Wednesday, November 25, 2015

New Games

New Games


Xbox One Black Friday deal is $299 + $60 gift code + free game at Microsoft Store

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 02:00 PM PST

Update: In addition to the $60 bonus you now get a free game in this Xbox One Black Friday bundle. Choices includes AC Unity, Forza 2, Sunset Overdrive or Rare Replay.

If you want an Xbox One, you better be ready at the stroke of midnight Thursday (yep, not Friday). Forget Black Friday because all the good stuff happens on Thanksgiving Thursday.

We talked about this briefly last week and as mentioned, most retailers will have a $299 Xbox Ones Gears of War bundle on tap, but we also suspected Microsoft Store will throw in bonuses such as $50 worth of Xbox credit - well turns out we were wrong, they're throwing in $60 worth of Xbox gift code plus a copy of Assassin's Creed: Unity game of your choice!

$299 Bundles:

$349 Bundles:

The above two bundles are our best guess on the "select" bundles getting the $50 savings + $60 Xbox gift code + AC Unity. We're pretty sure some of the 1TB bundles along with select Kinect bundles will also receive the deal, but the preview sneak peek makes no mention of this, so we'll find out in a few hours what Microsoft Store has uh... in store.

Black Friday game deals from Dealzon. Sales help support Destructoid.

Xbox One Black Friday deal is $299 + $60 gift code + free game at Microsoft Store screenshot

$249 Black Friday Wii U with Smash & Splatoon available at midnight

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 01:00 PM PST

For those unaware, Walmart will be selling the popular Black Friday Wii U Deluxe bundles with Super Smash Bros. and Splatoon for $249.99 as early as Thanksgiving. While the brick & mortar stores will open up and deals become available at 6PM on Thursday, the bundle will already be available at 12:01AM midnight Pacific time.

The $249 Wii U deal accidentally showed up early this morning on Target's eBay storefront, but lots of users were having trouble adding the bundle to their cart and completing the transaction. So your best bet for grabbing a unit at the $249.99 price tag is to wait for Walmart's deal tonight.

As with usual, Walmart's online inventory will most likely sell out within the hour -- so if you really want to pick a unit up, we highly suggest you set up a Walmart account and prefill your payment information to quickly complete the transaction once the clock strikes midnight.

For those interested, Nintendo's big eShop Wii U and 3DS sales event is now live too. Check out the full list here.

Game deals from Dealzon. Sales help support Destructoid.

$249 Black Friday Wii U with Smash & Splatoon available at midnight screenshot

Oh my gosh, this Fez vinyl!

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 12:00 PM PST

I was checked out for the day when I saw this vinyl set for Fez, or so I thought. It's so dang good!

Disasterpeace is one of my favorite musicians working in games right now, and the Fez soundtrack is among his best work, easily. To have it on cool-looking vinyl? Mmm, that's mighty tempting.

Polytron also has a fancy new limited edition of the game. Keeping in line with the note-taking spirit of Fez, it's a hardcover notebook, and the package includes downloads for the Windows and Mac versions plus the soundtrack. Pre-sales are now open with a December 18 ship date.

Oh my gosh, this Fez vinyl! screenshot

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Rally 'round the family with Runbow and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 11:00 AM PST

[Sup Holmes is a weekly talk show for people that make great videogames. It airs live every Sunday at 4pm EST on YouTube, and can be found in Podcast form on Libsyn and iTunes.]

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, many of us here in the U.S. of A. are gearing up to navigate through social/emotional minefields that have been years in the making. Many of us are really tempted to call uncle Gary out on his bullshit tomorrow, but we know Gary has really low self esteem so confrontation will only make things worse. Even more of us have totally given up on Mom, because no matter what we do, she'll never love us as much as she loves Larry. If it were up to her, it wouldn't be called "Thanksgiving". It would be called "Thankslarryyouaremyfavoriteboy". God damn it Larry, you've never even had to work for it. 

Video games are one potentially healthy way of dealing with those complicated feelings for Larry and the rest of your Thanksgiving party. If you've got a big family, Runbow may be a the perfect choice. With 9 player co-op and/or competitive play, only the largest of get-togethers will end up with anyone left out. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime doesn't allow for quite as many people to jump in at once, but it works great as a spectator sport, sort of like watching two serious in-laws try to pass wet egg between their mouths without using their hands. Oh the humanity!

