January 2023

Your regular host, Alex Van Aken, is out on a mysterious project this week so guest host Kyle Hilliard is back to throw out the format and talk entirely too much about anime. The discussion is timely, though, as the big release of the week is One Piece Odyssey, Bandai Namco's impressive RPG based on the popular anime. John Carson, who is reviewing the game for Game Informer, returns to talk about his experience and share his favorite games of 2022. We are also joined by former Game Informer editor and former host of this very podcast, Benjamin Reeves! Reeves makes his triumphant return to The Game Informer Show to also share his favorite games of 2022 and, alongside Wesley LeBlanc, reveal just how little they know about One Piece with our Devil Fruit quiz.

Follow us on social media: Follow us on social media: Kyle Hilliard (@KyleMHilliard) Wesley LeBlanc (@LeBlancWes), Benjamin Reeves (@BenjaminReeves), and John Carson (@John_Carson).

Developer Motive Studio and publisher EA have released a new story trailer for its upcoming remake of Dead Space, and the game continues to look terrifying and beautiful. 

Due out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC later this month on January 27, this might be one of our last looks at the remake before it's in the hands of players. Fortunately, this new trailer is nearly two minutes of cinematics and gameplay from the remake focused on the story of Dead Space. As expected, this remake isn't changing much at all, utilizing the same story from the original 2008 release with updated visuals and audio (plus some new voice lines for protagonist Isaac Clarke). 

Check out the new Dead Space Remake "Humanity Ends Here" trailer for yourself below: 

As you can see, Dead Space Remake continues to look great and we can't wait to play it in just a few weeks. 

Developer Scavengers Studio revealed last month that it was releasing Season: A Letter To The Future on January 31, and now, just a few weeks ahead of that, the studio has released a gorgeous new story trailer. 

This new trailer provides yet another beautiful glimpse into the painterly world of Season while providing new details about what our protagonist is doing: archiving the end of the Earth and the final people still living on it. She strives to capture their final moments in her journal and with her camera, aiming to learn why they're still around and ultimately, what kept them going. It sounds like quite the emotional journey. 

Check out the new Season: A Letter To The Future story trailer for yourself below: 

As you can see, Season is shaping up to possibly be something special. Fortunately, we don't have to wait too much longer to find out because it hits PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC on January 31. 

Get your decks ready because it might finally be time to face off against your friends in Marvel Snap later this month. 

Marvel Snap has been a resounding success since its release, allowing players to compete against other real-world players with a variety of cards, random locations, and more. Despite the positive reception, one thing players have been asking for has been missing: the ability to play against your friends. Developer Second Dinner announced in November that it was working on an update to allow friends to battle each other and now, it has announced that this update is expected at the end of the month. 

More specifically, the update is expected in a January 31 update, but Second Dinner says if it runs "into any last minutes issues, we may choose to delay for a little longer to make sure things work correctly," as reported by Eurogamer. 

This news was revealed alongside word that the developer is introducing Series Drops into the game. 

"It's been a couple of months since we introduced Series 4 and Series 5 cards, and we're excited about our first-ever Series Drop," its blog post reads. "With every Series Drop, some Series 5 cards will move to Series 4, and some Series 4 cards will move to Series 3."

Here are the cards dropping from Series 5 to Series 4: 

In Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider you might just be the bad guy. You have Metroid-inspired traversal abilities, a Mega Man X sword, and a platter of six levels and bosses to pursue in any order you choose. But are you doing the right thing? The important thing is it feels good to play and is incredibly reminiscent of the 16-bit era of video games in the best way.

For more previews of some of the biggest games of 2022 and beyond, be sure to head over to our YouTube page for NGTs about Fire Emblem Engage, Clive 'N' Wrench, Inkulinati, Outer Terror, and more. 

Microsoft has announced an Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct, a new games showcase "providing fans an inside look at some of the games coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass over the next few months." 

It will air on January 25 and feature Xbox studios like Arkane Austin, Mojang Studios, Turn 10 Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios. This Developer Direct will "focus on big features, extended gameplay showcases, and the latest info for Xbox games launching in the next few months," including The Elder Scrolls Online, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Redfall. 

You might notice a big galaxy-sized absence in this lineup: Starfield. Fret not, Xbox says a standalone Starfield show is in the works "to dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive" into the game. 

