December 2020

Cyberpunk 2077's photo mode looks pretty advanced

3 years 3 months ago

CD Projekt has unveiled Cyberpunk 2077's photo mode.

In the video below, we see the feature in action. It's pretty in-depth, with various sliders available within the camera, depth of field, pose, effects and stickers options.

You can pause the action even in the heat of battle, which we see in the video, and change V's pose from a variety of category-based presets, including "roundhouse shot to the face", "with a precision rifle", and "V for Victory". You can even change V's expression from a number of options, such as "boredom", "satisfaction", "happiness" and "fear". In one section we see the player take a shot right after causing an explosion for dramatic effect. I imagine I'll spend a decent amount of time creating some snazzy Cyberpunk wallpapers.

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Xbox Series S Player Uses System To Play PS2 Games

3 years 3 months ago

The Xbox Series X boasts to be the most powerful console on the market, with the S being impressive in its own right. While that's phenomenal, neither the Xbox Series nor the PlayStation 5 have a solid launch lineup, though backwards compatibility offers a reprieve from the boredom of nothing to play. That, or you could do what this YouTuber did and use their Xbox Series S as a PlayStation 2 emulator. 

Modern Vintage Gamer on YouTube shared playing some of their favorite PS2 titles on their Xbox Series S, which I'm pretty sure this is a paradox that is the final horcrux. Still, it's pretty nifty if you're into that sort of thing, but we don't recommend trying it out for yourself. For legal reasons. And because we don't want you to accidentally break your system: 

Click here to watch embedded media

The YouTube channel channeled PlayStation 2 emulation under the Developer Mode, which is interesting and not something I necessarily would think to do on my new system. Still, the PlayStation 2 era had some incredible gaming experiences (Rule of Rose, anyone?) and taking that into the current generation isn't too shabby. 

Author
Liana Ruppert

What You Should Know Before Playing Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & The Blade Of Light

3 years 3 months ago

We’re just a few days away from the launch of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light’s launch. I’ve had the chance to play the classic strategy/RPG ahead of its December 4 release on Nintendo Switch, and wanted to share some impressions and things you should know before playing.

For those not in the know, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light is the entry that got the acclaimed series started, and was previously unreleased in North America in its original form. This is your chance to see where Marth and other iconic characters began their journey, while also experiencing the foundational gameplay that would drive the franchise forward. Here’s what you should know going in.

Author
Kimberley Wallace

Cyberpunk 2077 Photo Mode Revealed In New Trailer

3 years 3 months ago

Whether you're peace and love or want to rock out with your glock out, the Cyberpunk 2077 photo mode has you covered. CD Projekt RED has released a new trailer centering around the creative ways players can commemorate their V in Night City. 

With just one week to go until launch, CD Projekt RED isn't done sharing what Night City will have to offer. This time, it's not a new location, instead we're seeing the various options that the photo mode has. It comes with the usual bells and whistles: filters, PoV, depth field, and poses, but the amount of poses and expressions players can have are a lot more than expected. 

Check out the latest trailer to see it for yourself: 

Click here to watch embedded media

From flashing the peace sign to crouching down with heavy artillery, the Cyberpunk 2077 photo mode is no joke. With so much time in-game to explore and so many locations to uncover, a solid photo mode is almost a must when capturing and sharing this long-awaited experience. 

Author
Liana Ruppert

Fortnite Sees Record Number Of Concurrent Players For Galactus Showdown

3 years 3 months ago

Fortnite was already one of the biggest games around, but it's numbers continue to grow in gargantuan ways. Following yesterday's event which pitted players against Marvel Comics' world-eating entity named Galactus, Epic Games announced a record 15.3 concurrent players were on hand for the battle. An additional 3.4 million people tuned in to watch the event on YouTube and Twitch.