If you want to know more about these games, or just want to get to know the people who made them, we've got Sup Holmes reruns with the developers of both Runbow and Lovers right here. These handsome Toronto men are a true pleasure to engage with. Thanks to Alex, Matt, and Jaime for being on the show with us, and be sure to tune in this Sunday when we welcome Thomas Grip (Soma, Amnesia) to the program. We've also got a special mid-week Sup Holmes planned for next week with one of the developers of Just Cause 3.

To quote a great personal friend of mine, "What a country!" 

Rally 'round the family with Runbow and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime  screenshot

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Square Enix teases Ramza Beoulve's appearance in Dissidia Final Fantasy

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 10:30 AM PST

Square Enix is set to launch Dissidia Final Fantasy in arcades this week, and they've gone over the initial fourteen characters at launch, representing each main series game. Well, they're also doing an Apple-esque "one last thing" too, by way of teasing Ramza Beoulve from Final Fantasy Tactics.

We always knew that he was going to be in the game, but this tease from NicoNico gives us a better look at the hero. Expect a full reveal trailer as early as tomorrow.

Square Enix teases Ramza Beoulve's appearance in Dissidia Final Fantasy screenshot

I have high hopes for the System Shock remake

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 10:00 AM PST

Night Dive Studios sure is keeping itself busy with the System Shock property.

The company touched up the iconic Looking Glass title earlier this year for an Enhanced Edition release on PC and, as we recently learned, there are also plans for a full-on remake. Amazingly, there could one day be an honest-to-goodness System Shock 3. But let's take a step back.

Polygon has the first screenshots of the System Shock remake, complete with those oh-so-fun image comparison sliders. I wasn't sure what to expect, going in, but I've come away feeling good.

According to Night Dive CEO Stephen Kick, they've been "in contact with members of the original System Shock team." Whether it's new games in the series or big updates to existing ones, Kick says the hope is to be "very true to the spirit of the originals."

It's cool to think that a whole new audience is going to experience this game.

System Shock is being reimagined, and we've got the first look [Polygon]

I have high hopes for the System Shock remake screenshot

Assassin's Creed Syndicate's Jack the Ripper DLC is probably imminent, but not definitely

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 09:30 AM PST

It has only been a month since Assassin's Creed Syndicate launched, but the first add-on might be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike any moment. The compelling Jack the Ripper DLC is the biggest expansion that has been teased and it also appears as if it'll be the first to release. The indication that it's closer than expected is anything but official, but has a solid track record.

Earlier today, an Achievement list showed up for the Jack the Ripper add-on. Typically, these are only discovered once a game or expansion is nearing release. For comparison's sake, last year's Dead Kings DLC, the first and largest for Assassin's Creed Unity, launched in the middle of January. However, Ubisoft was dealing with a plethora of post-release issues that likely delayed it.

Interestingly, the descriptions of these Achievements present questions as to the player's role in Jack the Ripper. Originally, it seemed likely that the player would be in a position to hunt down the famed murderer. Achievements that read "Frighten 200 enemies" and "Scare an enemy and make him kill someone else by mistake" leave the possibility open that Jack himself is the playable character.

We've reached out to Ubisoft for clarification on these matters, but we honestly don't expect confirmation or denial. Publishers like to control the timing and message of reveals like this. We'll update this post if and when we hear back.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate: Jack the Ripper Achievements [Xbox Achievements]

Assassin's Creed Syndicate's Jack the Ripper DLC is probably imminent, but not definitely screenshot

Animal Crossing: Home Designer will offer a gaming storefront option soon

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 09:00 AM PST

I haven't really gotten into Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, but this new update that's on the horizon may sway me a bit. According to Tiny Cartridge, gaming items are coming, including kiosks for newer and retro Nintendo systems, 3DS and Wii U game racks, and even an amiibo display, complete with a TV screen.

This is literally a giant advertisement, but I can't look away. I'm really tempted to recreate the store in the header above. Right now these items are set to debut in Japan next month.

Someone’s Happy Home is a game store [Tiny Cartridge]

Animal Crossing: Home Designer will offer a gaming storefront option soon screenshot

This is the best Battlefront brawl I've seen yet

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 08:30 AM PST

Star Wars Battlefront isn't quite what I hoped it would be, but I keep coming back to it for a chance to see moments of pure, unscripted delight. It usually doesn't take long.

This hilarious encounter captured by YouTube user Nick Nixon is a great example of just how goofy this game can get.

This is the best Battlefront brawl I've seen yet screenshot

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Level-5 CEO dishes on possibility of Wii U, NX games

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 08:00 AM PST

Level-5 is no stranger to Nintendo platforms. While they got their start making fantastic games like Dark Cloud and Jeanne d'Arc, they shifted over to the DS with Professor Layton, and saw great success there for many years. But they haven't really developed much for Nintendo's console line, only peppering in a few Inazuma Eleven games for the Wii, and a Yo-Kai Watch spinoff on Wii U.

When asked by IGN, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino seems to be more hopeful in terms of their future on Nintendo consoles. Hino noted that he would "proactively consider" both consoles, and that he's interested in the NX in particular, stating that "[I want to] bring Level-5 games to as many kids as possible."

The developer is still working on Yo-Kai Watch 3, and if the NX really takes off, I can easily see a fully featured follow-up in the future.

Yo-Kai Watch developer open to bringing franchise to Wii U, NX [IGN]

Level-5 CEO dishes on possibility of Wii U, NX games screenshot

Dying Light's next DLC gets jacked-up in price, but you can make the most of it

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 07:30 AM PST

In a surprisingly transparent moment, Dying Light developer Techland has decided to be upfront about raising the price of the game's next add-on, The Following. Back in August, it was originally announced that the DLC would cost $15. Now, the cost has been pushed to $20.

Techland insists that it has justification for the price hike. In a press release today, the developer says that the scale of the expansion has grown significantly since the studio started working on it. "It could be a stand-alone title," Techland comments. As such, it felt necessary to raise the price.

There are a couple things here that people might take issue with. Most obvious is that Techland went back on its word. But, a hidden complaint is that this single add-on now costs as much as the entire season pass.

To rectify this, Techland is also raising the price of the season pass. It's going to soon cost $30 instead of $20. Those who already own the season pass will get The Following and everything else at no additional cost.

But, for those who plan to buy The Following, now's a prime opportunity to actually buy the season pass. Techland isn't raising the price until December 8, meaning that you can pick up all of the game's DLC at a $10 discount. Another way to look at it is that for two weeks, The Following comes packed with all of Dying Light's add-ons.

It finally happened. Under this very specific set of conditions, we've finally advocated for the purchase of a season pass.

Dying Light's next DLC gets jacked-up in price, but you can make the most of it screenshot

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Wii U will likely support Wiimote and Nunchuk controls

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 07:00 AM PST

Well this is interesting.

Fans have been speculating as to the control schemes that will be supported in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, and according to the official Nintendo Sweden landing site, we're in for some great news. Evidently, the game will not only support GamePads as planned, but Wiimotes and Nunchuks as well. Awesome!

I've always maintained that the more control options, the better, for any gaming plaform. It's why I love the Wii U so much, as games like Pikmin 3 have the option for Wiimote and waggle/IR schemes for those you enjoy it, and tactile GamePad controls built in as well. To see another major release offering this option is great, as I always preferred the GameCube edition of Princess.

Twilight Princess HD [Nintendo.se via reddit]

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Wii U will likely support Wiimote and Nunchuk controls screenshot

Rainbow Six Siege beta delayed six days before game launch

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 06:30 AM PST

The open beta for Rainbow Six Siege isn't kicking down any doors yet. Despite being scheduled to being today at 10am Eastern, it's not available to play. Ubisoft has delayed it because of technical issues.

Specifically, as Ubisoft outlines on its forums, game sessions are not starting properly which is leading to failed connections on all platforms. The developer says that it has isolated the problem and is working on a fix. It anticipates that the beta will finally get underway sometime later today.

Normally, this wouldn't be much of an issue, but the full retail version of Rainbow Six Siege releases on December 1 -- just six days from now. These snags don't exactly inspire confidence in a smooth launch for the multiplayer-only title. Predictably, Ubisoft doesn't see it that way; "We are confident the game will work as intended since the known issue will be fixed soon. Therefore the launch will not be impacted by this issue," it asserts.

Rainbow Six Siege - Open Beta Status [Ubisoft forums]

Rainbow Six Siege beta delayed six days before game launch screenshot

Review: Mighty Switch Force! Academy

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 06:00 AM PST

WayForward could probably make Mighty Switch Force! games until the end of time, and as long as they retained the basic concept, I'd still play them. They're fun puzzle platformers in spite of their faults, and the memorable character designs and ingenious level layouts stand out among the crowd.

Mighty Switch Force! Academy, in turn, feels like a downgrade in some ways, but it still has the same charm as its predecessors.

Review: Mighty Switch Force! Academy screenshot

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For $500, this Kratos statue better guard my home

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 05:30 AM PST

Sony is producing a 26" statue of the God of War himself, and at $499.99 a piece (that's $100 off!), I would expect this thing to ward off everything from burglars to evil spirits to mermen.

There are 500 statues available for pre-sale now, with an estimated ship date of December 4.

The trailer is curious. If you're one to take anything, and I mean anything, as a hint that a video game sequel is in the works, that bit at the end with the omega symbol suggests God of War 4 is coming.

For $500, this Kratos statue better guard my home screenshot

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Steam's autumn sale is different this year

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 05:00 AM PST

Send help! It's that deal-filled time of year when I have far too many browser tabs open.

As you might have noticed from the new storefront illustration, Steam began its autumn sale today (officially, it's the "Exploration Sale"). Those sharks are on the hunt for deep discounts. Will they find any? As we recently heard, Valve is tinkering with its formula. For this sale, there aren't going to be the usual "lightning," "daily," or "community's choice" deals to tempt us.

As such, I went to the top-sellers list to see which games are proving to be irresistible. Granted, it's still early, but I have to laugh at what's sitting at the top. Hint: it's a full-price game.

If you have any recommendations, please share. The sale runs until December 1 at 10:00am Pacific.

Steam's autumn sale is different this year screenshot

Nintendo's big 3DS and Wii U eShop sale is up

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 04:30 AM PST

Y'all ready for some cyber deals? Nintendo kicked off its big eShop sale on Wii U and 3DS titles today with discounts up to 50 percent off.

Wii U

  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD ($34.99)
  • Pikmin 3 ($38.99)
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker ($27.99)
  • The Wonderful 101 ($19.49)
  • SteamWorld Dig ($4.99)
  • Teslagrad ($7.49)
  • Rayman Legends ($19.99)
  • Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze ($34.99)
  • Kirby's Return to Dream Land ($12.99)
  • Pushmo World ($4.99)
  • Never Alone ($5.99)
  • Child of Light ($7.49)
  • Adventures of Pip ($7.49)
  • Chariot ($7.49)
  • Little Inferno ($4.99)
  • Trine 2: Director's Cut ($9.99)
  • Shantae and the Pirate's Curse ($9.99)
  • Metroid Fusion ($4.79)
  • Star Fox Command ($4.99)
  • Mario Golf ($4.99)
  • Art of Balance ($4.49)
  • Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails ($4.99)
  • Blek ($2.99)

3DS

  • Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon ($27.99)
  • Boxboy! ($3.49)
  • Mario Golf: World Tour ($20.99)
  • Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate ($23.99)
  • Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D ($20.99)
  • Fire Emblem Awakening ($27.99)
  • Kid Icarus: Uprising ($24.49)
  • Inazuma Eleven ($9.99)
  • Mutant Mudds ($4.49)
  • Rune Factory 4 ($19.99)
  • SteamWorld Dig ($4.99)
  • Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move ($6.49)
  • Cave Story ($7.49)
  • Crashmo ($4.49)
  • Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy ($20.09)
  • Shantae and the Pirate's Curse ($9.99)
  • Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream ($2.49)
  • Retro City Rampage DX ($4.99)
  • Azure Striker Gunvolt ($7.50)
  • Metroid ($2.49)
  • 3D Sonic the Hedgehog ($2.99)
  • 3D Out Run ($4.19)
  • Siesta Fiesta ($2.99)
  • 1001 Spikes ($9.99)

These discounts will last until December 2 at 8:59am Pacific.

Nintendo's big 3DS and Wii U eShop sale is up screenshot

Don't worry Europe, you can download the Xenoblade Chronicles X data packs soon

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 04:00 AM PST

As previously discussed, Xenoblade Chronicles X has data packs that are available prior to launch in the US. You can download them from the eShop, and at the cost of 10GB of HDD space, textures will be enhanced, and loading screens will be reduced. This is primarily for the disc-based version, as the digital edition will have them built in.

There seems to be some confusion over in Europe though, as the packs, which are supposed to be downloaded before the game is out (so you can stick the disc in at midnight and play optimally), aren't actually live yet. Thankfully a Nintendo rep has cleared up the situation, noting that they will be live on November 30, four days before the launch of the game.

Expect our review early next week, along with a tips guide near launch. You might need the latter too -- this game is brutal.