As for what to expect for each game, Xbox has detailed that too. For The Elder Scrolls Online, ZeniMax Online Studios will unveil 2023's major chapter update, "including the latest regions of Tamriel to become playable in ESO, as well as a major new feature coming in the game's biggest update this year." A full "ESO Chapter Reveal Event" will follow this Developer Direct. On the Forza Motorsport side of things, Turn 10 Studios will be sharing more gameplay and new details about the game. 

Ubisoft has canceled three unannounced games, the company has revealed in its latest financial update. It has also delayed Skull and Bones, which has already been delayed several times in the past. 

The company cites "major challenges as the industry continues to shift towards mega-brands and long-lasting titles that can reach players across the globe, across platforms and business models." It says that over the last four years, its strategy has been about building "long-lasting live games and adapting our strongest franchises" like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy games like Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and The Division "to converging trends to make them truly global brands." 

Final Fantasy XVI is due out June 22 exclusively on PlayStation 5, but some fans believe a PC version of the game could release as soon as six months after its console debut. However, FF16 producer Naoki Yoshida isn't sure why. 

During a recent Final Fantasy XIV stream, Yoshida, who is a director on that game, was asked about rumors surrounding a PC version of FF16, and he responded, "I don't know where the notion of a PC version releasing six months after the game is out came from as none of us have ever said that," according to a translator, as reported by Eurogamer. He followed it up with two instances urging fans to buy the PS5 version. 

According to a translation by Siliconera, Yoshida also said, "There's been talk that the PC version will come out, but no one on the team has said anything about the PC version. I wonder why people assume the PC version will arrive six months after [the PS5 version], so just go ahead and buy a PS5." 

For about eight years, Persona 4 was Atlus’s cash cow. One could not escape Yu Narukami and his bespectacled group of friends. And even though I legitimately loved the game in high school, I started to get sick of it. It wasn’t that good, I thought to myself. But playing the port of Persona 4 Golden on the Nintendo Switch reminded me of just why this game was like the holy grail back then. It really and honestly is that good. And I am so excited that so many people can relive their memories of Persona 4 Golden or explore Inaba for the first time thanks to it being available now on so many platforms.

For those who do not know anything about Persona 4 Golden, the story is fairly standard JRPG fare. You play as the unnamed Protagonist (whom I will refer to as Yu because that is his official name from the anime adaptation, as well as what I named him). He moves to the sleepy town of Inaba to live with his uncle and younger cousin for a year. While he is in Inaba, a chain of mysterious and unsettling murders occur. Yu and his buddies discover a world inside of the TV. Not only that, but someone is throwing people in there to cause said murders. With Personas – powers that they obtain after fighting their inner Shadow and facing themselves – they work together to seek the truth and bring the murderer to justice.

There are a lot of Social Links to manage in Persona 3 Portable, and even if you played the original game or FES, they're going to be different for the female main character Kotone. So, as a refresher, I put together a quick schedule for when you can run into everyone in-game.

Who Are the Persona 3 Portable Female Protagonist Social Links?

First, since they are new and different, here is the full list of people the female protagonist can get to know and when you can hang out for them. If someone is hard to meet or has a requirement, I noted it. Links are daytime only, unless otherwise noted.

The next event scheduled for the English-language global edition Fate/Grand Order will dive once more into Japanese history. It's titled Farewell to Kamakura - Little Big Tengu and will reward participants with a free playable Servant. The event will also add Taira no Kagekiyo, also known as Ushiwakamaru Alter, to the premium summoning banner for the duration. Farewell to Kamakura kicks off on January 20, 2023, and it runs through February 2, 2023.

The Farewell to Kamakura - Little Big Tengu Fate/Grand Order event will send Masters to Kamakura, a former capital of Japan and seat of the Kamakura Shogunate. They go in pursuit of Ushiwakamaru, who has escaped into a minute Singularity to escape the discipline of Kiichi Hogen, the legendary monk, warrior, and onmyouji. Kiichi Hogen was said to have taught Ushiwakamaru the art of swordsmanship and magic at Mount Kurama, home of the Kurama Tengu. Event participants will receive Kiichi Hogen as a free 4-Star Assassin-class Servant.

Check out her Noble Phantasm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG9NMS8ar7I

The event will feature Ushiwakamaru Alter as a 5-Star Avenger-class Servant on the premium summoning banner. Ushiwakamaru Alter debuted in the Heian-kyo chapter in late 2022. There, she was known as Taira no Kagekiyo, and manifested after the magic of Heian-kyo antagonist Ashiya Douman took control of Ushiwakamaru.

