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New Retail Releases: Mass Effect Andromeda, Mario Sports Superstars, Zero Escape The Nonary Games, More

Posted on March 19, 2017 by John Scalzo

Venture into new worlds with this week’s new retail releases…

BioWare will help Mass Effect fans explore the unexplored this week thanks to the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Leaving behind the rest of the universe, players will visit the Andromeda galaxy and discover “rich, alien worlds in the search for humanity’s new home.”

Mario and friends will also get to try new things this week in the biggest “Mario Sports” game ever. Coming to the 3DS on Friday, Mario Sports Superstars will include Mario-themed versions of baseball, golf, tennis, horse racing, and soccer. The game will also feature support for a new line of Amiibo Cards that’ll power up your favorite athlete in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Oculus VR owners will be able to become a different kind of superstar this week with the release of Rock Band VR. Harmonix’s latest rhythm game will offer “unprecedented stage presence” in virtual reality and a brand new soundtrack.

But if you’re worried about stage fright and would much prefer to battle giant beasts, Koei Tecmo and Omega Force will release Toukiden 2 for the PS4 and Vita. And if you’d rather explore a more familiar world, Aksys Games will bundle together Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors and Virtue’s Last Reward for the PS4 and Vita in Zero Escape: The Nonary Games.

You can find even more new releases after the break. (more…)

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Super Mario Run Version 2.0 will be available on iOS and Android devices on March 23

Posted on March 18, 2017 by John Scalzo

Nintendo previously promised that Super Mario Run would dash its way onto Android devices in March… and now it’s official. Yesterday, the publisher announced (via Twitter) that Android users will be able to download Mario’s mobile debut on March 23.

Nintendo is also hard at work on the latest update for Super Mario Run, and it’ll also be available on March 23 for both Android and iOS users. “Version 2.0.0” will add new playable characters to the game, as well as a Bowser’s Challenges mode. Players who complete Bowser’s Challenges will be able to unlock World 1-4 in Super Mario Run’s free version.

Nintendo also said that Version 2.0.0 will include even more new content, but assured fans that more details will be revealed at a later date.

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Xbox Store Today: Kona, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight, NeuroVoider, more

Posted on March 17, 2017 by John Scalzo

It’s time for yet another Xbox Games Store update… this time filled with mystery, MetroidVania, and mayhem.

First up we’ve got Kona, a 70s-set mystery from developer Parabole. Available to download now for the Xbox One, Kona starts out as an investigation into some petty vandalism, but that’s not where it ends. Also now available for the Xbox One is Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight, a side-scrolling “MetroidVania” from Bombservice, and the fourth entry in their popular series.

Finally today, Xbox One owners will be able to download NeuroVoider, a twin-stick shooter RPG that takes place during a robotic uprising.

You can learn more about all of these games (and two other new releases) after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox One |

New trailer reveals that Project Sonic will officially be known as Sonic Forces

Posted on March 17, 2017 by John Scalzo

Sega announced yesterday that this Fall’s mysterious “Project Sonic” will officially be known as Sonic Forces. Like the earlier teaser trailer, the title’s militaristic vibe is front and center in the first gameplay trailer, which shows Sonic speeding through a post-apocalyptic cityscape. The game’s impressive visuals were created using Sonic Team’s brand new “Hedgehog 2” engine.

Though Sonic Forces will feature a revamped graphical style, the game is also being designed to serve as a spiritual followup to Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations.

Sonic Forces will march into stores this Fall for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

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Sonic Mania launch date dashes to Summer 2017 as Sega reveals “Flying Battery Zone” trailer

Posted on March 17, 2017 by John Scalzo

“Flying Battery Zone” made its debut in 1994’s Sonic & Knuckles, but we learned yesterday that a remixed version of the stage will also appear in the upcoming Sonic Mania. A trailer depicting Headcannon and PagodaWest’s new take on the stage was unveiled during Sega’s Sonic-themed SXSW Gaming presentation, and its been embedded above for easy viewing.

Unfortunately, Sega also confirmed that Sonic Mania won’t be released this Spring as originally planned. Instead, the side-scroller will now make its way to the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One sometime in the Summer.

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For Honor rises to the occasion as the best-selling game of February 2017

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Scalzo

Ubisoft’s For Honor conquered all comers during its first month of availability, as The NPD Group declared it the best-selling game during February 2017. The multiplayer brawler faced some tough competition, but it emerged victorious on the retail battlefield, besting both Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (#2) and Grand Theft Auto V (#3).

The only other new release to crack last month’s top ten was Nioh, an action RPG developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo.

