Most Recent: PS4

Kickstart This! Epistasis

Posted on July 28, 2017 by Andrew Rainnie

Regular readers will know of my love for No Man’s Sky, or at very least, my desire for a truly far-reaching space exploration game. I traversed land and stars in No Man’s Sky for over 60 hours, and enjoyed the freedom of being lost in its universe. However, my enthusiasm waned when it became clear that Hello Games hadn’t built an end goal. There was no deep mystery to uncover and no puzzles to solve beyond the random riddles that became rudimentary.

Unfortunately, I have not had time to return to the lush galaxies and poetic planets since the release of the updates. But part of me wonders whether I should move forward and try to find something that seeks to be the game that No Man’s Sky never was.

So follow me as we stumble though another alien portal in the latest edition of Kickstart This! (more…)

Posted in Features, PC, PS4, Top Story, Xbox One |

Doom’s Update 6.66 includes improvements to multiplayer and makes all DLC free

Posted on July 28, 2017 by John Scalzo

In a callback to the franchise’s earliest days, Bethesda and id Software are calling Doom‘s new Update 6.66 the “Ultimate” way to play.

The biggest addition in Update 6.66 is that it’ll make Doom’s three downloadable expansions (Unto the Evil, Hell Followed, and Bloodfall) free for all players. But id Software has also revamped the way players will experience the game’s multiplayer modes, including a complete revision of the Multiplayer Progression System. The developer has also ditched the Hack Module System (and replaced it with multiplayer-specific Runes), redone the user interface, and made vast improvements to the SnapMap creation tool.

More details about the changes that Update 6.66 will bring to the game are available at Bethesda.net, as well as in the new trailer embedded above:

With this update, we’ve changed when and how players unlock additional guns, demons, equipment and all of the player and weapon customization options. Instead of relying on the current random unlock system, everything now unlocks through specific leveling requirements and/or in-game challenges. Now, if there’s a specific helmet you want, you can work toward unlocking it by focusing your play style on the related challenge. We’re confident new and veteran players alike will enjoy the control and predictability in this new multiplayer progression system.

If Doom is still on your digital wishlist, Bethesda and id Software have one last piece of good news… Doom will now be available to download through the PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, and Steam for just $14.99.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age will be released in North America in 2018

Posted on July 28, 2017 by John Scalzo

It’s “Dragon Quest Day” in Japan, and Dragon Quest XI is now available for the 3DS and PS4 in its home country (a Switch version will be released at a later date). But what about Dragon Quest fans in North America and Europe and Australia? When will we get the chance to play the next game in the storied RPG franchise?

Today, Square Enix gave us an answer, and announced that Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age will be released in North America (and other Western territories) in 2018. Yuji Horii, the creator of the Dragon Quest series, delivered the good news in the video embedded above:

The highly anticipated latest entry to the beloved Dragon Quest video game franchise follows the adventure of a hero who must solve the mystery of his fate with the aid of a charming cast of supporting characters. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age will offer a world of adventure, exploration and instances of heroism… all brought to life by the character art of famed manga artist Akira Toriyama and the memorable music of composer Koichi Sugiyama.

Square Enix will announce more details about Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age’s English-language launch this Fall.

Posted in 3DS, News, PS4, Switch | Tagged

EA confirms Battlefield V is coming in 2018; Battlefield 1 is getting Esports Mode and GOTY Edition this Fall

Posted on July 28, 2017 by John Scalzo

UPDATE: EA has announced that “Battlefield 6” will officially be known as Battlefield V.

ORIGINAL STORY: Electronic Arts isn’t afraid of Call of Duty’s return to World War II this Fall, and company executives recently laid out their plans for the Battlefield franchise during the company’s most quarterly financial report.

First, CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield 6 will be released in 2018. Discussing the publisher’s plans for next year, he said, “We’ll continue delivering for our Battlefield fans, including the next great game in the franchise.”

However, it looks like Battlefield 1 will also play a big role in EA’s future. In addition to next year’s sequel, Wilson announced that a “Game of the Year Edition” is in the works, as well as an official Esports Mode:

We will detail our plan for a new offering that will bring the richest Battlefield 1 experience yet, including the all-out warfare, epic multiplayer battles, and War Stories campaign that have defined the game plus new maps, deeper progression, and additional fan-favorite game modes, all in a single package.

At Gamescom, we’ll debut a new way to play Battlefield 1 built for competition and designed with direct input from our Battlefield community. Through a growing portfolio of digital and traditional broadcast deals, our spectator reach will continue to expand, with major brands set to engage this high-value audience through global sponsorships.

Blake Jorgensen, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, further elaborated on Battlefield 1’s Esports Mode later in the report:

People have used Battlefield as an esports product for many years outside of EA. It’s a fun fast-paced game. But with 64-player multiplayer, it’s a bit hectic and chaotic for esports. And so you’ll see some new modes coming out that will benefit a more rational esports approach, and pretty exciting for us for this year and really powering next year and the year after off of that title.

Battlefield 1’s “Game of the Year Edition” and Esports Mode will both be available sometime later this year.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged , ,

2K announces a “Cena (Nuff) Edition” for WWE 2K18

Posted on July 27, 2017 by John Scalzo

Whether you love him or hate him, 2K Games has announced that a special Cena (Nuff) Edition of WWE 2K18 will celebrate the career of John Cena this Fall. Priced at $149.99, and limited to 30,000 copies worldwide, the Cena (Nuff) Edition will be available exclusively for the PS4 and Xbox One (apologizes to the Switch owners in the audience).