It seems like Europe will also get the data packs [reddit]

Don't worry Europe, you can download the Xenoblade Chronicles X data packs soon screenshot

Here's a first look at the Disney Infinity Force Awakens campaign

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 03:45 AM PST

Disney Infinity 3.0 is still chugging, thanks to the upcoming Force Awakens film tie-in Play Set that will launch next month. This is the second to last set that we know of that will be launching for Infinity. The next planned project is "Marvel Battlegrounds," which will arrive in March 2016, presumably to drum up hype for Captain America: Civil War.

Yes, I'll be seeing Force Awakens during opening weekend with my wife. I have faith in J.J. Abrams and the cast looks pretty great, though I'm not expecting anything revolutionary.

Here's a first look at the Disney Infinity Force Awakens campaign screenshot

Republique gets a PS4 trailer, still isn't done nearly two years after launch

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 03:30 AM PST

If you're interested in espionage narratives and stealth-based gameplay, Republique may be your huckleberry when it releases next year on PS4, with all five episodes bundled together.

I enjoyed what I've played of the initial few since it launched in 2013, but like I've said in the past, I completely lost interest after there was no communication as to when the story would be finished after months of waiting.

I guess it's good to know that the whole shebang will be arriving in "early 2016."

Republique gets a PS4 trailer, still isn't done nearly two years after launch screenshot

Retro City Rampage sequel, 'Shakedown Hawaii' announced

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 03:00 AM PST

Developer Vblank has announced a brand new follow-up to Retro City Rampage titled Shakedown Hawaii. It will be released on PS4, Vita, 3DS, and PC at some point, and updates the original aesthetic with 16-bit visuals. The storyline takes place 30 years later, with the "Player" character coming out of retirement.

I was a pretty big fan of the original, and I'm digging the updated pixel art here. It's interesting that Brian Provinciano is skipping out on an Xbox version this time around when Rampage debuted on the 360 back in 2013.

Retro City Rampage sequel, 'Shakedown Hawaii' announced screenshot

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PlayStation Plus' December offerings include Blood Dragon, King's Quest

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 02:38 AM PST

In comparison to Microsoft's Games With Gold December games, PlayStation Plus' offerings are like a nice little Christmas gift. On PS4 you'll nab Gauntlet: Slayer Edition and King's Quest: A Knight to Remember. PS3 owners get Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon and SSX, and the Vita platform is getting Rocketbirds Hardboiled and Freedom Wars.

I'm really glad that more people are going to be subjected to the new King's Quest series. I adored the first episode and I'm anxiously awaiting more. Blood Dragon and Freedom Wars are two of my favorite PS3 and Vita games respectively, so this month will kick major ass if you haven't played any of them yet.

PlayStation Plus December [PS Blog]

PlayStation Plus' December offerings include Blood Dragon, King's Quest screenshot

Kentucky Route Zero Act 4 is 'almost done'

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 02:30 AM PST

Hey, quick question. Do you pronounce the word 'route' as "R-out" or "root"? I'm in the latter camp, myself.

Anyway, independent developers Cardboard Computer released another 140-character progress update on the much-anticipated fourth act of their superb bourbon-tinged 'Phantom Tollbooth by way of Johnny Cash' adventure game Kentucky Route Zero. They also posted a teaser image from the episode, which we've embedded above. The fishing trip, an iconic part of Americana, has been stripped of its humanity, leaving its core bare for all to see. A perfect encapsulation of the melancholic nostalgia that oozes from the Zero's every pore.

If you have yet to experience Kentucky Route Zero, you should treat yourself. It's the perfect game to play during these long, dark months, especially as you return to your hometown for Thanksgiving, spending precious free time in a place that you reject for its unflinching tradition but also resent for moving on without you, all the while torn asunder by the space between these two irreconcilable truths. It's an, uh, extremely moody game, if you haven't surmised. But don't let me lead you astray -- Kentucky Route Zero isn't depressing; it's just bittersweet.

Each version of the game comes with the soundtrack, which I'd argue is easily worth the price on its own. There's not much I wouldn't give to hear 'Long Journey Home' on a good vinyl player, and that's to say nothing of the mesmerizing 'Too Late to Love You'.

Kentucky Route Zero Act 4 is 'almost done' screenshot

Batman: Arkham Knight's Catwoman and Robin DLCs aren't worth playing

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST

As I've said before, Batman: Arkham Knight's Season Pass is probably the one of the worst pass prospects in gaming right now. Besides an alright Batgirl DLC, there's a heap of mediocre challenge missions, sub-30 minute "DLCs," and skins. For $40, people probably expected more -- perhaps a quality Cold, Cold Heart add-on -- or something, anything to justify the price.