Check out Taira no Kagekiyo's Noble Phantasm.

The newest Like a Dragon Ishin trailer focuses on the more lowkey and relaxed activities in the game, with farming and caring for animals both highlighted. It shows the different kind of relaxed elements at home, how those work, and what life is like alongside Haruka. (Yes, there is a Haruka in this spin-off too.)

The Like a Dragon Ishin trailer begins with a look at farming. Kazuma is first in his garden plot. The video shows him harvesting some Broad Beans. After that, Ryoma takes that fresh produce and heads into the kitchen to cook for Haruka. This ends up being something of a rhythm game, as someone needs to chop veggies by pressing buttons at the right times. It turns out someone can view food orders and try to make items just so in order to earn money.

After taking care of farming and cooking, the Like a Dragon Ishin trailer shows animal care. Initially, we see Ryoma happen upon an injured dog. He then tends to them. It then looks like the bond grows. After that, we see Ryoma interact with Snowball the cat inside. He also spends time with a Shiba Inu that performs a flip for him and a cat that jumps for him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZJ_dc5gv-k&ab_channel=SEGA

Like a Dragon Ishin will come to the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on February 21, 2023.

Dokapon Kingdom will return worldwide, as Idea Factory International announced it will release Dokapon Kingdom: Connect on the Switch outside Japan. It confirmed the game, which is a board game with RPG and sabotage elements, will show up in both North America and Europe in Spring 2023. Digital and physical copies will be available. No exact release date is available, so it is uncertain how long it will take for it to show up globally following its April 13, 2023 debut in Japan.

As a reminder, Dokapon Kingdom Connect is a port of the PS2 and Wii game for the Switch. It supports local and online play for up to four people. As usual, folks will need Nintendo Switch Online to play it online. Every player is out to make as much money as possible and become the king’s heir. To do that, they need to go around the board rescuing towns, fighting enemies, and making money. Their class, of which there are 11, can influence their growth.

Here’s the first English trailer offering a better look at Dokapon Kingdom: Connect on the Switch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfU6eDroSN4&ab_channel=IdeaFactoryInternational

Sony took to the PlayStation Blog to confirm all of the PSVR 2 launch window games it expects to see between the end of February 2023 and March 2023. There are currently 37 expected games. Among them are some we knew, like rhythm game Kizuna AI - Touch the Beat!. Tetris Effect: Connected, a multiplatform take on the puzzle game that can be played with or without VR, will also show up for the launch.

Here is the full list of expected PSVR 2 launch window games. If ones are expected in the first 30 days after the headset's release, they are marked with a "launch window" notation. In the case of <em>Gran Turismo 7</em> and <em>Resident Evil Village</em>, free updates for the PS5 games enable access to PSVR 2 experiences.

Yaoyao made her Genshin Impact debut when 3.4 launched, joining the pool of four-star characters. Now there's a new Collected Miscellany video going over her moveset, personality, and capabilities. As with the Alhaitham one, prominent NPC Dainsleif appears to narrate the showcase.

After establishing who she is, the video goes over her moveset. Her Exploration Talent is Tailing on Tiptoes and makes it easier to catch animals, bugs, and lizards. Looks at her Normal Attack Toss ’N’ Turn Spear, Elemental Skill Raphanus Sky Cluster, Elemental Burst Moonjade Descent, and Passive Talent Starscatter. Quite a bit of the focus is on how Yuegui, once summoned and placed in the field, will heal allies and hurt enemies.

Here’s the full Genshin Impact “Yaoyao: Sweet Clouds of Osmanthus” Collected Miscellany trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5fw5RAtl34&ab_channel=GenshinImpact

A new spin-off of the Baki manga series is in production and will debut in the middle of February 2023. The announcement appeared in the March 2023 issue of Champion Red, a regular manga anthology. The series is set to star Chiharu Shiba, a recurring character from Baki that's popular among readers. [Thanks, Ryokutya2089!]

The Baki spin-off series is titled Baki Gaiden: Hana no Chiharu, and stars Chiharu Shiba, who appeared in the manga and the second and third seasons of the anime. Chiharu Shiba is a tough-as-nails street fighter who has a pain tolerance so incredible that it's rumored he doesn't feel pain at all. He's also leader of the Tokkoutai, a large and violent biker gang. He dresses in the classic outfit of a Japanese bosou-zoku biker: A long coat version with a high collar, baggy pants, and a thick pompadour hairstyle. He also has a back tattoo depicting a massive three-headed dragon resembling the famed kaiju King Ghidora.