According to the publisher, the Cena (Nuff) Edition contains “an impressive collection of exclusive memorabilia and in-game content” for WWE fans:

WWE 2K18: Cena (Nuff) Edition Contents

  • WWE 2K18 Deluxe Edition, which includes the following items:
    • WWE 2K18 Season Pass: Details announced this Fall.
    • Playable WWE Legends and John Cena Rivals: Batista and Rob Van Dam.
    • Playable John Cena Characters: ECW One Night Stand (2006) and WrestleMania 26 (2010).
    • Kurt Angle Pack: Access to WWE “American Hero” (2001) and ECW “Wrestling Machine” (2006) playable characters.
    • Exclusive Premium Packaging: Includes a unique cover sleeve.
  • Exclusive Mattel John Cena / Cena Nuff Action Figure: Featuring Cena and Cena (Nuff) T-shirt options.
  • Fanatics Limited Edition Commemorative Plaque: With a piece of the ring mat from his 16th WWE Championship at Royal Rumble earlier this year, as well as a hand-signed photo from John Cena.
  • WWE SuperCard Limited Edition In-Game Cards: Featuring John Cena, Batista and Rob Van Dam, as well as a Cena (Nuff) card back.

The Cena (Nuff) Edition will also include Early Access to WWE 2K18, and fans who opt for the pricey collector’s edition (or the slightly cheaper Deluxe Edition) will be able to begin playing the wrestling simulation on October 13. Players who wish to purchase the Standard Edition will have to wait until October 17 to obtain their copy of the game.

You can get a closer look at WWE 2K18’s Cena (Nuff) Edition after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus gets a new trailer and a Season Pass

Posted on July 27, 2017 by John Scalzo

Bethesda teased a bit of the “Strawberry Milkshake” sequence from Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus during this year’s E3 Expo, but now you can see the whole thing in the new trailer embedded above:

Mmm, the strawberry milkshake. A delicious summer treat so refreshing, it’s considered to be a “favorite American thing” to one particular Nazi Kommandant, who decided to pick one up at a local diner in Roswell, New Mexico. Unfortunately, BJ Blazkowicz just happens to be at that same diner, leading to a very tense encounter.

In another bit of Wolfenstein II news, Bethesda has unveiled the game’s Season Pass on Bethesda.net. Priced at $24.99, The Freedom Chronicles will add three playable characters to the game sometime after its launch:

  • Episode Zero – Episode Zero introduces you to Joseph Stallion, Jessica Valiant and Gerald Wilkins as they fight for freedom in the American Territories. Blast your way through Nazis using unique abilities and an arsenal of guns in this opening DLC mission.
  • The Adventures of Gunslinger Joe – As former professional quarterback Joseph Stallion, smash through Nazi hordes from the ruins of Chicago to the vastness of space!
  • The Diaries of Agent Silent Death – As ex-OSS agent and assassin Jessica Valiant, infiltrate Nazi bunkers in California and discover the secrets of Operation San Andreas!
  • The Amazing Deeds of Captain Wilkins – As the US Army’s renowned hero Captain Gerald Wilkins, embark on a mission to Nazi-controlled Alaska to dismantle Operation Black Sun!

As an added bonus, players who pre-order Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will receive the “Episode Zero” mission for free.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 27.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged

Sony’s Cory Barlog has plans for multiple sequels to next year’s God of War

Posted on July 26, 2017 by John Scalzo

Cory Barlog stepped away from the God of War franchise after the release of 2007’s God of War II, but Sony managed to lure the developer back to direct the upcoming Norse-themed reboot, God of War. And in a new interview published the UK’s Daily Star (conducted during this year’s E3 Expo), Barlog revealed that Kratos’s next adventure is actually the opening chapter to a much larger story.

According to the developer, he’s got an outline in his head for stories that could be told across multiple sequels:

Daily Star: The way you talk about Kratos now, it’s like the beginning of something. And clearly, the work that’s gone into this game, to create such a bold new chapter for the character, presumably this can’t be a one-shot deal for you and the game?

Barlog: For me, I am just trying to get this game done. But I will say that when I chose this story, I had chosen it because I already outlined and mapped out stories for multiple games. I have an arc in my head that goes well beyond this game and everything that we are doing in God of War, to me, is very much building towards that.

Like you see the second God of War game and it ends with Kratos going up to Olympus. Everybody said that it was the stupidest decision like why are you doing this, nobody wants a cliffhanger ending. But I was like, whatever, this is awesome. This is telling people more to come, this is great. And with this game, I think people know that we’re going to be here for a while. Me personally, I know I’ve got a couple more of these in me.

We don’t yet know what the future holds for Kratos, but we do know that God of War will be released exclusively for the PS4 in Early 2018.

Posted in News, PS4 | Tagged ,

The Sims 4 will be released for the PS4 and Xbox One on November 17

Posted on July 26, 2017 by John Scalzo

Electronic Arts has announced that The Sims 4 will make its PS4 and Xbox One debut on November 17. According to the publisher, console players will get to experience the same “creativity, inclusivity and freedom of choice” as the PC version of The Sims 4:

As with The Sims 4 on PC, console players can experience and test life’s limits in a world where there are no rules. Fans will have the power to create unique Sims, customizing everything from their hair color and style to their fashion choices and life aspirations. With the room-based Build Mode, players can design and pick décor, effortlessly building their dream home. In the mood to explore? Sims can check out the various neighborhoods and dynamic venues the world offers.

The Sims 4 on console gives players the unique gameplay the PC base game has to offer, plus many of the additional content updates added to The Sims 4 post-launch. After the console game launches, fans can also look forward to periodic game updates and extra content releases.

Fans who opt for the Deluxe Party Edition will receive bonus in-game content (including a Flaming Tiki Bar, outrageous costumes, silly animal hats, hot tubs, and more) and they’ll be able to play The Sims 4 three days early (on November 14). But if you want to try before you buy, EA Access subscribers will be able to download a time-limited version of the full game on November 9.

Posted in News, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged