Author: Nik Ranger

Skate leakers uncover “swag bag” loot boxes and fans are worried EA Black BoxA keen-eyed dataminer has found the existence of loot boxes in EA’s next Skate game, prompting concern from avid players. Over 12 years have passed since EA Black Box’s Skate 3 hit consoles. Now, the acclaimed series is returning as a free-to-play entry, with confirmed microtransactions. Amid the leak of a 2021 build of the game, dataminers have discovered the existence of loot boxes. Skate 4 leakers discover loot boxes despite EA’s denial On July 14, the skate. development team stated the game would use microtransactions to “support a never-ending, ever-evolving” experience. However, the inclusion of loot boxes was denied. Redditor PatFennis has obtained an alpha build of the game from 2021, leading to the discovery of a loot box-akin system known as “Swag Bags.” Within the dataminer’s leak, the loot boxes can be earned by using a currency known as “Taps” as players complete challenges and explore Skate’s map. It appears that the “Swag Bags” are used to unlock cosmetic items such as shirts and shoes. It is unclear whether the “Taps” currency is a purchasable item similar to Fortnite’s V-Bucks at this time. (Microtransactions and loot boxes discussed 7:48) Naturally, the dataminer’s discovery has prompted concern for players returning to the Skate franchise. Redditor Mr-Flat said: “all my interest in it has been killed. I called it when they first announced the game.” Another added: “I was looking forward to skate 4 but if it gets released with these mechanics, I won’t download it. I am not going to support games with loot boxes.” One Redditor, mayowa_olu, likened the usage of loot boxes to another EA live-service game: “Apex Legends has a form of loot box mechanics, so yeah this is definitely going to have something like that. I expect the monetization mechanics to be exactly the same as Apex Legends.” Skate. has yet to confirm a release date, leaving plenty of time for the developers to address paid content.

Leaked Skate footage offers closer look at Fun City map & customization Electronic ArtsAnother video boasting leaked gameplay footage of Skate has gone live online, offering a closer look at the Fun City map and more. During EA Play Live in July 2020, EA announced the return of its beloved skateboarding franchise, Skate. In the two-plus years since then, new details about the project have surfaced piecemeal. And in recent months, some of the most noteworthy glimpses at the new title have hit the web via pre-alpha gameplay leaks. In addition to warning fans against downloading unofficial Skate files, EA and developer Full Circle recently lifted the veil on the new title’s future. For one, the upcoming Skate installment simply bears the title of skate. The team has also confirmed it will launch as a free-to-play experience sans loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics. Leaked Skate gameplay shows map and customization options Despite EA’s relatively recent news blowout for Skate, leaks continue to make the rounds online, the latest of which stems from playtest footage. The two-minute build is viewable here. Notably, it showcases a player character skating around a gray box level, popping ollies, grinding rails, and performing several other tricks. After the one-minute mark in the video, viewers can also catch a glimpse of the Fun City map. A legend on the left-hand side details points of interest that include Bus Stops, racing locales, and a Private Park. Writing on the map itself denotes larger areas that players will likely explore, such as a Financial District, Lighthouse, Civic Center, and Central Plaza. Further along in the leaked gameplay footage, the player opens Skate’s customization menu. The screen suggests the title will boast in-game video editing tools and a “Build Kit” for creating “Skate Parks” and a “Hangout Space.” At present, there’s no word on when EA will officially showcase more of the experience in action. Skate also lacks a firm release date at the time of writing.

Skate confirmed as free-to-play game and crossplay details revealed EAAfter years of waiting, EA announced that the next installment of the Skate series is in development. Now named officially as ‘skate.’, the developers have revealed the game will be free-to-play, support cross-play and cross-progression between platforms. Since its reveal to the world in 2020, we haven’t heard much about the next Skate game beyond gameplay leaks of pre-pre-pre-alpha footage. However, the developers blessed fans on July 14 with an update on the development, which has revealed some crucial information. While Iucky players will get a chance to get hands on with the game in the near future through selective playtests, the developers opened up and revealed long-awaited details on the next entry in the franchise. skate. will be free to play? Fans initially believed the next installment in the series would be titled Skate 4, and follow on from the last title Skate 3. However, the Full Circle devs have announced that the game will be simply called ‘skate.’ The devs noted that the game isn’t a sequel, remake, reboot or remaster, and there’s ambitions to keep skate. going for years to come. “Our dream is that skate. never ends,” said Lead of Product Management Isabelle Mocquard. More surprisingly, however, is that the developers announced that skate. will be free to play for all, and will feature cross-progession and cross-play between PC, as well as last-gen and new-gen Xbox and PlayStation platforms. Additionally, while it’s still early in development, there’s plans for skate. to even support cross-progression with mobile devices. The devs are looking to achieve a “no barriers” approach to the game that allows players to play however they like. In order to support the free-to-play game, microtransactions will be added. However, fortunately, FullCircle reassured fans that the skate. won’t feature any pay-to-win advantages. In addition, no areas of the map will be locked behind a paywall and there will be no lootboxes. “I want it to be very clear that it’s not a pay-to-win game,” said FullCircle General Manager Dan McCulloch. “There won’t be any gameplay areas hidden exclusively behind a paywall. Players won’t be able to buy any gameplay altering advantages.” Does skate. have release date? Despite many teasers, the developers wouldn’t open up on any planned release date for skate. According to Creative Director Deran Chung, the devs will be taking their time when it comes to the game’s release. “Our mantra is let’s not f**k it up,” the developer admitted. “We’re going to take our time, and not put any unrealistic expectations for when it comes to a launch date. It’ll come when it’s ready.” For those looking to get their hands on the game before release, luckily some will get their chance through selective play-testing this summer, so make sure to sign-up on the EA website.

Skate console playtest: Platforms and how to register Electronic ArtsDie-hard Skate fans will get their hands on the highly-anticipated Skate revival as Electronic Arts prepares for a console playtest in fall 2024. More than a decade removed from the last release, Skate is finally kickflipping its way back into the spotlight. Following on from its initial reveal in 2021, the all-new entry is now closing in on its Early Access launch. EA and developer Full Circle have previously hosted playtests for PC players, but console users will get their turn come fall 2024. Here’s what we know so far. New Skate playtest dates A closed console playtest will become available on an unspecified date in fall 2024. At the time of writing, EA and Full Circle haven’t shared anymore concrete details about when the testing phase will officially begin. We’ll be sure to update this article with new information as it surfaces. What platforms is the Skate playtest on? Console players will have a chance to join the next playtest for Skate. While EA hasn’t specified which console platforms will take part, the questionnaire included in the sign-up form does ask if interested parties have access to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series hardware. How to register for the Skate playtest To access the upcoming Skate build, players must first ensure they have an EA account. After logging into the EA website, it’s simply a matter of registering to be a playtester, selecting platform preferences, agreeing to all terms and conditions, and hoping for an invitation. It’s unknown how many participants may be selected, but not everyone is guaranteed entry. As such, even those who register can’t be assured they’ll gain access to the upcoming playtest sessions. That’s all there is to know about the Skate playtest on consoles for now. In announcing a 2025 launch window for Early Access, the developers confirmed plans to share more information in the “coming months.”

Skate: Platforms, trailers, leaks & everything we know EAA new Skate game is in development at EA, so here’s everything we know about our return to this sorely missed skateboarding game series. Skateboarding fans have been clamoring for a new Skate game since Skate 3 back in 2010, especially since the Tony Hawk series – itself due for a revival – went off the rails somewhat. Many believed a Skate 4 would be made eventually, but it turns out that the next Skate game will be a reboot simply called Skate. Since then, we’ve learned more information about the upcoming title, including the fact that Skate will be free-to-play. Here’s everything we know about Skate so far. Is there a release date? Skate will release in early access in 2025, though no specific window has been given. Before that, select players will be able to try out the game in closed playtests. These tests have been going on since 2022 on PC, but the devs will expand to console starting in fall 2024. This 2025 window means that, by the time Skate releases, it will have been about 15 years since Skate 3 came out. Platforms Skate will be available on PC, Mac, and mobile, as well as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. In a June 2024 development update, the devs explained they sought to “remove as many barriers to play as possible” by releasing on all of these systems and including cross-platform play and cross-progression. Skate going free-to-play During a July 14 ‘board room’ video, the team behind Skate revealed its long-term plans for the series. Rather than releasing a simple ‘Skate 4’ as a premium game and supporting it for a handful of years, the developers are instead looking to create a model in which they can support a new Skate title for much longer. As a result, Skate is set to launch as a free-to-play title and feature cross-play across both different platforms. Currently, it’s unclear exactly how the game will make its money, though Full Circle General Manager Dan McCulloch stressed that it won’t be a “pay-to-win game.” Thus, it’s safe to expect premium cosmetics, season passes, and other voluntary transactions. One such transaction could manifest in the form of loot boxes, specifically the previously rumored and controversial “Swag Bags.” According to a report from Insider Gaming, playtesters have confirmed that loot boxes do exist in Skate and can be unlocked using in-game currency known as Stars. Users receive Stars by completing challenges. The unlocks have supposedly been separated into 2 and 3-Star loot boxes, with the latter featuring the most valuable items. With each box containing five items, players can expect to unlock the likes of furniture, clothing, and skateboard stickers. The report additionally claims every item will be visible prior to purchase. Playtesters told Insider Gaming that only 16 different loot boxes exist in-game at this point. Since each one features five different items, Skate currently boasts no less than 80 items unlockable through loot boxes. Skate trailers The team behind Skate has not yet created a trailer for the next game in the series. They have, however, created a series of developer diaries showing some early footage and demonstrating their progress: The first developer diary was from 2021. One year later and the devs cheekily provided an update video, reminding fans they’re “still working on it.” Brands like Vans, Chocolate and Girls have already been featured in the skate. trailers, but the developers assure the fan base that there will be more collaborations to come in the future. A June 2024 update from the devs dove into gameplay improvements, including various tricks players will be able to perform, as well as social features. Most recently, the developer announced the early access release window with a tweet that included some pre-alpha footage. News & leaks The original announcement video for the next Skate title revealed EA’s new development studio named Full Circle. This team of veteran developers and skating enthusiasts will be building the next Skate experience from the ground up. The studio is led by Daniel McCulloch, and it also includes Deran Chung and Cuz Parry, who were all involved in the creation of the first skate game. The next game in the series will also be set in a new city location known as San Vansterdam. From the latest Board Room, we know that players will have the option to change the height and shape, wardrobe, and other features to their own desires. The team expressed that they are trying to find the perfect balance between realism and a stylistic approach, as seen in the other skate titles. And of course, a skating game would be nothing without a board. You can deck out your character’s board in full with stickers, grip tape designs, wheel color, and more. These items will be obtainable through the in-game store using both earned and premium currencies, but the team emphasized that the time spent in San Vansterdam will be rewarded even if you opt not to spend real money on in-game currency. That’s everything we know about Skate! For more on upcoming games, check out our hubs on GTA 6, Indiana Jones & the Great Circle, and Gears of War E-Day.

Skate 4 devs warn players against downloading leaked build Electronic ArtsIn addressing the recently leaked Skate 4 build, developers have warned players to avoid downloading unofficial files from the internet. Pre-alpha Skate 4 gameplay leaks began making the rounds a few months ago, drawing mixed responses from onlookers who’ve long awaited the series’ return. Someone with access to an early build managed to circumvent EA’s security measures, opening the door for a widely available version of Skate 4 to potentially hit the web. While a playable version of the leaked gameplay has yet to go live, developer Full Circle released a statement to preemptively address issues that may crop up. Full Circle warns players about leaked Skate 4 build In a blog post on the official Skate website, Full Circle acknowledged the release of an “early version” of Skate that someone distributed without authorization. “This build is from September 2021 and was never intended for external use,” the developer’s message continues. The post goes on to advise against “downloading files from unknown sources,” then encourages players to remember the consequences that could arise from infringing on Electronic Arts’ Terms of Service. If the leaked Skate 4 build does find its way online, then, users would do well to avoid it at all costs. Full Circle plans on sharing more details about the next Skate entry during its The Board Room presentation on Thursday, July 14. The stream will begin at 9:00 AM PDT and last for an unspecified amount of time. Announced at EA Play Live 2020, the upcoming Skate installment has been a long time coming. The last title in the series, Skate 3, hit store shelves in 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360. Given the skateboarding game renaissance with the relatively recent launches of Skater XL and the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater collection, now seems as good a time as any for Skate’s resurgence.

Skate 4 gameplay leak draws mixed reaction from fans EAPre-alpha footage of Skate 4 has made its way to social media and after viewing it, the reaction has been a mixture of good vibes and negativity from fans and industry insiders. Once the Tony Hawks franchise reached its apex, the games began a slow descent that saw their popularity dwindle until it was cast aside in the doldrums for a few years. In the meantime, another skateboarding franchise came along to steal its thunder and fans — Skate. EA’s take on the genre moved away from button-orientated combos and controls to the “flick it” system. Skate’s gameplay wanted players to make use of thumbsticks and move them in certain ways to pull off tricks. Players have been clamoring for a long-awaited sequel to 2010s Skate 3 and this was confirmed not too long ago. There hasn’t been too much on the Skate 4 front recently, but some pre-alpha footage seems to have leaked, leaving players divided over what they’ve seen. Skate 4 fans could revert to something else? News about the Skate 4 pre-alpha first leaked on April 20, 2022, and Jeff Grubb, a respected industry insider, and analyst, shared the footage of the gameplay via his Twitter account. He said: “This is Skate 4 pre-alpha footage. This is in line with what I’ve heard about where the game is at from multiple people. They’re trying to get the feel right, which is probably the most important aspect of a Skate game.” This is Skate 4 pre-alpha footage. This is in line with what I’ve heard about where the game is at from multiple people. They’re trying to get the feel right, which is probably the most important aspect of a Skate game. https://t.co/AXNV2Agk6z pic.twitter.com/nUINhghxLg — Grubb (@JeffGrubb) April 20, 2022 In the 33 seconds of gameplay, we get what is surely a very early build of the game showcasing a player grinding down a road, hitting some vintage kickflips, before going fully board-free and pulling off some insane front flips. We also get to see the bail engine in effect as the skater fails to land properly. Grubb said “this is all exciting” and described how EA are working hard and giving the game time to flourish and meet its potential. A couple of commenters agreed with one person saying: “This is a great start. That front flip off the board and landing on it is sick af. Can’t wait. Hope the city is more.” On the other hand, fellow industry insider Tom Henderson wasn’t as glowing and as positive about the footage saying: “It’s sad to see Skate 4 leak in this kind of way (because it’s really early development footage).” It’s sad to see Skate 4 leak in this kind of way (because it’s really early development footage). But if you’re interested, here it is. The map is currently called “”Fun Town””https://t.co/dyqozQg1bv — Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) April 20, 2022 It seemed that some of his followers were also unmoved by the early gameplay: “It’s sad to see but at the same time we must be cut-throat against EA, sad for the devs but the work looks like it speaks for itself. Reminds me of skate 3 I hope for the best,” one user said. On the Henderson side of things, it’s hard to tell if the disappointment is aimed at the game being in such an early state or because it looks too much like Skate 3. Either way, there’s sure to be more reaction to Skate 4’s development moving forward.

Six promising indie games at PAX Australia 2022: Box Knight, Anger Foot, more We Made A Thing StudiosIndie games dominated much of the show floor at PAX Australia 2022, giving smaller, predominantly local development teams more space than usual to showcase their latest efforts. From inventive handheld projects to addictive roguelikes, here’s a look at some standouts. Additional reporting by Eleni Thomas. At each and every PAX event independent developers get a chance to promote their upcoming titles in person to thousands of attendees. Not only is it a great opportunity to advertise games ahead of launch, but it’s just as crucial for those seeking early feedback on projects still a year or two out. After missing the past three years, PAX finally returned down under in 2022, giving Australian and New Zealand-based teams a chance to highlight what they’ve been working on. Taking up a third of the gaming show floor, a few dozen titles held crowds of thousands as gamers checked out some of the nifty ideas on the horizon. While some games are certainly further along than others, and certain titles stood out with their loftier production value, a few managed to steal the show with their imaginative systems and refined gameplay loops. Here’s a rundown of just a few indie projects that left us wanting more at PAX Aus 2022. The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga (Hoji Studios, Australia) A game that lets you control a pigeon and fire off bird poop at unsuspecting locals below? What more could we possibly ask for from an indie title? The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga gives you full control of a pigeon soldier, your objective is to literally sh*t on as many people in the neighborhood as possible and show them who’s boss. The project includes an in-game currency, used to upgrade your pigeon between attempts to help you complete each level and world. It includes a full day-night cycle in each run, with enemy owls appearing during the night to try and eat your mafia pigeon. We loved the premise of the game and attention to detail, with great audio and visual design really adding to the hunting goodness. For those interested in diving into the mob boss underworld of the pigeon community, an early demo for The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga is currently available on steam. As for the full game, the ambitious lone developer responsible for programming, animations, soundtrack, and everything in between is aiming for a release sometime in Q2 2023. Anger Foot (Free Lives, South Africa) From just a few quick seconds with Anger Foot you can quickly tell what this game is about. Fast-paced action, over-the-top visuals, and intense combat define this Devolver Digital-backed title as you kick and shoot your way through room after room. Essentially unfolding like a first-person Hotline Miami, enemies die in a single hit, but so do you. Your goal is to be flawless in rapid bursts, as one misstep or one poorly-timed shot could bring about an end to your run. With tight controls and a wicked soundtrack to propel you through each stage, Anger Foot is an unrelenting adrenaline rush that we can’t wait to see more of in 2023. While no specific release date has been set for now, an early demo is available on Steam for fans to check out ahead of launch. Box Knight (We Made a Thing, Australia) Calling all disgruntled office job workers, this game is shaping up to be a great one for you. For a game still six months out from release, Box Knight immediately wowed us with how polished the design, narrative, and overall mechanics operated. It was one of the most refined indie games on display at PAX Aus 2022. On the game’s official Steam page, developers We Made a Thing describe the game as: “The office has fallen into darkness. A ‘toxic’ workplace has transformed the once happy employees into dark and dangerous creatures. The office waits for a hero. You! Become the Box Knight and bring light back to this dark place.” Box Knight will have you traversing through different locations and rooms of an office building in a roguelike setting with unique enemies generated in each area for you to defeat. With different types of attacks ranging from heavy hitting, light patterns, and more, Box Knight includes a simple but effective combat system to help take down the office foes in every unique run. As you go, you’re able to upgrade your character with unique abilities exclusive to that specific run, with customization options also allowing you to change the design of your office worker in the long-term. The aim of the game is to defeat all the “toxic” creatures who have invaded your workplace, all culminating in a boss fight against the company’s CEO. For gamers who love a classic beat ’em up with a great premise and setting, this is definitely one to keep your eye on. An early demo for Box Knight is available on steam now, with the devs aiming for a Q2 2023 launch. Rooftop Renegade (Melonhead Games, Australia) For some party game fun, Rooftop Renegade stood out as one of the more thrilling local multiplayer experiences on the show floor. Your goal here is simple: make it through to the end of the stage by jumping, dashing, and sliding through a range of obstacles while others try to halt your progress. With up to four players in a match, just one controls the rooftop runner while the remaining crew teams up on the opposite side to blast them down with a number of distinct loadouts. For us, this led to chaotic 1v3 battles where after each round, we swapped roles so everyone had a chance to show their skills. Snipers, rocket launchers, and assault rifles all came with their own traits and special abilities while runners could pick from a set of power-ups to help on the treacherous path ahead. Further looking to keep each round fresh, multiplayer terrain is randomly generated, meaning no two stages are identical. But if you happen to find a level that works a treat, you can always save the seed and replay to your heart’s content. If hectic multiplayer action isn’t your speed, however, devs teased that a full campaign mode will also be present at launch, as players look to flee AI-controlled Globacorp enemies instead. Rooftop Renegade is targeting a Q1 2023 launch on Steam. Ultrakill (New Blood Interactive, United States) While technically not a new title, Ultrakill nonetheless caught our eye on the PAX Australia show floor ahead of its full launch in 2023. With outrageous violence, floaty movement, and classic FPS mechanics, it harkens back to the Unreal Tournament era without sacrificing the polish of a contemporary title. This game is just all-out fun if you’re a fan of the shooter genre. Each room has you in a flow state as you maneuver between targets and time your shots just right with a number of precise weapons. With a nifty combo system to boot, we can’t wait to see how speedrunners and leaderboard challengers approach this one when all three acts release in full sometime next year. The Stranger Next Door (Fae Daunt, Australia) We aren’t the biggest mobile gamers. However, The Stranger Next Door immediately caught our attention when venturing through the indie games section at PAX Australia. The Stranger Next Door is a horror game that takes place over the course of a five-day narrative experience. The storyline takes place on a social media app, designed so realistically and with such great attention to detail that we were questioning whether it was an actual social media app. We were particularly impressed to hear that the game was being worked on by a one-person dev team in Fae Daunt. The Stranger Next Door is a mystery-based horror experience that requires players to flick through social media feeds, ask questions and examine pictures. While an exact release date is yet to be revealed, gamers can expect to see this one popping up on mobile game stores sometime after Halloween 2022.

From crossplay to Lagiacrus, here are six things Monster Hunter Wilds must include CapcomMonster Hunter Wilds‘ release date may be a while away, but that hasn’t stopped us from creating a wishlist of things Capcom’s beast-slaying game needs to include. Monster Hunter Wilds aims to be the most ambitious title since Monster Hunter World hit consoles back in 2018. For the first time, locales feature environments with dynamically changing identities, and the weather appears to play a bigger part in wider gameplay. There are also new monsters like Doshaguma, who travel around in packs, and a new mount that enables players to switch between two weapons. It’s certainly an exciting time to be a Monster Hunter fan, and while the game’s 2025 launch window may be a while away, that hasn’t stopped us from drumming up a wishlist of things Monster Hunter Wilds needs to include. Crossplay & cross-progression between systems Ever Since Monster Hunter World was released back in 2018, players have been calling for Capcom to add crossplay and cross-progression. One of the biggest disappointments from Monster Hunter Rise’s release was the lack of this popular feature. Capcom is hyper-aware that crossplay is something Hunters want. The devs even made an announcement when discussing the feature’s omission in Rise: “We’ve heard your requests for Cross-Save / Cross-Play for Monster Hunter: Rise and Sunbreak, but unfortunately, after looking into it throughout the development process, we found we are unable to implement it this time.” While both World and Rise lacked crossplay, Monster Hunter Wilds now has the perfect opportunity to make good on this request. The Monster Hunter series has always been about working together with others to take down something bigger. What better way to celebrate Capcom’s beast-slaying series than teaming up with Hunters from across PS5, PC, and Xbox? Fully open-world environments While Capcom hasn’t officially revealed whether Monster Hunter Wilds will be open-world, the environments seem far more expansive and interconnected than previous Monster Hunter games. At the end of the official reveal trailer, we get to see a huge, sprawling environment named the Forbidden Lands that appears to house different biomes. It’s here we’re shown plains of lush golden grass, which interconnects with the more rugged and harsh desert biome. Capcom noted that each hunting locale features an environment with “two dynamically changing identities”: one is “harsh and unforgiving where ravenous monsters fight for limited resources,” and the other is “vibrant and brimming with life.” If that wasn’t exciting enough, both trailers have also made a point to show off the Seikret, a new mount that Hunters can use to traverse the environment and switch between two weapons. The Sekiret can even glide across rocky pillars that would be otherwise inaccessible to the player. Traveling between fully interconnected locales using the Sekiret, finding Outposts, and tracking different monsters in a fully open-world environment would certainly sell this idea of a truly “living and breathing” ecosystem. Underwater combat Underwater combat was certainly a divisive mechanic when it was first introduced in Monster Hunter Tri. Since then, Capcom has kept aquatic combat out of every Monster Hunter title to date. While it may have been a little clunky back in Tri, I do think that enough time has passed to give this mechanic another go. After all, the updated combat system and fluid movement controls could greatly enhance aquatic combat. Underwater battles also made it feel like Hunters were truly out of their depth, providing another layer to fights. Monsters that appeared rather sluggish on land quickly became terrifyingly agile, utilizing new moves to gain an advantage over their human foes. Also, underwater combat would provide the perfect excuse to bring back one of the most requested monsters – Lagiacrus. Bring back Lagiacrus! Monster Hunter Tri’s flagship monster, Lagiacrus, was originally meant to return in World, but animation issues led to it being cut from the game’s final roster. A lot of players were hopeful that Capcom had fixed Lagi’s movement problems in Rise, but again, the Lord of the Seas was left in the murky depths of old-gen. While we’ve yet to see any locales with huge bodies of water in Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom has the perfect opportunity to finally give us Lagiacrus. Even if underwater combat isn’t present, the Thunder-loving Leviathan can still deliver a shocking surprise on land. One of Its most lethal attacks sees Lagiacrus coil itself up before unleashing a devastating AoE burst of thunder energy that kills anything within its radius. If Capcom can’t give us Lagiacrus, then I’ll settle for Ivory Lagiacrus – a deadly subspecies that prefers land over aquatic environments. A new weapon or two It’s been 11 years since Capcom released two new weapons in the Monster Hunter series, with the Insect Glaive and Charge Blade added in Monster Hunter 4. That’s an awful long time, no matter how you cut it, and with the series having celebrated its 20th anniversary in March 2024, it would be great if Wilds could commemorate this moment with a shiny new weapon type. Capcom has confirmed that all 14 weapons from previous Monster Hunter entries will be returning, but I’m still hopeful that there’s a new weapon for Hunters to master. Maybe we could even see the addition of Frontier’s Tonfas or Magnet Spikes – after all, Frontier did get some acknowledgment in Rise with Espinas. Improved weapon designs & joke weapons Tying directly into the above is my wish for better weapon designs. While Rise did somewhat alleviate the more muted World weapons designs, I still think Wilds has an opportunity to revive the quirkier and silly side of the Monster Hunter series. Let me bonk monsters over the head with the Fist of Fury Hammer, poke monsters with Sharq Attaq Lance, and cut tails off with the awesome-looking Epitaph Blade. I hope Wilds features weapons that aren’t just designed around monster bones, feathers, and scales. Instead, I hope Capcom brings back the fantastic designs of old-gen and embraces the silly side of things. For all the latest information on Monster Hunter Wilds, be sure to check out our hub and list of every confirmed monster and weapon coming to the game.

Sims competitor Life by You suddenly canceled after several delays Paradox InteractivePublisher Paradox Interactive has canceled the life simulation game Life by You after three early access delays. Developer Paradox Tectonic originally unveiled the Sims-like life sim Life by You in March 2023. Former Sims executive Rod Humble led development on the project, which promised a level of depth the genre has not yet seen. Players were supposed to be able to go hands-on with Life by You in September 2023 via early access. However, the developer delayed this version of the simulation experience on three separate occasions. Paradox Interactive announced the third delay on May 20, 2024, with the news conspicuously lacking an updated launch window. The public learned why on June 17, when the publisher confirmed in a Twitter/X post that Life by You had been canceled. In a statement shared on Paradox Forum, the publisher’s Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, said the “incredibly difficult decision” represents a “clear failure on Paradox’s part to meet both our own and the community’s expectations.” Lilja went on to note that Life by You’s multiple delays were the company’s way of giving developers a chance to realize their full vision, saying, “For each delay we made, we’ve seen incremental improvements, which in hindsight may well have led us to focus on details rather than the whole picture.” The executive attributed the third early access delay to a desire to reexamine Life by You as a whole. Upon closer inspection, however, the team realized the road to releasing a product they were proud of would be “far too long and uncertain.” News of Life by You’s cancellation comes just over five years after Paradox Tectonic opened its doors in 2019. What the studio will work on next is not yet known.

Sims 4 patch notes: Sexual orientation, wants and fears, curved walls, more Maxis/EAThe Sims 4 Base Game update is finally available to download, featuring many long-time community-requested changes. EA announced players would have greater freedom in determining the sexual orientation of Sims in the Base Game Update. The Sims community lauded EA with praise for the announcement. Maxis stated, “LGBTQIA+ identities are a fact of life, not a toggle to be switched off.” Here’s everything else included in the “huge” free update. Sims 4 Base Game update patch notes First up, phones received a new interface. Phones still have the same functionality, but players can customize background and case color options easier. A selection of arm, leg, torso and back hair can be added to teen Sims and older. The Sims official Twitter account shared the most prominent features of the new update. As previously mentioned, players can now select the gender identities a Sim is romantically attracted to. If players do not change these settings, the Sims will have no inherent attraction to a specific gender, which can shift through gameplay. Wants and fears replace whims. Sims will have goals they want to achieve and fears they want to overcome. The developers did not give any specifics. Another welcome addition is the option to build with curved walls. Players can place and adjust medium, large, and extra large curved rooms. Maxis addressed server stability issues when saving a lot to My Library and placing a retail lot with mannequins. Give all of these changes a try for yourself.

Simple Forza Horizon 4 trick lets the Peel P50 go over 300mph Forza Horizon 4 is one of the best-loved games available on the Xbox, yet still hides a wealth of hilarious bugs and glitches. Now, you can live out your high-speed dreams in a Peel P50, thanks to a crazy speed camera glitch. The speed traps and cameras in Forza Horizon 4 are a source of endless entertainment for players looking to out-do each other’s achievements. With many cars being tuned specifically for breaking in-game speed records, an unlikely contender has emerged at the top of the leaderboards. It seems that while looking at the scoreboard for the Horizon Drag Strip, there is a strange anomaly in the leaderboard as the data suggests the fastest car in the game is the diminutive Peel P50. Forza Horizon 4 Peel P50 glitch The Peel P50 is one of the smallest, most unusual cars in Forza Horizon 4. Back in the 1960s, the P50 was built as a form of cheap personal transportation by Peel on the Isle of Man. Classed as a ‘microcar’ the Peel P50 is officially the smallest production car ever built. In Forza Horizon 4, it is somewhat of a ‘joke’ car. Found via the Barn Find challenges dotted throughout the game, the P50 also hides a secret – it can be used to break speed records in Forza Horizon 4. The leaderboard posted by u/seththeceo shows that the fastest cars in the game – according to the Horizon Drag Strip leaderboard – are the Peel P50s, alongside the obscure BMW Isetta ‘Bubblecar’. While the fact that the cars are showing as being tuned to ‘S1’ level, the obscure appearance of a ‘D’ category car highlights the fact that these are, in fact, glitched. It turns out that by correctly placing the Peel P50 next to the speed camera and enlisting the help of a friend, it is possible to smash records on the drag strip without even driving. By having a fellow player smash into the back corner of the Peel P50 with either of the racing trucks in FH4, the car is glitched through the wall. The car catapults with such force from the impact, it flies past the speed cameras at anything from 200 to 300+ mph.

