Game Informer

A Plague Tale: Requiem Gets October Release Date And 10-Minute Gameplay Demo

1 year 9 months ago

A Plague Tale: Requiem finally arrives on October 18, Focus Entertainment announced today during a special broadcast. The release confirmation comes alongside an extended gameplay showing that follows Amicia and Hugo as they attempt to escape an enemy-laden quarry.

You can watch the new demo below to get an in-game look at a slice of the game’s story, as the siblings are pursued by soldiers. This leads to a good showing of the game's stealth as the pair sneak around the quarry. Amicia also gets her hands dirty taking out enemies in a showcase of the game's action. 

Additionally, a video showcasing the game’s previously announced $189.99 Collector’s Editon provides up-close looks at the Amicia and Hugo resin statue. 

A Plague Tale: Requiem will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It will also be playable on Switch via cloud streaming.

Author
Marcus Stewart

Designing The Creatures And Gore Of The Callisto Protocol

1 year 9 months ago

The Biophage, The Callisto Protocol’s monstrous antagonists, are as mysterious as they are deadly. To understand the design process behind the Biophage and the game’s copious amounts of gore, we spoke with Striking Distance’s Character Director Glauco Longhi to learn how the studio created nightmares it hopes will terrify players. 

Longhi tells us the Biophage was born out of the studio’s philosophical desire to create enemies grounded in reality while also applying their own creativity. He even cites realism as one of his personal pillars of what makes the most effective horror monster.

“It has to feel grounded, it has to feel real,” Longhi explains.  “It doesn't have to be real, but it has to feel real, right? That can mean many different things. But in my opinion, it has to be interesting, and captivating, and intriguing, and maybe disgusting…but ultimately, you got to believe that it's real, or it could be real. So [we’re] really try to hone into the believability of what we're doing.”

This focus on delivering hyper-realism led to its artists looking up all kinds of horrifying reference materials, such as human deformations and infections. By taking these realistic elements and applying their own personal twists, Striking Distances’ design team crafted adversaries Longhi describes as “very gross and interesting and dynamic.” 

Author
Marcus Stewart

Breath Of The Wild 2, Metroid, and Nintendo Direct Predictions | GI Show

1 year 9 months ago

Welcome back to a new episode of The Game Informer Show! We know what you're thinking, and yes, we are aware that Nintendo just put on a Xenoblade 3 digital showcase, but that won't stop us from hoping for more. Just like with Sony and Microsoft, we're brushing off our crystal balls and predicting what Nintendo will have at its big summer Direct...whenever that may be.

Will The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's sequel make an appearance with a more concrete gameplay section and a name reveal? Will Nintendo continue to roll out its iconic characters on Switch with a new Donkey Kong game? Can we expect to see Samus in the form of the rumored Metroid Prime Trilogy port or the much-anticipated Metroid Prime 4? Only time will tell, but we hope today's podcast will be a fun distraction while we wait for the next big Nintendo Direct!

Programming note: This week is a little funky with scheduling, so we'll return to our regular format with all the normal segments you love next week. Thanks for your understanding.

Author
Alex Stadnik

Yuji Naka Seemingly Confirms Michael Jackson’s Involvement With Sonic 3’s Soundtrack

1 year 9 months ago

Update: Yuji Naka has, kind of, walked back his original, unintentional confirmation that Michael Jackson worked on Sonic 3 after years of vaguely proven speculation.  

In the original story, posted below, he seemingly expressed disappointment that some of Sonic 3's music has been swapped out in Sonic Origins due to Jackson's connection to it. In a follow-up tweet, he posted: "I feel like I'm being misunderstood a lot, probably because I don't speak English and I'm using a translation tool. Sorry."

He then clarified that he was wishing Sonic a happy 31st birthday and referred to a Tiktok video posted by Sega that featured a Sonic mascot doing a Michael Jackson-inspired skit, complete with "Billie Jean" playing in the background. 

Author
Marcus Stewart

No Man's Sky Switch Edition Launches This Fall

1 year 9 months ago

No Man's Sky creator Hello Games has teamed up with Bandai Namco to bring its hit survival title to the Nintendo Switch. We knew from a Nintendo Direct that aired earlier this year the game was coming to the portable console before today's announcement. However, the last mention of the project came with a summer release window, which has now been pushed back. But vague time frames are a thing of the past, No Man's Sky is officially coming to the Switch October 7. 

Fans all over the world can pick up either a physical or digital copy of the game come October. In addition to the Nintendo console launch, PlayStation 5 owners will be able to buy a physical remastered edition on the same date. The remaster will come with all the previously released content included, which when tallied up means new-gen PlayStation owners will have access to 20 different updates in total.

Looking over the titles's long history and its new leap onto the Switch, Hello Games founder Sean Murray observed the following.

