learn more about what sort of graphical improvements “Xbox Series X Enhanced” games are likely to feature.

Moving forward, July’s episode of 20/20 will “dedicate time to focus on the incredible games coming from Xbox Game Studios,” including the reveal of all-new games.

For those interested in tuning to watch the first episode of 20/20, you can watch live from 11 AM EST on May 7 via the following clients:

Today Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red revealed what appears to be an upcoming event dedicated to the massively-anticipated RPG.

The event is titled “Night City Wire” and it’ll happen on June 11. 

Specific times have not been provided just yet, but Global Community Lead Marcin Momot mentioned that “stuff will be shown.” What that “stuff” remains a mystery, but it certainly has been a while since we’ve seen new gameplay.

In other Cyberpunk 2077 news, the developer introduced Militech, one of the most iconic corporations in classic Cyberpunk lore.

It’s one of the largest manufacturers of weapons and military vehicles in the world, providing American military and police with high-grade weaponry and training.

As you’ll probably understand with everything that’s happening in the world right now, there haven’t been many high profile game releases in the last couple of months, particularly for virtual reality. Here are all the May 2020 VR game release dates, in case you’re after something to play on your shiny headsets during the lull this month.

The release of Valve’s Half Life: Alyx in March was huge for VR fans, with it breaking player records on Steam when it launched. Not only is it the long-awaited return of Half-Life, but Alyx is arguably the best virtual reality title of all time.

We are also still waiting for a confirmed release date for Iron Man VR after it was delayed indefinitely a few weeks ago. The Last of Us Part II, which was delayed at the same time, has been given a new date, but nothing has been said about when we can expect the VR game.

May is looking pretty quiet once again, and we don’t know when it’s going to get busy again.

Following a public controversy over the lackluster audio compression of DOOM Eternal’s soundtrack, id Software has confirmed in a statement this week that it’s parted ways with composer Mick Gordon.

A report from Eurogamer last month first uncovered comments made by Gordon after a Twitter user had highlighted the differences in audio waves between DOOM 2016 and DOOM Eternal. The image essentially proved the sequel featured a less dynamic sound range than its predecessor.

Here’s a comparison between the original BFG Division from Doom 2016’s official soundtrack (left) vs. the BFG 2020 remix on Eternal’s soundtrack from today (right).

Notice how the wavelengths in BFG 2020 form a nearly perfectly straight bar vs. the original with more definition pic.twitter.com/TCJRdOe1Yf

— Doominal Crossing: Eternal Horizons 🐶 (@thatACDCguy) April 19, 2020

In response, Gordon replied, distancing himself from the offending tracks: “I didn’t mix those and wouldn’t have done that,” he said. “You’ll be able to spot the small handful of tracks I mixed (Meathook, Command and Control, etc…).” He later went on to suggest that he’d never work with id Software again in an Instagram conversation that was screenshotted and posted to Reddit.

Today Nintendo released a new trailer for the upcoming Switch JRPG, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, that introduces viewers to the varied cast of characters and explains what their main skills are.

The trailer shows a lot of new gameplay for this remastered version of Xenoblade Chronicles and we also get to see the main group of Shulk, Fiora, Reyn, Dunban, Sharla, Melia, and Riki in action, doing what they do best.

You can watch the trailer for yourself down below:

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2020. Not only does this definitive edition improve the visuals of the original Wii game but there are small quality of life changes that make the overall experience much smoother.

There’s also a brand-new epilogue called “Future Connected” that closes out the story and can be played directly from the menu without having to finish the main story.

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