In his fights, Chiharu Shiba takes the reckless attitude of a veteran biker to extremes, often harming himself to unnerve his opponent. In one fight, he breaks his left arm to intimidate his opponent, and then goes on to win one-handed.

The Baki spin-off manga Baki Gaiden: Hana no Chiharu is in development, but does not yet have a release window. The regular Baki manga runs in Shonen Champion in Japan. The anime adaptation of Baki Hanma airs on Netflix.

As is common with Genshin Impact updates, HoYoVerse confirmed all of its online tools like the interactive map and enhancement progression calculator are now up-to-date with new additions. These extra features take into account new characters and areas. This also marks the first update for the new Card Plaza tool, which allows people who play the Genshin Impact Genius Invokation TCG to check out cards and decks.

Bandai Namco shared a new look at the next Sword Art Online game, Last Recollection. The story from Alicization Lycoris will continue in 2023. Now, we get to see familiar faces like Kirito, Asuna, Eugeo, and Alice. There are also peeks at Dark Territory characters like Vixur UI Shasta, Dee Eye Ell, and Iskahn. Dorothy also features prominently in the new footage.

Here’s Bandai Namco’s latest trailer for Sword Art Online: Last Recollection. If you haven’t been keeping up with the series, there might be some spoilers in it.

Dorothy, the Dark Knight, was sent to make peace between the Dark Territory and the Human Realm.

Between the hope of peace and the mortal sin from which they cannot escape, what awaits Kirito and his friend in the harsh land ruled by the “Law of Power”?#SAOLR pic.twitter.com/n33zLLg214

— BANDAI NAMCO EUROPE (@BandaiNamcoEU) January 19, 2023

Both Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are immediately available worldwide, which means it is launch trailer time. Atlus shared two videos reintroducing the games to the world. Each one offers a better look at how the remastered games look on new platforms. It also serves as a refresher for what to expect from each game.

First, here’s the Persona 3 Portable launch trailer. It reminds people that there’s a 25th Dark Hour to every day. During that time, ordinary people appear in coffins, Shadows loom, and people with the Persona potential can explore. The player, who is either the male protagonist Makoto or female one Kotone, joins with a group of high schoolers called SEES to explore Tartarus, a dungeon that only appears during the Dark Hour, to face these mysterious enemies and search for the truth behind the situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqTFR-JTffg&ab_channel=OfficialATLUSWest

The final part of Nintendo's Fire Emblem Engage interview series went over both Support and Bond conversations present in the game. Intelligent Systems Director Tsutomu Tei also confirmed a range of how many people can see in the game. He noted “there are about 650 conversations” when it comes to general supports, then “about 1,300 conversations” for Emblem character Bond events. He also reiterated that these are fully voiced.

Here is Tei’s full quote from the interview when discussing the number of character combinations and Support conversations in Fire Emblem Engage.

We couldn’t manage to create one for all character combinations, but there are about 650 conversations between the characters. And we have prepared Bond conversations for all Emblems, which is about 1,300 conversations. There's quite a lot of content there for those who want to listen to every conversation. (Laughs)

Tei also confirmed that people will only experience one route in the game. As a reminder, both Fire Emblem Fates and Three Houses featured multiple storylines.

Since this game's story doesn't branch out into multiple storylines, I hope players will enjoy choosing the pairs they like and strengthening their favorite characters to their heart's content.

The Fate/Grand Order Lostbelt 7 Part 2 pick-up banner features Nitocris Alter, who is the first of the new Servants to appear. She is an SSR Avenger. Even if you miss your chance to get her now, she will appear in the permanent banner afterwards. The Nitocris Alter pick-up banner will run until February 1, 2023 on the Japanese Fate/Grand Order server.

Lasengle has released a trailer for Nitocris Alter. It shows off her attack animations, as well as her Noble Phantasm. As opposed to the normal Nitocris (whether it is her Caster form or her Assassin form), Nitocris Alter has a much more aggressive and hands-on fighting style. You can view her trailer here:

https://twitter.com/fgoproject/status/1615639283297300485

Outside of her final skill, Nitocris Alter’s kit focuses on buffing herself or increasing the performance of her cards. Her last skill will increase the party’s Arts performance, as well as grant various buffs to Good characters. However, this buff has a 60% chance of success. So if you are unlucky, you may only get the Arts boost. As for her Noble Phantasm, Neferu Suen Anubis: Unseal the Path to My Beautiful Underworld, it is an Arts attack that can deal damage to all enemies. Like the other versions of Nitocris, it has a chance to instantly kill all enemies.