Galactus' arrival signaled the end of Fortnite's Marvel season, which allowed players to suit up as Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Doctor Doom, She-Hulk, Mystique, and more. The Marvel season was well received by fans, and is now giving way to another event with a Disney license: The Mandalorian. The Beskar-armored bounty hunter is joined by his little green companion, and is a part of a reality-mashing season Epic is calling Zero Point.

The 15.3 million concurrent players is significantly higher than Fortnite's previous highests attended event: a Travis Scott concert that brought in 12.3 million concurrent players.

Author
Andrew Reiner

How Miles Morales Connects To Harlem In The New Spider-Man Game

3 years 3 months ago

In Insomniac’s 2018 Spider-Man game, Peter Parker’s relationship with New York City involved the occasional selfie with a citizen and a lot of palling around with the NYPD. The new Miles Morales game does something different. It foregrounds Miles Morales’ relationship to Harlem and the community he’s a part of there.

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Author
Ethan Gach

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The Dauntless Reforged update launches tomorrow with overhauled progression

3 years 3 months ago

Free-to-play monster whacking game Dauntless chucked itself out of early access with quite a large update about a year back. This year it’s got another big update in store called Dauntless Reforged that adds gliders and new hunts and progression systems and more. Phoenix Labs have published a new trailer today to show off the new bits you’ll be getting up to when update 1.5.0 launches tomorrow.

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Author
Lauren Morton

Wallace and Gromit Studio Partners With Bandai Namco on New Project

3 years 3 months ago
Aardman, the British animation studio behind characters like Wallace and Gromit, has announced a partnership with Bandai Namco Europe to develop a new, multimedia project. If you haven’t heard of Aardman before, you’ll likely have seen their distinctive claymation work from the Wallace and Gromit shorts, as well as movies like Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep. Aardman says that the collaboration’s first major project will exist across multiple media, which likely covers film and video games given the partnership. Aardman says it will lend its talents in “creating characters and worlds,” to “create stories tailored for current and future platforms.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/09/11-11-memories-retold-launch-trailer"] This isn’t Aardman’s first foray into video games, either. Aside from licensing out its most well-known properties for video game spinoffs, Aardman and Digixart co-developed 11-11: Memories Retold, a narrative third-person adventure set in World War I. In a statement, Aardman Managing Director Sean Clarke says, "Interactive Entertainment is a huge growth area within the entertainment world, and with new emerging technology blurring the lines of watching and playing." Clarke adds that the studio will embrace "this new world and cement our studio's reputation as a multi-disciplinary creative hub." Aardman says the first collaboration will begin development in early 2021. While details remain secret, the project will be a completely new IP, so not based on any previous Aardman or Namco Bandai creation. And no, this likely has nothing to do with Elden Ring. Who knows where that game is? [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.
Author
Matt T.M. Kim

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Dauntless Reforged Is A Massive Free Expansion That Feels Like A Sequel

3 years 3 months ago
Running an always-online service-based game these days requires not only a constant flow of new content, but also a willingness to adapt and change – sometimes dramatically. Dauntless was already a great game, but the developers at Phoenix Labs were acutely aware of its shortcomings. Reforged, the latest and so far greatest free expansion for Dauntless that launches on December 3rd, is such a massive update it might as well be a sequel based on my recent hands-on time. The reason I say it might as well be a sequel is due to how dramatic the changes are and how impactful they feel while playing. Rather than just injecting the game with new monsters and weapons to further pad out the same general arc of progression and gameplay, Reforged is going to have a widespread impact for every single player in Dauntless because of the new open-world systems and totally overhauled branching progression system. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=dauntless-reforged-screenshots&captions=true"] Previously, Dauntless functioned by having the main city of Ramsgate act as a glorified lobby, with vendors and quest-givers that would then send you out on missions. Environments were bright, colorful, and nice to look at, but ultimately existed as simple large arenas for boss fights. You’d find your target, kill it, and get sent back to town. There was little incentive to explore, and once the boss was dead you had no reason to stick around. Reforged doesn’t completely rewrite the script, but it heavily edits it with the new Hunting Grounds event. In Hunting Grounds there are 18 different handcrafted islands (one of which is a brand-new biome type) that each feel like actual environments with more going on than just the singular boss fight.
Author
David Jagneaux

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Phantasy Star Online 2 Announces Release Date and Details for Episode 6 Update

3 years 3 months ago

Today Sega reached out with a press release to announce the next major update for the western version of Phantasy Star Online 2.