Silent Hill Transmission: All announcements, reveals, & how to watch KonamiKonami announced an online event called Silent Hill Transmission which will reveal future updates to the Silent Hill series. Here’s everything fans need to know about the event. Following the tumultuous departure of Hideo Kojima from Konami which resulted in the cancellation of Silent Hills, the Silent Hill franchise has long been dormant. However, rumors about a possible reboot or continuation of the series have been swirling for years despite silence from Konami. But now it seems a new Silent Hill game may be coming. Now the developer has broken its silence and announced Silent Hill Transmission, an event that will feature “the latest updates for the Silent Hill series.” This article will go over everything fans need to know about the event. Contents How to watch Silent Hill Transmission The Silent Hill Transmission event featured over half an hour of information surrounding brand-new titles and experiences in the Silent Hill franchise. Readers on mobile can skip to 9:36 for the beginning of the showcase: Konami released the showcase on the official Silent Hill YouTube account, which was hosted by Twitch Streamer, Partner, and Cosplayer Celina alongside Motoi Okamoto, the producer of the Silent Hill series. The showcase itself revealed a few new Silent Hill games, a new Silent Hill film, and a “live real-time interactive series.” Everything announced during Silent Hill Transmission The Silent Hill Transmission showcased opened with a trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake, which will be developed by Bloober Team. It appears to be a ground-up remake made in Unreal Engine and will be a PS5 console-exclusive title. The trailer noted that Silent Hill 2 will also be available on PC, but will “not be available on other formats for 12 months after release.” Additionally, Silent Hill 2’s original Concept Artist Masahiro Ito and Composer Akira Yamaoka return to assist with the remake. Next, Konami revealed Silent Hill Townfall, developed by Annapurna Interactive and No Code Productions. Unfortunately not much is known about the game aside from the brief teaser trailer that revealed the game’s logo and a promise that more will be shown off sometime next year. From there, Konami revealed that it is once again partnering with film director Christophe Gans for another Silent Hill film called Return to Silent Hill. When speaking about the script for this new film he said it was “a new Silent Hill movie that is totally independent from the two previous movies made and respects the way Silent Hill has evolved.” After showing off some official Silent Hill merch, Konami unveiled a “live real-time interactive series” centered around the series called Silent Hill: Ascension. According to Genvid CEO Jacon Navok, Ascension is a live, interactive series where “millions of fans will watch together as the chilling story unfolds” and “decisions you make mean life or death in the story.” Finally, the event concluded with the reveal of Silent Hill F developed by NeoBards Entertainment. Though details were scarce about this closing announcement, it seems this game will be set in Japan as opposed to America. The bone-chilling trailer followed a young Japanese student walking through a desolate Japanese town that was slowly being consumed by some sort of red, viny plant. And that’s everything Konami revealed during the Silent Hill Transmission showcase event. Hopefully, Silent Hill fans are looking forward to all the projects coming in the future.

Silent Hill Townfall: Trailer, rumors, & everything we know so far KonamiSilent Hill: Townfall is a new game in the Silent Hill series. Here’s everything we know about this mysterious title, and what it could turn out to be. Silent Hill: Townfall is the most mysterious announcement from the Silent Hill Transmission event as the developers didn’t tell us much about it. The trailer suggested that the game will be set in the US, unlike the also announced Silent Hill p, meaning that the game could be set in the original town of Silent Hill or at least near it. The game will be developed by NoCode Studios and published by Annapurna Interactive and this is perhaps our biggest clue as to what Silent Hill: Townfall will end up looking like. Here’s everything we know. Contents Does Silent Hill: Townfall have a release date? – What platforms will Silent Hill Townfall be on? – Trailer – Gameplay and setting – Does Silent Hill: Townfall have a release date? Not yet, no release date for Silent Hill: Townfall has been revealed by the developers. However, the game is likely to be released after other Silent Hill projects like the Silent Hill 2 remake, but we could potentially see the game released before Silent Hill p, the next major entry in the franchise. Of course, the above is speculation based on what we gleaned from the Silent Hill Transmission event. What platforms will Silent Hill: Townfall be on? We don’t yet know which platforms Silent Hill: Townfall will release on. The Silent Hill 2 remake will be a PlayStation exclusive for a year as well as coming to PC, so the game could do something similar. However, platforms like Xbox Series X|S remain a possibility. Trailer Check out the game’s reveal trailer below: Gameplay and setting The trailer doesn’t show any gameplay, but developer No Code is famous for their text and puzzle-based horror games. Therefore, it’s reasonable to speculate that Townfall could be a similar type of experience. It could even blend narrative horror gameplay with puzzle elements, or it could be closer to the typical Silent Hill game and simply incorporate these elements. The story details are unknown, but it seems to involve a character coming to an isolated community for some dark purpose, with another character understanding this and wanting them to keep their distance. The trailer shows a handheld TV with various flashing images, some of which look eerily reminiscent of the Silent Hill streets, suggesting we may get to return to the iconic haunted town in this game. So, that’s everything we know so far about Silent Hill: Townfall. For more on the biggest upcoming releases, check out our pages on some of the most-anticipated games that have been announced: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine | | KOTR Remake | Wonder Woman | Silent Hill 2 | Silent Hill: Townfall | Silent Hill f

Mysterious Silent Hill: The Short Message game confirmed after leaks KonamiAn age rating for Silent Hill: The Message recently surfaced in Korea, suggesting that leaked details about a new game may be true. Rumors and supposed leaks about a new Silent Hill project have circulated for the last few years. Such talk picked up steam earlier this year when leaker Dusk Golem furnished art pieces and claimed Konami had multiple Silent Hill adventures in the works. To the chagrin of countless fans, however, the publisher itself remains mum on the matter. Konami has yet to even tease future plans for the horror series. However, a new development suggests concrete information of some kind could pop up sooner rather than later. New game Silent Hill: The Short Message receives an age rating A listing on the Game Rating and Administration Committee of Korea website mentions an unannounced title known as Silent Hill: The Short Message. The game rating says nothing about which platforms The Short Message will launch across. Gematsu notes that UNIANA is referenced as the project’s publisher, a worthwhile tidbit given that UNIANA often assumes the role of publisher for Konami releases in Korea. The Korean age rating could serve as a hint that the wait for new Silent Hill details may soon come to an end. Most interesting is the subtitle for the newly rated experience, The Short Message. Many will recall that Dusk Golem referenced the following in this year’s leak – “Anita & Maya” and “SMS Messages.” The latter, of course, constitutes the abbreviation for Short Message Service. Silent Hill’s Korean gaming rating gives further credence to the Dusk Golem claims, then. As always, though, fans should take the above information with a grain of salt for the time being. But, hopefully, Konami will have something to show soon enough.

Silent Hill looks so good on Unreal Engine 5 players want a sequel/another game A fan-made Silent Hill remake video in Unreal Engine 5 showcases how exceptional the groundbreaking horror series could look with the help of modern technology. For the last couple of years, myriad rumors and supposed leaks have made the rounds online, all claiming Silent Hill will soon return in some capacity. The latest of such uncorroborated reports suggests publisher Konami plans to release no less than three Silent Hill-branded games in the coming years. According to a recent VGC report, one title will come in the form of a Silent Hill 2 remake, complete with new endings, revamped AI, and updated puzzles. Leaker NateTheHate additionally claimed Konami has side stories and a mainline installment in the works. With such talks continuing to spread like wildfire, it’s no wonder the more creative members of the community have taken it upon themselves to breathe new life into the horror franchise. Silent Hill stuns in UE5 YouTube channel TeaserPlay recently unleashed a Silent Hill remake “concept trailer,” which reimagines the series in Unreal Engine 5. The 4K video constitutes an amalgam of several ideas, taking notes from entries such as the first two Silent Hill games and Shattered Memories. Suffice it to say, TeaserPlay’s efforts serve as yet another example of why Silent Hill faithful remain so eager to see the property return. A full-blown title built from the ground up on a current-gen game engine could potentially result in the most atmospheric game in the franchise to date. Silent Hill has lain dormant for approximately ten years, its last release, the ill-received Book of Memories, hitting store shelves for the PS Vita in 2012. The brand seemed primed for a return at the start of the eighth console generation, thanks to the Hideo Kojima-helmed P.T./Silent Hills. However, a falling out with Kojima culminated in Konami shelving the project. But if recent rumors and speculation prove accurate, a much-coveted Silent Hill remake may eventually see the light of day.

Silent Hill leaks suggest Sony working on horror game revival KonamiAfter many years in the shadows, it appears as if Silent Hill could finally be getting a new game as some leaked screenshots and details of the game have been copyrighted, fueling reports that the legendary horror franchise is set to return with Sony by its side. The failed Silent Hills / PT project was disappointing for so many long-time fans of the series who have been desperate for the horror icon to finally return. It’s now been 10 full years since the last full entry in the Silent Hill franchise and many feel a new game is overdue. Rumors and suggestions of a sequel or a reboot have been flirted with for years, but for the first time in a long time, there may finally be a reason to be hopeful. Sony helping to bring back Silent Hill? One of the pioneers of the horror genre, Silent Hill terrified players for years with its atmospheric and claustrophobic settings. Its change in direction towards combat alienated many players in the game’s later years, but it still managed to retain a lot of its core scares. But according to reputable leaker Dusk Golem, it seems that a new Silent Hill game is now in the works: “Silent Hill leak. There’s a lot I’m not sharing for now. This is from a relatively new source for me, but I have been given more than enough proof to believe them. I also will mention the names “Anita & Maya”, “SMS Messages”, & this is not the only SH game in dev. The shots…” It continued in a second Tweet: “…are a bit dated, from 2020, so maybe this project looks a bit different now. But [this is] what I’m choosing to share. I know many will doubt this, but I have a lot of private proof to show this is real, & as always, I continue to wait on the Silent Hill game reveal.” Below the message was originally a series of screenshots leaked from the project which have now been removed due to a copyright claim, which is curious. (1/2) Silent Hill leak. There’s a lot I’m not sharing for now. This is from a relatively new source for me, but I have been given more than enough proof to believe them. I also will mention the names “”Anita & Maya”

Silent Hill game “relaunch” confirmed by film director The director who helmed the Silent Hill film adaptation claims that a relaunch of the game series is in active development. Silent Hill rumors and supposed leaks have flooded the internet for years. Some point to Sony possessing control of a remake or reboot project. Meanwhile, other reports indicate publisher Konami has at least three different games in production. One such project will allegedly come in the form of a Silent Hill 2 remake, according to leaker NateTheHate. Supposedly, the other two experiences will release as “side stories” and an all-new mainline installment. Konami itself remains mum on the matter, leaving the rumor mill to spin out of control. Film director teases Silent Hill game relaunch In a ResetEra thread, leaker Dusk Golem relayed details from an interview that French website JEUXACTU conducted with Silent Hill movie director Christophe Gans. During the sit-down translated by Gamingsym, Gans acknowledged internet theories suggesting the Silent Hill game series will be “relaunched,” thus making his next film “part of a global policy.” The director called these rumors accurate, adding that his upcoming Silent Hill project “is ” Furthermore, the filmmaker told JEUXACTU that Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes have “galvanized” Konami. As usual, such reports simply douse more fuel on the ever-burning Silent Hill fire. And there’s no telling when Konami plans on stepping forward to put it out. Silent Hill as a brand has remained dormant since the 2012 release of Book of Memories on PlayStation Vita. Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima attempted to revive the property with P.T./Silent Hills; however, a falling out with Konami resulted in the developer exiting the since-shelved project.

Silent Hill f: Trailer, setting, & everything we know so far KonamiThe next main entry in the Silent Hill series is coming, but the reveal of Silent Hill f gave us more questions than answers. Here’s everything we know so far. Silent Hill f was the final, and arguably biggest, announcement of the Silent Hill transmission. The game is intended to be the next mainline entry of the franchise, taking the place of the canceled Silent Hills and P.T. However, Silent Hill f looks very different from what has come before. The title is being developed by the studio NeoBards, with creative contributions from writer Ryukishi07. For the first time in the series, the next entry won’t be set in the titular town of Silent Hill. Instead, the action appears to be a prequel and takes place in a Japanese town – one which is being taken over by some kind of red flowering blight that follows a schoolgirl as she attempts to escape it in the trailer. This then cuts to the girl being covered in the substance before she horribly mutates into a flowering monster as the scene fades to black. Here’s everything we know about Silent Hill f. Contents Does Silent Hill f have a release date? – What platforms will Silent Hill f be on? – Trailer – Title meaning – Gameplay and setting – Does Silent Hill f have a release date? Not yet. So far, no Silent Hill f release date or release window has been provided by the developers. We’ll add it here as soon as one is confirmed. What platforms will Silent Hill f be on? It’s too early to know what platforms Silent Hill f will be released on. The remake of Silent Hill 2, also announced during the Transmission, will release as a PlayStation exclusive. So, something similar could apply to Silent Hill f. However, if the game turns out to be a multiplatform release, then it could be coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Trailer Check out the creepy announcement trailer for Silent Hill f below: Title meaning The F in the title resembles the musical sign of forte in the trailer. In music, this symbol means loud or strong in music, therefore Silent Hill f could represent this in some capacity. Exactly what the implications of Forte could mean for the plot or gameplay though remains to be seen. If anything at all, but it could be interpreted as some kind of warning. Gameplay and setting The story of the game will be set in Japan during the Shōwa period which existed from 1926 to 1989. This means that the game is a prequel to the original Silent Hill being set many years before it. The game will not be set in the titular town, but will likely have a connection to it by the end. The game could even serve as an explanation as to why the town of Silent Hill becomes such a hellish nightmare, with some unknown horror traveling there from Japan. There’s every possibility that the town in this game is a separate Silent Hill, however, we imagine there will be some kind of connection to the town in Maine we’ve visited in all the other games. At one point in the trailer, the girl is dragging a metal pipe along the floor in a similar fashion to how the iconic Pyramid Head (or Red Pyramid Thing) menacingly drags his various weapons in multiple Silent Hill entries. This implies a connection between Silent Hill f and the previous games. Quite what the red flowering blight infecting the town in the trailer is remains a mystery, but it clearly represents some form of corruption as well as beauty. As ever with Silent Hill, this beautiful corruption is likely to be literal and metaphoric. So, that’s everything we know so far about Silent Hill f. For more on the biggest upcoming releases, check out our pages on some of the most-anticipated games that have been announced: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine | | KOTR Remake | Wonder Woman | Silent Hill 2 | Silent Hill: Townfall | Silent Hill f

Silent Hill could be getting more remakes according to Konami At least one Silent Hill remake is confirmed to be in development, but more could be on the way, based on a statement made in Konami’s Q2 financial report. Konami announced in 2022 that Bloober Team is developing a Silent Hill 2 remake, marking the return of one of the most beloved horror games of all time and a revival of a franchise that had been dormant for over a decade. Alongside the Silent Hill 2 reveal, Konami also announced three new entries in the series: Silent Hill f, Silent Hill: Townfall, and the recently released Silent Hill: Ascension. These use the Silent Hill setting but have distinct stories from the existing games. To date, Konami has only announced that the Silent Hill 2 remake is in development, but more of the older entries could be revived for modern systems in the future. Konami mentioned Silent Hill “remakes” in the works In Konami’s Q2 financial earnings report, published on November 2 it was stated that Silent Hill “remakes” were being planned. Along with confirming they are working “diligently” on Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, Konami states they are also working on “remakes and completely new entries in the Silent Hill series, which gained popularity as a psychological horror game.” The first Silent Hill has been reimagined before, but it has never seen a full remake, and that feels like a natural progression once the Silent Hill 2 remake has been released. Silent Hill 3 could be next, as it’s a direct continuation of the events of the first game in the series. Silent Hill 4: The Room is also a prime candidate for a remake, considering how many of its faults were on a technical level, especially its combat system. Silent Hill 4: The Room has earned a cult following over the years, and a remake that fixes its lingering issues could help it find a brand new audience. There are numerous Silent Hill spin-off titles, but most of these didn’t do well in terms of sales or critical reception. As such, they’re way back in the queue regarding remakes. Konami is more likely to tackle the mainline entries or make whole Silent Hill games. The Silent Hill series is being revived in a big way, with titles like Silent Hill f looking especially impressive. If the Silent Hill 2 remake performs well, then it will hopefully open the door for more returns to the haunted town, as some of the older entries could use a revamp on modern platforms.

Silent Hill, Baldur’s Gate & more retro PC games are up to 91% off The latest Good Old Games sale brings a slew of old titles with big fat discounts attached, including old favorites. Good Old Games, or GOG, is running its own sale to coincide with the start of the Chinese New Year. Lasting for another six days, the sale pulls in hundreds of games from across the website with some steep discounts. For those coming off of Baldur’s Gate 3, the second entry’s Enhanced Edition is now just $3, which is a lot of game for less than a coffee. The usual affair of titles that we’ve seen from the last few sales aren’t really present. This is great, as we can explore some other titles we’ve not yet seen be brought to the limelight. This includes John Woo’s third-person shooter Stranglehold. The 360-era shooter combines elements from contemporaries at the time – like Max Payne – with Woo’s particular blend of style. GOG is also discounting some more recent titles too, so not everything is entirely retro. The benefit to buying through GOG over say, Steam, is that the games are DRM-free. You’ll be able to access and install them wherever, however you like. Batman: Arkham Knight and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided are excellent recommendations now that they’re circling the five bucks mark. It’s also best not to think that these games are nearly a decade old at this point. Of course, it wouldn’t be a deals round-up without some recommendations. GOG Year of the Dragon sale cuts up to 91% off hundreds of games Good Old Games is filled to the brim with classic titles that you might have missed. From more mainstream options like Baldur’s Gate 2 to Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, you can probably find something you like. The strangest Silent Hill game is just $7 While not the biggest saving, Silent Hill 4: The Room is one of the weirder entries in the series. Rather than being trapped in the town of Silent Hill, you’re stuck in the titular room. The only way out is through a hole in the wall, that takes you into a nightmarish situation of survival. It plays and feels a little different from other Silent Hill games. As much as Konami claims the game was always intended to be part of the series, it fits into its own groove, rather than the series’ established vibe. By no means is the game bad, it’s actually quite a lot of fun to see how it slowly unravels itself to the player over the duration. Incredibly convoluted game E.Y.E gets 69% off E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy is potentially one of the worst games to learn by playing the game. It does a terrible job of explaining itself, and it’s riddled with weirdness. However, it’s an intricate and expansive experience that you shouldn’t deny yourself. It’s a fairly traditional first-person shooter with RPG mechanics at its core, but the way it extrapolates the concept is where it shines. It’s just so downright challenging to get to grips with if you go in blind that it can be a turn-off. Going in with a guide can instantly turn that around. It’s got these immaculate cyberpunk dystopian vibes that have rarely been matched. It’s so unique in how it presents itself, that it’s a shame it never caught on when it originally launched. Perhaps that’s down to its convoluted nature. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Silent Hill Ascension: Release date, trailers & more KonamiSilent Hill Ascension is a hybrid experience in the Silent Hill series as Konami looks to resurrect one of the most significant horror names in gaming for another round of psychological terror. Silent Hill Ascension was announced during the Silent Hill Transmission event. Unlike the also announced Silent Hill f, the supposed remake of Silent Hill 2, and the equally mysterious Silent Hill: Townfall, Ascension will be a unique mix of a streaming show and video game where you can influence the outcome of the characters, worlds, and stories you witness. The experience will be a joint production overseen by Bad Robot Games, Behavior Interactive, Genvid Technologies, and DJ2 Entertainment with each developer contributing their own stylings. Silent Hill Ascension will be an online experience where a collective of players/viewers interact with the story to shape it. Exactly how it will work is still under wraps, but we do have some clues thanks to trailers. Contents Does Silent Hill Ascension have a release date? – Silent Hill Ascension: Trailers – Silent Hill Ascension experience – Does Silent Hill Ascension have a release date? Yes, the first Silent Hill Ascension series premiere livestream goes live on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on the mobile streaming app or at Ascension.com. The app is now available for pre-order and pre-registration but will be available for download on October 31, 2023. Trailers Check out the game’s initial reveal trailer that whets the appetite of thirsty fans. After a long time without anything fresh information, Silent Hill Ascension’s Official Trailer pulled back the curtain on Konami’s horror project a bit more. Experience and setting The trailer shows a tall tower guarded by an armored demonic figure as several players frantically work together (online) to save a member of their team. It appears as though players will need to climb the tower, hence the title, dodging monstrous entities as they work together to complete various goals. While we know the title will be an interactive experience, just how similar it is to other series entries is unknown. The interactive nature of the Ascension could resemble other narrative horror adventures, however, it’s important to stress that Ascension isn’t a game in the traditional sense. So, that’s everything we know so far about Silent Hill Ascension. For more on the biggest upcoming releases, check out our pages on some of the most-anticipated games that have been announced: Ghostwire Tokyo 2 | Elder Scrolls 6 | Witcher 4 | GTA 6 | Lords of the Fallen | Alan Wake 2 | Forza Motorsport | Sonic Superstars | Spider-Man 2 | Directive 8020 | Avatar

Silent Hill 2’s original translator asks for credit after remake reveal KonamiFollowing the early reports of Konami’s Silent Hill 2 remake announcement, the original SH2 translator called for proper credit. Konami is back in a big way following the Silent Hill Transmission showcase, which revealed a slew of new Silent Hill projects coming in the future. Arguably the biggest reveal came in the form of the Silent Hill 2 remake being developed by Bloober Team. However, not everyone was over the moon about the announcement, like the translator of the original title who immediately called for proper credit ahead of the remake’s official reveal. Silent Hill 2 translator calls for proper credit in remake Silent Hill 2’s original translator, Jeremy Blaustein, quote retweeted leaked info ahead of the Transmission showcase which confirmed the reveal of the Silent Hill 2 remake. In his tweet, Blaustein claimed the remake would likely use the original script as a base and said, “…They will, once again, use the SH2 English script that I wrote/translated (oh, directed too) completely by myself and I will get zero compensation for it…” Blaustein even made a slight dig at the ongoing Bayonetta 3 controversy, ending his tweet by saying “…and there will not be tens of thousands of people on Twitter outraged on my behalf. Maybe I should make a video?” This is in reference to voice actor Hellena Taylor, which he confirmed in a reply to the original tweet. Thanks for the kind offer. But I was not serious about making a video, I was referring to the voice actress who did a similar thing and was being semi-sarcastic. — The Tao of Blau (@JeremyBlaustein) October 20, 2022 When asked for comment by GamesRadar, Blaustein reiterated his role in not only the original Silent Hill 2 translation but also the localization as a whole. “I translated every single word of the Silent Hill 2 game. There were no other translators. I directed the voice over work. All of it. I arranged the auditions, led them, and was one of about four to five people who made the decisions on which actors to go with.” Though Blaustein said he was not seeking “any financial translation” he still feels that “giving me appropriate credit for my role is the right thing to do.”

Silent Hill 2 PC system requirements: Recommended and minimum settings KonamiThe Silent Hill 2 system requirements have been released for PC, giving horror game fans an early look at the hardware needed to run the upcoming remake. After over a decade of waiting, Silent Hill fans finally have a number of new games to look forward to. One of them is the highly anticipated remake of Silent Hill 2 – arguably the most iconic game in Konami’s survival horror series. However, if you’re aiming to uncover the spooky mysteries behind this monster-filled title, then you’ll need to see if your PC can run the game smoothly. After all, having any pesky FPS drops during combat and puzzle sequences can lead to some rather frightfully frustrating moments. So, before you go ahead and place your Silent Hill 2 preorder, we recommend looking at all the minimum and recommended system requirements. Silent Hill 2 system settings Minimum settings Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system – OS: Windows 10 x64 – Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 3 3300X – Memory: 12 GB RAM – Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 – DirectX: Version 12 – Storage: 50 GB available space – Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device. – Additional Notes: Playing on minimum requirements should enable to play on Low/Medium quality settings in FullHD (1080p) in stable 30 FPS. – Recommended Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system – OS: Windows 11 x64 – Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X – Memory: 16 GB RAM – Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 2080RTX or AMD Radeon 6800XT – DirectX: Version 12 – Storage: 50 GB available space – Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device. – Additional Notes: Playing on recommended requirements should enable to play on Medium quality settings in 60 FPS or High-quality settings in 30 FPS, in FullHD (or 4k using DLSS or similar technology). – So, there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about the Silent Hill 2 PC system requirements. Make sure you check out our Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill: F hubs for all the latest updates on these upcoming titles.

Silent Hill 2 remake will be a PlayStation exclusive YouTube: SILENT HILL (Official)Silent Hill 2 remake’s first look reveals that the game will be exclusively available on the PlayStation consoles. When the news of a new Silent Hill Transmission, players were hopeful that it would bring news of a new entry to the franchise. Ever since Kojima Productions’ planned reboot of the series in 2015 was cancelled and Hideo Kojima himself left Konami, there has been trepidation on the part of fans of the series. While the prospect of a new game, the first in over a decade, got Silent Hill fans excited for the latest announcement, it turns out that it will instead be a remake of a classic. Konami announces remake of Silent Hills 2 on PlayStation 5 The Silent Hill Transmission showed off a slew of smaller games such as Silent Hill: Townfall and an upcoming Silent Hill film, but the biggest piece was the announcement of a Silent Hill 2 remake. Silent Hill 2 will be a PlayStation exclusive for consoles in the first year, but it will also be available to play on PC at release. While fans of the series may have been disappointed by simply getting a remake, many were overjoyed to see the classic game getting remade 21 years after the original released. In addition, Konami announced that some of the original concept artists and composers from the original would return to lend their work to this update. No release date has been given for the Silent Hill 2 remake.

Silent Hill 2 remake dev blames Konami for recent trailer saying it doesn’t reflect game KonamiSilent Hill 2 remake dev Bloober Team has said they had little input into the game’s recent trailer and went as far as to say it didn’t reflect the tone of the game. At Sony’s recent PlayStation State of Play, Silent Hill 2 Remake finally reemerged with a short trailer. While many were excited to see the game again, there have been complaints about the focus and tone that was set. At the forefront of the trailer is a focus on combat, which is strange for the game. Silent Hill 2, while having melee and gunplay, is often more thought of by its atmosphere, story, and haunting themes. The combat is generally pretty ugly but that’s by design. That’s why it’s jarring to have an action-packed combat trailer for the remake being the public’s reintroduction to the game. Well, it seems that Bloober Team agrees. In a recent interview, the developer’s CEO Piotr Babieno talked about his reaction to the trailer for the game, seemingly showing some frustration with the framing. The trailer doesn’t reflect the spirit of the game In an interview with inwestorzy.tv, transcribed by Eurogamer Poland (via VGC) Babieno shared frustrations around the trailer. He joked: “I wrote those negative comments myself.” He went on to add: “In all seriousness, we are not responsible for the marketing side. That is the responsibility of our partner [Konami]. Certainly, this trailer does not reflect the spirit of the game.” “We think that when players see the real gameplay, the real game, they will judge it differently.” It seems the original video has been pulled, but still, it’s a fascinating take from the president of a company in business with Konami. While it doesn’t seem to be in particular malice, it’s rare to see someone point a finger like this pre-release. We also brought up our concerns recently, and how the combat focus, and also, a more attractive model for James Sunderland do suggest the game’s tone is a little off. However, maybe this is all marketing that isn’t representative. It would be great to be proven wrong, as an excellent Silent Hill 2 Remake is what all fans want.

Silent Hill 2 is surprisingly good for a game that’s impossible to remake Silent Hill 2 is not just the best horror game ever made. It’s one of the best games the medium has ever produced. It’s also an enigma. While it has some of the most effective horror in games, it’s so eccentric and off-kilter that it’s proven tricky to translate into the modern day. Even ports simply updating the game to newer hardware have completely gotten it wrong (although, not using Comic Sans for the Silent Hill sign was probably an easy fix). There’s a special sauce of weirdness to the game that feels almost impossible to replicate, and while Silent Hill 2 has some awkward and unintuitive aspects, they blend together to make this strange and unique cocktail. You can try to fix the gunplay with modern conveniences. You can point things out to the player a little more clearly. You can make the people in the game talk to each other like they are real human beings, not aliens trying to speak to one another for the first time after reading about how conversations should work. In a lot of ways, it’s video games’ Twin Peaks. If you’re a fan of that show and you heard it was being remade, you’d likely have the same concerns. If you sand down Silent Hill 2’s “problems” in a remake, you make something that fundamentally is different and likely inferior to the original. You lose the unreal, hallucinatory feeling that existing in this world has on you. It’s key. Like a boxer taking a punch to unease an opponent before a knockout blow, Silent Hill 2‘s odder aspects put you off balance, ready to be jabbed with a dose of terror when it decides to ratchet it up. That’s why this is a seemingly impossible task – even before you consider Bloober Team’s inconsistent output in the past. However, when given the chance to play the game for a little over three hours recently, I had to see how this was shaping up. Despite entering with an open mind, I came in expecting my trepidations to be justified. That’s not what happened. Dare I say, I even left a little surprised. In my restless dreams, I see that town… Silent Hill 2’s opening section is one that lives long in the mind. I have fond, if not uneasy memories of wandering around the streets as James, confusedly looking for a place to go, as horrors slowly but deliberately began to encroach closer and closer. This is one of those things that were key to the feeling of Silent Hill 2: being lost in those streets, marinating in its thick layer of spookiness. This beginning section, up until the point where you first fight Pyramid Head, is what I got to play of Bloober’s remake. To the team’s credit, they’ve done a great job of recreating this space. I was still navigating it largely from memory, mirroring James’ forgotten dream-like state as I navigated somewhere that was previously familiar, but now strange. For all its perspective change and shiny graphics, it was nice to revisit those streets in this newer context. Playing through this opening act again, the best way to describe it was that the bonuses of modernizing this story shone through, and the things you might think would make it a terrible idea were muted. I’m just James A good example of this is the combat system. In the original, it’s a pain in the ass to fight these monsters. It’s ugly, slow and cumbersome. But in many ways, that makes it feel all the more realistic. You had to laboriously aim your weapon, all while unsightly monsters clambered ever closer. This works because James isn’t really a fleshed-out character. He’s just a guy, and we’re given no reason to believe he has military or firearms training. However, modern players expect things to be slick and action to be tight. Making something that feels bad on purpose isn’t going to gel with a lot of players. Thankfully, Bloober has, from what I’ve played anyway, subdued any urge to have James start being a gun-toting badass to pull it closer to the likes of Resident Evil 4‘s remake. The combat, while more fluid and easier to assess, still feels janky and awkward in a way that works. While Bloober has improved James’ gun handling, the balance has been tipped back towards the monsters who have more dodges, moves, and resources to avoid bullets. It makes it much easier to miss enemies with your shots – and those remain very scarce. One thing the developers have done well is stick tightly to the survival-horror aspects of the game. You often will find yourself in fights with only five bullets, and several enemies that will take a lot more than that. This is another area of convenience Bloober might have been tempted to sand down for modern audiences, but I commend them for keeping James’ gun as a luxury, not a necessity. You’re definitively going to be getting familiar with that board and nails. I look like Mary, don’t I? One change I was less hot on initially was James sign-posting where to go a lot more. James makes some pretty overt notes on the map to better point the player to where to go and what to do. This is a reasonable change that any new player would expect. It’s something that makes logical sense. Players should know where they’re going, and not be expected to walk around lost for hours. However, it’s one of those things that just helped make the original game what it is. Sanding that off removes some of the best hours of the original game. Indeed, I ran around solving puzzles pretty fast, blasting through the space far, far quicker than before. Thankfully, Bloober Team told me all of this is optional. You can turn off the help and augment it to be in line with the older experiences. But again, Bloober has put thought into how this convenience has been implemented. They could have just put markers on your HUD pointing where to go, and what to do, but instead, they rely on heavy suggestions scribbled onto the map. I still missed a couple of things and had to backtrack. While these new tools are more than I would have liked, Bloober isn’t trying to completely slick down the edges. Silent Hill revelation Despite being surprised at how well Bloober’s vision of Silent Hill 2 works, the purist in me still had and has doubts. Again, this game is nearly impossible to remake because the reasons to remake something generally run counter to what works in the classic. However, partway through playing, I sat down with Creative Director Mateusz Lenart who said something that really unlocked the vision for me. A perspective that eases those concerns. “What helped me was to imagine we are not going back to 2001, but imagine a situation that James is still inside Silent Hill after 20 years. He’s in this constant loop. The nightmare still repeats. The nightmare changes details, but the outcome is always the same. That opened the doors for me.” And that was it. That allowed me to view this remake as something that can, maybe even should, exist. Of course, it’s important to remember this isn’t necessarily canon. This is a design principle that allowed a team making a pretty radical remake of a beloved game to operate within its framework. Still, it’s this quote that put some of my concerns at ease for the rest of the playthrough. The constant fear that change would ruin what makes a classic eased and I was able to let go in favor of jiving with what Bloober is doing – which is easily their best work to date. I’m not crazy… at least, I don’t think so Bloober Team is putting together a surprisingly good rendition of Silent Hill 2 from what I’ve played. It’s clear pretty early on what their vision is for this: a third-person, over-the-shoulder, modernized horror game. What they are doing is a great version of that. If you come in with an open mind, you’ll leave far more convinced that this could at least be a novel rumination on the original game. A new interpretation of James stuck in this loop, forever locked in Silent Hill, experiencing his torment again and again. However, Silent Hill 2 Remake still has some way to go if it hopes to really capture what makes the original so special. Even after spending a while with it – and walking away far more positive than I was expecting – recapturing the game in 2024 just feels impossible. That’s okay, though. Silent Hill 2 Remake is (so far) a good version of the game Bloober Team is trying to make. Does that make it an excellent remake of the game that came before? Maybe the answer to that matters less. Maybe the game just has to introduce enough of what works of the original and offer it up to a new audience who never would have gone back and played the original anyway. If Bloober can stick its landing, maybe its interpretation of this classic, while not supplanting what came before, will at least be valid. Silent Hill 2 is out October 8 on PC and PS5.

Sifu’s aging and Death Counter explained SloclapIn Sifu, defeat is not the end when your Kung-Fu master is knocked down. The aging mechanic is here to let you get back up and live to fight another day. Here’s how it works. Sifu is a dream for film fans of Yuen Woo-ping, Tsui Hark, and the ‘Heroic Bloodshed’ genre of the 80s. Combing devastating Kung-Fu with reflex-reliant gameplay is very satisfying, but also hard to master. You’ll eventually end up meeting your demise in Sifu, but this is a chance to get back up, at a cost. It may seem unfair at first but once you understand Sifu’s aging mechanic, you can fine-tune your fighting accordingly. Contents: How does aging work in Sifu? – What is the Death Counter in Sifu? – How to decrease the Death Counter in Sifu – How does aging work in Sifu? Sloclap has added its own unique spin on death within Sifu. Rather than just dying and restarting the level, Sifu offers the chance to rise again and continue. Read More: Sifu review – More frustrating than fun – You’ll begin Sifu at the young age of 20 years old, but if you die, you’ll continue to age until you can’t fight anymore. Each death will add to your Death Counter too, which can significantly increase how fast your character ages. However, you can slow down the rate of aging by decreasing your Death Counter. What is the Death Counter in Sifu? With each death in Sifu’s challenging levels, you’ll increase your Death Counter. Starting at 0, this will increase by one every time you fail. You’ll only be able to age up just past 70 years old before you are forced to restart the level again. How to decrease the Death Counter in Sifu To decrease the Death Counter’s age rate, you need to defeat special enemies or use Shrines to purchase decreases. Special enemies are normally highlighted with a smoke-type aura around them, while specific one-on-one counters can also reduce the Death Counter. Defeat them with a takedown attack, which will be prompted after you’ve diminished their “Structure”. Read More: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door – It’s best to use Shrines when you’re around 3 on the Death Counter, as this will make upcoming boss fights slightly more forgiving if you find yourself getting pummeled. You’ll gain strength as you get older but lose valuable health too. It’s vital to try and reach the next stage as young as possible, to give yourself a fighting chance going forward. Now you know how aging works in Sifu, you’ll be able to re-evaluate your fighting methods going forward. Make Sifu easier by following our guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them

Sifu Yang boss guide: How to defeat ‘The Leader’ SloclapSifu’s extremely tough boss battles will put your skills to the test, and none are worse than the final boss, ‘The Leader’ Yang. Here’s how to beat him. Sifu is a game that needs you to master its combat mechanics if you’re going to get through it in one piece. This is the best way to survive the game’s difficult boss battles. Sifu’s final boss is Yang ‘The Leader’ and he’s easily the hardest fight in the game. He’s also the final obstacle for you to overcome before you beat Sifu’s story mode. The key to beating all bosses in Sifu is learning when to dodge, parry, and counter their attacks. It also helps to learn their moves and discover when each boss leaves themselves open. This can be done by studying their moveset for openings during battle. However, Yang really shakes things up, here’s what you need to know to take your revenge on him. Contents The Sanctuary: Yang – The Leader Yang is the final Sifu boss and the person you’ve been hunting throughout the adventure. It’s time for some payback. Yang round 1 The first thing to know about Yang is he uses your skills against you, it’s like battling another Sifu but one that has access to the entire skill tree. Everything you can do, Yang can do too. So, you’re at an instant disadvantage going in. You’ll also have no access to Focus skills in this boss encounter, just to make things more fun. However, there is a way to overcome this boss – by being aware of your own limitations. Read More: Sifu review – More frustrating than fun – Think back to your time with Sifu, what weaknesses does your character have? What things have led to death and what gaps in your own defenses have you noticed? Use the exploits your enemy use on you against Yang. If a certain attack takes too long to recover from or leaves you open to counters, then it will be the same for Yang. Always try to keep in mind you’re battling a tougher version of you, with this in mind, your skills as a player will help you overcome the AI. Yang round 2 In round 2 Yang becomes more of a traditional Sifu boss, getting some unique attacks of his own rather than being a mirror image of you. This actually makes the fight easier as he telegraphs these attacks in new ways and allows you to learn some form of pattern. Each attack can be avoided and parried, so stay calm and hit him when there’s an opening. Be cautious though, your moveset will still make up most of his, but Yang will now start adding leg sweeps to his arsenal. Learn how to dodge these to score an opening to attack him. He’ll also bounce off the walls into a spinning kick attack which can be savage if it connects. Don’t try to parry this, just dodge it and try to take advantage of that split second where he recovers. Stay calm and focused and eventually, Yang will fall – and Sifu will have his revenge. Now that you know how to beat every Sifu boss, check out other Sifu guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them | Fajar boss guide

Sifu upgrades explained: Best skills & upgrades to unlock SloclapSifu is an extravaganza of martial arts glory that requires precision and progression to maximize your potential in kick-assery. The game’s upgrade system can quite a load, so we’ve broken down how to use it. Sloclap’s Sifu will lead to a brutal beatdown within seconds if you’re unprepared. While you may be gifted with the knowledge of Kung-Fu, perfecting its intricacies is a large task. You’ll have to upgrade your character along the way, but it can be confusing knowing which paths to follow. To help you on your way to becoming a martial arts maestro, here’s everything you need to know about Sifu’s upgrade system. Contents: When can you buy upgrades in Sifu? – How to use the upgrade system in Sifu – Best upgrades to unlock first – Are upgrades permanent in Sifu? – When can you buy upgrades in Sifu? Sifu gives the player the tools to inflict jaw-dropping feats of Kung-Fu but you’ll quickly need more tricks up your sleeve to survive. Sifu’s upgrade system will let you unlock more combos and life-saving moves, but it isn’t accessible all the time. Read More: Sifu review – More frustrating than fun – You can purchase upgrades at Shrine’s throughout every level, but they appear in very fleeting numbers so don’t squander your chance to use them. Each Shrine can only be used until you replay the level, so don’t click away from it unless you’re happy with your upgrade. Your only other chances will be through the resurrection screen upon death or at the tree in the Wuguan. How to use the upgrade system in Sifu The upgrade system itself, like the combat, is layered and perhaps a bit overwhelming at first. However, it all begins to click into place once you understand how it can be used. Shrines will give the player to progress down three separate upgrade paths, using the following methods of points to do so: Age – Level score – XP – Certain upgrades such as increasing your health gained on takedowns or maximum structure can be only be unlocked if you’re at a certain age. The older you get through death, the less you can upgrade these skills. Level score is earned through combat and multiples as you continue to avoid hits. It can be used to upgrade the amount of structure gained from avoids / dodges. XP is also awarded to the player through combat, based on your creativity and combo chains. This can be used to upgrade elements such as weapon damage or your amount of focus. Best upgrades to unlock first Sifu’s often punishing yet rewarding gameplay will make you yearn for some decent upgrades. You’ll need to grind enough XP to unlock them, but it’s worth it to utilize some of Sifu’s best upgrades. Here is what you should prioritize at the start of your journey: Ground Counter – Environmental Mastery – Strong Sweep Focus – Pushback Cancel – Weapon Catch – You’re likely to be put onto the floor often in Sifu and the Ground Counter is a superb way to inflict some damage and avoid it yourself. It’ll also sweep your enemy, making them available for some quick ground hits. It won’t work on every enemy, but it can be used in the second phase of the Sean boss battle. Environmental Mastery will allow you to flick potential weapons from your surroundings into enemies. From footstools to bricks, nearly everything is an aid in your battle. Strong Sweep Focus might not inflict a huge amount of damage, but it’s incredibly useful for creating windows of opportunity. It can be used on every boss, except Yang, and every other enemy in the game. You’ll put your enemy onto the floor and allow yourself to sneak some hits in. Pushback Cancel will allow you to regain your composure after an enemy, well, pushes you. Use it to stop yourself from hitting the environment and taking unnecessary damage. As more foes begin to circle you in combat, having Weapon Catch unlocked can get you out of a tricky situation. If an enemy throws a weapon at you, you can instantly claim it as your own and get to work dealing damage as a result. Are upgrades permanent in Sifu? The path to Sifu’s completion isn’t easy and sadly, upgrades aren’t permanent from the get-go. If you die on your current run, having purchased multiple upgrades along the way, they’ll be reset when you start again. However, you can keep upgrades if you’ve got enough XP to fork out for them. Every upgrade on the skill tree, seen in death or at Shrines, can be kept forever if you purchase them five times. Upgrades can range between 500XP or even 1000XP too, making it difficult to acquire some of the better ones if you’re low on XP. We advise putting your XP towards parrying techniques, before your more impressive-looking fleets of fury. Now you’re ready to navigate Sifu’s upgrade system with ease.

Sifu Sean boss guide: How to defeat ‘The Fighter’ SloclapSifu’s boss fights are incredibly tough and a showcase of the true potential of the game’s difficulty. Here’s how to beat the second boss ‘The Fighter’ Sean. Once you’ve perfected the basics of Sifu, the game then tests you further by putting you face-to-face with some brutal bosses. Sean or ‘The Fighter’ is the second boss in the game and hangs out in The Club level. However, like every other Sifu boss encounter, Sean can be defeated by learning his attack patterns and mastering the game’s combat systems. The trick to beating any Sifu boss often comes down to knowing when to dodge, parry, and counterattack. It also helps to know when each boss is vulnerable to attack, as that split second can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Here’s how to beat Sifu’s second boss, the powerful Sean. Contents The Club: Sean The boss battle against Sean isn’t as frantic as the first boss fight against Fajar. However don’t underestimate Sean, as this Sifu boss knows how to bring the fire – and believe us, he will. Here’s how to beat Sifu’s second boss, the powerful Sean. Sean round 1 Sean will confront players at the end of The Club level wielding a flaming staff. While this fight is more focused and calm than the brutality of the first boss, Sean still knows plenty of ways to punish hasty players. The first round is straightforward to those who’ve become familiar with Sifu’s combat mechanics. Sean will swing his staff around, so a pattern of dodge, parry, and counterattack will work well here. Read More: Sifu review – More frustrating than fun – Sean’s will swing his staff horizontally, spin it around, and finish with a heavy uppercut. To make things more complicated, he’ll mix and match these attacks into fluid combos, the order of which can be unpredictable. We’d also advise you not to get caught by a combo, as being caught twice will likely lead to death. Maintain a calm state and practice avoiding each of his attacks. If possible, parry and counter them. However, avoiding them should be enough to buy you a brief window of time to punish him back. Sean round 2 However, in round 2, things really begin to heat up – literally. Sean’s staff will now be on fire meaning it does extra damage to those unfortunate enough to get caught by his strikes. He also gets slightly faster but the general flow of his boss fight remains the same. It’s worth pointing out that Sean’s wind-up animation leaves him open to attack, but he can quickly recover and turn the tables. Therefore, we’d suggest getting in, hitting hard, then retreating. Rinse and repeat for success. Blocking and parrying are still effective, but they won’t win the day on their own. Repeating the strategy from above is wise, but be aware you’ll need to chip away at his Structure to create those precious openings. Otherwise, you’ll be reliant on simply taking potshots at him which he can counter by canceling his own attack animations with different attacks. This makes finding an opening to hit him harder. Now that you’re able to take down Sean, Sifu is still tough. Make the game easier by following our guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them | Fajar boss guide

Sifu players outraged as developer reveals difficulty options are coming SloclapSloclap co-founder Pierre Tarno revealed that Sifu is getting difficulty options and some fans aren’t too happy about it. As a game where players get to control a martial arts expert throughout his life, Sifu offers a refreshing take to not just the slap ‘em up genre, but to video games in general. With its unique death mechanic that ages you a year forward upon reviving, reducing your health in exchange for extra punching power in the process, the game brings a whole new meaning to difficulty in games – something that is greatly appreciated by hardcore fans. Sifu fans outraged over difficulty options addition On a recent Twitch Gaming stream on February 10, Sloclap co-founder Pierre Tarno said that Sifu will be getting accessibility updates following the game’s launch with additions such as improved captioning, and a high contrast mode. One of the features that took the cake was the addition of difficulty modes. Previously known to be firm in their stance on easier modes, the developers wanted the game “to challenge players and encourage them to learn.” With the main idea of players getting better, he explained himself in an interview with MP21st back in November stating, “We want Sifu to challenge players and to encourage them to learn, improve and adapt. The ability to rise up from death will help new players by allowing them to fail and try again multiple times when they face difficulty.” Although Tarno didn’t give much detail pertaining to future accessibility features for the game, he said that the Sloclap team is “considering and planning for” difficult modes, adding that they’d announce “something to that end pretty soon.” Hey! So it’s weird I get to help break news but yes #Sifu is getting #accessibility updates post-launch. – Better captions – High Contrast Mode on PS4/5 (was on PC, but not PS4/5 at launch due to a bug) – Difficulty Modes. Both easier & harder, similar to Metroid Dread’s update. https://t.co/9pFTOmfvnR— Steve Saylor (@stevesaylor) February 11, 2022 In response to this, some Sifu fans aren’t exactly happy. “No patch for an easy mode either get good or leave it be,” said @Gamer39Geeky on Twitter. “Don’t change the difficulty; doesn’t need easy mode,” @charlie8bits replied. Don’t change the difficulty 😞 doesn’t need easy mode — Charlie8bits (@Charlie8bits) February 12, 2022 “Do not make a difficulty setting,” said @EdmundAmore. “That’s the ENTIRE point of the game.” It’s difficult until you grind to perma unlock things. After that, it’s not nearly as hard.” Do not make a difficulty setting. That’s the ENTIRE point of the game. It’s difficult until you grind to perma unlock things. After that ots not nearly as hard. — EdmundAmoreOfficial (@EdmundAmore) February 12, 2022 This isn’t one of the first times gamers have been outraged over difficulty options added to harder games. Only time will tell if future titles will continue this trend.

Sifu Kuroki boss guide: How to defeat ‘The Artist’ SloclapSifu’s boss battles are very formidable and can literally take years from the player’s life. Here’s how to beat Sifu’s third boss ‘The Artist’ known as Kuroki. To succeed in Sifu you need to get your head around the basics of the game’s combat system. This is the fastest way to overcoming the game’s biggest challenges – those tough boss fights. Kuroki or ‘The Artist’ is the third boss in the game and is a very tough customer. She’s much harder than the previous two bosses and will give inexperienced players a really hard time. Luckily, the trick to beating any Sifu boss often comes down to knowing when to dodge, parry, and counterattack. It also helps to know when each boss is vulnerable to attack, examining their moveset for openings during the flow of battle. Contents The Museum: Kuroki – The Artist Kuroki is Sifu’s third boss, appearing after Sean. What makes this one difficult is there are fewer places to hide. The reach of Kuroki’s bladed chain staff also goes far, making things even tougher. She can swing that thing for days and can kill players before they can get near here. However, there are ways to get close to her and bring this Sifu boss down. Kuroki round 1 Players who rush straight at Kuroki are likely to be punished before they can get anywhere near her. Although it’s not impossible. To get close to her, try to dodge or parry her attacks, this will help you close the gap without being caught in her traps. You’ll have a window of mere seconds to get in some hits in if you successfully block/parry her. So make these seconds count. Once you learn her attacks and can competently dodge them, you’ll find getting close to her much easier. Kuroki will repeat and mix the same 4 slash attacks with her chain blade, so it doesn’t take long to figure out her patterns. Avoid being caught in her combos at all costs. A slash here and there won’t matter but being continuously hit by her flurries will result in death. Kuroki round 2 Kuroki’s second phase is different from the first as she now has three main attacks, the first being a flurry of devastating chain combos. Dodging is advised here. The good news is you can escape, even if she hits you with one attack. You can also block and parry, but this is risky. Her new dash attack must be avoided or parried because it can one-shot you if not. Don’t simply move out the way, actively try to duck or parry to be safe. Look out for the flash on her face before this attack, practice makes perfect. Read More: Can you change Sifu’s difficulty? – Her third attack is less deadly but should still be avoided. It involves her throwing knives in volleys. She telegraphs it by jumping backward, so when this happens, get ready to dodge and go in for the kill when you can. Each time she performs this move grants you an opportunity to do her damage back. She telegraphs her moves more in phase two, but phase 2 is the sweet spot getting those hard hits in. Now that you know how to beat Kuroki, check out our next few guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them | Fajar boss guide

Sifu Jinfeng boss guide: How to defeat ‘The CEO’ SloclapSifu’s tough boss battles are the greatest challenges you will face up against, but there are solid strategies to beating them. Here’s how to beat Sifu’s fourth boss, ‘The CEO’ Jinfeng. Sifu is a game that wants you to learn and master its combat. This is the quickest way to survive and overcome the game’s brutal boss encounters. Sifu’s fourth boss, Jinfeng, or ‘The CEO’ is also tough. While we think she’s the easiest boss in the game, that doesn’t mean you should take her lightly. The trick to beating any Sifu boss, including Jinfeng, usually boils down to learning when to dodge, parry, and counterattack. It also helps to know when each boss leaves themselves open to attack, which can be done by studying their moveset for openings during battle. Contents The Tower: Jinfeng – The CEO We found Jinfeng to be the easiest Sifu boss, although, by the very nature of being a Sifu boss, Jinfend is still hard to beat. Although by the time we faced Jinfeng, we felt like we had a good understanding of Sifu’s systems and had upgraded our character some more. Although Jinfeng doesn’t really do anything complicated and her attacks are easy to dodge and parry, that doesn’t mean ‘The CEO’ should be underestimated. Jinfeng round 1 You’ll face this Sifu boss at the end of The Tower level. Jinfeng’s attacks usually consist of three well-telegraphed moves, which is why it’s easy to learn her patterns. The issue is, Jinfeng uses a long flail with ridiculous range, but she becomes less of a threat up close. Jinfeng will use two far-reaching swipes with her flail before swinging it low in a leg sweep attack, if this connects she’ll then attack with a fourth downward slam move. We’d especially advise avoiding her leg sweep, those who get caught by this are left open to her next attack – and it’s by far the most brutal. Read More: Can you change Sifu’s difficulty? – Spend some time learning her patterns. Dodge and parry when you can and work your way closer to her. This is where she’s valuable. You can do a great deal of damage to her up close before she’s able to escape you and go back to her attack pattern. Jinfeng round 2 Out of all the Sifu boss battles, Jinfeng’s second phase changes the encounter the least. Just stick to what you did before. Avoid, parry, and counter. Get close and hit hard, escape to safety, and repeat. Remember, while she’s easier to beat up close she’s still not a pushover here. Jinfeng has a variety of close-quarter combos she can hit you with in CQC, but these are generally less punishing than her distanced flail attacks. They can also be parried easily by experienced players. Now that you know how to beat Jinfeng, check out other Sifu guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them | Fajar boss guide

Sifu Fajar boss guide: How to defeat ‘The Botanist’ SloclapSifu’s boss fights are a thrilling endeavor and showcase the full extent of the game’s difficulty. Here’s how to beat ‘The Botanist’ Fajar, Sifu’s first major boss. Once you’ve nailed down the basics of Sifu, the game throws you a curveball by putting you up against some brutal bosses. Fajar is the first of these. However, like every Sifu boss encounter, Fajar can be overcome by learning his attack patterns and perfecting the game’s combat systems. The trick to beating each Sifu boss often comes down to knowing when to dodge, parry, and counterattack. It also pays to know when each boss is vulnerable to attack, as that split second can make all the difference. Here’s how to beat Sifu’s first boss, the mighty Fajar. Contents The Squats: Fajar – The Botanist Fajar is the first boss in Sifu so he’s also the first true test of your skills. This silent drug lord is a savage fighter, but he can be overcome with patience and practice. He also sets the tone for all future boss encounters in Sifu. Fajar round 1 The first thing to note is that Fajar can cover a lot of ground quickly with his jumps and devastating kicks, so stay mobile and learn how to avoid these. Remember though, Fajar has two different variants of this kick, so try to spot which version he’s gearing up for. Read More: Can you change Sifu’s difficulty? – Mercifully, his quickest kick isn’t as strong as the other, despite being harder to dodge. The other one can be ducked with ease but hits hard if it connects. The game will telegraph both kicks though with the orange glow that appears in combat. Fajar round 2 In round 2 of the battle against Fajar, the first Sifu boss gets serious and pulls out a machete. Fajar will now trade his ax kicks for swinging machete attacks. If you notice his blade shine in the light, then get ready to dodge. His slashes can be avoided once his patterns are learned, but things can go south very quickly if he connects. The true danger is being caught in is flurry attack, something that can either kill you outright or leave you vulnerable to his next attack. Remember, you can’t block his machete attacks, so learn how to dodge. Now that you’re able to take down Fajar, Sifu won’t pull its punches. Make the game easier by following our guides: How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them

Sifu difficulty settings: how to play easy mode SloclapSifu’s incredibly brutal martial arts can prove tricky for even the greatest of Kung-Fu masters, and so many players will be questioning if there are difficulty settings. Well, we have the answer to that question right here. There’s no denial that Sifu is a difficult game. Whether you’re getting greedy with the punches or mistiming a counter, Sifu’s enemies will wipe the floor with you at one point or another. In fact, even the regular grunts can make short work of you if you’re not careful. While the Kung-Fu action may look fast and fluid, death is never far away. Receiving a few furious punches is all that it takes to completely ruin a run. Fortunately, Sifu’s unique death mechanic can bring you back into the action – albeit a bit older and a little more powerful. However, many players looking to dive into the merciless world of Sifu may be put off by its difficulty. Whether you’re struggling to beat a certain level or just wish to know if there’s a difficulty option in Sifu before you make a purchase, then we have you covered. Is there easy mode in Sifu? Difficulty options arrived in Sifu in a post-launch update last year, introducing Student, Disciple, and Master as options for your brawling techniques. Originally, those looking to complete the game’s tale of revenge would have needed to dust off their martial arts expertise and hone their technique, but thankfully that’s not the only way now. These options can be changed by starting a new game, or via the options menu (but only at certain points). Student difficulty is supposed to be a stand-in for easy mode, featuring less aggressive enemies and better control over your health and aging. Meanwhile, Disciple is the classic Sifu experience with very few changes present, but those wanting an extra challenge can opt for the Master difficulty. It’s here that your skills will be put to the ultimate test, facing off against incredibly aggressive enemies with very little health of your own. Fortunately, death isn’t the end of a run. Players can be resurrected and age several years in the process. While your health bar will grow considerably smaller with each subsequent death, the power behind each punch increases. Read More: Sifu upgrades explained – This means death shouldn’t be completely feared in Sifu. In fact, death is a large part of learning in Sloclap’s beat ‘em up. Sometimes it takes a few in-game deaths to master a specific enemy or master a trickier section of a level. Check out our free content update roadmap for #Sifu! At this stage, four major updates are planned – the first one will be available next Tuesday, May 3rd, along with our physical edition! 🔥🔥 #SifuGame pic.twitter.com/8UBEWwJKS4 — SifuGame (@SifuGame) April 26, 2022 It’s best to keep persevering and learning your opponent’s moves. Keep an eye out for opportunities to strike, when to use defensive dodges, and how you can use your environment to your advantage. With enough practice, you’ll be able to quickly take down your foes without taking so much as a scratch. So, there you have it, everything we know about Sifu difficulty settings and options. Make sure you check out our other Sifu guides for all the latest information: Sifu upgrades explained | Sifu review | Everything we know about Sifu

Sifu controls guide and how to remap your controller SloclapSifu’s huge arsenal of Kung-Fu moves will leave your enemies cowering, but mastering the art is no easy feat. Here’s our controls guide so you can make sure you’re prepared for battle. Sloclap’s Sifu isn’t just your average brawler, it’s a complex martial arts battler which requires trial and error for you to reach perfection. It might feel easy at first, but it’s hard to master especially as you run into some seriously intimidating bosses. While the game presents a default control scheme to learn with precision, there are ways to make that journey easier. We’re going to make that happen with our controls guide. Contents How to access the Controls List in Sifu – How to remap the controls in Sifu – How to practice the controls in Sifu – How to access the Controls List in Sifu Sifu throws players into the battle with some guidance, but the rest of your Kung-Fu knowledge is down to you to perfect. There are multiple combinations to learn within Sifu, and you can look at them directly through the Controls List. Read More: Sifu’s aging and Death Counter explained – To access the Controls List, simply pause the game and head over to the Controls section on the menu. This will display every combo within Sifu, as well as other useful tricks for blocking and parrying incoming attacks. As Sifu doesn’t display your inputs on-screen at any time, this is useful for keeping yourself refreshed with more complex moves. However, if you’re not completely satisfied with Sloclap’s default settings for combat, you can customize Sifu’s controls for yourself. How to remap the controls in Sifu If you’d prefer to customize Sifu’s controls for your own specific inputs, then you can do so through the controls list. To do this you’ll need to: Head over to the Options section on the Pause Menu. – Enter the Remapping section. – Change the control scheme preset to ‘Custom’. – From here you can fine-tune Sifu’s control scheme to your liking, which may offer an advantage for you in combat. – How to practice the controls in Sifu Sifu offers players the chance to hone their Kung-Fu skills, outside of the dangerous levels it contains. If you fancy refining your reflexes and combos, head to the Wuguan and approach the wooden Wing Chun dummy to access Sifu’s training mode. Read More: Sifu review – More frustrating than fun – You’ll be able to set the A.I’s performance to ‘Passive’ or ‘Aggressive’, with the latter enabling the A.I to engage you in combat. This is an excellent way to practice dodges, parries, and combos without suffering any tangible consequences. Make sure to check out Sifu’s controls and training mode to master your attacks. You can beat the game with our guides: Sifu Fajar boss guide: How to defeat ‘The Botanist’ | How to unlock Sifu’s Private Room Door | Sifu difficulty settings: Is there a difficulty slider at launch? | Sifu upgrades explained: What to unlock first and how to keep them

Shroud’s new game Spectre Divide player count gets off to a strong start on Steam Mountaintop StudiosPopular streamer Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek has finally released his highly anticipated tactical shooter, Spectre Divide. Just 24 hours later, the game is showing promise thanks to a strong player count, despite a few hiccups. As a former Valorant and CS:GO pro, and current popular streamer, there’s no doubt shroud knows what players are looking for when it comes to a tactical multiplayer shooter. As such, there’s been a considerable amount of hype for Spectre Divide’s release among the fanbase and beyond. This was echoed when the game was released on September 3, where the total player count hit an impressive 30,000 on Steam. While this isn’t anything hugely game-breaking, it certainly shows promise for Spectre Divides’ future, especially after similar titles like Concord failed to bring in an audience. Spectre Divide reaches 30,000 players despite server issues That 30,000 player count is all the more impressive when the many server issues, bugs, and mass player frustration are taken into consideration. Just nine hours after the game’s release, developer, Mountaintop Studios announced they’d be bringing the game down to fix a few critical bugs and errors that had come to light upon its release. While it was thankfully only shut down for two hours, this undeniably impacted the total player count in the first 24 hours. On top of this, controversy and frustration hit relatively fast, with players slamming the price of the skins for weapons and characters. Spectre Divide quickly responded to this outcry on their X account and stated they would be decreasing prices and offering refunds to those affected. Despite the server issues and player frustration, the number of Steam players has been clocking in at over 10,000 consistently on the second day of its release (September 4), proving it still has quite the fanbase enjoying the brand-new shooter.

Shroud’s Level 100 Diablo 4 Hardcore character dies due to sudden lag Blizzard Entertainment, ShroudDiablo 4 players have been suffering from lag and server issues as of late and those very issues resulted in a heartbreaking end for streamer shroud’s Level 100 Hardcore character save file. Like millions of other players, Michael Grzesiek AKA shroud has been enjoying Blizzard’s Diablo 4. The insanely popular streamer has been sinking countless hours into the addictive RPG looter and has mastered the game’s Hardcore mode. In Hardcore, permadeath rules apply, and if you die, you’re dead – for good. So it’s impressive that shroud has been able to join the rare elite of having a Level 100 character. Sadly though, like so many others, the streamer’s hard work and efforts came to an end recently thanks to one frustrating case of lag. Shroud’s Level 100 Diablo 4 character dies due to lag “I’m lagged out” were the fateful words uttered by shroud as he could only look in despair as the control of his Level 100 Diablo 4 character was taken out of his hands. Deep into a Nightmare Dungeon, shroud was battling enemies before proclaiming to his stream and party member: “Oh my god I’m lagging.” Within a couple of seconds, he realized what was happening and would go on to repeat the same sentiment over and over: “I’likem lagged out.” After a few seconds, the game came to its senses, but it was too late. Shroud’s character was dead, and the game prompted him with the “You have died” screen just to hammer home the point. All the streamer could do was accept his fate – which was actually being killed by a Plague Maggot – and look on to see a final “Network Disconnect” error message to put the icing on the cake. Whether you’re a big-time streamer like Shroud or just a regular, everyday Diablo 4 player, server and lag issues do not discriminate. With players still complaining about the state of lag and the devs themselves even apologizing for the issues, the community will continue to remain on its toes regarding issues such as these.

Shroud wishes for more Starfield bugs and immediately gets his wish granted Twitch: shroud/BethesdaStarfield is finally here, and while the game’s launch has already proved to be controversial for reviewers, players are starting to sink their teeth into the gameplay. As the latest release from Bethesda, there’s been a longstanding discussion over whether or not the game will contain the developers’ now-infamous bugs. Previous games have had strange ragdolls, odd facial animation, and tons of odd interactions that have given Bethesda titles a unique charm. We’ve already seen some very odd stuff from Starfield, including ships taking off without the players piloting them. However, for Shroud, there haven’t been enough bugs, and he wished for the game to be a bit goofier during a recent stream. Shroud wishes Starfield was “a little bit buggier” During his Twitch stream, Shroud discussed why he liked Bethesda games so much, and why he wanted more glitches in Starfield. He said: “I love Bethesda games. I love the charm that they have, they’re goofy, they’re f*cking bug-filled. To be honest, I wish there were more bugs in the game, there really aren’t that many, and it’s kind of annoying. “Like, I wish there was more. This game is almost too polished for a Bethesda game. But that’s ok, that’s not a bad problem to have. I’d say that for them, that’s probably a dub. But for me, I wish it was a little bit buggier.” Barely seconds after finishing his sentence, Shroud ran into a bug on the Mission Board menu that told him to repeat a quest that he had just finished. While it probably wasn’t the funny kind of bug that Shroud had in mind, it was still perfect timing for the moment. “I literally just did this. A bug? Speak of bugs and it will happen. I think I just found an infinite money glitch.” For more news and updates on the community reaction to Starfield, check out how players are responding to the controversial review scores coming out for the game.

Shroud, Tarik & iiTzTimmy invest in new shooter game from ex-Apex, CS, and Valorant devs Twitch: shroud/Instagram: officialtarik/Mountaintop StudiosTop FPS and battle royale streamers Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek, Tarik ‘tarik’ Celik, and Timothy ‘iiTzTimmy’ An have joined a $30m investing round in Mountaintop Studios, a development studio with former devs from the likes of Riot Games, Respawn, Epic Games, Blizzard, and more. Announced on January 31, Mountaintop Studios has officially raised a further $30m of funding, with a number of top FPS streamers and content creators joining musicians and athletes, as they continue work on what they call a “genre-defining” tactical shooter. Twitch streamers Sacriel and CohhCarnage are also part of the funding round, as are LA Clippers’ Paul George and international DJ Zedd, rounding out what is a fairly star-studded set of investors in the studios’ early stages. With this announcement, Mountaintop have shared their debut game as a studio, an as-yet-unnamed tactical shooter that has been in development for over 3 years, since the studio launched in 2020. Just from the available screenshots, the game looks visually similar to the likes of Overwatch and Valorant in its vibrant colors and map aesthetics, though we’re still some way off telling how exactly it plays. Shroud has spoken here and there about a survival FPS that he’s been working on codenamed ‘Project Astrid,’ though these two titles don’t appear to be the same, as they are being developed by separate studios. Zack Zaharis from Anthos Capital led the funding round, while RX3 Growth Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Abstract, vgames, BoxGroup, and Spark Capital also participated in the round. No release date has been provided for this upcoming game, though given this announcement, we could expect to see movement in the coming months.

Shroud says he’s “scared to know” why Twitch banned Dr Disrespect Youtube: Dr DisrespectThe silence surrounding Guy ‘Dr Disrespect’ Beahm’s Twitch ban has led to a lot of speculation in the community and even streaming giant Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek recently commented on the worrying lack of information. Almost five months after the punishment, both Twitch and Doc have not given an official reason behind his ban, with important members of the community still seemingly unaware of the reasons behind it. On a recent stream, shroud was answering some viewer questions and the topic of the Doc came after a short discussion about Félix ‘xQc’ Lengyel’s recent Twitch ban. A viewer asked shroud if he was mad about his inability to play with Dr Disrespect on stream because of Twitch, and the popular streamer took the opportunity to dive into what’s really been bothering him. “No. I would say I am more upset that I don’t know what it is…” stated the former CSGO player. To everyone’s surprise, Twitch permanently banned Dr Disrespect on June 26, 2020. The suspension is widely considered to be one of Twitch’s most controversial moments as the Two-Time was arguably the most popular name on the Amazon-owned platform. As time passed, speculation about the ban being the result of DMCA claims faded as both parties declined to comment on the situation. Shroud confessed that while he is curious about the ban, the silence surrounding the situation concerns him. “If it was something nonchalant…we would know,” he stated. He followed up by explaining how companies are more likely to keep something secret the more serious the situation is, mentioning the extraordinary abilities of the Twitch legal team. 100 Thieves’ CEO and Founder Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag was also careful about speculating on the reasons for the ban, stating that nobody has a clue on the situation. Dr Disrespect had previously hinted at the reason behind his ban, with the former “face of Twitch” implying that Twitch decided to get rid of him to save money and enable the signing of shroud and Richard ‘Ninja’ Blevins following the termination of their Mixer contracts. Shroud was quick to dismiss these claims, stating that it would be in Twitch’s best interests to have all three streamers on their platform.

Shroud says Game of the Year is “rigged” if Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t win Game Science/Twitch/shroudPopular Twitch streamer shroud is convinced that if Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t win Game of the Year, then the awards are “rigged.” Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek is quite well-versed in the world of gaming. The ex-CSGO pro even has his own FPS in development in the form of Spectre Divide and is no stranger to sharing his thoughts on the industry. Naturally, this meant he had to check out Game Science’s smash hit Black Myth: Wukong, and like many, he was blown away by the action RPG. The Journey to the West-inspired title has taken the gaming world by storm, breaking Steam records to become the platform’s most-played single-player experience. During an August 22 Twitch broadcast, shroud praised the “awesome” game before thinking about his next words carefully. “I don’t want to say this, cause it might piss you off. But it’s gonna win Game of the Year,” he confidently predicted. “It’s gonna, 100%. 1000%.” Grzesiek was so sure of this, he even claimed that if Black Myth doesn’t end up winning the award in December, then GOTY is “rigged.” “If it doesn’t, it’s rigged. Simply put. What’s the competition? Space Marine, but I doubt it. How’s a Warhammer game going to win? I don’t know? F**king Helldivers? Palworld? I think it clears them. I think it clears hard.” Shroud isn’t the only Twitch streamer to believe Black Myth: Wukong deserves GOTY. Asmongold shared similar sentiments on his own broadcast, claiming that the game is the clear favorite to take home the prize despite lacking a sense of exploration. “I wish it had more open world exploration, because of how good the game is,” Asmongold said. “I feel dumb even saying that. The mechanics in this game are incredible, they are so well done. Each of the bosses is really well-designed. This is way better than what I had expected.”

Shroud roasts COD players again claiming The Finals is “too much” for them Embark StudiosMichael “shroud” Grzesiek roasted Call of Duty players yet again while comparing the Finals and claiming that the game is “too much” for them. Shroud is a well-renowned name in the gaming sector boasting accolades of experience across various video games and mostly shooters. An ex-professional CSGO player and now a streamer, he has been playing The Finals, the new kid in the FPS genre, on his streams from time to time. In one of his livestreams, shroud took a subtle dig at Call of Duty players, claiming it’s “too much for the COD brain” and fans are having mixed reactions to the statement. Shroud thinks The Finals is “too much for the COD brain” Shroud in one of his livestreams stated that The Finals is “too much for the COD brain”. He further continued by saying it’s “fine” and players “need more time” as The Finals is pretty new to what it offers when compared to Call of Duty, which has been in the market for several years now. A player started a discussion on Reddit where several others followed and expressed their feelings, saying it’s a good thing The Finals is a niche game in comparison to CoD. One player said it’s “almost a completely different game” upon switching classes. “Sometimes you’re the battering ram, others a nurse, and sometimes you can be a pain the a**e.” To support the statement, another player commented, “This is the biggest selling point of the combat/gameplay for me. Aside from maps and destruction this is the real accomplishment.” One player agreed with shroud and said “that’s a good thing.” Another said that “The Finals will have a smaller community in comparison to COD, but that isn’t a bad thing. Games like The Finals and Apex is more than just aiming and shooting.” Shroud also stopped playing Warzone and Call of Duty in 2023, calling them a monstrosity. He said he there was too much “bulls*it” affecting the game, especially for players on mouse and keyboard.

Shroud reviews new Forza BR, explains why GTA 5 is the best racing game Streaming star Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek has weighed in on the new battle royale mode inside Forza Horizon 4 and explained why no actual racing game comes close to Grand Theft Auto V and it’s mechanics. The popularity of battle royale titles like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has seen other games like Call of Duty and Battlefield rush to put their own spin on things. Yet, one of the newest and perhaps strangest battle royale ideas comes from Forza Motorsport. With Forza Horizon receiving new content updates, the game’s developer dropped The Eliminator – a racing variant of a battle royale but if you’re expecting to hide across landscapes and crash into players to eliminate them, well, you’ve got the wrong game. Instead, it’s a knockout race where you take on a player in a race to a certain aspect. With Shroud being the battle royale king when it comes to streaming, he was asked for his opinion on it during his December 22 broadcast. “Forza’s BR is a knockout race, yeah, it’s not exactly what I expected,” he said. “I think Forza’s BR would be cool if the map design was a little different, but I’m not a fan of Horizons.” Yet, that led him to a bigger point about the racing game genre in general. “No racing game that has come out recently has been better than GTA 5 racing,” shroud added. GTA 5 has some of the best mechanics in any car racing game ever.” The former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professional continued on: “Every other game, they flop on some sort of area in the racing, but GTA 5 is the only game that is perfect on all aspects when it comes to racing. It’s crazy.” Shroud further highlighted the game’s physics and mechanics as being a key selling point for how good it is, despite the fact that so many other elements go into a GTA game. While Forza may have its fans, especially with the unique Horizon series, it appears as if they may have hit wide of the mark with their battle royale take. Who knows, maybe Shroud will get his wish with GTA 6 and Rockstar Games will combine racing and battle royale’s in a perfect, ideal blend. We can only wait and see.

Shroud reveals how he’d design his own perfect FPS game YouTube: ShroudMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek is one of the best players to ever touch the FPS genre. However, would that transfer into designing a good game? Shroud has given it some thought, and has some features he’d like to include into his own “perfect” FPS. Shroud has mastered almost every FPS title on the market. You name it, he’s probably played it, and gotten to the top rank. While he cut his teeth in professional CS:GO, he’s gone on to become one of the most talented streamers out there. However, what if the tables were turned? What if shroud was tasked with creating a game that would be enjoyed by all? Well, he’s given it some thought — and it’d look a lot like Escape from Tarkov. The perfect FPS, according to shroud Discussing the proposition in a June 11 video, shroud claimed that Tarkov has basically all the elements of an FPS game that he loves. However, it could do with a bit of tweaking to give it a bit more flair. “Honestly, if I was to make a game, I think it would be something like [Escape from Tarkov],” shroud admitted. “It would be raid-based, map-based, super-survival based but not too crazy hardcore. I’d really want a game like Tarkov, but not as modern.” “I want a game where it’s like really sh*tty. You’ve got good melee mechanics. You have sh*tty, put-together-with-tape pistols and rifles, and every now and then you can find insane sh*t.” As shroud got deeper and deeper into the discussion, his fans started wondering about exact details. Open world map, or something a bit more constraints? How would the game look visually? “Not an open world like DayZ? I think open world games kind of suck. This is the way to do it. You do it instance-based,” he claimed. “Kind of like Rust weapons? Yeah, but I wouldn’t want it to look like Rust. I want it to look more like Tarkov, where it’s got that realistic kind of look to it, but with sh*tty put together weapons. Rust is cartoony — it’s got its skins and colourfulness — I want it dark and gritty. More so Fallout-style.” However, despite all the hypothesizing, shroud doesn’t see himself cut out for the world of game development — at least on his lonesome. His dreams are wild, but he lacks the manpower and funding do it solo. “If I was ever to be on some project of game creation, [the game] would be something super basic. I don’t have the funds to have this giant studio with hundreds of people to actually make a good game. If anything, it’d be a project that starts with 10 people and takes 10 years.” Shroud has consulted on some games in the past, stating previously that he’s helped out with the development of Apex Legends. While an entire game developed by him is out of the question for now, things might change in the future.

Shroud rages off of his own game Spectre Divide just to play Deadlock Twitch: ShroudShroud has raged off of his own game, Spectre Divide, just to hop over to Deadlock after stating the MOBA has “twisted” his brain and how he “perceives” himself. Upon its proper acknowledgment from Valve, shroud was quick to claim that Deadlock was going to take over the world, and while it is still in early access right now, he may be right as the game is already attracting thousands. As it gradually captures an audience in the tens of thousands, it’s clearly got its hooks in shroud as well, as the streamer quit playing his own new release in order to get more time in with Deadlock. After a particularly difficult match in Spectre Divide, in which his team lost after blowing a hefty 7-2 lead, shroud decided to close the game to switch over to another. As he jumped over to Deadlock, shroud was clearly still feeling the rage from his last match, despite saying he’d forget the game. “I feel like this game, Deadlock, changed the way I perceive myself and my peers,” shroud said as he opened the game. “Deadlock has twisted my brain.” His explanation of how Deadlock has changed him was quickly cut short as a viewer questioned why he wasn’t playing his own game instead. “’Hey shroud isn’t playing his own f***ing game’… Bro I was just playing for five f***ing hours, six hours, you dumb piece of s**t,” he said as he walked off camera and hit something. It’s quite rare to see the streamer rage at a game, only ever doing so in the case of a frustrating weapon or stream snipers. More than a week into its release, Spectre Divide isn’t the biggest kid on the block when it comes to competitive live service games, with Deadlock hogging the spotlight. Moreover, the tactical FPS was already put under fire for releasing with high skin prices.

Shroud offers simple suggestion to vastly improve fan-favorite mode in Battlefront 2 Twitch star Michael ‘shroud‘ Grzesiek explained an effective way to improve upon Heroes vs. Villains in Star Wars Battlefront 2 by allowing for AI soldiers and making bigger maps. DICE has done a great job at reviving Star Wars Battlefront 2 from the dead following its launch loot box debacle and with the help of timely updates, it has now experienced a second wind. Streamers such as shroud are able to show off the changes to thousands of viewers when he plays, something that could bode well for the longevity of the game. Just because the game has improved greatly since launch, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t still use some improvements. Heroes vs. Villains could be improved with this small change As it stands right now, Battlefront 2’s Heroes vs. Villains mode features strictly heroes against villains without additional soldiers or AI units. “Implement a mode where it’s only heroes and villains against each other in a map like this and the rest is AI,” he explained. “I don’t want heroes vs. villains only, that’s kind of lame, but it would be fun to go up against AI stormtroopers and shit.” DICE added a new game mode to Battlefront 2 called Capital Supremacy that introduced AI soldiers fighting alongside you so it’s possible changes like that could be on the way. Heroes vs. Villains has seen a different iteration with practically every Battlefront game, going back to the 2005 Battlefront 2. While it’s possible we could see a change like this, it seems more like something that would be saved for a future Battlefront 2 title. Battlefront 2 is in a good spot right now With the recent updates that added in prequel era heroes like Obi-Wan Kenobi, General Grievous, Count Dooku and Anakin Skywalker, it has brought a lot of new excitement to the game. The Capital Supremacy playlist gave players a new game mode to experience and support hasn’t stopped there as the team also gave out a free Princess Leia skin for May 4.

Shroud & ItzTimmy announced as playable characters in new battle royale Super People Wonder PeopleUpcoming game Super People will include popular streamers Shroud and ItzTimmy, with the two content creators revealed to be playable characters for the new battle royale title. Developer Wonder People’s upcoming Super People game just finished up the final stage of its beta on August 30 2022. The beta was a massive success with the game’s player count breaking its all-time player record after a massive surge. Now though, the game is moving into early access which will go live on October 10. This does mean that fans of the game will have to wait out for the next month and a half before they are able to dip back into Super People. As part of this early access announcement, the devs revealed some big news in that popular Twitch streamers Shroud and ItzTimmy will be characters in the game when it arrives. This initial announcement, made via Twitter, also offers up a first look at what the design for the two content creators will look like in-game. Given that the images have the two featured in front of the game’s character selection lab, it appears that the faces of Shroud and ItzTimmy have been digitized. Aside from the reveal, no specifics on the two characters in regards to abilities and perks have been discussed. With Shroud and ItzTimmy already announced for the game, time will tell if other popular streamers will have a role to play in Super People as well. And while fans are excited about the news, many are also concerned that the devs are focusing too much on cosmetic content and not enough on the performance of the game. Users have spoken out on Reddit about the rampant cheating going on in the initial beta tests. Wonder People have been making waves ahead of the release of their brand new battle royale game, Super People. As the name suggests, the game lets players take control of a super-soldier, with each character offering up their own unique skill set as well as special abilities. Popular streamer Dr Disrespect called the game a “breath of fresh air” when comparing it to the likes of Warzone.

Shroud is so good at Rainbow Six his chat think he’s cheating Shroud/TwitchTwitch streamer Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek is so good at Rainbow Six Siege, even his own fans were convinced he must be cheating. The former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professional was streaming the title on January 19 alongside a number of other fellow streamers. Playing on the map Fortress, Shroud led the way for his team in the first round, seeking out hostile equipment and any sort of enemies themselves. The streamer stalked his prey, moving his gun barrel across the door frame before quickly snapping on to a nearby wall and unleashing a barrage of bullets. Remarkably, his shots connected perfectly on an opponent on the other side of the wall. After nailing the enemy and getting the kill, Shroud calmly stated: “Heard that guy.” Following the kill, Shroud’s Twitch chat immediately began spamming ‘VAC’ (Valve Anti-Cheat) and ‘HAX’S’, clearly perplexed by the unbelievable kill that they had all just witnessed. It’s not the first time Shroud’s incredible skill has had people convinced that he’s cheating. Back in November, when playing Battlefield V, the former CS:GO pro jokingly shouted: “Oh my God, I’m literally cheating,” after blasting his way through a set of six enemies at close-quarters with a sniper rifle. The two incredible sequences would have prompted some cause for concern had it not come from the Canadian, but he’s already proven that he’s one of, if not the best, FPS players on Twitch and nothing should surprise anyone that tunes into his stream.

Shroud includes surprise pick in favorite FPS games to play right now ShroudAs one of the most followed streamers on Twitch, Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek is considered one of the best FPS players around, and listed the top three first-person shooters he’s enjoyed the most recently. [jwplayer qtClEeZt] To the question “What are your top-3 FPS games right now?” shroud immediately said Valorant without hesitation, before adding Apex Legends and tactical shooter ‘Squad’ to the list. Shroud is certainly one of the most experienced FPS players on twitch right now, not only from his stint as a professional CSGO player but also due to his streaming career as a human aimbot and simply the number of shooters he plays — so his opinion goes a long way. Including Valorant isn’t a surprising move, given the game has taken North America by storm and is one of shroud’s most-streamed games in recent times. “Valorant is the best shooter that has come out recently.” The ex-Cloud9 player claimed, before explaining how the 5v5 competitive shooter sub-genre – a niche which doesn’t see new titles very often — is the most appealing for him personally. The Streamer later expanded on the reasons why he thinks Riot’s new game has found success with a large number of players, mainly its relative simplicity compared to other competitive shooters such as Counter-Strike. For all the naysayers, shroud also made it a point to say that valorant is not dying, but actually growing as a game and esport, with a number of CSGO and other esport pros from the USA and Canada recently making the switch to the Riot title. An almost sleeper pick, Squad is technically the most recent release out of the three games mentioned and altogether a different style of FPS compared to the other two, both in style and scale. Set in a modern military context, the tactical FPS from Offworld Industries provides a different sort of challenge, making communication and teamwork its main selling points, and while the game might not top the charts on Twitch, the player-base is extremely dedicated. Officially released in late September 2020, Squad is larger in scale compared to 5v5 and different in scope to BRs, providing an experience more similar to that of games like Arma 3. Shroud’s played the title in the past, with the most recent appearance on stream being when it had its full release. Finally, Apex Legends has steadily become one of the most played games on the human aimbot’s stream, and he’s even explained his preference for Respawn’s title over other BRs like Warzone due to his love of more competition in games, which Apex certainly provides. While initially not mentioning CSGO as one of his favorites games at the moment, shroud was sure to give a special mention to the classic shooter, “CS is literally the God Game, the best game ever made. fact.”

Shroud has one major complaint about Artifact, and he’s not alone Valve’s new digital card game, Artifact, was hailed by many to be the Hearthstone killer before it even came out, but some fans and players are already beginning to find issues. The highly anticipated game finally went live on November 28 and there’s no denying the fact that the visuals and gameplay are impressive, but the monetization element is rubbing fans up the wrong way. “Artifact is unfortunately a really great game, and the best card game I’ve ever played,” says one Steam reviewer. “Why is that unfortunate? Because it’s a money vacuum […] This is a credit card game with limitless potential to spend spend spend.” The angry members of the Steam community aren’t alone in their concerns. Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek, one of the most popular Twitch streamers on the planet, has echoed their sentiments. “How do you earn your tickets if you lose?” asked the Canadian while streaming the game. “If you don’t get three wins in Expert Constructed or Phantom Draft, you don’t get a ticket back. So, if you lose all your tickets, the only way you get tickets is to buy it.” Shroud went on to say that there should be a way for people to unlock tickets without sinking more money into the game, stating: “There should be another way to earn tickets to get you into Expert Play, you know?” With so many players and prominent streamers questioning Valve’s decision to monetize so much of what would otherwise be a near-perfect collectible card game, it will be interesting to see whether the developers decide to backtrack. The reviews of the pricing model aren’t all negative – some players state that this is a model that many popular card games, including Hearthstone, implement to some degree, while others have noted that you can play as much ‘Casual Phantom Draft’ as you want without sinking more money into the game. The issue with developers hiding content behind paywalls or microtransactions has been one that has come to the forefront in recent years, with some doing a better balancing act than others when it comes to keeping players on-side.

Shroud explains why he’s “concerned” about the PS5 Mixer: Shroud/SonyStreaming superstar Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek has explained why he is “concerned” about the PS5 – noting that it might have problems with its specs given the size of the console. With the next generation of consoles on the horizon, Sony finally followed in Microsoft’s footsteps and revealed the first look at the PS5 during an over hour-long event on June 11. Alongside the console reveal, excited fans also got to see plenty of new games that will be hitting the next-gen either upon launch and in the not too distant future. In the aftermath of Sony’s event, the hype for the new console has skyrocketed, but Shroud has revealed that he harbors a few concerns. During his stream following the PS5 showcase, the former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive pro had been discussing the show with a few of his pals. While revealing his excitement for both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet and Clank, however, he noted that he thought the event was actually “average.” Shroud also played into the jokes around the PS5 appearance, also adding that he had some worries for the console off the bat. “It looks ok, but I’m just concerned because it looks pretty small,” the Mixer star said. “So, I don’t think it’s going to be that good of a console specs-wise if it’s that tiny.” Topic starts at 1:00 for mobile viewers Up to now, all signs about the PS5 have been that it will be a pretty powerful console – clocking in with 10.28 teraflops in GPU power and a custom 825gb SSD. Sony themselves have claimed it will be “100 times faster than the PS4.” Though, Shroud isn’t quite sure that it’ll live up to the hype. Read More: GTA Online confirmed as free-to-play on PS5 – The streamer further added that he believes the Xbox Series X is going to be the better console, but he is unsure how much better it will be than its PS5 counterpart. As the next-gen console wars continue to rage on, we’ll just have to wait and see as to which one comes out on top.

Shroud explains why he prefers Apex Legends over Warzone Respawn Entertainment / YouTube, Shroudy Rowdy /Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek is one of the world’s most popular gamers and Call of Duty: Warzone is one of the world’s most popular battle royale games, but the FPS maestro thinks Apex Legends is a more enjoyable title. [jwplayer UQowmNq2] Shroud has played practically every FPS out there and absolutely fragged out in most, if not all of them. But, at a time when CoD’s Warzone is the biggest battle royale on the market, the celebrated streamer explained why it’s not really his cup of tea. Although Shroud prefers more tactical shooters like Valorant and the lesser-known Squad, he did express that, among battle royales, he prefers Apex Legends over Warzone. This explains why he so rarely participates in the CoD title’s big-money tournaments, instead opting to run around and gun people down in Respawn Entertainment’s ability-based BR. It’s an interesting subject and one that merits discussion, as both games have massive audiences, including some overlap between the two. Ultimately, the streamer revealed that he finds Warzone to be fun on occasion, but more appropriately suited to casual players — a group he is most certainly skews away from. For mobile users: Segment starts 06:50. After talking about FPS titles, Shroud’s chat told him he should try out matches of Modern Warfare’s Search and Destroy, a more tactical version of the base multiplayer modes and Warzone. In response to being told it was “fun as heck,” the streamer quickly laughed and responded, “no, it’s not.” “Warzone isn’t really my style, you know?” he said. “While it is fun from time to time … it’s not particularly my fancy. I don’t fancy it. I fancy games like CS, Valorant, Apex — games that take some skill.” Although Shroud understands the hype around Warzone and why it is so much more popular than Apex Legends, his subjective lens finds the Respawn Entertainment shooter a more enjoyable experience. He elaborated that Warzone is under the Call of Duty umbrella, so it obviously has more fans than a new IP like Apex, before going into what he thinks of the games’ differing difficulty levels: “Warzone is a lot more casual than Apex. Apex is a little bit harder, right? The more hardcore games, the more challenging games are usually, usually, going to get less attention.” If Shroud likes games for tactical reasons, then it would be understandable that he would find Apex’s range of abilities to add another layer of complexity as far as team synergy and counterplay goes. Although he doesn’t specify what he thinks makes the game harder, the perspective is intriguing and offers a solid reason why the FPS guru isn’t as involved with Warzone as many would expect him to be.

Shroud explains why Half-Life: Alyx is so “genius” Shroud/ValveMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek was thoroughly enjoying his time playing through Half-Life: Alyx and praised Valve for implementing some features he truly loved. While experimenting with the VR title’s ‘gravity gloves,’ which allow players to grab objects lying around and manipulate them, the Canadian voiced how much he admired the tool. “This is such a cool mechanic, dude,” he said while summoning items into his hands. “Honestly, that is a genius mechanic. Valve is so smart.” (Timestamp 8:00 for mobile users) He went on to voice his approval of the company’s decision to put resources into making Alyx a complete VR experience. “I’m so happy they made a VR game. That’s so different. That’s really cool stuff,” he added. Later on in the video (at 11:17), he explained why he believes Valve made Alyx instead of Half-Life 3. “It’s crazy that we had no idea what Valve was up to, and this is what they were f**king scheming,” he said before reading a comment from his chat that said Half-Life 3 was preferred. “You have to realize Valve is about innovation,” he explained. “Half-Life is about innovation. Half-Life 1 was the iteration of voice acting in a video game and they kind of nailed that… Half-Life 2 was the iteration of physics, voice acting and facial movements. That’s kind of what Half-Life 2 perfected.” According to shroud, the technology isn’t there yet for Valve to “innovate something new.” “What they did instead was they did Half-Life: Alyx,” the retired CSGO star theorized. “This is brand new. This is the top-of-the-line VR currently. It doesn’t get any better than what they made right now.” “Half-Life 3 will come out when they are ready and they think the tech is there to innovate something new,” he concluded, but suggested that they could already be working on the long-awaited title. “Innovation takes time.” Shroud isn’t the only one impressed with the new VR game. The title has even received universal acclaim with an average score of 92 on Metacritic, proving that the latest Half-Life installment is already a smash hit with players across the board.

Shroud explains why first games of Among Us were “confusing” Innersloth/Twitch: shroudMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek, ex-CS:GO pro turned Twitch streamer, has shared his thoughts on Among Us, the Innersloth party game that has been taking over streaming platforms. Recent trends in the gaming community have seen established titles take a back seat, while new, party games come to the forefront of the gaming scene. From Mediatonic’s Fall Guys to Innersloth’s Among Us, there has been something of a resurgence for party titles on streaming platforms. As one of the biggest streamers on Twitch, it was no surprise to see shroud turn his attention to Among Us in his early September streams. He summarized his opening feelings on the game in a September 6 YouTube video, discussing what he likes about it and what he feels is important to note while playing. “That was a lot of fun, that was super fun,” he said, as he completed his final game. However, he criticized his chat for backseat gaming, describing his earlier games as something of a learning curve, as any new game would be. The game’s tasks were described as “confusing”, but he accepted that his confusion was partially down to how new the game is. He went on to summarize: “That game was pretty fun. I didn’t particularly love it but I thought it was pretty fun. You have to have the right people [as teammates].” Topic starts at 9:10 It is no surprise that shroud highlighted the importance of teammates, as Among Us is described as an “online and local party game of teamwork and betrayal for 4-10 players”. In other words, playing it with friends is one of the best ways to enjoy it, and shroud’s suggestions are that he would not be willing to play it with people he is not that familiar with. The original title’s popularity has taken off so much that developers Innersloth have already confirmed a sequel. It remains to be seen how much he will return to Innersloth’s party game but, as first impressions go, it appears to have struck some of the right chords.

Shroud explains why Epic Games will “save” PC gaming Epic Games / Twitch: ShroudThe Epic Games Store has faced widespread criticism from the PC gaming community since announcing its ambition to rival Steam, but top Twitch streamer Michael ‘shroud‘ Grzesiek thinks it might be exactly what PC gaming needs. For over a decade, Valve’s ‘Steam’ has been the number one store for buying PC games digitally, with everything from free-to-play indie games to triple A releases always ensuring they’re available on Steam, in order to reach the biggest audience. The Epic Games Store has started securing more and more exclusives though, offering developers better splits of the revenue, and while some gamers see this as an aggressive tactic to force them into using Epic’s launcher, shroud thinks it may be necessary for PC gaming’s future. Discussing his anticipation for the Final Fantasy VII Remake, a viewer pointed out that it’s “only on PS4 at launch”, to which shroud replied: “It’s ok, Epic [Games] is going to save us.” Shroud is suggesting that Epic Games may be in the process of securing timed PC exclusivity for FFVII Remake, after all, the game is made on Epic’s own Unreal Engine. “I don’t think you guys realize how important Epic is to PC gaming,” shroud continued. “They will literally save PC gaming – well, it hasn’t really gone anywhere, but they’re going to help it. Epic Games, bankrolled by their own massive financial success of Fortnite, now have the means to compete for the market share which Steam previously dominated. By offering developers better splits of revenue, Epic may entice developers and publishers who may have otherwise avoided making PC versions of their games altogether. Still, the community sentiment towards Epic is still overwhelmingly negative, partly because it doesn’t have many of the features which Steam users have come to enjoy, such as full refunds for games if only played for a certain amount of time. Shroud thinks that the pushback against the Epic Games Store from gamers themselves is just down to a general dislike of ‘change’ though, rather than any inherit problem with the service itself.

Shroud explains why battle royale games are “boring” to him now shroudMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek is renowned for his incredible FPS skills, but the streamer recently gave his opinions on the battle royale genre. Shroud is no stranger to the world of Battle Royale games. In fact, the streamer has spent a lot of time playing everything from Warzone to Apex Legends. Despite his eagle-eyed precision and fantastic game sense, the popular FPS streamer has stated how he is tired of the current BR genre. For many players, the squad-based mayhem of these competitive games makes for some exhilarating action. However, shroud has seemingly grown tired of the current formula. This isn’t too surprising, especially since the market has been oversaturated with battle royale games. Shroud gives thoughts on battle royale games During his recent Apex Legends stream, shroud gave his honest opinion on what he thinks of the ever-growing popularity of BR games. “I really want to play Valorant right now. Nothing’s wrong with Apex, but I’m going to be honest, I just don’t give a f*ck about battle royales anymore,” explained the popular streamer. While shroud has recently been playing Apex, it’s clear he has grown tired of the gameplay that the genre provides. “I think they’re boring and shit. The format is poo poo. Unless someone invents a new format, but current BR formats p*ss me off.” Timestamp of 9:07 Like many FPS players, shroud would love to see something different added to the current market. Whether it’s a new BR that shakes up the well-trodden tropes or a fresh experience entirely, there’s no denying that innovative ideas would help provide a bit more variety when it comes to this popular game type. Whether shroud will continue to stream BR content on Twitch remains to be seen, but for now, the streamer seems unexcited about this ever-growing trend.

Shroud explains his biggest issue with open-world games like Far Cry and The Witcher Twitch: shroud / UbisoftTwitch streamer and FPS king Michael ‘shroud’ Grseziek has explained why he doesn’t enjoy playing ‘never ending’ open-world video games on stream, including The Witcher 3 and the Far Cry series. With his insanely dedicated viewer base of over 9 million followers on Twitch, shroud plays a variety of games, but primarily focuses on FPS. Back in February, as the GTA RP hype was starting to hit the lofty heights it has sustained to this day, fans were excited when he was apparently spotted roaming Los Santos, but it was later confirmed shroud had made a character only never to play with it. And on his May 21 stream, shroud explained why he largely doesn’t enjoy the “grindy” aspect of large open-world titles. “Open world games are very hard to get right, because they just feel like a grind. It feels like you’re playing an MMO, but when you’re playing an open-world single-player game you don’t want it to be like an MMO. “You still want it to be engaging and fun, but most open-world games, unfortunately, feel that way, like Far Cry, for example. Far Cry was awesome for the first few hours, but then it was kind of hard to go all the way and finish Far Cry 5, Far Cry 4, Far Cry 3. “The first couple of hours were interesting, then you realize they put all these little things everywhere for you to do and you’re just like ‘oh man’.” Shroud had earlier aired his grievances about the Witcher series, where he explained that even though it’s a great game, he never had the motivation to push through to the end. “That why I like playing Witcher so hard, it’s such an amazing game,” he said. “I play day one, I’m loving it, I play day two, I’m ok, and then day three just doesn’t exist because it just keeps going man. It never ends.” “They [make them longer] on purpose to make some extra cash, that’s for sure. It’s kind of an illusion effect. That’s why I love the 8-to-10-hour bangers, because they just put so much effort into it.” It seems shroud will largely be sticking with FPS games, at least on stream, for the time being.

Shroud reveals crazy game he’d develop if he followed in Dr Disrespect’s footsteps Twitch: Shroud / YouTube: Dr DisrespectTwitch star shroud knows his way around a game or two as a player. However, as a developer, he has some crazy ideas — like this survival game he’d make if he followed in Dr Disrespect’s footsteps and launched his own game studio. Dr Disrespect set the world on fire after launching his own game studio, Midnight Society. They’ve already revealed their first game, Project Moon, along with Founders Pass NFTs to run alongside its development. Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek has flirted with the idea of investing in his own studio too, claiming he’s it’s a “dream” he’d love to see come true. During a stream on April 8, he also revealed what the first game might be — a survival shooter with a twist. “There’s this one idea that I always fall into and I don’t know how to make it work,” he said. “I always fall into it because the concept of it sounds cool to me, but I don’t think anyone else will like it. “It’s the concept of having a survival game with a time commitment and the scale being so large to the point where you have a character, and that character is your one life, and in that one life, you’re getting sh*t done for a week at a time. “Then you just kind of see what happens in that week, and when your character dies, it gets put on a cooldown. It’s like, sorry you can’t play the game for like four days. You’ve got to wait. Shroud didn’t specifically say it would be the first game he’d develop. However, it’s an idea at the forefront of his mind and one that he keeps coming back to time and time again, regardless of how feasible it is. Only time will tell whether shroud’s idea blossoms into something more, be it in his studio or via collaboration with an existing one. However, as much as he wants it to happen, he admitted it could be a difficult idea to pull off. “I always play around with that idea in my head because I think it could be so cool, but I can never land anywhere because it’s hard to land somewhere with that. Who the f**k wants to play a game that they can’t play?”

Shroud claims big problems will stop Lost Ark from really challenging MMO rivals Smilegate / Twitch: ShroudMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek isn’t keen on some aspects of Lost Ark, including its style and combat, and in his view, that could stop it from challenging other MMOs like World of Warcraft. Shroud told fans that all he wants to play at the moment is MMO games. “The stage that I’m in gaming-wise at the moment is very much MMOs,” he said. “Like, I really just want to play MMOs. I’m in a weird MMO phase.” It’s not all that surprising since he’s always been a massive fan of World of Warcraft and has enjoyed his time on New World. But it is a step in the opposite direction of first-person shooters, which has always been his niche. However, that doesn’t mean he wants to play them all. For example, he has no interest in playing Lost Ark despite all the interest and hype brewing among other streamers like Asmongold, and he explained why. “I don’t think I’m going to play Lost Ark. I don’t think so,” he said. The first reason he mentioned is that he simply doesn’t like how the game looks. “I’m not a fan of its style. I’m not a fan of its over-the-top style.” However, the second reason, and arguably the more important one, is that he believes a crucial gameplay element doesn’t stack up to its competitors. “The combat is just not appealing to me. That’s all.” Shroud admitted it was a “shame” that he isn’t interested in the game because it could have been a good “filler” for him to play between other things. But in the end, it just doesn’t “intrigue” him enough to make him want to play. Instead, he’d prefer playing some old classics of the genre. “I think about playing a private server for City of Heroes again. I think about playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. I think about playing World of Warcraft.” Shroud did give Lost Ark a chance during the closed beta. However, it sounds like it didn’t make a good impression — at least not one that is strong enough to swoon him away from other MMOs like New World. Either way, we’ll find out whether he decides to give it another crack once the game officially launches on February 11.

Shroud claims battle royale games don’t need a ranked mode to thrive Twitch: ShroudMichael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek claims battle royale games like Apex Legends and Fortnite don’t need a ranked mode to thrive, and if he had to choose between ranked and unranked, he’d pick the latter. Shroud is no stranger to battle royale games. He’s played everything from Apex Legends to Fortnite and Warzone throughout the years and has grown bored of the genre, although he still dabbles in it from time to time. However, while streamers like Dr Disrespect are fond of ranked modes in battle royales and believe it’s a feature Warzone 2 desperately needs, shroud thinks the opposite is true — they don’t need a ranked mode at all. The topic came up while he was playing Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt, a new free-to-play battle royale game that launched on April 27, after someone in chat said: “I hope they remove unranked games.” Shroud responded immediately and said he hoped the opposite would happen. “Nah. For me, I would rather them remove ranked.” Then, he applied his opinion to all the other battle royale games on the market. “Battle royale games don’t need a ranked mode. They just don’t. If I were to pick remove ranked or remove casual play, I would remove ranked nine times out of ten. If you’re talking about Valorant, that’s a little different.” Shroud never hesitates to go against the grain. For example, he recently argued that Fortnite Zero Build Mode is no better than the standard mode, which is a stark contrast to what other people think. He’s done it again here. In the end, though, people want different things from battle royales. Some prefer a casual experience with no frills, while others are looking to quench their competitive thirst. Shroud thinks Valorant is a better fit for the latter.

Shroud announces open-world survival game he’s making with Twitch streamer Sacriel Shroud/MAINGEARPopular Twitch streamers Shroud and Sacriel announced a partnership with Splash Splash Damage to create a AAA open-world survival game. Content creators taking a crack at developing video games has become an industry trend. Dr Disrespect formed Midnight Studio and announced a new ‘vertical extraction shooter,’ DEADROP. CoD legend ACHES joined Ubisoft as a developer on the new first-person shooter, XDEFIANT. Streamers play video games daily for a living, so it only makes sense for them to want to create their own experiences. Shroud started as a professional CS:GO player, and since retiring in 2017, has streamed just about every FPS game on the market. Sacriel’s expertise dates back even further, starting his streaming career in 2012. Using their vast expertise in the field, Shroud and Sacriel partnered with Splash Damage to create their own open-world survival game. Shroud and Sacriel announce Project Astrid On March 16, Shroud announced Project Astrid. “I want to build the best game ever,” Shroud claimed. That is my goal, and that’s Splash Damage’s goal as well.” Splash Damage worked on Halo: Master Chief Collection, Gears of War 4 and 5, and Brink, among many projects. Sacriel has thought about tackling a project like this for a long time. “One of my dreams for the last few years has been to go on Twitch and see people playing a game that I have been part of.” The ball got rolling when Sacriel messaged Shroud about creating a game, and the pair reached out to Splash Damage to help make their dream a reality. Splash Damage Creative Director Lance Winter said, “bringing the experience and knowledge that Sacriel and Shroud provide within the survival genre, plus the 20-plus years of expertise we have with building awesome shooters merged together to create something entirely new.” “We have got the ability to do something really new in survival,” Winter said. “Hopefully, this is going to be a one-in-a-million game.” We will provide an update when we learn more details about the project.

Shroud and Dr Disrespect rumored to have tested new Titanfall battle royale There is growing expectation that a free-to-play Titanfall battle royale will be launched on Monday, February 4, and it looks like top streamers shroud and Dr Disrespect have already had some hands-on experience. The original leak, by YouTuber TheQuartering, first suggested that the two streamers had been involved in the game’s launch, operating two of the most popular battle royale channels on Twitch. The biggest clue that the pair had indeed been out to playtest the game, came from Twitter. Both streamers announced that they were taking a ‘day off’ on January 31 – shroud even confirmed it was for “secret stuff” in Los Angeles. No stream tmrw, heading down to LA for some super secret stuff. PogU — Michael Grzesiek (@shroud) January 31, 2019 Reminder day off today #ChampionsClub Tomorrow, all day, I’ll be looking so damn good in the Arena…… and you’ll be too. Yaya yaya. pic.twitter.com/e66UGa0PkS — Dr Disrespect (@drdisrespect) January 31, 2019 These two streamers both taking the day away on January 31 for some ‘secret stuff’ is surely no coincidence, and industry insider Rod ‘Slasher’ Breslau has confirmed that the playtest for the the game was indeed in LA. Expected to be named ‘Apex Legends’, the battle royale game is said to be both announced and playable on Monday, February 4. Slasher has spoken to one of the attendees at the playtest, remaining anonymous, who gave the game a glowing review. One top BR streamer/player provided their thoughts “”The game definitely has A LOT of potential. I don’t think it’ll get old fast either. Was sad to leave when the time was up and I can’t really say that about any new games in this game drought. I’m excited to see where it goes.”” — Rod Breslau (@Slasher) February 2, 2019 Another peculiar hint is that the URL ‘playapex.com’ directly takes visitors to the Electronic Arts homepage, furthering indicating that the game will be titled ‘Apex Legends’ as rumored. Initial reports said that the game would be teased on Saturday, February 2, so the leaks will be proved true or false very soon. We will keep this story updated with further details as they are revealed about the rumored Titanfall Battle Royale, Apex Legends.

Shroud already convinced Valve’s Deadlock is going to “take over the world” Twitch: shroudWhile Valve’s mysterious new game, Deadlock, has only just been made official, shroud has quickly become convinced it’s set to be the next big thing in the industry, with all the potential to “take over” in the next few years. A handful of select content creators were given access to a new game from Valve back in May, 2024. Leaks soon followed as some couldn’t help but spill the beans, and for the general public, it was the first time most saw what we now know as Deadlock. Despite already piling up tens of thousands of players before even so much as getting its name, Deadlock remained a mystery until August 23. Valve finally acknowledged its existence with a subtle Steam page update, though they’re yet to properly promote it beyond that. For now, early access remains limited. Diving right in as soon as the floodgate (sort of) opened, shroud was among the first to get on the grind. With more than a dozen hours under his belt already, the former Counter-Strike pro already has a verdict. Beaming with optimism for its future, shroud is convinced Deadlock will be the next big thing. “Yeah this game is gonna easily, and I mean easily, take over when it comes out,” he said in the midst of his first session with the game. “It’s the first arena shooter MOBA that is actually good. All the other ones kind of stink.” Coming back online the next afternoon, the longtime pro-turned-streamer elaborated some more. While he does have some early gripes, especially in regard to Deadlock’s performance out of the gate, it was mostly praise from shroud. “Yeah, this game’s gonna take over the world,” he reemphasized. “It has the most mechanics I’ve ever seen in a third-person shooter. It’s f***ing crazy. I don’t even think 1,000 hours would be enough to learn the game.” Be it the extensive roster on day one, all their distinct builds, traversal mechanics, aim, there’s a ton to master when it comes to Valve’s new game, and for shroud’s money, it’s that factor that’ll propel it to long-term success. While it’s obviously extremely early days for now, with shroud predicting a full release “in two years,” Deadlock is already turning heads. Some content creators have already pumped over a hundred hours into the game thanks to their early access, and it’s clear thousands more are eager to jump in and do the same.

Shroud admits to using “dirty” stream-sniping tactic in Marvel Snap Twitch: ShroudShroud has been dipping his toes into Marvel Snap and has admitted that he unintentionally stream-sniped a competitor and felt “dirty” for doing it. Shroud is one of gaming’s most notable names. He has quite an extensive portfolio when it comes to the world of shooters but now he’s turned his attention to Marvel Snap and is starting to strike fear in the hearts of players of the card game genre as well. While it’s easy to watch his FPS gameplay and wonder if the man has any flaws at all when it comes to competitive gaming, he did recently admit to stream sniping an unlucky player while playing the comic-book-based deckbuilder. Shroud explains how he “accidentally” stream-sniped a player in Marvel Snap The legendary streamer explained the situation by saying that he didn’t mean to peek at the other player’s hand, he was simply checking to see if they were actually live on Twitch at the time of the match because they had the sites popular ‘TTV’ initialism in their name. “They were live and I saw their hand and I instantly closed it…I felt really bad. I won the game. Eight points, we both snapped. Easy as f**k,” he said. He did clarify that the right thing to do in the situation would have been to leave the game but that he couldn’t resist playing it out anyway. “To be fair, the knowledge I got out of that interaction didn’t help me win, but I still saw his hand which was f***ed up.” At the end of the day, it’s not a huge problem if it only happened in one game, but it’s a good reminder to think before prying on another player’s stream in PvP games altogether. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Project Astrid: Everything we know about shroud’s AAA survival FPS game YouTube: Splash DamageProject Astrid, a survival FPS game from superstar gaming figures shroud and Sacriel, is now in the works as the two have paired with a UK studio to make an ambitious AAA title in the space. From early gameplay details to a look at the team involved, here’s everything we know thus far. More and more influencers are jumping into the game development side of the industry of late. From DrDisrespect’s DEADROP to Project X from 100 Thieves, and Project Honor from OTK, many of the internet’s biggest gaming stars are attaching their names to homegrown titles. Now, two more have joined the ranks. Streaming veteran Sacriel and FPS icon shroud have teamed up with a UK-based developer to create their very own AAA release. Focusing on the survival genre with crisp FPS gunplay at its core, Project Astrid is shaping up to be their “dream” game. Although it’s still early into the development roadmap, we already have a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming release, so here’s all there is to know about Project Astrid. Contents Does Project Astrid have a release date? – What platforms will Project Astrid launch on? – What is Project Astrid? Early gameplay details – Project Astrid developers – Project Astrid engine confirmed – Project Astrid: When is Shroud’s new survival game coming out? Currently, Project Astrid doesn’t have a solid release date nor a rough release window. Given the ambitious AAA title was only just unveiled in March 2023, it’s still early days yet. However, those involved have shared some insight into just how far along the game already is. Project Astrid has already been in the pipeline for “almost two years,” shroud revealed on stream shortly after the announcement. Both internet celebs have been involved over the course of that period as early development has been underway. This could indicate a potential 2025-2026 release if the team is beginning to knuckle down with full development now that it’s public. However, much remains unclear about their plans for launch, meaning we could see an early access build go live much earlier, or be left waiting for the finished product down the line. We’ll be sure to keep you posted here as any further release date details are nailed down for Project Astrid. Do we know what platforms Project Astrid will release on? At this point in time, there’s no telling what platforms Project Astrid is targeting for release. While PC appears to be a lock, given shroud and Sacriel’s history in the space, it’s unclear if fans on console can expect a version of the game across Xbox and PlayStation hardware. Historically, the studio bringing Project Astrid to life has focused on PC development, meaning we’ll more than likely see the survival FPS arrive there first. As for what comes down the line, however, is anyone’s guess for the time being. What is Project Astrid? New game from shroud & Sacriel explained In basic terms, Project Astrid has been described as an open-world survival shooter, but with a AAA twist. Think along the lines of DayZ or Escape from Tarkov, titles with an emphasis on open-world exploration, looting, and crisp FPS gunplay. That’s the key focus for shroud and Sacriel, just with a flair not yet seen in the space before given their AAA capabilities. “Make the best game ever, that’s my goal,” shroud said in the reveal video. Discussing it further, he then went on to call it his “dream” game, combining all his favorite elements from titles he’s become synonymous with over the years. Be it the “really important” gunplay mechanics found in the likes of CSGO, or intense survival features across industry staples like EFT, shroud is looking to bring it all together in a way “not really seen in the industry before.” Specifics in regard to setting, lobby sizes, and the like are all being kept under wraps for now. Though one thing shroud has clarified right out of the gate, is that Project Astrid will not be reliant on NFTs. “There’s gonna be no frickin’ NFTs in Project Astrid,” he confirmed. “It’s not happening.” Who is developing Project Astrid with shroud & Sacriel? Project Astrid is being developed by London-based studio Splash Damage. Founded in 2001, the UK team is responsible for the likes of Dirty Bomb, Brink, and even having worked on major IPs like Halo and Gears of War, specifically working on PC ports and multiplayer components respectively. Setting the bar high, shroud assured Project Astrid is “definitely a AAA game” due to the sheer size of Splash Damage. With over 450 in-house employees and a further 100 acquired in the recent purchase of Bulkhead studios, there’s no shortage of talent working to bring this new game to life. What engine is Project Astrid being built on? While exact gameplay details are scarce for now, we do know for certain the game is being built from the ground up on Unreal Engine 5. Shroud himself confirmed as much while live on Twitch shortly after the project’s big reveal. “What engine? It’s being built on Unreal Engine 5,” the popular streamer revealed. As the latest developer toolkit from Epic Games, UE5 is being adopted by many industry-leading studios and now we know Splash Damage is no different. That’s all we know about shroud’s very own survival FPS now in development, but be sure to check back often as we’ll update you here with all the latest details as they emerge. 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Shredders review – All downhill for this Game Pass indie FoampunchShredders is the “snowboarding event of the year” according to developers Foampunch, but is this quirky indie worth a trip to the slopes? Over the last couple of years, developers have cultivated vibrant blends of open-world sports fun in the forms of Riders Republic and Forza Horizon 5. Shredders, from Foampunch, is clearly influenced by the likes of Ubisoft’s Steep and isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with its AAA rivals. It may be adorned with an idiosyncratic tone and a roster of zany characters, but Shredders’ quirky aesthetic isn’t enough to stop this experience from buckling under an avalanche of boredom. Shredders – Key details Price: $29.99 / £24.99 – Developer: FoamPunch, I-Illusions. Let it Roll – Release date: March 17, 2022 – Platforms: Xbox Series S|X, PC – Shredders trailer Master Shredder? Not quite Right from the opening moments of Foampunch’s Shredders, it’s abundantly clear that the developers are reveling in the zany charm of franchise elites such as SSX Tricky and genre pioneer Cool Boarders. Players are met with energetic displays of color and the game’s title card in an early 00s’ style font that would make Limp Bizkit jealous. The initial signs are promising as Foampunch and company try to get the adrenaline flowing by showing off the slopes in all their snowy glory. The premise is simple: you and your best friend Scotty are intent on making crazy snowboarding videos for fun until brand ambassador Lisa gives you a shot at the big time with some sponsored opportunities. From here, challenges begin to increase in intensity and more spots across Shredders’ world become available to explore until you make it to the invitational event. Unfortunately, all signs of a pulse quickly begin to fade away after the introduction of Shredders’ offbeat cast of characters. Shredders’ ability to deal out cringe in the form of atrocious dialog and bizarre voice acting is commendable itself purely for its consistency. The game features the likes of real-life professional snowboarders, who join your crusade for greatness, but it never feels like their presence is elevating the game as it should. It doesn’t help that your own character is a silent observer, merely being told what to do and how to do it. Characters are always covered by a mask, which of course makes sense from the harsh climate, but also comes across as a way for the developers to avoid the task of facial animations. For such a seemingly large world, Shredders is often a fairly lonely experience that misses the life of rival games. Foampunch specifies that Shredders supports 4K resolution and 60FPS, but these attractive features are buried by inconsistent performance. Coasting down the slopes, even at a mild pace, can see the game struggle to keep up. It’s not ideal when challenges are asking to you complete some of the more demanding inputs. There isn’t a lot happening in the world itself either, with the landscape appearing to be dominated by endless sheets and mountains of snow. It shouldn’t be a detriment to the game, given the nature of the sport, but Shredders’ textures are noticeably rough around the edges. Can the sound design save it? No. The original score from artist Jennifur is full of infectious ambient soundscapes, but the praise for Shredders’ audible aspects ends there. Sound effects sound over-compressed and cheap, with their activation coming across as delayed when the player transfers between different velocities and heights. Read More: Session: Skate Sim review – Shredders wants to stomp its boots firmly into the same space of aforementioned efforts like Riders Republic, but its expansive nature always feels conflicting with its barren gameplay mechanics. Most of the game’s challenges amount to completing a range of daredevil antics, unlocking more spawn points across the map, and rewards for customization in return. It’s understandable that Shredders wants players to unlock more of the map through progression, but when the game preaches exploration and a taste for freedom, it’s strange that the player is prohibited from making it to the depths of the world from the start. Finding your footing The gameplay mechanics of Shredders aren’t exactly complicated, but there is a rhythm to tune into. Priming jumps and successful landing risky rotations are gratifying enough to start with, but the game never feels like its hitting a magnificent stride. Shredders will throw more complicated combos and vertigo-inducing jumps to traverse, but at what cost? There is never that eureka moment hidden within the game’s controls. This genre lives and breathes on those multiple-hour sessions of tricking and experimentation. It’s almost like a trance state, with the flow continuing to grace your time in the world. With so many moves and variations of grabs, grinds, and flips to achieve, Shredders fails to conjure up the feeling of coolness associated with so many greats in the genre. Sports games provide a singular brand of escapism that is special, as speed and momentum transport us into the bliss of movement. Instead, Shredders is ironically more content with your flailing around and eating a mouthful of snow as you bail in the face of its awkward gameplay. The overhanging sense of dullness can’t quite be shaken away, causing sessions within the game to be cut short purely out of boredom. Yet, there might be something in this for people who are looking to escape into a landscape of ambient bliss, as Shredders evokes a tranquil atmosphere away from its core challenges. There is a charm to just riding around with no objectives to worry about. With a bit more life restored to the game’s map, perhaps with more AI riders gracing the world, it could feel more involved. The game is intent on letting us know just how gigantic it is, but there aren’t any appealing incentives for making progress. Aside from seeing more spawn points, customization is surprisingly lacking for a game that sports an impressive list of licensed brands. Of course, customization is a subjective point of contention for players, as there is likely something for even the most mildly curiously of players. However, there isn’t anything else buried beneath the surface for your hard work. 4.5/10 Shredders is admirable for its ambitious concept within the confines of an indie budget, but its gameplay doesn’t warrant any repeated trips to the slopes. Foampunch tries to salvage the game with an attempt to charm players with its wacky humor and splashes of energy, butting heads with the game’s juxtaposition of a dull open-world in the process. Curiosity may pique your interest in Shredders as it launches on Xbox Game Pass, but you’ll likely have forgotten the game within a few minutes of your descent from the summit. Reviewed on Xbox Series S

Show your love for Blackpink’s “Shut Down” Era with Funko’s latest K-Pop Tee Funko apparel drops Blackpink’s “Shut Down” Boxed Tee highlighting Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa’s looks from the hit song’s music video. K-pop phenomenon Blackpink is crashing into 2024 with Funko’s newest apparel collaboration. The pop culture collectibles company has opened pre-orders for a Pop! “Shut Down” Boxed Tee, spotlighting Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa decked out in their stylish looks from the smash single’s music video. Available in sizes XS-3XL, this 100% cotton tee sports a crisp black colorway with the four Blackpink members printed in a pink Pop! vinyl aesthetic across the chest. The Pop! Blackpink apparel is modeled after the quartet’s standout edgy fashion from “Shut Down” which helped cement the song as one of 2022’s hottest. Letting fans quite literally wear their fandom, makes for the perfect concert companion or lounge piece to rep Blackpink pride. Rep the hottest K-Pop Girl group True to the track’s lyrics, Blackpink certainly “shut down” the scene last year with their long-awaited comeback. Now Blinks can start 2024 in Blackpink style thanks to this funky official tee. Dropping January 1st right in time for New Year wardrobe refreshes, the Pop! The “Shut Down” Boxed Tee is available through the Funko shop and Amazon starting at $19.99. Take the stage with Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa by pre-ordering one of the first pieces from Funko’s 2024 Blackpink collection. As the largest girl group in the world continues slaying charts and breaking records, show your love for “Shut Down” and beyond in this Blackpink x Funko fusion. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Shotguns are terrible in XDefiant and that’s a good thing UbisoftShotguns in XDefiant are woefully underpowered, needing multiple shots to kill enemies at close range. But while some players are calling for buffs to the weapon class, I think that’s an overreaction. Shotguns in FPS multiplayer games have a history of balance issues. The short-ranged weapon class can easily become incredibly overpowered with just a few buffs, eliminating enemies in one shot from far away or taking down multiple enemies easily thanks to a high fire rate. As examples, think about the pump shotgun from Fortnite, the entire shotgun arsenal from Black Ops 2, or even the Akimbo Model 1887s from the classic MW2 days. Shotguns can ruin competitive shooters. However, in XDefiant, the class of weapons is almost useless. In my experience, it is difficult to consistently get kills with all three shotguns -, the M870, AA-12, and Double Barrel – unless I am breathing on my opponent. This appears to be a consistent experience for other players, with videos often cropping up on the XDefiant subreddit of players getting hit markers instead of kills when shooting opponents. Attachments can help mitigate this issue, but good luck grinding to unlock them while getting only a few kills each match. Shotguns seem to require some level of finesse to master. Players need to stand still and scope in to get a tight bullet spread for maximum damage with some level of accuracy, and they need to be well within their range to get a one-shot kill. Still, while the player base is calling for the weapon class to get a massive buff to help them match the utility of the Marksmen and Sniper Rifles, I think they should stay the way they are: useless. XDefiant has been defined so far by its movement mechanics. Players can bunny hop, strafe mid-air and slide around to avoid bullets and get around cover. This gives everyone a shot at winning a gunfight, even if their aim isn’t the best. Now, imagine what the game would look like if shotguns become one-shot kill machines, taking down anyone even if only a few pellets graze their player model. Or, if they become how Snipers are now and kill enemies with ease from almost any distance without requiring the precision that somewhat balances Sniper Rifles. I believe this would kill some of the best parts of XDefiant by making movement less important. Gunfights are fun when both players are jumping around trying to land as many headshots as possible, not when it becomes about who can slide in close the fastest. Shotguns should have their time in the spotlight, consistently outperforming other weapons at point-blank range, but they shouldn’t be the star of the show. If Ubisoft does choose to buff the weapon class, I shudder to think how players will use them on small maps like Arena and Showtime. Both battlefields could become a shotgun player’s paradise, which quickly becomes infuriating. The weapon class needs some adjustments to make them consistent, which will probably happen when Ubisoft fixes hit registration. There’s a good chance Shotguns will gradually improve as the game’s servers get upgraded. Regardless, I think a straight-up buff is unnecessary. Shotguns in XDefiant should stay terrible, and every other weapon class should outperform them to keep the game fun and balanced.

All shot types in EA Sports PGA Tour: Every shot explained EA SportsEA Sports PGA Tour has a large pool of shot types to give players more freedom and creativity over their golf game. There are 20 shot types in total, so let’s run you through each of them and what they can do for you. As well as immersive graphics and presentation to keep you invested in EA Sports PGA Tour, the team have also refined and reworked the gameplay since the days of Rory McIlroy PGA Tour. One of the fresh additions is the abundance of shot types at the players’ disposal. From driving to bunker shots to the meticulous nature of putting, shot types allow you to tweak specific aspects of your shot and are designed to offer tighter control in the game. So that you have one quick and easy hub to see them all, here’s a guide for every EA Sports PGA tour shot type and their outlined purpose. Shot types in EA Sports PGA Tour explained Just to reiterate, there are 20 different shot types to master in EA Sports PGA Tour, and each one plays a significant part in the overall strategy of a golf hole. We encourage you to use each one, practice with them in casual rounds, and see which ones you can incorporate into your repertoire. Drive: A standard full swing shot to get consistent distance and accuracy off the tee. – Power Drive: A more powerful full swing when the golfer wants to get more distance off the tee. It comes with a slightly larger shot dispersion than the Drive as a result of the extra effort put into the swing. – Stinger: A really low and powerful shot that keeps the ball under the wind and generates a lot of roll. Great for use in windy conditions and on firm, fast courses as it allows the terrain to generate the distance with massive rollouts. – Approach: A standard full swing shot to get consistent distance and accuracy from terrain. – Power Approach: A more powerful full swing when the golfer wants to get more distance from terrain. It comes with a slightly larger shot dispersion than the Approach as a result of the extra effort put into the swing. – Punch: A really low shot without a lot of power that keeps the ball under the wind and generates a lot of roll. Mainly used to get out of trees and back onto the playable area of the course. – Knock Down: A full swing shot that gets the ball to fly lower than a normal approach but high enough to still land soft and stop. Mainly used to minimize the impact of wind or on softer courses to prevent the ball from spinning back too much. It can also be used from the tee box. – Finesse: A shorter more versatile shot that can go a wider variety of distances than the Approach. Mainly used when you are at a distance that is between clubs on your normal approach or when you get too close to the green for an approach but you are too far for the short game shots. It can also be used from the tee box. – Hack: A powerful full swing shot that is only used from the first cut, second cut or heavy rough. It has less power penalty from these thicker grasses than the other shot types and is a valuable asset on courses with very thick and penalizing longer cuts. – Pitch: A standard half swing shot that gets the ball up onto the green with a normal amount of roll out. It can be used anywhere around the green except for Bunkers. – Runner: A lower flying half swing shot that can also be used anywhere around the green except for Bunkers. – Spinner: A half swing shot with more speed. This speed helps generate more spin on the ball and gets it to check up instead of roll out after landing. You can use it in the Fairway, Fringe and First Cut. – Flop: A long swing that lobs the ball high into the air and lands softly on the green. It can be used anywhere around the green except for Bunkers. – Long Flop: A version of the flop that goes a greater distance, but has a larger shot dispersion. It can be used anywhere around the green except for Bunkers. – High Flop: A version of the flop that goes extremely high, lands and stops immediately. It can be used anywhere around the green except for Bunkers and Heavy Rough. – Blast: A shot specifically used out of Bunkers. This swing hits the sand behind the ball to loft it up out of the Bunker and onto the green. – Pick: An alternative shot out of Bunkers. This is a cleaner strike that hits less sand and more of the ball, allowing for more spin and less rollout. – Putt: A stroke with a putter that instantly gets the ball rolling and is only used on the Green or Fringe. – Chip: A short putting stroke style shot with wedges and short irons that bumps the ball up into the air for a few yards and gets it rolling very quickly. It is mainly used when right next to the green to bump the ball over a bit of longer cut terrain and onto the shorter cuts that will let it roll. – Texas Wedge: A stroke with the putter that instantly gets the ball rolling but can be used when not on the Green or Fringe. Judging the distance with it can be tricky, but this shot is extremely effective once it is mastered. – That’s everything you need to know about EA Sports PGA Tour’s shot types. Of you want even more info on the game, we have many more guides to check out: Will EA Sports PGA Tour be on Nintendo Switch? | Will EA Sports PGA Tour be cross-platform? | Will EA Sports PGA Tour be on Xbox Game Pass? | EA Sports PGA Tour Achievements & Trophies | EA Sports PGA Tour PC Requirements: Minimum & recommended specs | EA Sports PGA Tour editions & pre-order bonuses | Does EA Sports PGA Tour have turn order? | Fastest ways to earn XP in EA Sports PGA Tour | What are Tickets in EA Sports PGA Tour? | EA Sports PGA Tour review

Shogun Ceanataur Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak: Weakness, armor, weapons, materials & more CapcomKnowing Shogun Ceanataur’s weakness in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will give you a huge advantage over this crafty crustacean. After all, beating this gigantic crab will enable you to forge powerful Shogun Ceanataur weapons and armor. Just like Daimyo Hermitaur, Shogun Ceanataur also returns in the Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expansion. However, unlike its cousin, this colossal crab is both quicker and far more deadly. If its lightning-fast claw swipes weren’t scary enough, this monster also has the ability to inflict Hunters with Bleed. When Bleed is active, players will take damage whenever they move and attack, which makes Shogun Ceanataur a particularly tricky adversary. Combine this with its water jet attack, bone-crunching claw swipes, and speedy movements — and you have a recipe for a fierce fight. Shogun Ceanataur is encountered relatively early in the game, which means Hunters will need to best it in battle if they wish to forge some powerful weapons and armor. Fortunately, our Shogun Ceanataur weakness guide will have you felling this beast in no time. Contents Shogun Ceanataur weakness – Shogun Ceanataur location – Shogun Ceanataur materials – Shogun Ceanataur weapons – Shogun Ceanataur armor set – Shogun Ceanataur weakness Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Shogun Ceanataur is weak against Thunder, Blast, and Fire-type weapons and ammo types. This means hunters should take weapons with the above elements to inflict as much damage as possible during the fight. Read More: Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak review – Avoid using Dragon elemental types as Shogun Ceanataur is completely immune, while it also has a strong resistance to Water. Just like with Daimyo Hermitaur, we recommend focusing your attacks on Shogun Ceanataur’s claws as breaking them will cause the creature to topple over, giving you the opportunity to hit its head. Lastly, weapons with piercing damage should attack the monster’s shell as once enough damage has been done, it will break, exposing a weak point that can be hit for massive amounts of damage. Shogun Ceanataur location Shogun Ceanataur is located in the Flooded Forest and Lava Caverns. It’s important to note that this monster is only available in Master Rank quests. This means Hunters will need to purchase the Sunbreak expansion if they wish to hunt it. Shogun Ceanataur materials All the Shogun Ceanataur materials can be found in the table below, so make sure you check this out to see how you can get each part. Shogun Ceanataur weapons Shogun Ceanataur weapons offer decent raw damage and come with the added bonus of white sharpness, which makes them particularly useful for cutting through well-armored monsters and breaking through tough parts. Every Shogun Ceanataur weapon in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak can be found below: Shogun Ceanataur armor set The Shogun Ceanataur armor set is geared towards crit and pierce builds. It comes with points in Critical Eye, Peak Performance, Grinder, Marathon Runner, Pierce Up, and Handicraft. This makes it useful for Pierce Light Light Bowgun and Heavy Bowgun, while melee-based builds will also benefit from the added affinity, attack, and sharpness. As a result, the Shogun Ceanataur is an incredibly versatile armor set in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. So, there you have it, everything you need to know about Shogun Ceanataur’s weakness, location, weapons, and armor set. Make sure you check out our Monster Hunter page for all the latest news and guides. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak DLC | All weapon buffs & nerfs in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | All monsters in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Purecrystal location | Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Frocium location | Torpor Sac location Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | How to start Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Prized Pelt location

Shockingly authentic Borderlands 3 cosplay brings Zane to life The recently released Borderlands 3 has been met with much fanfare and acclaim, so it was only a matter of time before players started designing unbelievable costumes to show their enthusiasm. Released on September 13, the third entry in the popular Borderlands franchise was finally put out into the world after a lengthy drought in the series. Drawing the attention of countless popular streamers from shroud to Dr Disrespect, the latest looter-shooter has been the center of attention of late on Twitch. The community has been buzzing and numerous ingenious cosplayers have already applied their skills to new Borderlands themed cosplays. This fresh Zane costume however, might just be the most detailed yet. Popular cosplayer ‘maul-cosplay’ on Instagram, has dedicated his efforts to recreating Zane with remarkable attention to detail. The Operative class in Borderlands 3, while as witty as they come, Zane can be fine-tuned as a support character, utilizing his barrier to defend teammates in danger. From authentic cell-shading across his hair, skin, and costuming, to LED’s in the eyepatch, this cosplay of the crafty vault hunter is as credible as can be. View this post on InstagramFull 360 view of my new Zane cosplay! It’s horrible to wear but I love to look at it :joyful: #borderlands #zane #sponsored #costume #cosplay #cosplayer #borderlands3 #costumework #borderlandscosplay #2K #gaming #xbox #playstation #gamer #pcgamer #psycho #dreamjob #maulcosplay #crafting #ps4 #xboxone #gamescom #sfx #sfxmakeup #monstermakeup #cellshading #makeup #insaneoutfit # Stating that it’s “horrible to wear,” the cosplayer poses for a full 360-degree video to showcase just how much work went into bringing the costume to life. Even the most minute details have been taken into consideration and it shows. When the creases on a coat have been fleshed out with intricate cell-shading, you know the cosplayer means business. Borderlands 3 has barely been out in the wild for long and hardcore fans have already been finding plenty of novel easter eggs. CSGO fail, the developers evidently put a lot of time and care into packing the various planets full of fun discoveries. There have been plenty of other noteworthy Borderlands 3 cosplays of late as the game has been at the forefront of the gaming community. You can find ‘maul_cosplay’ here on Instagram and view the rest of his video game designs at leisure. –

Shocking study reveals large portion of adults experience gaming harassment Blizzard EntertainmentA study published by anti-hate organization Anti-Defamation League shows that a shocking number of adults have experienced some form of harassment while playing online multiplayer games such as Dota 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch. Almost every gamer under the sun has experienced some form of hate during a multiplayer game, whether it’s a simple ‘get gud’ or a comment about their gameplay. It’s a whole different ball game when insults directly attack somebody personally though, whether it’s with a racist comment, a slur towards their sexuality, or something else. A study published by the ADL on July 25 revealed that a large percentage of adults have been subjected to this type of online harassment from other players at some point. The report showed that in a survey of over 1,000 people, 65% had experienced severe harassment such as stalking and physical threats when playing games online. If that statistic wasn’t high enough, it also revealed that a giant 74% of multiplayer players had experienced some form of harassment, with 53% having been deliberately targeted because of their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender identity, religion, or sexual orientation. Read More: UK watchdog says loot boxes are not gambling – 29% of players had also reportedly been doxxed, leading to their personal information being published online without their consent or permission. 23% had been subjected to discussions involving white supremacy, 8% to ones sympathizing with ISIS and the Islamic State, 9% to conversations about Holocaust denial, and 13% to ones spreading misinformation about the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. The report revealed that Dota 2 has the biggest problem with online harassment, with 79% of players reporting that they’d experienced it in some form. 75% of CS:GO, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Overwatch, and League of Legends players also encountered similar torment. Upon discovering the frankly shocking statistics, ADL’s Chief of Operations Jonathan Greenblatt detailed how behavior like this can cause significant harm: “Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults play games online, yet there are significant problems with hate, harassment and discrimination. “Online hate causes real harm. Every time someone in an online multiplayer game physically threatens or harasses another player repeatedly because of who they are or what they believe, that experience doesn’t just end for that individual when the game is over.” However, friendly communication does exist in these games too, with 88% reporting positive interaction, and 51% making friends with or helping others.

Shinobi: Setting, gameplay & everything we know so far SegaA new Shinobi game was announced at the 2023 Game Awards. Here’s everything we know about this sequel/reboot. Announced alongside new Streets of Rage and Golden Axe games, Sega is working on a new entry in the Shinobi series with a game that looks to be a faithful recreation of the Mega Drive/Genesis era games, but on modern systems. Shinobi is a long-running game series about the ninja Joe Musashi and his many adventures. Since its origins, the Shinobi series has been released on multiple consoles such as the Nintendo DS and PS2. While primarily a 2D platforming/hack and slash series, some Shinobi games have flirted with 3D, even when keeping the core gameplay the same. Here’s everything we know about the next Shinobi game. Contents Does Shinobi have a release date? No release date has been revealed for Shinobi as of yet. The only details we have so far came from the Power Surge trailer Sega released. What platforms will Shinobi be on? As we’re unsure of a release window, it’s hard to predict what systems Shinobi will be released on at this stage. Gameplay & setting The most exciting thing about the next Shinobi game is how similar it looks to the games on Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. While fully updated for modern hardware, the game looks to be a faithful recreation of the early art style, taking the series back to its roots in terms of gameplay and aesthetics. So far, we don’t know if this is a reboot of the series or simply a sequel, chronicling the next adventure of Joe Musashi. However, in terms of setting, the game looks to be set in the wider Shinobi universe and will feature Joe as its protagonist once again. The brief snippets of gameplay we’ve seen so far strongly resemble the earlier entries, so this will be exciting for long-time fans of the series. That’s all we know about Shinobi for now. For more of the biggest upcoming releases, check out these guides below: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Wolverine | KOTR Remake | Wonder Woman | DokeV | Dragon Age 4 | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Phantom Blade Zero | Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance review – A welcome return to Da’at Nearly three years after releasing Shin Megami Tensei V as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, Atlus is bringing the Nahobino’s adventure through Da’at to more platforms with an enhanced release. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance being a rerelease with new content won’t surprise fans of other Atlus titles – after all, the last three Persona games have received at least one enhanced and expanded version. However, while those titles added a bit of content to the middle or end of the storyline, SMT V: Vengeance brings with it an entirely new path, essentially containing two games in one package. That means whether you played the Nintendo Switch release or not, there’s plenty of content here to enjoy. Though Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is still, at its core, the same game, its additions and improvements make it the far superior way to experience the adventure. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Key Details Price: $59.99 – Developer: Atlus – Release Date: June 14, 2024 – Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC – Traveling the path of Vengeance As mentioned, Shin Megami Tensei offers two distinct paths – each of which will take you around 80 hours to complete. First, there’s the Canon of Creation, which is the original SMT V storyline. New to this release is the Canon of Vengeance, with the main difference being the impact of the new character Yoko Hiromine. I’ll confess I did not have 160 hours to spare to play both of Vengeance’s storylines for this review, but I did play the original release when it launched back in late 2021. Having said that, I do feel the new Vengeance path is the superior storyline. First, the similarities. Both Canons center on a normal high school student who finds himself in Da’at, a post-apocalyptic alternate version of Tokyo. He’s saved by the mysterious Aogami, fusing with him to become a Nahobino – a rare and forbidden creature that’s neither human nor demon. Here, the Nabohino learns of a long-running war between angels and demons, as well as Bethel, a demon-fighting organization that seeks to protect humanity and keep them out of the conflict. They’ll meet and work with other students who have ended up in Da’at for one reason or another. As in past SMT games, this all culminates in the player deciding how to remake the world, with several different endings available in each storyline. What really sets Vengeance apart is Yoko, a mysterious girl players meet early on in Da’at. Yoko adds a fresh perspective to the game, starting out as pretty cynical, especially where other people are involved. Despite that, she bonds with the player and their friends, particularly the more traditionally good Tao Isonokami. Yoko’s presence really helps flesh out the game’s cast, addressing an issue I had with the original release. Initially, I felt that a lot of SMT V’s human characters went underutilized, and the interactions between them felt pretty surface-level. Vengeance’s new cutscenes and character interactions make everyone feel more multi-faceted this time around, largely thanks to Yoko’s impact. She’s constantly forcing the player and their allies to see situations from a different perspective, which perfectly suits the philosophical SMT franchise. That’s not to say the writing is without fault. The first half of the game follows pretty similar story beats, so if you didn’t like the original SMT V, Vengeance likely won’t win you over. There are also some annoyingly repetitive parts – including one quest where I thought I’d close the game if I heard the phrases “fortune teller” and “large crow” one more time. Overall, Creation is still enjoyable – and I’m personally happy to have played it if only to be able to compare it with Vengeance. It’s worthwhile for any diehard SMT fans, but if you are only going to play one of the paths, let it be the Canon of Vengeance. A smoother experience in Da’at Though I did enjoy the new Canon of Vengeance storyline, what stood out even more were the little ways Atlus has improved the experience this time around. Shin Megami Tensei games are notoriously punishing thanks to the Press Turn combat system, which makes it possible for players or their foes to dominate with a mix of strategy and luck. That makes the ability to save anytime outside of combat a crucial quality of life improvement. The original SMT V only allowed you to save at leyline founts, and while these are strategically placed and not super rare to come by, I for one remember losing hours of progress after getting caught off guard by a strong foe or an unlucky turn while exploring the world. Speaking of traversal, Vengeance also makes it much easier to explore Da’at thanks to new rails scattered around the maps. Many are shortcuts that make it easy to return to leylines from remote areas (and vice versa), while others unlock otherwise inaccessible areas. Plus, while some are clearly placed, others need to be found with demon companions, providing all the more reason to explore every nook and cranny of each map. Vengeance also helps address some of the game’s repetitiveness. The option to skip or speed up cutscenes is handy if you’re in a rush, replaying the game, or retrying a boss battle, and separating the Auto-Battle options into Auto-Attack (where characters use their basic attack) and Auto-Skill (where they’ll target enemy weaknesses) is helpful for grinding. All these changes make for a better gameplay experience overall, something that’s just as important as the new Canon of Vengeance. The Verdict — 4/5 It should come as no surprise that Vengeance is still, at its core, Shin Megami Tensei V. Its new storyline, characters, and quality-of-life improvements will be refreshing for returning players, though likely not enough to sway anyone who didn’t care for the original release. For those who weren’t able to play the initial Nintendo Switch release, though, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a step up and the ideal way to experience the Nahobino’s story. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance: Release date, platforms, more AtlusAtlus’ epic RPG adventure is back for blood, as Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance takes players back to the netherworld but with plenty of changes along the way. In what was already a stacked year for developer Atlus, with Persona 3 Reload recently released, and Unicorn Overlord and Metaphor ReFantazio both on the way, the RPG factory is gearing up for another release, and this one is hellish. Atlus confirmed during the recent Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is hitting Nintendo Switch later this year, with several quality-of-life changes, and new content, plus this time it’s even hitting more than one platform. Learn everything you need to know about this classic RPG remaster below: Contents SMTV: Vengeance release date – SMTV: Vengeance platforms – SMTV: Vengeance new content – SMTV: Vengeance changes – When is the Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance release date? Atlus has confirmed that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is arriving on June 21, 2024. The title is also introducing two new DLC chapters available for purchase, though it is currently unclear if they are set to be made available at launch, or a later date. What platforms is Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance releasing on? Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is set to arrive on Nintendo Switch, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. The original version of the game was Switch exclusive, so this remaster is the first time the title has appeared on any other platforms. What is the new content in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance? As revealed by Atlus, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance features a brand new story chapter, and players can choose at the start of the game whether to experience the original story again (though with the enhancements of this new version) or to play this new chapter. Alongside this, Atlus has confirmed that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will also receive two new DLC chapters, with one featuring the demon Dagda from Shin Megami Tensei 4, while the other is focused on a new demon called Konohanasakuya. While other details are currently not clear, the reveal trailer gives players a look at new locations, new demons, and a new protagonist, who is presumably the player’s avatar for the new story chapter. Every Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance changes As well as the initial reveal trailer, Atlus has shared a Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Spotlight video, showcasing multiple new features and changes to the title, including: A new Da’at – A new dungeon – New quests – Ally demons now have unique skills – Over 40 new demons – Auto-battle – Two brand new DLC chapters – All previous DLCs included in the base game – Nintendo Switch owners of the original Shin Megami Tensei V can carry over data of up to three demons to Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance’s Demon Compendium – That’s all we have on Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for today, but we’ll be sure to update this guide as more information becomes available. If you’re playing Persona 3 Reload while you wait, be sure to check out our great guides below: Persona 3 Reload PC requirements | Persona 3 Reload voice actors: English and Japanese cast | How long is Persona 3 Reload? | How to unlock every Theurgy Skill & Fusion Spell | How many copies has Persona 3 Reload sold? | Every classroom & exam answer | How to fuse Satan | How to fuse Messiah

Shin Megami Tensei TTRPG receives first ever official English release in 2024 AtlusShin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game: Tokyo Conception is the first tabletop RPG based on the series to ever receive an English language release and it’s coming in 2024. The Shin Megami Tensei series and its popular Persona spin-off franchise have been growing in popularity outside of Japan, but a lot of the merchandise for both entities never reaches international shores, with US and UK fans forced to look on with jealousy at the cool Persona loot that comes out. There have been Shin Megami Tensei card games and manga franchises that never left Japan, along with a tabletop RPG that has received numerous sourcebooks over the years. There is some basic information about these books online, but most of that comes from dedicated fan works, rather than Atlus. The tabletop RPG fans who are looking for something new will get the chance to visit the Vortex World from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, as it’s pen and paper adaptation is finally leaving Japan. How to order Shin Megami Tensei TTRPG Shin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game: Tokyo Conception is now available for pre-order on Amazon, with a launch date of February 20, 2024. This marks the first English language release for the long-running Shin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game. In Shin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game: Tokyo Conception is set in the world of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, after the world has ended and a new one created in its place, the Vortex World, where demons, angels, and creatures from mythology are the rulers of the land. Like in other Shin Megami Tensei games, players can take on different roles. There are humans who have survived the end of the world, demons who can serve or destroy humanity, or fiends, who have use the power of Magatama to wield unholy powers. Shin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game: Tokyo Conception has the factions from the video game, with the player able to encounter the Assembly of Nihilo and the Mantra Army, as they fight to control the Vortex World. The Shin Megami Tensei franchise is ripe for a tabletop adaptation, and even D&D has taken elements from the games, with Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos sharing similarities with Persona. In 2024, fans can tell their own stories in the world of Nocturne, without needing to adapt it to other systems. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Shell sparks outrage after promoting fossil fuels with Fortnite campaign Unsplash: John Cameron / Epic GamesShell has been slammed for targeting young demographics after a Fortnite campaign promoted the use of gas amid the current climate crisis. According to NASA, 97 percent of publishing climate scientists agree that global warming is real and that humans are causing the issue. In fact, predictions suggest that over the next 50 years, the tropics, the coasts, and formerly arable lands will become increasingly difficult to live in, displacing millions. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that a recent 2021 study found that 83 percent of children and young people aged between 16 to 25 feel humans have “failed to take care of the planet.” And Shell is seemingly looking to reinforce that belief with their latest marketing campaign promoting gas to young audiences through Fortnite and social media. The company worked with creators on Fortnite to promote its new premium gas with a map dubbed Shell Ultimate Road Trips. Players first have to fill up at a Shell gas station before embarking and are encouraged to share screenshots of their gameplay online. Content creators across various social media platforms were sponsored by Shell to promote the campaign and popular gamers were “invited” to test out the map. Media Matters identified at least six Twitch streamers partnered with the company: ‘Punisher’ – ‘NateHill’ – ‘Chica’ – ‘brookeab’ – ‘Astrobounder’ – ‘Grady_Rains’ – Despite their best efforts to win over younger generations, Shell’s campaign has been largely met with outrage due to its lack of regard for current global conditions. In order to tackle climate change, the IEA released a Net Zero Roadmap that set out a global pathway to bring the world’s energy sector to net zero and limit global warming to 1.5 °C. And that roadmap clearly warned that “no new long-lead-time upstream oil and gas projects are needed.” Nonetheless, Shell is rolling out a business plan that, according to Bloomberg, will put “oil and gas front and center while giving low-carbon efforts a smaller supporting role.” And it appears marketing aimed at children is a part of that plan. Check out all the latest entertainment news on our page here.

How to share games and Game Pass on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S Xbox / MicrosoftWondering how Game sharing works on Xbox? Here’s everything you need to know about how you can grow your collection of Xbox titles without having to spend additional money by sharing games and Game Pass subscriptions between your Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox One consoles. Game sharing allows players to seamlessly share the libraries of two Xbox devices. Not only does this let you expand your gaming choices, but it’s also incredibly handy if you’re looking for new content to play on a budget. Xbox Game Pass can also be shared via this feature, and you can enjoy the subscription on multiple consoles including Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Here’s exactly how you can share games and Game Pass on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Disclaimer: Make sure that you only share games with someone trustworthy, as account information is quite sensitive. Your details ending up in the wrong hands may cause severe problems. Contents Requirements to share games – How to enable game sharing on Xbox? – How to share Game Pass from Xbox to PC? – Limitations of the feature – Requirements to share games on Xbox To share games on Xbox, all you’ll need to do is ensure you’ve got your console and your friend’s login details to hand, while also making sure you have a valid Xbox Game Pass Subscription. How to enable game sharing on Xbox? You can enable game sharing on any current gen Xbox console including the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Here’s how you can do it: Boot up your console. – Sign in to your Xbox account. – Then, press the Xbox button and head to the left side of the menu. – Press the ‘Add New‘ button on your controller and add your friend’s account. – Enter your friend’s login credentials and press the ‘A’ button. – Follow the instructions on the screen and set your preferences accordingly. – Now, press the Xbox button and select ‘Sign in‘. In this step, you need to select your friend’s account that you’ve just added. – Press the Xbox button and head to the ‘Settings‘ option. – Select ‘Personalization‘ followed by ‘My home Xbox‘. – Choose the ‘Make this my home Xbox‘ option and press A. – Once you’ve done this, you need to repeat the same steps for your friend’s Xbox. This time, you need to enter your Xbox login credentials and set their console as your home Xbox. – That’s it — you can now share games between these two Xbox consoles. This should also allow you to share a Game Pass subscription. How to share Game Pass from Xbox to PC? Sharing your Xbox Game Pass account using a PC might be a little tricky since you have to interact with the Xbox app as well as the Microsoft Store. Here’s what you need to do: Log in to the Microsoft Store using the account with an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. – Once this is done, open the Xbox app and sign in with the alternative account you want to share games with. – Head to the Accounts section in Settings and click on Change my Microsoft Store account. Use the account with the Game Pass subscription. – Once this is done, you should be able to share your Game Pass subscription with another account on PC. What are the limitations of game sharing? Game sharing on Xbox allows only two people to share their libraries at once. If you want to add a third person to the list, you need to log your friend’s account out and stop sharing the library with them. You must also remember that the feature allows the sharing of digital copies only and the “Home” Xbox can be changed only five times a year. If you have a physical copy of any game, unfortunately, you can’t share it with your friends.

Shangi Chi actor Simu Liu asks Activision Blizzard to “save” Starcraft amid Microsoft buyout Marvel, BlizzardMarvel actor Simu Liu, of Shang Chi fame, has shown his admiration for RTS series Starcraft – pleading for some new life in the franchise amid Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Shang Chi lead actor Simi Liu has expressed love for gaming before, often citing Halo and League of Legends among his favorites. Blizzard’s RTS series Starcraft remains popular with competitive players but has ultimately seen a decline in the mainstream over the years. With Microsoft acquiring heaps of beloved IP in their Activision Blizzard buy-out, the Marvel actor has taken it upon himself to plead for more. Simu Liu asks for Microsoft to “save” Starcraft The Starcraft series has been lying dormant since regular content stopped in October 2020, and now, Simu Liu is leading the rallying cry to get the series back in the public eye. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard on January 18, the Shang Chi actor shared a simple yet straightforward tweet on social media declaring: “Please save Starcraft!” While the Marvel superstar didn’t address Microsoft or any affiliated parties directly in the tweet, he did receive a cheeky acknowledgment from former Corporate Vice President Mike Ybarra. Ybarra, whose current role is Head of Blizzard Entertainment, recognized Liu’s plea with nothing more than a smile. While there isn’t any news of a Starcraft revival, Ybarra has claimed that exciting news will be coming from Blizzard Entertainment in the near future. It’s more than likely this will relate to Overwatch and World of Warcraft following a content drought, which Ybarra intends to discuss in a statement soon. Now that Microsoft has access to some of gaming’s best franchises, who knows, maybe a Starcraft revival isn’t out of the equation.

Shang-Chi star Simu Liu embraces the Diablo 4 grind, hones Valorant skills Instagram: simuliuShang-Chi star Simu Liu trades his superhero persona for gaming adventures in Diablo 4 and Valorant when the spotlight dims. Liu made waves at the Barbie premiere on July 10 when he revealed he’s been grinding away at Diablo 4 and working on his Valorant game when not on set. When asked what games he is playing these days, Liu expressed his fondness for Diablo 4, in particular, to Melissah Yang of Refinery29, “You know what I love about Diablo? It’s the perfect game to play at the end of a long day on set. Just grinding in the dungeon and clicking away.” Liu previously made a haunting appearance in the live-action trailer for Diablo 2: Resurrected in 2021, where he played a character seeking absolution for sins not yet committed. Last month, Liu also joined forces with Rachell ‘Valkyrae‘ Hofstetter and Bella Poarch in a promotional livestream for Diablo 4’s release, earning the nickname “the unholy trinity” from developer Blizzard. However, Liu’s gaming time isn’t limited to the Diablo franchise exclusively. He also takes up arms in Valorant, explaining, “When I get together with my friends, I play a little bit of Valorant.” “I play Brim, I play Sage, a lot of support. But Breach has been interesting because he’s like right in there. He has a good ult!” Liu’s also been known to share his Valorant gameplay on Twitter, previously sharing a clip of his ace with Jett on Fracture. In the clip, fans can hear him exclaiming, “Let’s go Simu, let’s f***ing go” as he downs opponents with his Spectre. He later tweeted that he’s watched the clip hundreds of times. When Liu is not playing Shang-Chi or grinding in the Diablo 4 dungeons, he’s previously used his massive reach to voice his passion for other games, such as his plea for Microsoft to “Please save Starcraft!” in January 2022. Despite his growing movie career, Liu’s love for gaming doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Fans are excited to see his performance as Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie and eager to see which video game he takes up next.

Shadow Warrior 3 Review – A fun but flawed first-person fracas Flying Wild HogDespite trying to reinvent itself and refine its existing formula, Shadow Warrior 3’s enjoyable moments are sadly overshadowed by some frustrating issues that really hamper the experience. After two reasonably successful outings in the franchise, Shadow Warrior 3 was supposed to be Flying Wild Hog’s magnum opus that would see the series hit new heights and learn from previous mistakes. But during the course of a fairly short, linear campaign, Shadow Warrior 3 actually manages to regress in ways and its new innovations and gameplay enhancements come at a price. Shadow Warrior 3 – Key details Price: $49.99 / £39.99 – Developer: Flying Wild Hog – Release date: March 1, 2022 – Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One & PC – Shadow Warrior 3 trailer Less story, more action Despite its best efforts to create an engaging story, Shadow Warrior 3’s characters are generally not interesting and lacking in characterization. The premise of the game sees our very verbal protagonist Lo Wang working to quell the destructive threat of an ancient dragon. Along the way are some bizarre distractions and miscommunications that could easily have been avoided and instead feel like a way to prolong its wafer-thin concept. Lo Wang himself is very divisive and as we mentioned — he likes to quip. The only problem is that his dialog is relentless and his material barely gets a chance to settle before he’s flinging out more dated pop culture references for no reason. He’s no Nathan Drake in terms of likability or charisma, but he does keep you engaged and entertained at times. Some of his cringe-worthy lines can be excused as every now and again an absolute banger will land, but for the most part, it’s a little too much. Great gameplay stunted by questionable game design Shadow Warrior 3 unashamedly acknowledges that it has borrowed a lot of ideas from recent games, most obviously DOOM, in its efforts to revitalize its formula — and there are definitely worse franchises to crib from. Finishers allow players to insta-kill enemies, grabbing some fabulous weapons called Gore Tools in the process. From an insane jack-in-the-box rocket launcher to a disco laser ball, you’re definitely encouraged to store Finishers and use them at the right time. They can take a while to do though, which can disrupt the flow of combat, but they do complement an already stellar roster of great guns. Its gunplay and combat are comfortably the best aspects of the game and at times make it a game you can’t put down. Battles largely take place in open combat arenas that block off your path until you’ve defeated all enemies. Thanks to a litany of varied enemies that are introduced throughout Shadow Warrior 3, you have to keep on your toes and vary up your gameplay. For instance, one foe needs a Chi Blast to expose its vulnerable spot and it keeps you thinking in real-time about how to strategize your attack to hit it hardest. Combined with the fluidity of the game’s movement options such as double-jumping, sliding, dashing, and another borrowed element in a grappling hook, these arena areas are a delight to overcome. Sadly though, about two-thirds of the way through the game you pretty much have all the weapons and have seen virtually every enemy type, and repetition quickly sets in. The final few levels become a series of never-ending arenas that line up in quick succession, and I found myself having to pause the game before each as a way to keep monotony from creeping in. Outside of some fun platforming sections that break up the staleness, Shadow Warrior 3 is a very linear shooter with a basic upgrade system to flesh out its content a bit more. The campaign is over in several hours and a lack of replayability makes it hard to justify its price tag. Shadow Warrior 3 suffers from Jekyll & Hyde syndrome At times, I found Shadow Warrior 3 to be beautiful and shockingly so. For a game that hasn’t been publicized as much or received as much press and hype, it was rife with lush terrain intertwined with some truly gorgeous backdrops. Colorful areas really catch the eye and create a baffling dichotomy between gameplay and cut-scenes. They are so ugly that you actually want to skip them. Lip-syncing is horribly off and they undermine any beauty found in Shadow Warrior 3’s actual gameplay. I’m not kidding, the final spoken words of the game were lagging five seconds behind the actual animations themselves. It’s all stuff that’s surely going to be patched, but it serves to highlight the duality between gameplay and the cutscenes. 6.5/10 Somewhere in Shadow Warrior 3 is a meaty FPS that is trying to move forward with the times but struggles to keep consistent as technical problems and a muddied presentation mar the game’s strengths. The first half of the game is an enjoyable, constantly growing, and expanding experience that runs out of ideas towards the end. Lo Wang is certainly not the most memorable or likable protagonist ever seen, but I appreciate Flying Wild Hog’s intentions. If the price comes down then it will be a blast to play through on one Saturday or Sunday, but if there’s a fourth game on the way, then there’s a lot of room for improvement. Reviewed on PlayStation 5

SGDQ speedrunner admits to cheating by airing pre-recorded Metal Gear run Twitter: GamesDoneQuickMetal Gear speedrunner Mekarazium’s record breaking run at the recent Summer Games Done Quick event has been taken down and has since been confirmed to be due to forgery and misrepresentation. Summer Games Done Quick is an annual event in which gamers come together and give it their all to speedrun through games, break records and most importantly, raise awareness and money for a charity cause. Many games were played, however Mekarazium’s Metal Gear Rising: Revengance run turned a lot of heads at the time. Mekarazium blazed through the game’s Blade Wolf DLC campaign, breaking the world record. Unfortunately, it was quickly revealed that his run was not in fact done live but was a pre-recording run that had spliced together previous speedruns. In an official statement made by GDQ, the organization revealed Mekarazium’s speed run was not only forged but had been planned months prior to the event. “Yesterday, we were made aware that Mekazarium played a segmented video for his DLC run at Summer Games Done Quick 2022. Mekazarium has since admitted to this, both to some members of the community as well as directly to GDQ staff,” they stated. “He contacted our staff with a document detailing that he had planned this for over a month, demonstrating this was planned and intentional. This was made possible because of the remote nature of this particular run in the marathon.” GDQ officials then went on to add that they will be cracking down on this issue moving forward and that they will work to support the speedrunning community. “This is absolutely unacceptable and attempts to undermine the integrity of the speedrunning community that we love and support. The exact result they desired was unclear from the document, but it is clear that they believed we would not be willing to speak out about their behavior.” As a result of the incident, Mekazarium’s runs from GDQ’s Youtube archive have been removed and he will be unable to compete or run in the event in the future. This statement was obtained by PCGamesN, on July 5. The 2022 SGDQ began on June 26 and ran for a whole week before coming to an end on July 3. Prior to the global health crisis, the event was typically held in person in Minneapolis. Due to travel restrictions as well as general health and safety precautions, SGDQ changed up the format of their event so that players would be able to live stream their runs remotely. This year the event aimed to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. By the completion of the event, SGDQ reported that they had raised $3 million for the cause.

Best Deadlock Seven build: Abilities & Items ValveSeven is one of Deadlock’s premiere caster characters, with a game-changing ultimate that can take out the entire enemy team when used correctly. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of this hero. While Deadlock is much more focused on aiming and gunplay than most other MOBAs, there are still a good few caster characters. Seven is one of them, and his abilities are relatively straightforward. Seven may be for you if you struggle with aiming but don’t like getting up close. His kit benefits much more from having game knowledge than it does raw mechanical skill, especially when it comes to buying the right items for the job. Give Vindicta a shot if you’re looking for someone who requires more mechanical skill and less game knowledge, but know she’s not as new-player friendly as it tells you. Seven is one of the absolute best starter characters, though playing him against people who know what they’re doing gets tricky. Here’s the best build for Seven in Deadlock including which items you should get, when you should buy them, and the abilities to max out first. Seven’s best abilities Here’s both the starting and max path for Seven’s abilities. Bear in mind that while it’s possible to play this character without focusing on his ultimate, it’s the strongest and most consistent build on the hero. His ult is pretty underwhelming without points, but Seven’s a force of nature with it maxed out. Ability starting path: 1>3>2 Against characters who want to get in your face early like Abrams and Warden, getting 2 second is worthwhile. – – Ability max path: 1 point in 1>max 4>1 point in 2>max 3>max 2>max 1 Seven’s ability order jumps around a bit in comparison to other characters due to the immense value he gains from the first point in certain abilities, but just know that maxing his ult ASAP is your best bet in most circumstances. – – You’ll want to get a point in Lightning Ball early for poke, a point in Static Charge to get a shorter cooldown once you’ve got your ult maxed out and you’re rotating around, and you’ll want to max Power Surge after your ult is completely leveled. Power Surge is Seven’s biggest sleeper ability as it provides a ton of bonus damage and AoE if you’re landing shots. If Static Charge‘s stun is about to pop on someone, activate this to maximize your damage. As for Storm Cloud, get as high in the sky as you can, in as open an area as possible, and just let it rip. There are some ways to get more out of this ultimate, but they’re dependent on both getting the right items or having teammates work around you. More on that later. Seven’s abilities explained If you aren’t familiar with Seven’s kit and what he does in Deadlock, here’s a quick rundown: 1: Lightning Ball Shoot a ball of lightning that travels in a straight line. Does damage to all targets in its radius. Slows down when damaging enemies and stops if it hits the world. Level 1: +1 Charge – Level 2: +40% movement slow – Level 3: +70 DPS – – – Shoot a ball of lightning that travels in a straight line. Does damage to all targets in its radius. Slows down when damaging enemies and stops if it hits the world. – 2: Static Charge Apply a charge to a target enemy hero. After a short duration, the static charge stuns and damages enemies within the radius. Level 1: -20 second cooldown – Level 2: +7 meter radius – Level 3: +1.1 second stun duration – – – Apply a charge to a target enemy hero. After a short duration, the static charge stuns and damages enemies within the radius. – 3: Power Surge Power up your weapon with a shock effect, making your bullet proc shock damage on your target. This shock damage bounces to enemies near your target. Occurs once per burst shot. Level 1: Shock damage applies -15% spirit resist for 8 seconds – Level 2: -16 second cooldown – Level 3: +12 shock damage, improve spirit scaling, and +3 max jumps – – – Power up your weapon with a shock effect, making your bullet proc shock damage on your target. This shock damage bounces to enemies near your target. Occurs once per burst shot. – 4: Storm Cloud Channel an expanding storm cloud around you that damages all enemies within its radius. Enemies do not take damage when they are out of line of sight. Level 1: +35% bullet resist while channeling Storm Cloud – Level 2: +7 second channel time and +10 meter radius – Level 3: +75 DPS – – – Channel an expanding storm cloud around you that damages all enemies within its radius. Enemies do not take damage when they are out of line of sight. – Best build on Seven: Deadlock items explained Items here will be divided into four sections: Early game, mid game, late game/luxury buys, and situational purchases. The first three sections will give you a general idea of what you should buy at each stage of the game, though it’s ok to jump to late-game items if you’re ahead. Situational items are all about countering certain mechanics. For a character like Seven, counter-building is essential. As you play against better and better players, people will know how to counter you. You’ll have to switch up your build depending on who you’re playing against, so keep an eye on that last section. Here’s what you should be buying to give yourself the best chance at winning: Early Game items Seven is a caster first, so you won’t want to run bullet damage unless you’re maxing 3 and focusing a hybrid build like that. So, the only two Weapon damage items you’ll want are High-Velocity Mag for the bonus bullet velocity and bullet shield, and Monster Rounds to give Seven a bit better camp clear. Enduring Spirit is your best early tank item due to the spirit life steal, throwing Lightning Ball at a minion wave will heal you a ton. Extra Stamina is your better bet over Sprint Boots early on since Seven wants to hang out in lane and scale a bit rather than making early rotations. Healing Rite is a must unless you crush the early game. Extra Charge is something you’ll want to get early on to get more Lightning Ball charges, and Extra Spirit and Mystic Reach are both solid boosts to spirit damage Mid Game items Weapon damage items are still a low priority, but Warp Stone and Pristine Emblem are solid options, especially if you’re running low on Flex Slots and can’t buy other items. Warp Stone’s mobility is great in a cinch, and Pristine Emblem has tremendous bang-for-your-buck value for boosting weapon damage in certain scenarios. Enduring Speed will be nice to have by this point. You won’t need to rotate much early on, but it’s something you want to have as the game goes on. Majestic Leap is a must to get high in the air for your ult, while Spirit Lifesteal, Bullet Armor, and Spirit Armor are all great choices if you’re having trouble staying alive. Go with Spirit Lifesteal first. You should have multiple Mystic items on Seven, and many of them should be upgrades of what you’ve bought early. But, Flex Slots are hard to get. Here’s the order in which you’ll want to buy Mystic items if you know you’re going run into that problem: Superior Cooldown > Mystic Vulnerability > Superior Duration > Improved Spirit > Improved Reach. You’ll want all of these at some point, but you’ve only got so many item slots. If there’s an item that applies to a specific ability like Superior Cooldown or Duration, put it on your ult. Late Game/Luxury There are a few weapon damage items that scale well late game, particularly Spiritual Overflow. Paired with Power Surge, you can do a lot of damage with your gun without having to build much weapon damage. Crippling Headshot is great if you need to shred protections, as it shreds both Spirit and Bullet armor. Unstoppable is a must-have against competent opponents if you’re going to invest so heavily in your ultimate. Make sure you pop it right before you start channeling your ult to get the most time out of it. Six seconds is long enough for Seven to wipe a team. Leech is great if you’re fighting against a ton of anti-heal or need more sustain, and is worth taking over Unstoppable if you aren’t getting CC locked. But, once you start playing against better players, people will know to shut down your ult. Boundless Spirit is worth getting earlier on Seven than most other characters, as he gets huge returns on bonus spirit power. Escalating Exposure is a must-have with how much tick damage Seven has, while Mystic Reverb and Diviner’s Kevlar make his ult that much harder to deal with. Reverb’s slow combined with Kevlar’s tank stats make it so the enemy has no choice but to leave the area your ult’s in if you’ve got Unstoppable. When you’re fighting on Mid Boss or in the middle of a lane, this can win your entire team the game. Situational items Seeing as these items are situational, here’s each one broken down by when you should buy it and what you’re countering: Healbane: Seven’s best anti-heal option. It’s cheap, effective, and allows him to cut the healing of the entire enemy team. If you’re struggling against an Abrams, this is worth buying early. – Divine Barrier: Divine Barrier is your lifeline if you get put behind, and can be popped before ulting in a pinch to get more tank stats. – Metal Skin: Against heavy bullet damage, this is your best friend. Pop it before you ult and watch as the enemy Haze player malds and regrets using her Sleep Dagger on anyone other than you while your ult shreds her team. You’ll still be vulnerable to spirit damage and melee, though. – Veil Walker: Veil Walker is a fantastic pickup if you’re having trouble staying out of combat long enough to get Majestic Leap off. The spirit and bullet shielding on it is great, too. This is also a great substitute for Diviner’s Kevlar if you’re broke or out of slots for Mystic items. – Rescue Beam: This is kind of cheating because you shouldn’t be the one buying Rescue Beam, your teammates should. If you can convince someone to buy Rescue Beam and drag you into the enemy team as they’re trying to escape from your ult, it can be a game-winning maneuver. Or just queue with an Ivy player, either works. – Knockdown: Knockdown pairs well with Static Charge’s stun to keep an enemy CCed for a couple of seconds, more than long enough to kill them with your burst damage. Take this if you’re particularly annoyed with someone diving you. – Surge of Power: Surge of Power is another great option if you’re getting dived and have Power Surge maxed out. The bonus movement speed will help you either get out or chase down an opponent who’s trying to get away. This is the only ability-specific amp item you won’t want to put on your ultimate. – Mystic Slow: Great for both self-peel and chase, Mystic Slow is a fantastic option if you need a bit more CC. Worth taking early against slippery characters that want to dive you like Mo & Krill. – That’s everything you need to know to start taking home Ws with Seven in Deadlock! He’s one of the easier characters in the game, but don’t get discouraged if the first few matches don’t go your way. You’ll get it if you keep practicing. If you’d prefer to try another hero instead, check out our full character tier list, and the best builds for Pocket, Warden, Lady Geist, and Shiv.

Session: Skate Sim dev explains how game “pushes boundaries” for skateboarders Creā-ture StudiosAhead of Session: Skate Sim’s full-release on PlayStation 5, we spoke with creā-ture Studios game producer Jeffrey Spicer about bringing players an authentic experience for newcomers and hardcore skating fans alike. Session: Skate Sim has had a long road to its full 1.0 release this week on September 22, 2022. Beginning life as a Kickstarter project, Session has evolved considerably since its 2015 beginnings. With genre figureheads such as EA’s skate. and Activision’s Tony Hawk Pro Skater series mostly missing for years, avid skating fans have been crying out for a worthy successor to lead the genre back to its former glory. Montreal-based creā-ture Studios are up to the task, with a team of only nine developers making it possible. Game producer Jeffrey Spicer spoke with Dexerto to give us an insight into Session’s origins, its passionate community and how the game is breathing new life back into the genre. The game has spent considerable time in early access, but for Spicer, nailing Session’s original primary goal was key: “The idea of Session came from an ex-member of our studio, one of the founders. Marc-Andre’s essentially had the idea to take what had been introduced to change the dynamic of skate games and say ‘hey, we have two feet, we have two sticks’. Let the left be the left and the right be the right. It kind of took that change in gameplay to the next level and really allowed you to really open up the complexity of skateboarding.” Initial comparisons to the game may illicit something reminiscent of EA’s skate., though Session is very much a “sim” rather than a “game” according to Spicer. It’s this focus that has enabled the game to succeed in the realms of realism: “We are very much a simulator[…] We also wanted to take a step away from arcade games to really make something with a lot more longevity, something that would resonate more with a core skate fan base.” Striking the balance comes with its own challenges Rather than use pre-determined animations, Session is completely physics based. Every rotation, pop and adjustment is down to the player. This does present a learning curve, which may seem daunting at first: “The ability or what we call player agency that we give the player, was something that was core to us, that we didn’t want to sacrifice. “We definitely do have a steep learning curve. The way we managed it was primarily to keep the core gameplay our focus, but understand how we could help the transition into it. It’s weird, you don’t want to introduce a player to a game that they’re not gonna play.” The philosophy to aid players in their first steps uses “piecemeal” strategy, Spicer explained. Players can take Session at their own pace without any penalties for it, as “you can start the game and have access to anything and everything. We don’t gate everything. We just let you play and have fun.” Managing the balance presents other challenges too, as Spicer said “We didn’t wanna sacrifice the essence of the complexity and the reality of skateboarding, just to ‘gamify’ it.” Competitors like Skater XL have appeared on the scene over the years, with a similar premise. “It’s a catalyst. It’s something that shows that we are going in the right direction, as we knew we were. You know mimicry is the greatest form of flattery. “It’s one thing to be, you know, mimicked or copied. But it’s another to stay true to your vision and to see it out. And that’s what we’re doing.” Session’s community is a driving force Any game needs a sturdy community beneath and Spicer recognizes the importance of keeping fans involved within Session’s journey. Since the game’s inception “one of the things that we did early days to make sure we retained that was, we worked with our community on Discord. Ever since the Kickstarter days, we’ve had an active core community that has been open and provided feedback for us. “We tweaked it to be the optimal skate experience and not ‘gamify’ it. To not over oversimplify it[…]it’s a very fine line. Using a community and also just our own experience with how difficult skating could be.” This connection to community even drives the game’s customization options too. “Skating is about anyone and everyone, men, women, or if you don’t wanna be assigned a gender. Any color, any size, it doesn’t matter. That was something early days that we felt we needed to embrace and support.” Bringing players the authentic skating experience Mastering Session’s mechanics isn’t the only element that the studio needed to perfect either. Every skating gaming lives and dies on its locales, which Session has a bountiful amount of. While eagle-eyed skaters will recognize many of the game’s spots, this doesn’t take away from players who aren’t in the know. Each of them are full of unique opportunities to explore. Spicer’s history in the sport alongside his dev team has been used to enhance the map: “One of the important parts that for us as skaters is learning, not learning is adapting. How you see the world. As opposed to just what it was meant to be and seeing it, how you could skate it. “We’re nine guys, total, and two of us don’t even make data. So those huge cities were made by a team of two or three artists. We tried to replicate the real-world locations while taking minor artistic liberties, in terms of navigation, so you aren’t skating for 10 minutes to get from spot to spot.” To bring the game’s world to life, Spicer clarified that they “identified key locations, both either in skate history or in skate films that we wanted to recreate where players could then push the boundaries. “My favorite spot is the China banks map. It’s gonna be released on the 22nd. I start at the top of the hill, come down front tail out to fakey, switch, heel, flip a crack, and then, you know, front side, 180 over a bump to bar and it’s just its butter. I love it.” Session’s visuals can’t survive without impeccable sound design, an element that has been expanded upon towards the game’s full release: “Sound design is a very complicated discipline[…] it’s something that we knew, especially for the skate element was critical. When I hear a pop or I hear the sound of someone rolling down the road, I know right away. “We have actually overhauled that and brought in a new sound designer with over 15 years experience. So it’s gonna improve even more from what you’re aware of.” To accompany the game’s improved audio, players can also vibe to handpicked songs from labels such as Red Robin. Spicer explained that the team “went with some smaller, but perfectly aligned” artists to make Session’s “chill” vibes standout. Where is Session Skate Sim heading next? The game has been available on Xbox consoles and PC for some time, but September 22 is a huge day for Session players. Leaping onto the PlayStation 4 and 5 respectively, the dev team are already considering what the future holds for the game. “We definitely have post-launch plans that are actually already in production,” Spicer said on the game’s next steps. “We’ll be sharing those after the launch. We really wanna, you know, hit the street hard with the day one plan[…] continue listening to the players and the feedback as we continue to add content and features.” Though Spicer wouldn’t reveal whether any multiplayer plans are in the works, the ethos to getting content right is all in the name of upholding Session’s standards: “We don’t wanna just continue to provide content and not engage. Engagement in our community is critical to our success, not just in the quality of the game, but also much like in skating. When I saw Chris Hale do something, I was like, you can do that.” However, changes to the game’s skating styles could be on the cards as feedback is taken onboard. “Street skating and vert skating are two disciplines of skating. The era that we are kind of an homage to, the nineties wasn’t necessarily big for vert skating. It was still, there was still some big skaters. “We had to decide early on, do we wanna focus and optimize his skating street skating? Or do we wanna try to stretch it and include more, but sacrifice the overall quality?” Spicer is aware that players are keen to see other variations included, but it could be some time before it happens. “There is a fanbase that wants to see it […] It’s definitely in the reckoning for postlaunch, but we’ll wait and see what kind of world opportunities we could provide for it.” Session: Skate Sim is available on PlayStation consoles on September 22, 2022.

Session: Skate Sim review – Grind pays off with 2022 update Crea-Ture Studios, IllogikaSession has been out for a while, but after a slew of updates the game just keeps growing. Is it worth playing in 2022? The skateboarding genre had disappeared into the ether for the best part of a decade, but Crea-ture Studios’ Session has strived to restore it to its former glory since arriving on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview in September 2019 and June 2020 respectively. Session’s initial launch didn’t manage to inspire a lot of confidence in casual and hardcore skateboarding fans alike, but the spiritual successor to EA’s Skate franchise has continued to refine its experience into a surprisingly nuanced take on the beloved sport. Session: Skate Sim – Key details Price: $19.99 / £16.74 – Developer: Crea-ture Studios, Illogika – Release date: September 17 2019, June 17 2020 – Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC – Session: Skate Sim trailer Going back to basics Session has come a long way since its Kickstarter origins. Gone is the ambiguous location of an unnamed jail. Now, players are greeted with an expansive recreation of New York and Philadelphia’s premier skate spots. You’ve likely seen some of them pop up in other games, such as the Brooklyn Banks that have appeared in Tony Hawk’s Underground. No matter which spot you decide to tear it up in, Session makes it clear that this is back to basics experience. An introductory tutorial greets players and reduces the game’s seemingly daunting difficulty from the get-go. Crea-ture are committed to making this an experience that anyone can pick up, whether they’ve got ten minutes or an hour to spend on Session’s mechanics. Rather than spam numerous sporadic inputs, Session is all about precision and picking your opportunities to trick wisely. Sure, you can certainly attempt to smash out triple kickflips on flatland, but you’ll likely eat the pavement as a result. Each stick on the controller represents your left and right foot, combining them to replicate the motions of actual foot placement on a skateboard. Pull the left stick down to prime your left foot, flick up with the right stick to pop, and presto, you can ollie my friend. There is a learning curve to Session’s often strict timing, but it never feels unfair or as if the player is facing necessarily hurdles. Session is informed by a multitude of variable factors that include wheel grip, board length, speed, weight, and terrain (among others). Session is physics-based, making it feel more like a sim than similar titles. Manuals and reverts feel slick as you weave through the city streets while pulling off lines of tricks has an element of reward for your persistence. Chaining together shove-its into manuals to keep your momentum going is always thrilling. You’re free to traverse (on your board or on foot) Session’s impressive array of locations at will, but there is a traditional linear mission path to follow if you wish to. Mission’s will grant you the opportunity to unlock gear and cosmetics from some of the world’s leading skate brands. Session’s tangible aesthetic and world design are refreshing to see; whereas Skater XL feels empty and lifeless, there is a pulse that beats through Session’s plethora of locations. Built from scratch in Unreal Engine 4, Session’s visual polish has improved vastly since my initial experience with it back in 2020. The excellent sound design ebbs and flows with vibrations and texture, as you transition from smooth pavements to rough asphalt, moving over metal floor grids along the way. Each area feels worn in and shows signs of a bustling pedestrian culture stomping through the streets, going about their everyday errands. The day and night cycle is a neat touch too, taking the game’s stride for realism that extra bit further. Skate your way Crea-ture Studios have been working on Session for a few years now, with 2022 acting as the game’s final year of production. Before it drops on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, a fresh update has been implemented into the game that adds a considerable amount of customization. In its early days, Session felt rigid and unresponsive. Now, players can alter virtually every aspect of the core game experience, right down to your wheel bite. For most players entering the world of Session for the first time, the revised difficulty options and refinements are a highly appealing feature for those phased by the game’s realism. If you’re after something more akin to EA’s acclaimed Skate franchise, then you’re all set to go, because there is a ‘Legacy’ feature that transforms the controls into the classic Skate format. You can also tweak numerous aspects such as gravity, pop height, rotation speed, flip trick settings, and more. Skate set the gold standard for pseudo-realistic/arcade-style skating games and its clear that Crea-ture acknowledges that heritage — and the desire for more. Session allows the player complete freedom to tweak the game to their needs and enjoyment. Here you can always skate your way. Tightening the trucks As aforementioned, Session hasn’t completed its full development cycle just yet. There are still areas of the game that require some more polish. The addition of a ‘Performance’ mode is great for players looking for a targeted 60FPS, but this can drop the more you tweak with the game’s settings. For the reward of freedom with the overhauled customization, it feels like a slight comprise for smooth performance should you dig deeper into the various menu options. Transitions between animations are better overall, but the move from mounting and dismounting your skateboard is still visually unappealing and jarring. 8/10 Crea-ture Studios have honed Session into a real gem. The continuous improvements are impressive, the developers have remained transparent with their passionate audience since 2019, and it shows in the game’s evolution. Session is alive with the ideas and constructive criticism of actual skaters, whether they’re learning the ropes or seasoned half-pipe veterans. The game’s early hours will likely cause some frustration as you get to grip with its rejuvenated approach to the genre. Like anything that is worth doing, Session rewards your patience and grinding with satisfying gameplay inside a rich re-creation of iconic skate spots. Session has a way to go before you’ll feel completely like a Pro Skater, but for now, hitting the streets with some low-fi beats will do. Reviewed on Xbox Series S

Is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 coming to Xbox Game Pass? Ninja TheoryThe next chapter in Senua’s Saga is coming later this year, but will Hellblade 2 be arriving on Xbox Game Pass? Here is everything you need to know. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice was a huge success for developer Ninja Theory, with the game winning multiple awards and selling over a million units. It was praised for its storytelling, performances, and worldbuilding, making it a big recommendation, especially for God of War fans. It was not long after the first game’s release that Microsoft announced it would acquire Ninja Theory as part of its strategy to create a new group of studios under its Xbox brand. With the sequel on the horizon, you may wonder if Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is coming to Xbox Game Pass. Here is everything you need to know. Is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 coming to Xbox Game Pass? Yes, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be released on Xbox Game Pass when it releases on May 21, 2024. It will be available as a Day 1 title. Microsoft and Ninja Theory have also confirmed that the game will be released as a digital-only title, with no physical edition available. So if you don’t mind renting the game from Microsoft’s subscription service, we’d recommend getting a Game Pass subscription. If you don’t fancy playing it on Game Pass, the game is also available to buy on the Xbox Store and on Steam. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release date | Is Hellblade 2 coming to Xbox Game Pass? | Is Hellblade 2 coming to PS5? | Will Hellblade 2 be open world? | How long is Hellblade 2?

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 review – A sequel missing the soul Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 comes almost 10 years after the initial game’s release in what, to many, is a surprising sequel. If you played the first, you’d know that it wrapped up Senua’s character arc with a complete, gut-wrenching story that felt self-contained. To add to that, it feels as if a lot is riding on Hellblade 2’s success considering Xbox’s recent layoffs, with them shuttering studios that have released award-winning games in the past – with Tango Gameworks in particular releasing one of 2023’s biggest hits in Hi-Fi Rush. On the surface, Hellblade 2 has a lot going for it. Every moment is gorgeous, the combat is harrowing, the acting and motion capture are great across the board. But it’s impossible to shake the feeling that something is missing here. There were fears that a sequel may not be necessary when Hellblade 2 was initially announced – fears that were realized as I ventured deeper on this journey. Hellblade 2 feels like a pale imitation of its predecessor, one that ups the visual fidelity across the board but leaves the original’s soul behind. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Key Details Price: $49.99/£49.99 – Developer: Ninja Theory – Release Date: May 21, 2024 – Platforms: Xbox Series X|S & PC – The Xbox Series X’s first real system seller – 4 years too late Whenever a new console comes out, it’s customary for a showcase title that shows what a console is capable of to launch alongside it. These were a big part of what got people excited about new consoles in the past, but they have a history of prioritizing graphics over everything else to showcase what the new hardware can do. Though I reviewed Hellblade 2 on PC, it falls in that category of ‘system-selling game’ if its appearance on the Series X is anything close to what I played. It prioritizes visual fidelity, smooth animations, and presentation over everything else. If there’s one thing you can’t take away, it’s the way it looks. Microsoft finally has a graphical big hitter in their library that isn’t Forza. When people buy a new console, they understandably want to have nice games to look at that show off what that new hardware is capable of. Hellblade 2 would have been that game – four years ago. But, in 2024, it’s a bit harder to be lenient on a title that sacrifices so many gameplay elements for the sake of graphical fidelity and that polished, AAA shine. Environments are varied from wide-open plains and rocky hillsides to frostbitten wilds and hellish, lava-stained caverns. Senua’s Saga will take you to enough locales to keep things interesting and make it feel as if you’re undertaking a massive journey. The game has this filmic quality to it the whole way through. Unfortunately, Hellblade 2 has forced 21:9 letterboxing, and, even though I got around that with a 21:9 ultrawide, being forced to have a large portion of the screen taken up by black bars is a bizarre decision. It sells that cinematic look, but the option to turn it off would have been nice. Audio design is a real high though. It’s even better than the first game, selling the surface-level concept of Senua’s psychosis by continually bombarding you with conflicting voices in your head that ring through your ears. If you’re going to play this, do yourself a favor and get some good headphones. It’d be no surprise to see Hellblade 2 deservedly rack up some industry awards for its attention to detail in this area. And that’s without mentioning the music. It’s incredibly well composed and implemented, with it often swelling and waning at just the right moments. From atmospheric, ambient tracks to deep, guttural vocals mixed with the drums of war, every moment is accentuated by the game’s score. The acting is also great across the board, with facial capture good enough to escape the uncanny valley and faithfully emulate the strong performances of the few essential characters that show up through the storyline. Hellblade’s identity is lost without Senua With the first game being so intrinsically tied to Senua’s journey, both physically and mentally – figuring out how the series grows beyond that was a must. Considering her heightened state, there was a ton of potential for that growth to continue through her learning how to make friends and branching out while overcoming her paranoia. And, while the few characters you’ll meet through the story are well-acted, Senua doesn’t spend much time getting to know them. The cast surrounding her ranges from bland and passable to outright unlikeable, all while expecting you to be won over and care about them. It simply doesn’t lay the groundwork necessary to see the transformation in other characters. There are hints – and I mean slight hints – of Senua’s psychosis making her paranoid of those who try to help her and her having to overcome it. There’s a ton of time spent roaming around and solving puzzles, and it’s a real shame this time is rarely used for delivering dialogue and interacting with the game’s small cast. Considering how much of the plot hinges on the characters Senua encounters through her journey, all of them being so one-note severely hurts the pacing and structure of the plot. It’s difficult to care about them and get invested, and I’d have a hard time telling you more than a few, surface-level descriptions of each cast member. With Senua’s character arc and motivations being less interesting this time around, it feels like the people surrounding her were meant to pick up the slack and keep the player invested in what’s going on. For the most part though, they don’t. Hellblade 2 misses the mark where it matters most As someone who’s been a fan of Ninja Theory’s work for over a decade, this game hurts. From Enslaved: Odyssey to the West to the controversial DMC reboot & the original Hellblade, you always got a sense that this studio was willing to take risks and fully realize its vision for a title. That uncompromising vision always came with its share of flaws, but has also created some extremely memorable titles that made the studio stand out from the crowd. There are points where you can see what the devs are going for. The game’s biggest plot revelations and narrative crescendos are grand in their own right, but it feels flat despite so much focus and effort being put into several blockbuster sequences. To figure out why the sequel doesn’t work, we first must go through what made the first so great. Senua isn’t invincible, but there’s a point in the original where she feels unstoppable. The player gets dragged through the dirt with her as she overcomes the challenges before her and comes out of it changed. This character arc, along with the game deceiving the player and making you question everything, is a large part of what makes it stand out. For instance, the original told the player that they had a limited amount of deaths and that dying a certain amount of times would result in you losing all your progress. This was a flat-out lie, something meant to deceive the player and raise the stakes. It never felt like the game was being honest with you – like there was always something waiting to manipulate you and try to thwart you until the very end. The player would regularly get pulled into other realms, having you fight ethereal beings in twisted, warped realities loosely based on the one you were ripped from. You were constantly put in uncomfortable situations unexpectedly – situations that pushed Senua to her limit. Hellblade 2 has one, five-minute section that gave me anywhere close to that feeling of unease and panic the first had for most of its runtime. The rest largely felt like set dressing – theatrics, and creative visuals that had no meaningful impact. This contributes to the game’s greatest flaw: Hellblade 2’s structure is incredibly rigid and predictable. A common complaint from the first game was that you’d get flung into combat with multiple enemies and that it was hard to juggle all of them. Hellblade 2 “solved” that by making the combat solely 1v1 and heavily animation-driven, giving the illusion of being in a heated battle. It looks great when you’re in a fight, but Hellblade 2 wholly lacks skill expression. Senua gets no combat upgrades through the game other than getting her mirror back for a watered-down version of the first game’s focus mechanic, and combat never evolves beyond what you’re doing when the game starts. As a result of her fighting just one enemy at a time (and only 4 bosses), she feels weaker than she was at the end of her last adventure just by the way the game is constructed. Everything just ends up feeling too on-rails. Less of a sequel, more of a glorified tech demo If someone were to try to sell me on what a sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice should look like, parts of this game would be very convincing. The blockbuster moments are there, characters are well-acted and nail their moments (even if those moments aren’t always earned), and, though shallow, the combat is something that never stops looking impressive. If you were to look at the individual parts of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and you were a fan of the first title, you’d say, ‘Wow! That looks great! This is exactly what I was imagining out of a sequel!’ You’d be right in certain isolated moments. However, the way Hellblade 2 frames and paces these moments is where things fall apart. It’s very specifically pointed out to the player what kind of section you’re in at any given time. A cutscene plays, and then you’re in the heat of battle. A cutscene plays, and then you’re running through a heavily scripted section that’s almost impossible to fail. Cutscene after cutscene takes you out of the flow of play and completely ruins the sense of unease and terror the game could have subjected the player to. Instead, you sit there and watch things happen far too often. Hellblade 2 seems to forget it’s supposed to be a video game sometimes. Beyond that, it’s just exploring good-looking environments that are underutilized and barren outside of the game’s collectibles. There’s also a whole lot of puzzle-solving that isn’t too challenging but is varied enough to keep from getting boring and repetitive until the game’s fairly short 6-7 hour campaign concludes. In the end, the player ends up being robbed of any autonomy and ambiguity as to what they can expect. It reeks of the sadness of wasted potential. If the first game was a terrifying and harrowing journey delivered with intensity and atmosphere few other games have achieved, Hellblade 2 is a haunted house made to imitate the first game’s greatness that misses a lot of what made it such a memorable experience. The Verdict — 3/5 If you’re looking for a cool and fairly unique experience and you’ve got Game Pass, then Hellblade 2 could be worth your time. Its visual splendor and highlight moments are worth experiencing. But, if you haven’t played the original Hellblade yet? Do yourself a favor and go play that instead. In all ways except visual, it’s a better game. 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Senua’s Saga Hellblade 2: Platforms, trailers, latest news & more Ninja TheoryThe thematic elements of Hellblade made it a favorite for many games in 2017 as the game explored the decaying psyche of Senua. Ninja Theory have brought the character back for a much-anticipated sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and we’ve got all the latest news from release date to platforms. One of the endearing qualities of the original Hellblade was how it depicted mental health. It painted a clear and terrifyingly organic descent into psychosis and made Senua one of the more remarkable protagonists in recent years. The game ended up being a success and a sequel was quickly greenlit. After being announced at the 2019 Game Awards, the same event showcased its first major trailer two years later. A lot of eyes will be on Senua’s Saga Hellblade II, so here’s a quick guide to the game so far. Contents Latest news – Is there a Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release date? – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release times – What platforms will Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II be on? – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II trailers – Latest Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 news On January 20, 2022, Ninja Theory shared a tweet showcasing a high-fidelity graphic model of Senua. With ultra-realistic details for her skin and eyes, the latest title looks to be a graphical treat. Is there a Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release date? Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be released on May 21, 2024. The release date was announced at the January 18 Xbox Developer Direct 2024. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release times On May 15, Ninja Theory revealed the release times for different countries and here’s when you can play the game: Seattle: 1 am PDT – Mexico: 2 am CST – Chicago: 3 am CDT – New York: 4 am EDT – Sao Paulo: 5 am BRT – Reykjavik: 8 am GMT – London: 9 am BST – Berlin: 10 am CEST – Riyadh: 11 am AST – New Delhi: 1:30 pm IST – Hong Kong: 4 pm HKT – Tokyo: 5 pm JST – Sydney: 6 pm AEST – Auckland: 8 pm NZST – What platforms will Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 be on? Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II will be exclusive to both Xbox and PC. This includes Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. Whereas the first Hellblade did come out on PlayStation, recent changes have influenced Hellblade II. Microsoft now owns Ninja Theory, meaning that it’s highly likely the game will not be appearing on a PlayStation console anytime soon, or any other for that matter. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 trailers Senua’s Saga kicked off its marketing with four distinctly different trailers, including the 2019 reveal trailer, and a 2021 gameplay trailer. Check out the eerie first look at Hellblade II here: The follow-up is already drawing big attention due to its insane graphics. The entire 2021 Game Awards trailer was purely in-game footage and wowed gamers worldwide. Take a look here: A third trailer released at the 2023 Xbox showcase, showed the eerie tone and unsettling vibe that players can look forward to in 2024. At the 2023 Game Awards, the game debuted a new trailer to coincide with a musical performance hyping up the game’s 2024 release. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is already shaping up to be another grim, horror-action game that will take players on a deep journey. Judging by these trailers, it’s clear things are going to get even darker, and we’ll update this article once more information drops. For more upcoming releases, be sure to check the guides below: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Death Stranding 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 PC requirements – Minimum, recommended & very high specs Ninja TheoryCan your PC run Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2? Here’s everything you need to know about Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 PC requirements – minimum, medium, recommended, and very high specs. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 trailers showcased some action-packed scenes and the game’s impressive graphics, which arguably raise the question of whether or not players can run the game on their rig. After all, with an experience like this, nothing seems to be more frustrating than dying due to choppy frames. And let’s not forget that having your PC lag or crash in the middle of the game may also break your immersion. So, regardless of your PC’s specs, it wouldn’t hurt to check out Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 PC requirements – minimum, medium, recommended, and very high specs just to be safe. Contents Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 minimum PC specs – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 medium PC specs – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 recommended PC specs – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 very high PC specs – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 minimum PC specs Below, you’ll find the minimum PC specs for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (via Ninja Theory): OS: Windows 10/11 – Graphics Preset: Low @ 1080P – Processor: Intel Core i5-8400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – GPU: Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070, AMD RX 5700, Intel ARC A580 – VRAM: 6GB – System RAM: 16GB – Storage: 70GB SSD – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 medium PC specs Below, you’ll find the medium PC specs for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: OS: Windows 10/11 – Graphics Preset: Medium @ 1080P – Processor: Intel Core i5-9600, AMD Ryzen 5 3600X – GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070, AMD RX 5700 XT, Intel ARC A580 – VRAM: 8GB – System RAM: 16GB – Storage: 70GB SSD – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 recommended PC specs Below, you’ll find the recommended PC specs for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: OS: Windows 10/11 – Graphics Preset: High @ 1440P – Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080, AMD RX 6800 XT, Intel ARC A770 – VRAM: 8GB – System RAM: 16GB – Storage: 70GB SSD – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 very high PC specs Below, you’ll find the very high PC specs for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: OS: Windows 10/11 – Graphics Preset: High @ 4K – Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K, AMD Ryzen 7 5700X – GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080, AMD RX 7900 XTX – VRAM: 12GB – System RAM: 16GB – Storage: 70GB SSD – That covers Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s PC requirements for minimum, medium, recommended, and very high PC specs. The graphics may seem demanding as seen from the trailers, but it’s worth noting that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 won’t be open-world, which could lessen the strain on specs. While you’re here, check out Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 main story length to see how long you can expect to beat the game and whether or not the game will be coming to PS5.

SEGA are planning “something special” on Twitch – new Sonic game? SEGAIn classic SEGA style the developer, like a bolt from the blue, has announced “something special” is coming soon and will be revealed on Twitch. If there’s one thing the Japanese gaming company does better than anyone else, it’s break the news that a new project is in the works when people least expect it. Many fans of Sonic the Hedgehog might be wondering if 2021 will be the year where they get to see another addition to the series. While that’s not yet been confirmed, we do have some details about when and where this big announcement is taking place. When is SEGA’s Twitch stream? On January 12, the official SEGA Europe Twitter account confirmed the event would take place on January 14. In a tweet, they stated: “We’ll be back for our first live stream of 2021 this coming Thursday with something special. More details to come but make sure to follow us on Twitch to get notified when we’re live!” https://twitter.com/SEGA_Europe/status/1348956161907830787 How to watch If you’re interested in tuning in for SEGA’s next major announcement, it’s set to take place on their official Twitch channel. As of writing, there has been no confirmation as to what this might be . That said, fans will certainly be crossing their fingers for something as special as is being advertised. In the past, streams like this have not lived up to expectations to say the least. New Sonic game in 2021? The most obvious prediction would be that SEGA are preparing the reveal of a new Sonic the Hedgehog game. SEGA have already revealed there would be “a year of celebration – new games, digital content, events, major announcements and a tailored licensing programme” – with 2021 being the 30th anniversary for the franchise. This follows a similar trend to that of Nintendo, who have continued to keep its core franchises active with constant new games in the Mario, Donkey Kong, and other popular series. Read More: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 details revealed – With Sonic having featured on the Nintendo Switch as well, there’s also the likelihood that the developers link up once again should a project come to fruition. As soon as we get official confirmation on the details, you will be the first to know. More to follow…

Sega still adamant that Sonic can “surpass” Mario The conflict between Sega and Nintendo isn’t quite over yet, as at least one executive believes that Sonic the Hedgehog can surpass Mario in popularity worldwide. There was a time when Mario and Sonic were considered rivals, in the era when Sega was in the console market and was directly competing with Nintendo for the cash of the fans. This struggle ended when Sega left the console market and moved on solely to make games. Since then, there has been peace between the Mario and Sonic franchises. Nowadays, they will often collaborate, with Sonic appearing in Super Smash Bros. and the two taking part in Olympic crossovers every couple of years. Things have been looking up for Sonic over the past few years, especially following the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise. The time may have come for the old rivalry to be rekindled and for Sonic to take his shot at the king again. Sega executive wants Sonic to surpass Mario in popularity In a recent interview on the official Sega website, Division Manager Osamu Ohashi of the 2nd Division (the one managing Sonic content) talked about what it’s like working for the company. His comments (via. machine translation) also concern his future ambitions for the Sonic franchise “Simply put, I want to surpass Mario. Sonic is a game that was originally developed to compete with Mario, and it still hasn’t achieved that goal. Our goal is to catch up and surpass Mario because we respect Mario.” Ohashi continued, “I want people to play it all over the world, including Japan, like Mario, and I want the movie to be a bigger hit than Mario. I would like USJ to create a ‘Sonic Area’ as well. That’s our goal for those of us who love Sonic.” These are certainly lofty goals, though recent events suggest that Sonic is nowhere near beating Mario. 2023 was the year when the Super Mario Bros. Movie made over a billion dollars worldwide, while Super Mario Bros. Wonder was one of the most highly acclaimed titles, competing with the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Things have been looking up for Sonic these past few years, with the movies introducing new fans to the blue blur while the games have seen a steady uptick in quality. Whether this can lead to Sonic surpassing Mario is another matter, as Mario is one of the most successful video game properties of all time, and the Sonic franchise is still carrying the baggage of a few bad decades, which it will need to shed if it wants to be number one.

Sega Power Surge trailer reveals new games for Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, more SEGASega really said no to just one reveal at The Game Awards 2023. The Sega Power Surge trailer showed off new games in five classic franchises. The silence from Sega was finally broken at The Game Awards 2023 in a massive way. They showed off something they call Sega Power Surge which revealed five new games coming to fan-favorite franchises. Games included in the Power Surge trailer included a new entry for the Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage line-ups. You can check out brief snippets of all these upcoming titles in the Sega Power Surge trailer below: This article is currently being updated with more information.

Sega executive shuts down Microsoft acquisition rumors SegaSega’s Chief Operating Officer, Shuji Utsumi, has denied the long-standing rumor that Microsoft will acquire the company and add it to Xbox Game Studios. There have been rumors about Microsoft buying Sega since the days of the original Xbox, following Sega’s departure from the console market after the decline of the Dreamcast. This would have given the Xbox brand several iconic franchises immediately. The Sega acquisition rumors have persisted over the years, with Microsoft’s leaked internal documents saying that the company was interested in buying Sega. This would have been part of a larger plan to boost the appeal of Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft finally acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023, but the company could still be interested in more purchases. Many consider Sega a prime acquisition candidate, as it would bring Sonic the Hedgehog and all of the Atlus and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio titles into the fold. Sega’s Chief Operating Officer has denied Microsoft acquisition rumors The topic of Sega’s acquisition has seemingly been shelved for now, thanks to a CNBC interview with Shuji Utsumi. According to Utsumi, the Sega Sammy Group isn’t open to be acquired by another entity, regardless of price. “Many companies are interested. We feel honored,” Utsumi said. “We have attractive IPs and potentials. Companies owned by the owner. A strong owner. I don’t think that kind of transaction is going to happen.” Indeed, Sega is already in the business of buying companies. In 2023, Sega bought Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment for $771 million USD. The company has also seen tremendous success with the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise, helping introduce its biggest series to a new audience. Sega’s fortunes have gone up and down over the years, but the company is doing well right now. If Microsoft were going to buy Sega, it would have made sense to do it during one of the company’s lulls rather than now when it’s successful. With that being said, Microsoft has the cash to throw around ridiculous numbers, and while Sega might not be interested in being acquired at the moment, that may change in the future. If Microsoft wants to spend billions for a company that could help it gain a foothold in Japan, then Sega is still a strong bet.

Sega confirms Jet Set Radio reboot will bring back original creators SegaJet Set Radio reboot news just keeps getting better and better. Not only does it exist, but Sega has revealed that the original creators of the classic games are a part of it. It has been 20 years since we got a Jet Set Radio game and many fans of the cult classic rollerblading revolution weren’t sure we’d get another. The series was dormant for so long that Team Reptile gave us a spiritual successor to fill the void. The Jet Set-inspired BombRush Cyberfunk made it onto our list of Game Awards absentees that are still worth a playthrough. So, imagine our surprise when at The Game Awards 2023, we saw an actual Jet Set Radio game thanks to Sega’s Power Surge trailer. A Jet Set Radio reboot announcement was not on our 2023 bingo card but for fans of the franchise, it’s a welcome surprise. In an interview with The Washington Post, Sega Co-Chief Operating Officer and Sega of America CEO Shuji Utsumi shared even more welcome news by confirming that the original creators of Jet Set Radio have a hand in the reboot. Utsumi told The Washington Post that he believed there was no better time for a Jet Set Radio revival. In order to do the title justice, Sega has tapped series veterans to keep this newest entry true to the framework that turned the games into the cult classics they are. “The concept of games like Jet Set Radio is advanced. The original creators are involved again, and it’s time now,” Utsuimi explained. “It’s a good time when people can appreciate all kinds of concepts.” Of course, The Jet Set radio reboot isn’t the only title on the horizon for Sega. The Power Surge trailer also showed off brief snippets for new incarnations of other company classics like Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and more. Utsumi explained in the interview that Sega has relied on the three core “pillars” of Sonic, Yakuza, and Persona in recent years. While these have served the company well, the games shown off in the Power Surge trailer look to signal potential avenues for expansion. Little else is currently known about the Jet Set Radio reboot or the other games shown off by Sega at The Game Awards 2023. The massive roster of games coming for the company is certainly good news for fans of these classic titles though. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more information on the games revealed in Sega’s Power Surge trailer. Expect more news after Persona 3 Reload has had time to settle following its release on February 2, 2024.

SEGA acquires Angry Birds developer for $771M Rovio EntertainmentSEGA is set to acquire Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment in a deal worth $771 million. Rovio Entertainment is a Finnish studio that is best known for creating the Angry Birds franchise, the iconic mobile game that has spawned countless titles and even its own movie. The studio is an established leader in the mobile gaming market reporting an operating profit of almost $40 million in 2022 alone. Rumors that surfaced over the weekend priced the Sonic the Hedgehog publisher’s agreement at around $1 billion. Although the deal ended up falling short of that estimate it’s still SEGA’s most expensive acquisition to date. Rovio Entertainment joins SEGA family after buyout SEGA has announced the acquisition of Rovio Entertainment for $771 million. This confirmation was made just a few days after initial reports of SEGA’s interest in the Angry Birds developer first emerged. The deal will see SEGA acquire all outstanding shares turning Rovio into a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEGA. The move is described as a “friendly takeover,” with Rovio’s board of directors wholly in support. SEGA’s motive for the acquisition is to “accelerate growth in the global gaming market and increase corporate value by generating synergies between SEGA’s existing businesses and Rovio’s strengths.” The Japanese publisher also mentions plans to expand Rovio’s influence outside of mobile gaming. Speaking on the takeover SEGA CEO Haruki Satomi said: “I feel blessed to be able to announce such a transaction with Rovio, a company that owns “Angry Birds”, which is loved across the world, and home to many skilled employees that support the company’s industry leading mobile game development.” The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of FY2024/3 subject to review of applicable antitrust laws.

Secretlab Jujutsu Kaisen chair launches just in time for Fortnite collab SecretlabGaming chair company Secretlab has announced its collaboration with the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen – a perfect addition to a fan’s setup and out just in time for the Fortnite collab. In the past, Secretlab has collaborated with several video games like The Witcher and Valorant for themed merchandise. This time, the manufacturer has joined hands with the MAPPA series Jujutsu Kaisen. However, the anime industry isn’t unfamiliar to Secretlab, as they have previously launched crossovers with Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer. The stylish Jujutsu Kaisen chair is based on Jujutsu High’s school uniforms and features blue cursed energy, something that fans of the series are sure to want to get their hands on. Secretlab reveals Jujutsu Kaisen-inspired chair As reported by Crunchyroll, the TITAN EVO gaming chair is upholstered in dark navy with 3D embroidery to appear like the uniform’s gold buttons. The essential gamer item comes in Regular and XL sizes and retails at $624. The chair also includes an ergonomic lumbar support system, a magnetic memory foam pillow, and full-metal 4D armrests. Read more about the officially licensed product by checking out Secretlab’s website. In addition to Secretlab, Jujutsu Kaisen has also collaborated with Fortnite in an upcoming crossover. Set to go live with the launch of v25.30, leaks suggest the battle royale will introduce Gojo, Megumi, Yuji, and Nobara. The Jujutsu Kaisen characters may appear on August 8 – when Fortnite’s Futurama event ends. Besides skins, the developers have not commented on if Fortnite will add Jujutsu Kaisen-themed pickaxes, back blings, or other cosmetic items. Fortnite has also joined forces with several anime series like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia. On August 31, 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 plans to cover the Shibuya Incident arc in 18 episodes. If you’ve read the manga, take a look at what you can expect from the upcoming anime installment.

Secret College Football 25 update adds long-awaited Dynasty feature EA SportsIn a minor update that didn’t include any official patch notes, College Football 25 players discovered the ability to add player numbers in Dynasty was secretly included. After waves of complaints, the Aug. 29 update finally enabled the ability to edit ratings for non-NIL players and recruits in Dynasty mode. Still, to the dismay of many, it did not include the ability to edit player numbers. This resulted in a fair few frustrations because quarterbacks and other positions would not have correct numbers. A few users took matters into their own hands and found a trick to edit numbers, but players couldn’t choose specific new numbers. Luckily, there is no longer any need to resort to exploits. CFB 25 content creator Bordeaux confirmed that the most recent update allows editing player numbers on non-NIL players in offline Dynasties, but not in online saves. NIL players refer to every college athlete who agreed to have their name and likeness used in the game. Users are only able to change the ratings and number of computer-generated players that are brought in as recruits in Dynasty. The Team Builder feature allows players to create their dream football team with custom uniforms, stadiums, and players. In saying that, there is currently no way to edit uniform numbers, and this update didn’t change that. “That still sucks because I can only use my Team Builder team online,” one player responded. Despite that, some players still celebrated the long-awaited quality of life change. “thank god my 5 star QB isn’t wearing #40 anymore,” a second user added. There is no need to worry about starting a new Dynasty to take advantage of this new feature, as the update applies to previously created saves. Other community members questioned why it couldn’t also be added to online dynasties. “But we need this in online Dynasties a third commenter argued.” For more on College Football 25 Dynasty mode, check out our guide on the best pipelines to use for bringing in recruits.

Second DEADROP Snapshot brings PVP, new weapons, customizable cars, more Midnight SocietyThe second build of DEADROP, referred to as Snapshot CL 3184, is now live as Midnight Society rolled out the first PVP systems, a range of new weapons, and even an early look at inventory management. At the tail end of July we finally learned of Midnight Society’s first game. After months of teasing from co-founder Dr Disrespect, DEADROP was revealed to the world. As a first-of-its-kind “Vertical Extraction Shooter,” the FPS title was made available right away to early access Founders Pass holders, with new updates promised every six weeks. While that timeline was quickly adjusted to avoid “crunch” at the studio, the second build (Snapshot) is now live as of September 20. Following on from a first-look at one weapon and a hub location known as the Hideout in the initial build, players now have access to a full PVP mode, multiple guns, and a number of new features. Here’s a full rundown on everything in DEADROP Snapshot 2, including an early look at the Proving Ground. DEADROP Snapshot 2 adds first PVP mode Headlining the second DEADROP build is the Proving Ground, the game’s first iteration on Player vs Player combat (PVP). In this early glimpse, players are able to fight through a large, untextured map featuring both indoor and outdoor zones. Multiple crates are scattered throughout the map, providing access to 12 weapons in total, according to the latest developer blog. Four variations of pistols, shotguns, and rifles, all fit with unique stats, attributes, and recoil patterns. After a set amount of time in any given match, teams will be notified of an extraction point. It’s your job then, to loot up, and reach this target in order to return back to your Hideout with the goods. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that extraction is optional. If you prefer to stick it out, there’s a huge reward for being the last player standing. If you’re successful, you’ll be “awarded with the selection of items from the combination of the remaining loot.” New Garage teases customizable cars New in the Hideout with the second Snapshot is the Garage. While there’s nothing much to interact with here just yet, the area supposedly sets the stage for what’s to come. Further down the line, players will allegedly be able to “use collected parts to customize your sweet rides,” Midnight Society teased. Exactly how intricate this customization will be and how vehicles will be used in the game moving forward, all remain a mystery for now. Given the game’s focus on FPS gameplay, there’s no telling if full driving mechanics will ever be implemented, so customization could just be a means of flexing in-game.