After an earlier delay, Good Smile Company announced a final release window for the upcoming Max Factory Atelier Ryza figure. It'll ship in Japan in February 2023, and costs 29,800 Yen (about $233 USD). The figure was first revealed in late 2021.
[Thanks, Hobby Watch!]

The Max Factory Ryza figure was originally set for a March 2022 release window, but it was delayed several times. The figure stands at 16.5 cm tall (about 6.5 inches), and is made to 1/6th scale. The image depicts Atelier Ryza protagonist Reisalin Stout dressed in her costume from the first game. She sits on a step, putting on her boots, which have an open toe. The figure also includes scenery, including Ryza's bag, tools, plants, and other parts of the wall where she sits. Her yellow vest can also be removed for a more casual look. The design of the figure is based on the illustration created for Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout's premium box packaging.

[gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="947516" link="file"]

Ryza's costume has changed across the three Atelier Ryza games. Her first outfit, depicted in the Max Factory Ryza figure, featured her signature leggings, as well as short red pants and a yellow jacket. For Atelier Ryza 2, Ryza switched to boots, with an asymmetrical legging. She also wore a lapelled jacket and a buttoned undershirt with a teal tie. In Atelier Ryza 3 she'll have a more robust outfit, with a leather vest, full coat, and closed-toe boots.

Publisher Compile Heart announced Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is coming out exclusively for Nintendo Switch on April 13, 2023. This title is being developed by Sting. It is a remake of Dokapon Kindgom, originally released on PS2 and later ported to the Wii. The price of the game is 6,380 yen (roughly $50). [Thanks, Ryokutya2089!]

https://twitter.com/CompileHeartWeb/status/1615295366399680516

Dokapon Kingdom is a multiplayer party game with RPG elements where players compete against each other to win the favor of the king. The Compile Heart official twitter account shared a tweet on January 17, 2023 teasing the announcement. The caption reads “Have you ever had a fight with a friend?” in Japanese, and it includes a white picture with Japanese text that translates as “I guess fighting is part of youth.” The Dokapon series is infamous for testing friendships.

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect will be a straightforward port of Dokapon Kindgom for the PS2 and Wii consoles. The PS2 and Wii versions were a remake of a Super Famicom title. The first game in the Dokapon series released for the Super Famicom in 1994 under the title Dokapon 3, 2, 1: Arashi o Yobu Yuujou, which roughly translates to Dokapon 3, 2, 1: A Stormy Friendship. While the first Dokapon game never released overseas, Atlus published the PS2 and Wii versions in the US, and BigBen Interactive published the Wii version in Europe.

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Giant Bomb Community Spotlight! I, @zombiepie, am once again honored to be your host as we look back at the best community-created content from the previous week.

With GOTY now fully in the rearview mirror, which I hope all of you use on a regular basis when driving, the site is getting back into the swing of things. Dan is back after a bad bout of COVID and that means Grubb's torturous journey into the world of Bubsy 3D has returned! There was plenty of news to mull over thanks to Ubisoft, WWE, and Wizards of the Coast, but I am getting ahead of myself, so, let's jump into the site-related housekeeping.

News

Earlier this week several people have reported issues with the site's video player. As seen in the thread, the issue should be largely resolved, but some are still saying there's a little bit of jank when using the video player. For example, one person is saying they still have to *middle-click* (open in new tab) before the normal video will play. If that or any other issues are plaguing your experience on the site, please click the link and file a report.

As mentioned last week, if you are a part of the Giant Bomb Discord and are a premium member, find the comment from Bakalar about Fandom looking to conduct interviews by "Giant Bomb Superfans." Fandom wants YOU to tell them what you'd like to see on the site and why you still enjoy what's going on here.

Welcome to the latest edition of the Giant Bomb Community Spotlight! I am you host, @zombiepie. That first sentence has never been difficult for me to write, but it sure was this week. As most of you already know, Jess and Jason were laid off as part of sweeping layoffs that hit virtually every site in the Fandom network. Other names impacted included Mat Elfring from GameSpot and Justin Vachon who was the Giant Bomb and GameSpot's lead brand designer. Some truly talented and wonderful people who are now gone and that's gut-wrenching.