We learn that the update, known as Episode 6, will launch on Dec. 9 on Xbox and PC.

It introduces new classes, quests, enemies, and more, while raising the level cap to 95.

Below you can check a few screenshots and read an official description of the content of the update.

Author
Giuseppe Nelva

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Microsoft Acquires Smash.gg

3 years 3 months ago

Today the admins of the eSport platform Smash.gg announced on the official website that it has been acquired by Microsoft.

Not much in terms of details weas shared, but we learn that this will allow Smash.gg to “strengthen existing relationships and explore new opportunities.”

The message appears to imply that the platform will keep serving “all game communities,” likely meaning that it won’t become exclusive to Microsoft’s games or Microsoft’s platforms.

You can read it in full below.

“Since we started in 2015, our goal has been to build active esports scenes around the games people love to play. Today we’re excited to take the next step in that journey by joining Microsoft to help strengthen our existing relationships and explore new opportunities. Smash.gg will continue as a self-service esports platform available to tournament organizers from all game communities. If you have any questions about existing tournaments please reach out to hello@smash.gg.”

According to the official website of Smash.gg, the platform currently supports “over 6,000 active event organizers across a broad mix of games.”

The software provided for the purpose is currently free for everyone.

It’s worth mentioning that Microsoft has made no announcement about the acquisition, for the moment. We will update this article when further information becomes available.

Update: Microsoft has now confirmed the acquisition.

Author
Giuseppe Nelva

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Demon’s Souls but With DK Bongos

3 years 3 months ago

A YouTuber that goes by Super Louis 64, aka the Controller Bender, has beaten Dark Souls by using bananas as a controller, played Super Mario 64 with a Kinect, and has now figured out a way to play the new Demon’s Souls remake with bongos from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

After messing around with the PS5 and doing some modding, Louis managed to connect two pairs of bongos to the console. One pair only has five inputs and Demon’s Souls has about 20 different actions tied to buttons on the DualSense controller. He realized that he didn’t need to perform every single action, such as blocking or being able to switch magic/weapons, so he played with only half of the available actions, making it even harder for himself.

Although, he did manage to beat the Vanguard Demon and Tower Knight with the two pairs of DK Bongos, which is very, very impressive. He didn’t get any further than that but there could be a chance that he continues his journey in a future video or Twitch stream.

You can watch the video down below:

Author
Greysun Morales

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Panzer Dragoon: Remake gliding onto Xbox One December 11

3 years 3 months ago

MegaPixel Studios has revealed that its modern-day take on 1995 Sega Saturn classic Panzer Dragoon will finally take flight on Xbox One next week, following its earlier release on PS4, PC, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch.

Panzer Dragoon: Remake features all of the high-fantasy rail-shooter action of the original 1995 release, spruced up with dynamic new visuals and an overhauled control system. Players will once again mount the fabled Blue Dragon before embarking on a long and hazardous quest to reach an ancient tower and prevent the world from falling at the hands of the mysterious Prototype Dragon.

Panzer Dragoon: Remake launches on Xbox One December 11 and is available right now on PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia. You can check out Chris Carter's review for the Switch edition right here.

Panzer Dragoon: Remake gliding onto Xbox One December 11 screenshot

Author
Chris Moyse

Doom Eternal on Switch has optional gyro aiming support

3 years 3 months ago

As we know, Doom Eternal is digital-only on Switch, and it'll take up around 18GB of space at launch. But Bethesda has updated its Switch FAQ with a few more juicy tidbits.

It looks like Eternal won't be left out of the gyro aiming train, as the publisher has confirmed that it will indeed have an optional toggle for the feature. To be clear, these are supported on both the Switch and Switch Lite devices. As far as multiplayer goes, Bethesda is touting the Battlemode 2v1 experience: where one Doom Slayer (Doom Guy, c'mon) goes up against two player-controlled demons in a best-of-five format. That's it, it seems.

As far as known bugs go, everything seems very minor. Two of the three listed bugs literally include using the photo mode under certain circumstances, and one involves boosters: an XP-based multiplayer mechanic that a lot of people won't care about.

If you ordered the game early, you should get an email with a Doom 64 code through the account associated with your Nintendo device. If you don't sometime after launch, check in on that! Bethesda also recommends that you reach out to retailers if you pre-ordered the physical version before release: and get further instructions from them directly.

They also stress that no codes for bonus content will be provided at retail locations, and that you have until December 23 to unlock the Rip and Tear content.

Doom Eternal Nintendo Switch FAQ & Known Issues [Slayer's Club]

Author
Chris Carter

Oh look, it's an Adventure Time BMO Switch charging station

3 years 3 months ago

Adventure Time, come on grab your Switch, we'll go to the very...distant Japan, with Reggie the rep and Miyamoto the president, the fun will never end, it's Adventure Time!

Yes, this intrepid artist has managed to marry both Adventure Time and Nintendo's latest console in the cutest way possible. The little portable companion BMO is front and center with this "Nintendo Switch Charging Station Dock Stand," which is now taking pre-orders.

The Etsy store MadeinUrbana crafted this Switch stand, which slots the "original Switch" (likely not the Lite), so you can dock it and play games on BMO's screen. When you're not gaming, the stand doubles as a little action figure of sorts with an insert for the face. Note that this isn't a proper dock per se, as you'll need to do a bit more work to get that up and running: the store recommends an HDMI multihub. The stand also has proper vents in the back for "safety" reasons.

The only issue for some might be the price. It's $199.20 right now, and new orders are aiming to be shipped for free in "4-6 weeks." The store is looking to get pre-orders out "by Christmas." So it might not arrive in time for someone to accept a pricey gift, but it looks fantastic nonetheless!

Adventure Time BMO Nintendo Switch Charging Station Dock Stand [Etsy]

Oh look, it's an Adventure Time BMO Switch charging station screenshot

Author
Chris Carter

This Dragon Age 2 Cosplay Brings Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard To Life

3 years 3 months ago

With Dragon Age Day coming up, I thought now would be the perfect time to share a cosplay that I'm still not convinced is a still from an unannounced film that doesn't really exist. There are so many amazing characters in the Dragon Age-verse, and some not-so-amazing ones, but in the spirit of sharing something not often seen, there is one particular Dragon Age 2 cosplay that brings Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard to life in exquisite detail. 

The Knight-Commander of Kirkwall is a highly controversial and provocative character for the restrictions placed on mages in the second Dragon Age game. She later goes full-on batshit crazy thanks to the "red stuff" (thanks, Varric) known as Red Lyrium. But let's be real, she was on the downward spiral long before the corrupted version of lyrium made it into the picture, with a distrust for mages in Thedas that drove her to look away from massive atrocities committed by the Templars under her charge. 

While skirting Hawke's rise to the elite in Kirkwall, Meredith continued to descend into madness in a city where the veil is thin, blood magic is high, and demons can be found around every corner. This character is known for her baggage and an immense amount of self-justification, making her an incredibly complex archetype in the Dragon Age universe, a complexity that one cosplayer brought to life in stunning detail: 

Author
Liana Ruppert

The Wonderful 101: Remastered Demo Gives Players Control Of Wonder-Bayonetta

3 years 3 months ago

Click here to watch embedded media

The Wonderful 101: Remastered found a new home on Switch earlier this year, and a new demo looks to sway curious players into giving Platinum Games’ underappreciated superhero romp a shot. To sweeten the pot for newcomers and established fans alike, the demo gives players free access to the previously hard-to-unlock Wonder-Bayonetta. 

The Wonder-sized Cadet Demo takes players through the game’s prologue and first mission (Operation 001). All progress carries over to the full game should players purchase it, which is always a nice perk. The real main event of the demo, however, is the option to play as Wonder-Bayonetta, a pint-sized version of Platinum’s sultry fan-favorite heroine. Wonder-Bayonetta served as a secret character in the original Wii U release that could only be unlocked by earning every in-game achievement. Packing her signature Scarborough Fair pistols and time-slowing Witch-Time dodge, she’s a treat to play with and a fun Easter egg overall. 

Author
Marcus Stewart

Let's Explore Fortnite Season 5 — Game Informer Live

3 years 3 months ago

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Join Alex Van Aken alongside special guests Zombaekillz and Ian Preschel as they explore Fortnite Season 5, which includes new map locations, quests and weapons, and an updated battle pass that features new skins like The Mandalorian. After a record-breaking number of players fought off Galactus and exposed the Zero Point in yesterday's live event, the newest season in Fortnite Chapter 2 is themed after the greatest hunters across the galaxy, which includes our friends Mando and Baby Yoda.

We'll begin streaming at 12:30 PM CT on the Game Informer YouTube channel, so watch, ask questions, and chat with us about Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 5.

Author
Alex Van Aken

Super Mario All-Stars heading to Tetris 99 this weekend in latest Grand Prix event

3 years 3 months ago

If your battle-royale-infused block-spinning still isn't Mario enough for your tastes, there's a chance to unlock a new Super Mario All-Stars theme for Switch's Tetris 99 this weekend, as part of Nintendo's latest limited-time Grand Prix event.

Surprisingly, Super Mario All-Stars' inclusion marks only the second Mario crossover for Tetris 99 - a Super Mario Bros theme can be unlocked with in-game currency - and those wishing to add the new theme to their collection can do so starting from 7am this Friday, 4th December.

The event - part of Nintendo's ongoing celebrations marking Super Mario Bros' 35th anniversary - is the 18th Grand Prix to be held in Tetris 99 since its launch back in February last year, and will continue until 6.59pm on Tuesday, 8th December.

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Sunless Sea dev unveils Fallen London prequel and "romantic visual novel" Mask of the Rose

3 years 3 months ago

Failbetter Games, the developer behind the likes of Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies, has revealed it's currently working on two new titles, one of which is a visual-novel-style prequel to its acclaimed browser game Fallen London.

Fallen London, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, unfolds in an alternate-universe Victorian London that was stolen by bats and carried beneath the planet's surface, down into a vast underground cavern system known as the Neath.

Failbetter's next game, titled Mask of the Rose, takes place in 1862, shortly after London's move underground and around three decades prior to the events of Fallen London and Sunless Sea. It's a somewhat different proposition to other games in the series too, being pitched as a "romantic visual novel" - albeit one that retains Failbetter's darkly irresistible gothic wit.

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Sea Of Thieves is switching to seasons and quarterly updates in January

3 years 3 months ago

Sea Of Thieves

have dropped anchor on another monthly update but this one’s a bit unlike the rest as it includes the news that updates won’t exactly be monthly in the future. Beginning in January 2021, Sea Of Thieves will switch to quarterly seasonal updates and it’s also getting its very own battle pass and new seasonal progression systems.

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Author
Lauren Morton

Baldur's Gate 3 patch three is here to make companions kinder and fires fewer

3 years 3 months ago

Baldur’s Gate 3

is continuing along its merry way through early access with patch three called “Inspiration, Freedom & Pacifism” that will address feedback from players like an overabundance of fire and nitpicky companions. This is the first of the early access patches that will break your save compatibility after you update, as Larian have warned. Here’s what’s new and changed in patch three.

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Author
Lauren Morton