Author
Jill Grodt

Atari Celebrates 50th Anniversary With New Logo, Reviving Decades-Old Series

1 year 9 months ago

Atari is among the oldest and most well-known names in the gaming industry, and it’s celebrating its 50th year on June 27. It first established its headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, neighbor to a host of now-famous tech startups. The new logo, a callback to the retro design of the old location, features the company’s classic branding alongside a semi-transparent “50.” Atari is calling the limited-time celebration logo “Borregas” after the street where you could find the headquarters. According to the company, this design will join with the previously revealed “Sunnyvale” anniversary logo in gracing the many upcoming corporate announcements, game reveals, partnerships, and merchandising collaborations.

 “Design innovation was a fundamental driver and differentiator for Atari during the golden age of video games,” said Wade Rosen, CEO of Atari. “Every artist, designer, and engineer challenged themselves to reach creative excellence; it is a hallmark of Atari that persists to this day.”

Author
Jill Grodt

Sega Multiplayer Game Hyenas Revealed

1 year 9 months ago

Sega's Creative Assembly is working on a brand-new game revealed today: Hyenas. The title is described as a multiplayer, multi-team heist experience set in space with a punky comic book aesthetic. What this means practically is players can jump into five teams of three to battle each other over a prize and "engage, evade, exploit, and steal their way to victory." The game's debut trailer shows off some fast-pasted action, but to see everything for yourself, you can check out the trailer below.

The story envisions a world in which the billionaires have finally made it to mars, destroying Earth in the process. However, the rich get nostalgic for their former planet's culture. So, they send out ships to collect plunder from the remnants of Earth's poor survivors. Not content to take this sitting down, the Hyenas are fighting back.

The game is still in early development, so the creators have not revealed the release date, but we do know the game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Though it's still a ways off, you can sign up for Hyenas' alpha today, and you can learn much more about the title in IGN's Summer of Gaming interview-filled stream. 

Author
Jill Grodt

The Callisto Protocol: 83 Rapid-Fire Questions With Glen Schofield

1 year 9 months ago

Glen Schoefield has made a name for himself, working on Dead Space, Call of Duty, and even Barbie: Game Girl. Heading up Striking Distance Studios, the industry icon sits down with us today to go over 83 Rapid-Fire questions focusing on The Callisto Protocol, the horror genre, and so much more!

It's Alex Stadnik's turn to host, and he has plenty of questions. One of the main focuses is getting to know The Callisto Protocol and what players can expect. We find out basic information such as what kind of weapons we'll be using, why the game takes place on the dead moon of Jupiter, and the new gruesome Biophage enemies. We also dive into inspirations, definitively answer a circulating fan theory, and much more.

But this isn't Rapid-Fire without some fun, right? We also tell Glen our best Candyman joke, see if things like The Strangers or your mom using your full name are scarier than his upcoming game, and whether or not he can think of five words that rhyme with gore. But what other secrets does Glen have up his sleeve? You'll have to watch the video to find out! 

Author
Alex Stadnik

Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2022

1 year 9 months ago

It’s no secret that 2022 is off to a raucous start with multiple game of the year contenders hitting within the first couple of months of the year. Even with highly-rated hits like Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Horizon Forbidden West building the foundation of exceptional games of the year, there’s a lot still yet to release. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2022, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.

Below you'll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2021, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We'll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!

10

Elden Ring

From Software's dark fantasy action RPG offers up an incredible, unforgettable adventure. Read review

Author
Game Informer Editorial

How Striking Distance's ‘Horror Engineering’ Is Making The Callisto Protocol’s Scares Unpredictable

1 year 9 months ago

Believe it or not, The Callisto Protocol is a scary game. But it’s not enough to simply have horrifying monsters and an oppressive atmosphere; developer Striking Distance believes it’s how you arrange these elements. And it does so through a process the team dubs "horror engineering." 

Horror engineering defines the meticulous manner in which the team constructs its scares so they have the maximum effect on players. That ranges from designing a room with strategically placed entry points for the biophage, The Callisto Protocol’s monsters, to pop out, to obsessing over details as small as whether a light bulb should flicker two times or three. Imagine Disney’s Imagineering process applied to something much more gruesome. 

Horror engineering stems from the team’s desire to make The Callisto Protocol’s scares unpredictable even to genre enthusiasts. The developer recognizes the patterns players have come to expect and instead focuses on crafting surprises that buck those trends. For example, for players who think the formula will be “Big scare, tension building, big scare, et cetera,” there may be times that a frightening attack is followed by another terrifying surprise mere seconds later. Your headphones may pick up an unsettling noise from the left only be assaulted from the right. If you think The Callisto Protocol will go one way, Striking Distance wants it to go the opposite.

“We want to throw the timing off as much as possible,” says creative director Glen Schofield. “There are times when you’re like, ‘I know you’re going to scare me, I know they’re going to get me,’ right? And then maybe we don’t.”

Author
Marcus Stewart

The Biggest News From Summer Game Fest 2022 And The Other June Showcases

1 year 9 months ago

Final Fantasy XVI

This year's Summer Game Fest is in full swing, and as such, there has been a ton of news. In case you haven't kept your finger on the pulse of the various streams, we've got you covered. While this page doesn't feature all the news out of Summer Game Fest and other summertime streams, these are the biggest stories we think you'd most want to know about. 

To learn more about each headline, be sure to click or tap it to read the full article! For more on what to expect through the rest of this busy month, be sure to head here for the full schedule of streams!

Author
Brian Shea

Nintendo Dives Deep Into Xenoblade Chronicles 3

1 year 9 months ago

With Xenoblade Chronicles 3 only a month away, the game starred in its own Nintendo Direct featuring details on the characters, story, world, and more. The 20-minute presentation falls just a few months after the game's release date was unexpectedly moved up from its initial September release date to the July 29 one confirmed in today's event. There was plenty of new information in the show, and you can see the title's latest trailer below. 

The game has six main characters, each belonging to one of two warring nations. These include Noah, Eunie, and Lanz, who represent the country of Keves. While Mio, Taion, and Sena belong to Agnus. The trailer explains that members of each nation, including our protagonists, are only given ten years to live, called a term, during which individuals fight those from the opposing nation until they either die or earn the honor of a homecoming ceremony. 

However, Xenoblade Chronicle 3's main characters have become fugitives, meeting each other on a special mission and deciding to band together rather than fight. Their quest to restore the world's natural order will take them through a fantastic array of landscapes and pit them against difficult foes. 

Author
Jill Grodt

Final Fantasy XVI Preview – An Interview With Naoki Yoshida On Eikons, Boss Fights, And When We’ll See More

1 year 9 months ago

Platform: PlayStation 5, PC
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix

Square Enix debuted a new Final Fantasy XVI trailer during a recent PlayStation State of Play. It was our biggest look yet at the upcoming RPG and the trailer revealed that Final Fantasy XVI is due out sometime during the summer of next year. 

Game Informer spoke with the game’s producer, Naoki Yoshida, who is also the director of Final Fantasy XIV, about this new "Dominance" FFXVI trailer, including the franchise's return to a more medieval setting, Eikons, boss fights, and much more. 

Author
Wesley LeBlanc

5 Essential Dead Space Elements That Appear In The Callisto Protocol

1 year 9 months ago

The Callisto Protocol comes from the minds that spawned the Dead Space franchise, and it has more than a little in common with Isaac Clarke’s horrifying adventures. That isn’t to say it doesn’t have plenty of original ideas, but there are several mechanical, narrative, and visual nods that fans of EA’s premier horror franchise will recognize. Here are the biggest overlaps between the two. 

It Stars An Everyman

Jacob Lee, like Isaac Clarke, isn’t a soldier or trained fighter. He’s a cargo ship pilot who crash-lands on Callisto, which leads to his arrest and imprisonment. We don’t know why his arrival put him on the wrong side of the law, only that he “didn’t get a warm reception on Callisto,” according to Striking Distance. Although he can use a gun well enough, don’t expect Jacob to mow through the biophage with tactical precision. You’ll often survive by the skin of your teeth, which fits Jacob’s portrayal as the unluckiest regular joe in the galaxy. 

The UI Remains Entirely In Universe

Dead Space’s signature diegetic UI carries over with all HUD elements represented on Jacob’s person. That includes the health bar on his prison neck collar, weapons displaying ammo count via holograms, and Jacob visibly carrying up to two guns on his person. Calisto also displays pick-ups such as ammunition and crafting materials outside of menus.

Author
Marcus Stewart

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands Is Coming To Steam This Week

1 year 9 months ago

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, the Borderlands-meets-DND spin-off from earlier this year, is finally coming to Steam, publisher 2K Games and developer Gearbox Software announced today. You'll be able to play it on June 23.

Two different editions will be available – the Standard and, as Gearbox calls it, "Chaotic Great Edition." The latter includes the game's season pass and the Dragon Lord Pack Bonus Content, which, among other things, adds cosmetic content. The fancy edition also comes with (sigh) the Butt Stallion cosmetic pack and the four Mirrors of Mystery DLCs. The editions are available for $59.99 and $79.99 USD, respectively. 

Across all platforms, the Molten Mirrors (the third of the Mirrors of Mystery DLC) is also being released on June 23. As detailed by Gearbox: 

In Molten Mirrors, players will battle Fyodor the Soul Warden, who lords over his horde of lost souls deep within his mountain stronghold. In order to break their chains, players need to defeat Fyodor’s murderous mechanized defenses, including terror-powered turrets, blazing furnaces, and bone-crushing hammers, all while looting for new weapons, gear, and cosmetic items.

The last Mirrors of Mystery DLC is expected to be released later this year for owners of the Season Pass or Chaotic Great Edition. It will add a new playable class. "This shamanic elementalist channels spirits and summons storms to wear down foes with poison and elemental damage," Gearbox said in a press release.

Author
Blake Hester

Reader Discussion: What're Your Favorite Hidden Gems On PlayStation Plus?

1 year 9 months ago

The new and improved PlayStation Plus is live and surprisingly great. 

Of course, it has all the titles you might expect: God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and a bunch of other triple-A games. Whatever. But there's more to it than PlayStation's ever-growing list of really expensive games.

I had little-to-no interest in the new PlayStation Plus when it was announced. But when Sony gave me three free months – the perks of being in the press, I guess, but also something I should disclose given the glowing nature of this piece – I took the time to scroll through the games list. 

To my delight, it's full of weirdo games you probably haven't heard of and definitely have not played. Immediately, I downloaded nearly a dozen games based solely on the criteria of "Does this look weird and/or interesting?" It's been a blast. 

I finally played through the Gravity Rush series, and while I think Gravity Rush 2 is disappointing, the original is fantastic. I highly recommend checking it out. It takes about seven hours to mainline and consistently keeps mission design interesting. It's also a ton of fun throwing yourself around its dizzying open world. 

Author
Blake Hester

Ms. Marvel, Captain America, Grim, Fantastic Four, And More | From Panel To Podcast

1 year 9 months ago

On this episode of From Panel to Podcast, we dive into last week's comic books, offering our top picks and what to avoid. We also offer our takes on the first two episodes of Disney Plus' Ms. Marvel series. As always, we conclude the episode with a look ahead to what you can purchase this week.

If you would like to follow us on Twitter: Andrew Reiner (@Andrew_Reiner) and Philip Hoff (@bnow23).

From Panel to Podcast is a weekly show created by two lifelong comic book readers who offer suggestions on which comic books you should be reading each week. Each episode also dives into the latest developments for comics in video games, movies, and television shows. We'll even discuss comic book collectibles and anything we think you should know about that pertains to this entertainment medium.

Be sure to subscribe to From Panel to Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. The show is available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Author
Andrew Reiner

The Callisto Protocol Exclusive Combat Deep Dive

1 year 9 months ago

The Callisto Protocol captured the attention of horror fans worldwide with its terrifying world and oppressive sense of horror, but how does it feel to play it? In this exclusive Game Informer interview, Ben Walker, design director at Striking Distance Studios, breaks down how combat, dodging, and the bounty of gameplay systems work.

Join Alex Stadnik and Marcus Stewart as they grill Ben on all things Callisto gameplay. The trio kicks off the conversation by dissecting the basics of combat. In Callisto, players balance melee and ranged encounters to keep protagonist Jacob alive as he fights through Saturn's dead moon. At your side is your trusty shiv, a shock baton, and a wide swath of weapons to fend off the Biophage and figure out what's happening on the moon.

Author
Alex Stadnik

Tony Hawk Says Activision Killed Plans For More THPS Games

1 year 9 months ago

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 And 2

Remakes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 were planned at some point until publisher Activision pulled the plug. This news comes from Tony Hawk himself, who discussed the series with streamer andyTHPS. 

According to Hawk, the "plan" was to develop remakes for THPS 3 and 4 following the release of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 remake. That plan, however, got complicated after Activision merged THPS1 and 2 developer Vicarious Visions into Blizzard

"The truth of it is that they were trying to find someone to do [Tony Hawk's Pro Skater] 3 and 4, but they just didn't really trust anyone the way they did Vicarious, so they took other pitches from other studios," Hawk says in the clip. "Like, 'What would you do with a THPS title?' And they didn't like anything they heard, and then that was it."

You can watch the full clip below: 

Author
Blake Hester

How To Get Darth Vader's Lightsaber In Fortnite

1 year 9 months ago

Darth Vader was apparently sick and tired of being trapped in Fortnite's Battle Pass and is now waging war against all players. In a new update to the battle royale game, the Sith Lord is unleashed and he won't hesitate to take you down, but if you can take him out first, you'll get his lightsaber as a reward.

Vader appears in random places each match but is easy to locate since he arrives at the island at the same time as the players. When you are in the Battle Bus, look for an Imperial Shuttle. It'll enter the airspace just above the clouds and will quickly descend to a spot on the map. The Shuttle is highlighted with a blue glow for a few seconds after settling down on the surface.

Vader is one of the toughest bosses in the game and will take some serious firepower to take out. He's also flanked by two stormtroopers. He uses the Force in a variety of ways to mess with you and can block your shots. Your best bet is to attack him from afar with a sniper rifle or approach in a group. 

His lightsaber is a game-changer. You too can block shots with it, and it can also be thrown a decent distance to inflict big damage. Of course, you can swing it widely for melee strikes. We don't know how long Vader will be around or how he is influencing the story, but it's awesome to see him on the island dishing out punishment. Here's hoping more Star Wars integration is on the way soon!

Author
Andrew Reiner

RiotPWR Reveals New Controller Designed For Xbox Cloud Gaming On Mobile

1 year 9 months ago

RiotPWR Xbox Cloud Gaming Mobile Controller

RiotPWR has revealed a new controller specifically designed for Xbox cloud gaming on mobile devices, and it looks great. 

RiotPWR is no stranger to creating controllers with mobile gaming in mind, but today’s reveal is the result of a collaboration and partnership with Xbox. The team set out to “develop and manufacture a full form-factor mobile gaming controller to enhance Xbox Cloud Gaming with high-quality, dedicated equipment,” and who better to work with on this than the people at Xbox. Dubbed the RiotPWR Mobile Controller for iOS (Xbox Edition), this controller is available to preorder starting today. RiotPWR will release it on Aug. 1 but if you preorder today, you’ll get 10% off the price. 

“The RiotPWR Mobile Controller for iOS (Xbox Edition) is Lightning-connected, therefore requires zero batteries or Bluetooth to use, and has a removable, adjustable phone mount display,” a press release from RiotPWR reads. “It also includes RiotPWR’s unique pass-through charging feature that allows users to charge their mobile device while using the controller without worrying about a low battery interrupting their game. Users can even record their gameplay with the push of a button and plug in headphones to fully immerse themselves in their games.” 

Author
Wesley LeBlanc

Shadowrun Trilogy And Four Other Games Join Xbox Game Pass

1 year 9 months ago

Starting today, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can dive into the wonderful Shadowrun Trilogy on cloud and console. Developed by Hairbrained Schemes and Codeglue and published by Paradox Interactive, these strategic RPGs draw heavily from the boardgame universe and have great stories to tell. The trilogy consists of Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director's Cut, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition.

In Game Informer's review of Shadowrun Returns, Matt Miller says the "isometric view, turn-based combat, point-and-click controls, and text-driven dialogue deliver a jolt of nostalgia for longtime PC gamers. Fifteen years ago, games like this established the foundations of today’s Western RPGs. Even so, there’s nothing here that should turn away newcomers thanks to smart updates to the formula. The challenge level is accessible, with a steady ramp up in difficulty that may be too easy for experienced tacticians. The leveling system is flexible and easy to grasp, letting you shape your character by doubling down on one or two skill sets, or by becoming a jack of all trades."

Author
Andrew Reiner

Sonic Origins Review - A Potent Pack Of Nostalgia

1 year 9 months ago

Sonic Origins

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Release:
Rating: Everyone

While fans often debate the merits of modern Sonic the Hedgehog video games, the consensus is that the ‘90s were the franchise’s most consistently great years. Sonic Origins gathers the four games most attributed to that notion, delivering a stellar group of classic titles at its core. But through several modernizations and updates, Sonic Origins makes a strong case for being the best official way to experience Sonic’s heyday in 2022.

Playing through the four games of this collection – Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD – remains astoundingly fun. Sure, some frustrating design elements of Sonic 1 and CD haven’t aged as gracefully as the other two games, but these are all bona fide classics in the 2D platforming genre. Speeding through Chemical Plant Zone is just as fun today as it was on Genesis, and I couldn’t have stopped the smile that spread across my face if I tried when the opening scene of Sonic 3 played.

Author
Brian Shea

Enter For Your Chance To Win Game Informer Gold - The Callisto Protocol Issue

1 year 9 months ago

High-gloss paper. Gold-foil covers. Uniquely-numbered issues. Ridiculously-low print runs. This is Game Informer Gold, an ultra-rare collectible that one of you can win through this sweepstakes. You need to get your hands on Game Informer Gold to truly understand how big of an upgrade it is over our standard edition. From its increased thickness to the gold shine on the cover, this is as high-end as magazines get.

This month, the copy of Game Informer Gold that is up for grabs is issue #346, featuring The Callisto Protocol. Not only can you read our massive The Callisto Protocol cover story on the best paper and print quality we provide, but there's also a wonderful Kingdom Hearts retrospective, an interview with former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé, and a look at under-the-radar horror games you need to check out. As always, this edition of Game Informer Gold is an extremely limited print run. The winner of this sweepstakes will get one of these issues. Only one person will win.

For more info on Game Informer Gold, watch this short video featuring our first Game Informer Gold issue #340:

Enter below by July 4, 2022 for your chance at this unique exclusive collectible. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. Full rules are available below. Many will enter, but only one will win! Good Luck!

Author
Game Informer Contests

If Ubisoft Remakes Assassin’s Creed, It Should Look To Final Fantasy VII

1 year 9 months ago

Assassin's Creed Remake

Hot off the reveal that Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2 is called Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about remakes, their purpose in video games, and what games need and don’t need them. 

As a bottom line, I’m not opposed to any remake. If a studio wants to take a new crack at an old game, especially if it’s the studio behind the original release, why not? It’s not like I have to buy the game, and who knows, it could be a new favorite for me. That’s what happened with FF7R. I love Final Fantasy 7, and I was worried the remake would not do it justice. Well, it turns out FF7R is one of my favorite games ever. Plus, at the end of the day, in many cases, the original game is still there for me to play should I wish to do that. 

Author
Wesley LeBlanc

Nintendo Announces Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct For This Week

1 year 9 months ago

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Nintendo Direct

It’s been a wild month of video game announcements, updates, trailers, and more courtesy of June’s gaming showcase schedule. Between the 2022 Xbox & Bethesda showcase, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest, and the third-party PlayStation State of Play, people have been expecting Nintendo to announce its own June gaming direct. 

And it finally has, but it might not be the more general one you were expecting. That’s because Nintendo has revealed that a Xenoblade Chronicles 3 direct is happening this week. 

“Tune in on 6/22 at 7 a.m. PT for a livestreamed Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct presentation featuring roughly 20 minutes of information about the upcoming RPG adventure for Nintendo Switch.” 
Author
Wesley LeBlanc

Gotham Knights: New Details On Alternate Suits, Missions, And The Elseworlds-Like Cooperative Play

1 year 9 months ago

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: Warner Bros. Games Montreal
Release:

What would happen to Gotham City if Batman stopped protecting it? We'll soon find out in Warner Bros. Montreal's Gotham Knights, a story-based action/RPG that begins with Batman's death. As criminals try to take advantage of Batman's absence, his understudies are trying to keep order. Batgirl, Red Hood, Robin, and Nightwing unite to maintain order, but quickly learn Gotham now bends to the will of the mysterious Court of Owls.

Author
Andrew Reiner

New Evil West Trailer Showcases More Than 10 Minutes Of Rootin’ Tootin’ Action

1 year 9 months ago

Evil West gameplay trailer release date

Evil West is the upcoming Wild West action game from developer Flying Wild Hog, the studio behind the fast-paced Shadow Warrior series, and it’s due out this September. It got an excellent trailer during both The Game Awards 2020 and The Game Awards 2021, as well as a new look during the past few weeks of video game showcases. 

Now, it’s back with a new trailer that highlights more than 10 minutes of rootin’ tootin’ western action, with plenty of vampires, of course, and it looks like a great time. If you’ve kept up with Evil West, then you likely already know its combat resembles that of 2018’s God of War, with the added bonus of guns. It’s just as brutal, with even more exploding gore. This trailer showcases a lot more of that and the wide variation of biomes we’ll be visiting, too, from western frontiers to strange caverns to foggy forests and more. 

Check it out for yourself below


 

As you can see, Evil West is looking like a fun time, and I can’t wait to check it out. If you’re unfamiliar with its premise, Flying Wild Hog describes it as “a third-person action game that puts you in the boots of a vampire hunter rescuing a Wild West devoured by darkness.” Flying Wild Hog will release Evil West on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Sept. 20. 

Author
Wesley LeBlanc

Elden Ring Song Lyrics Are Apparently Gibberish

1 year 9 months ago

Elden Ring Songs Meaningless Gibberish Lyrics

If a song during an Elden Ring boss fight has ever hyped you up, specifically because you think its choral melodies feature lyrics speaking of your heroic deeds (what, just me?), then you should turn away from this story right now. 

That’s because apparently, the lyrics in most Elden Ring songs are completely gibberish and void of meaning. This news comes from Eurogamer, which discovered Reddit user Magister Organi, a student studying Latin, and their diligent attempted translation of the songs of Elden Ring. Organi confirmed that most of the lyrics are gibberish, and they even apparently reached out to an Elden Ring music producer to verify their findings.

“I am a Latin student, and I have been studying all Elden Ring choral songs,” Organi writes on the PlayStation 5 subreddit. “The first one I analyzed was ‘Song of Lament,’ not a boss theme, (a.k.a song of the bats) whose lyrics are indeed in Latin. I contacted the lyricist who wrote them three months ago, and then (for my surprise), I was told that only those were written by that person. Then I published those Latin lyrics and their translation at the time…and I was looking forward to finding another Latin song in Elden Ring.

Author
Wesley LeBlanc

Season 6: Devil May Cry 2 | Video Gameography

1 year 9 months ago

Let’s rock, baby! Season 6 of Video Gameography gets stylish as we examine the Devil May Cry series! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering the history and lore of Capcom’s premiere action franchise. This week we go all the way to hell with Dante as we unpack the mysterious low-point in the series, Devil May Cry 2.

Releasing a short 15 months after the release of Devil May Cry, Dante returns with a 2-disc adventure that’s more often than not seen as the worst game in the series, and there are very good reasons as to why it turned out that way. In this episode of Video Gameography, we talk about the tumultuous development cycle that didn’t include the team behind DMC, Team Little Devils. From an unknown first director to arcade-focused developers making their first console game and a late transition of direction, Devil May Cry 2 has all of the trappings of a project that would have been canceled. That is, if not for the man who would shepherd the series for years to come. 

Join hosts Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7), John Carson (@John_Carson), along with Game Informer Editor-In-Chief Andrew Reiner (@Andrew_Reiner

Author
John Carson

Nerf Introduces Its First Mascot, Murph

1 year 9 months ago

Nerf, the leading foam dart and water weapon manufacturer, has unveiled its first-ever mascot, which fittingly goes by the name Murph. Murph Nerfington (I gave them the last name) will represent the company as part of a multi-year marketing push in social media, public events, and more.

Murph looks like a Koosh mascot more than a Nerf representative, although that would still be under the Hasbro umbrella. However, if you look closely, you can see Murph is made entirely out of foam Nerf darts. The new character was created in association with a new summer initiative for the company to invite families to get out and play. Also, given the language of they/them pronouns in the mascot's announcement, Murph doesn’t have a set gender. So happy Pride month, Murph! The company even has a new mnemonic that Murph embodies, “Unleash the play in you.” I’m not sure what hard-to-remember topic this mnemonic is supposed to remind us of, but it’s a cute enough slogan nonetheless.

Below are a handful of promotional images of Murph handing some new Nerf weapons and looking like a late 2000s physics tech demo. 

Author
John Carson

A Game Of Thrones Sequel Series Starring Jon Snow Is Reportedly In The Works

1 year 9 months ago

A new Game of Thrones series is reportedly in the works, and it will reunite fans with Jon Snow after the events of the show’s finale. 

The Hollywood Reporter states that HBO has begun developing the live-action spin-off series, reporting that Kit Harrington is attached to reprise his role as Jon Snow should it proceed. HBO and Kit Harrington’s representatives did not respond to THR’s request for comment. 

Fans last saw the character in the Season 8 finale, which saw him venture beyond the Wall after being exiled from Westeros. A follow-up story would, presumably, center on Jon’s new life with the Wildlings. 

Another Game of Thrones spin-off, the prequel show House of the Dragon, is set to premiere on HBO Max on August 21. That series focuses on House Targaryen 200 years before the original show. It's far from the only TV show in the pipeline based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling series. Other adjacent projects, such as 10,000 Ships, The Golden Empire, 9 Voyages, and Dunk and Egg, are in various stages of development. 

[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]

Author
Marcus Stewart

TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Neon White, Sonic Frontiers | All Things Nintendo

1 year 9 months ago

On this week's episode of All Things Nintendo, Brian is joined by a trio of guests throughout the episode. First, Marcus Stewart joins the show to talk about the best games they played at Summer Game Fest, the news from the last week, and his review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. For the second segment, Blake Hester makes his sophomore appearance on the show to talk about Neon White, which he reviewed and gave the highest score he's ever given. Finally, the show wraps up with Kimberley Wallace for Definitive Ranking and eShop Gem of the Week.

If you'd like to follow the people from this episode on Twitter, hit the following links: Brian Shea (@brianpshea), Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7), Blake Hester (@metallicaisrad)Kimberley Wallace (@kstar1785)

The All Things Nintendo podcast is a weekly show where we celebrate, discuss, and break down all the latest games, news, and announcements from the industry's most recognizable name. Each week, Brian is joined by different guests to talk about what's happening in the world of Nintendo. Along the way, they'll share personal stories, uncover hidden gems in the eShop, and even look back on the classics we all grew up with. A new episode hits every Friday!

Author
Brian Shea

I Miss The Encapsulation Of Events And Excitement E3 Used To Provide

1 year 9 months ago

E3 2022, of course, didn't take place. Instead, we had the third annual Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest and a handful of connected and not-so-connected streams and events from other gaming media outlets and publishers. While we had a full weekend of games on display and more than enough to cover, there's something about the current setup for the game industry's biggest info dump of the year that's leaving me frustrated and unsatisfied. I find myself missing the tight encapsulation of excitement E3 used to provide.

What I'd like to see return next year is the attempt to cram all of the big summer industry news into one week or a timeframe close to it. All the better if these events could coalesce in one general location. We used to have a good seven days or so of events, press conferences, and show floor demos that would provide all sorts of information for the following year of games and beyond. It was usually a mess to cover even when everyone shared a convention show floor, but for fans of games, E3 week was a consistent and structured time where I knew game news was going to happen, and once it was over, I knew that was it until Gamescom. E3 week felt important and was essential viewing. The spread of events has, in some ways, lessened the impact of gaming's most significant time of year.

Author
John Carson

Starfield’s Ambitious Scale Is Worrisome

1 year 9 months ago

Starfield 1000 Planets

Following years of fervent rumors and speculation, Todd Howard announced Starfield during Bethesda’s E3 2018 conference. The first original IP developed by the prolific studio in over 25 years, Starfield is expected to redefine science fiction RPGs with unparalleled ambition, boasting considerable customization options and scale. I’m as intrigued by this game as any avid space opera fan. Still, this “unparalleled ambition” worries me.

Sunday’s gameplay footage ended with what Bethesda likely thought was a big bang (pun intended). Players can land anywhere on any planet in any solar system of their choice or, as Howard excitedly put it, “Over 100 systems. Over 1,000 planets. All open for you to explore.” On cue, the camera zoomed out, revealing countless nodes on an overwhelmingly extensive illustration of the universe. There’s much to do and see in Starfield, but will these experiences have depth?

Author
Jason Guisao

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Heads To Steam Tomorrow

1 year 9 months ago

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is heading to Steam tomorrow, June 17. Prior to today’s news, the game’s only been available on PC via The Epic Games Store.

Intergrade is the enhanced version of Final Fantasy VII Remake that features even higher fidelity visuals, shorter load times, a Classic Mode difficulty, and the Intermission story expansion starring Yuffie. Executive director Yoshinori Kitase also confirmed that the game is Steam Deck compatible. The game is also launching with a limited-time discount. Beginning tomorrow until June 23, Intergrade will have a 29% discount on Steam.

You can read our reviews for Final Fantasy VII Remake here, and our review of Intergrade here. For more news on today’s Final Fantasy VII 25th Anniversary Stream, check out these links to the following stories:

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth announcement

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion announcement

Final Fantasy VII Remake confirmed to be a three-game series

Author
Marcus Stewart

Overwatch 2's First Content Bundle Includes Original Game And Beta Access, Still Pricey

1 year 9 months ago

Overwatch 2 is coming to consoles and PC later this year as an Early Access free-to-play title. With that change in business model, Blizzard Entertainment is now offering a bundle for the unreleased game with plenty of cosmetics and extras, including beta access. However, it's going to set you back about the full price of a game.

Clocking in at $39.99, Overwatch 2's first content bundle, dubbed the Overwatch Watchpoint Pack, does include a game you can play right now. It's the Legendary Edition of the original Overwatch which comes with some additional skins for characters and is probably necessary for the next piece of the bundle; purchasers will also be granted access to the upcoming Overwatch 2 beta, which starts on June 28. When the game launches into Early Access proper in October, the Watchpoint Pack covers the cost of the initial season pass and grants skins, in-game currency, and more.

Here are the entire contents of the Watchpoint Pack: 

Author
John Carson

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion Polishes Up The PSP Classic

1 year 9 months ago

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, the 2007 prequel to Final Fantasy VII, is getting a modern facelift in the form of Reunion. 

The updated version of the PSP classic features HD visuals and updated character models. It also includes full voiceover and a rearranged soundtrack. If FFVII Remake was your first experience with this franchise and you asked yourself who the heck that black-haired guy was, this is the game you'll want to play. 

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion launches this Winter for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. 

For more on today’s FF VII 25th Anniversary presentation, check out the news on FFVII Remake’s next chapter, Rebirth, and the news that Remake is a three-game series.

Author
Marcus Stewart

Final Fantasy VII Remake Is A Three-Game Series

1 year 9 months ago

Square Enix not only revealed Final Fantasy VII’s second game, Rebirth, during today's 25th Anniversary presentation. It also answered a question fans have asked since this whole thing started: how many games does the saga consist of?

It turns out the answer is three. Executive producer Yoshinori Kitase confirmed that there’s only one untitled game left after Rebirth launches next year. Following a three-game roadmap is fitting given that the original Final Fantasy VII consisted of three discs on PS1. Kitase, unsurprisingly, did not give a window for when the final game will arrive.

For more Final Fantasy VII news, check out the other announcements from today's livestream:

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion announcement

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade launches on Steam tomorrow

Author
Marcus Stewart