Jess is an amazing person and highly talented video producer and their absence is a huge loss. She provided endless laughs and smiles as well as a steady supply of Giant Bomb content that got everyone through some incredibly tough times.

Jason has been a rock for the Giant Bomb community and their presence was something to look forward to for nearly ten years. Others have already thanked them for their mentorship and genuine kindness and I will join them.

Mat Elfring is a name that many in Giant Bomb community today may not remember. But, for those that were here long enough to recall the Whiskey Media days, you may recall them being a regular Comic Vine fan prior to rising up to become a face that welcomed you whenever you logged in.

The latest designs from Justin Vachon were amazing and they brought a new sense of freshness to Giant Bomb and GameSpot on the front page and elsewhere. I loved everything they made and wish them and their future endeavors the best.

Support these people.

Hey folks, and welcome to the inaugural issue of what I guess we’ll call the Rorie Roundup for those of you who have some serious time in the GameSpot / Giant Bomb ecosystem. This is intended to be a weekly recap of what’s happening behind the scenes (and sometimes in front of the scenes!) here at Giant Bomb. I chose the picture above because I have been playing a lot of Returnal, which may become a relevant factoid to the Giant Bomb homepage if I finish up something that I'm working on.

This week, all at once, a perfect storm of deals, discounts, and sales has hit the Nintendo Switch eShop. Batten down the hatches, open up your wallets, and check out some of these limited-time deals, including massive savings on numerous Lego titles, Mortal Kombat games, and hits from Capcom, Ubisoft, and Bandai…

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A few hours ago, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer sent out a company-wide email to all full-time employees under Microsoft’s gaming divisions. A copy of the email was shared with Kotaku by a current Xbox employee, we have confirmed its authenticity, and the full text has been transcribed below:

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We’re only one episode deep into HBO’s live-action adaptation of The Last of Us and fans think they’ve discovered the actor who’ll play Abby.

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Pedro Pascal is playing the emotionally unavailable smuggler-turned-surrogate-dad Joel Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us series, and after years of playing father figures, it seems like the actor is ready to really lean into being a daddy as part of his brand.

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Critically-acclaimed base-building hit Factorio is an odd duck. Since its 2016 Steam release, the game has never gone on sale. And now, the developer behind Factorio is changing the price of its popular game, but it ain’t getting a discount. Instead, the price is jumping up $5 next week. The devs blamed inflation for…

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First came the much-requested changes to loadout drops, now Warzone 2.0 is messing with the gulag. With season two’s arrival on February 15, the gulag will no longer make players team up in pairs of two after suffering defeat on the battle royale map. Instead, as in the original Warzone, it will now focus on 1v1…

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A YouTuber created an alternative Nintendo Switch controller for their pet fish, which allows them to play video games on livestream. That fish managed to spend real money on some digital purchases while trying to beat a gym leader in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (h/t: GamesRadar). And all of this happened because …

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When you gotta go, you really gotta go. I just wish that esports tournaments felt the same about letting their competitors use the toilet. Pro player Oliver “Skiter” Lepko peed in a bottle during an ongoing DOTA 2 tournament, citing the organizers’ rules against going to the toilet during a match. Here’s a photograph…

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PSA for my fellow Destiny players and Brendan Fraser appreciators: A fellow comrade in arms has gifted us with a Destiny 2 transmog kit that recreates Fraser’s iconic, dare I say heartstopping fit from The Mummy. Warning: I’m gonna unabashedly gush about Brendan Fraser.

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While Battlefield 2042 is getting better with each update (or at least closer to the game it could and should have been at launch), there’s one thing that has annoyed a lot of long-time players ever since its release and continues to do so: Specialists, a bunch of “hero” characters designed to replace the old “class”…

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You may remember that one of the funniest stories of 2022 was the way that players of War Thunder—an arcadey online shooter featuring real military vehicles—just kept on posting military documents in the game’s forums. Not as acts of espionage, but to win arguments about specs.

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Today, after some leaks and rumors, Rockstar Games released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition on Steam. The good news: It’s on sale, meaning you can grab all three classic games for cheap. The bad news: It’s the same infamously messy remaster that hasn’t received a substantial update since nearly a…

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Soulslikes, a genre of punishing action RPGs popularized by Japanese developer FromSoftware, are all too common these days. Ever since Dark Souls came onto the scene in 2011, a bunch of studios have been trying their hands at FromSoft’s iconic formula. Some attempt to mix things up by introducing new mechanics, like …

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