But the overall retail health of the industry was on a downward swing in February. According to GamesIndustry.biz, hardware and software sales were down: “Total hardware sales amounted to $204 million, down 30% from last year. Console and portable software dropped 14% to $344.2 million, PC software fell 26% to just $25 million, while accessories fell 21% to $150.8 million. All told, industry sales took a 21% hit, declining from $918.7 million to $724 million.”

However, it seems likely that the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch (and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) will change that trajectory in March.

The complete list of best-selling games from February 2017 can be found after the break. (more…)

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Latest trailer for Quake Champions introduces us to Scalebearer the Galactic Warlord

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Scalzo

Sometimes you just need to throw your weight around…

Bethesda Softworks has released a new trailer for Quake Champions, and this time they’ve shone a spotlight on Scalebearer the Galactic Warlord. Using his size to control the battlefield, Scalebearer can crash right through other Champions with his “Bull Rush” Active Ability or crush them under his feet with his “Heavyweight” Passive Ability:

Scalebearer (Galactic Warlord)
This warlord of the marauding Greiss plundered the technology of countless worlds to strengthen his armies. But defeat by a reclusive, phase-shifting race led to his exile. Obsessed with vengeance, he discovered their power source: an ancient shrine holding a seething sphere of liquid within. When at last he slaughtered its guardians and entered, the sphere consumed him – and he vanished. He awoke in the Dreamlands, a bizarre, brutal realm, transformed by arcane energy. Now he seeks a way back to the waking world to regain his command and wield his newfound might.

Active Ability – Bull Rush: The galactic warlord’s active ability, Bull Rush, will let him charge head on against foes in Quake Champions, clobbering your opponents with full force.

Passive Ability – Heavyweight: Scarebearer’s Heavyweight passive allows him to use his extra weight to crush his enemies. Spot an enemy Champion approaching? A well timed rocket jump landing will crush opponents below your feet.

If you’re interested joining the Quake Champions Closed Beta, you can sign up for a chance to receive an invitation to test out the upcoming free-to-play PC game at Bethesda’s official website.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered’s “Operation Shamrock & Awe” event

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Scalzo

A little taste of the Emerald Isle invaded Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered this week, as Activision officially kicked off a new in-game event. The “Operation Shamrock & Awe” event began this past Tuesday, March 14, and it’ll end on Monday, April 3.

According to the Activision Games Blog, players who participate in “Operation Shamrock & Awe” will receive free Supply Drops, access to the remixed “Daybreak” map, seasonal Camos, and the chance to unlock Darren “Graves” Cosgrave as a playable character:

Free Supply Drops
So that pot of gold we mentioned? It’s actually emerald green, rectangular, and looks like a Supply Drop. That’s right, we’ve got themed Supply Drops throughout “Operation Shamrock & Awe,” and we’re making one available for free each week when you log in starting today through 12:01am PDT on April 3.

“Downpour” Turns Into “Daybreak”
Besides being known for its long sightlines, mounted machine guns, and sneaky peripheral routes, “Downpour” is a map also known for its fierce weather. But a bit of luck has landed on your side as the clouds have parted and shed sunlight on this map. “Daybreak” is a free map, available only during “Operation Shamrock & Awe,” that turns “Downpour” upside down and replaces it with a lush, green countryside filled with St. Paddy’s decor and a rainbow, naturally.

Free Seasonal Camos
“Daybreak” also comes with a nice bonus that you won’t have to catch a leprechaun to unlock. Complete the in-game challenges on the map and you can earn two exclusive St. Paddy’s-themed camos for your weapons: the Shamrockin’ “Folium” and the rainbowtized “Prism.” There are different challenges to unlock the camos for each of the weapon classes, but those challenges disappear when “Operation Shamrock & Awe” is over.

Get Graves
As part of “Operation Shamrock & Awe,” three new themed collections will provide you with St. Patrick’s Day theme reticles, camos, calling cards, and emblems. Each set will also include a bounty for completing the set: assemble the “Luck” collection to earn a new character, “Leprechaun” rewards you with a Shillelagh melee weapon, and “Pot O’ Gold” gives you a unique calling card worth fightin’ for.

But that’s not all. If you craft or unlock all three themed collections, you’ll also unlock Darren “Graves” Cosgrave as a playable character for the first time ever! That’s right, you can put the master of the Depot right into your loadout. However, he’s available for a limited time as part of “Operation Shamrock & Awe” which expires after April 2, so get busy!

A trailer for Modern Warfare Remastered’s “Operation Shamrock & Awe” event has been embedded above.

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