Alas, the Catwoman and Robin add-ons that dropped this week are just like the Harley and Red Hood DLCs -- disappointing.

Batman: Arkham Knight's Catwoman and Robin DLCs aren't worth playing screenshot

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Y'shtola rounds out Dissidia Final Fantasy's cast as a representative of XIV

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 01:00 AM PST

She might not be well known at all in most Final Fantasy circles, but XIV fans will recognize Y’shtola the Conjurer. She was featured in the original build of XIV, before moving into the reworked A Realm Reborn, and the recent expansion, Heavensward.

Dissidia Final Fantasy arcade will launch in Japan this week, and the only announced character that hasn't been shown off so far is Ramza from Final Fantasy Tactics.

Y'shtola rounds out Dissidia Final Fantasy's cast as a representative of XIV screenshot

A couple of age-gated visual novels are on sale on Steam

Posted: 25 Nov 2015 12:00 AM PST

You know, those weird ass god damn Clannad eyes got me thinking; I'm not sure about what, but I'll get back to you if I figure it out.

Anyways, a couple more visual novels are on Steam and these ones at a more reasonable price to boot, too, currently on sale for 34% and 40% off. Tokyo School Life is down to $9.89 and The Men of Yoshiwara: Kikuya has been discounted to $17.99. I don't know how steamy either are, but I pressed through an age-gate like a sieve on the way to those pages to deliver you this news, so you'll have to report back to me.

A couple of age-gated visual novels are on sale on Steam screenshot

Sony claims PS4 sold around 30 million units

Posted: 24 Nov 2015 10:30 PM PST

According to a press release from Sony, the PlayStation 4 has sold through (read: units actually sold to people, not units shipped to stores) 30.2 million units as of November 22. That's a considerable amount of consoles; for comparison, that's approximately a tenth of the United States' population. For my money, we'll likely see a similar announcement made in the new year once the gift wrap has been torn off those shiny new PS4s and the Christmas Creep is nothing but a memory.

This release is also a very shrewd move on Sony's part. Games reporters have to report on this stuff as part of our job (it's a legitimate piece of news, and it's something readers have historically been interested in), so the news cycle is dominated with stories about the PlayStation 4, right as shoppers are making their Black Friday plans.

Even so, this news has value. 30 million consoles in homes is an important number to consider in the larger debate of "are consoles still viable?" I'd argue this upcoming holiday season is the deciding point. Both systems have strong lineups, competitive prices, and install bases cultivating word of mouth. In essence, they're both out of excuses. God, how I love sales numbers.

Sony claims PS4 sold around 30 million units  screenshot

Expect ten 'world premieres' at this year's Game Awards

Posted: 24 Nov 2015 10:00 PM PST

Host Geoff Keighley confirmed yesterday the rebranded VGA/VGX award show, Game Awards 2015, will feature ten world premieres and ten "on-stage" awards.

The Game Awards 2015 takes place in Los Angeles, California, on December 3, 2015. Tune in from 9pm ET/6pm PT.

Ten world premieres at The Game Awards 2015, confirms Keighley [VG24/7]

Expect ten 'world premieres' at this year's Game Awards screenshot

Divekick's final update brings in a new free character

Posted: 24 Nov 2015 09:00 PM PST

After over two years of ongoing support, fighting game parody and community in-joke Divekick has received its final update.

Dubbed Divekick Addition Edition Plus Final, the free update introduces The Fencer from the popular indie game Nidhogg. You can see the trailer in all of its sword-lobbing glory up top.

If you own Divekick, the upgrade to the Addition Edition Plus Final version should have already been applied to your Xbox One, PC, PS3, PS4 and PS Vita copies. If you don’t already have it, the game is getting a permanent price slash of 50%, dropping it down to £3.99/$4.99.

It’s incredibly impressive that what is essentially a joke game is for a niche community has done well enough to warrant free updates for two years. It’s kind of sad that this is the end of the line for the game.

After over two years of ongoing support, fighting game parody and community in-joke Divekick has received its final update.

Dubbed Divekick Addition Edition Plus Final, the free update introduces The Fencer from the popular indie game Nidhogg. You can see the trailer in all of its sword-lobbing glory up top.

If own Divekick, the upgrade to the Addition Edition Plus Final version should have already been applied to your Xbox One, PC, PS3, PS4 and PS Vita copies. If you don’t already have it, the game is getting a permanent price slash of 50%, dropping it down to £3.99/$4.99.

It’s incredibly impressive that is essentially a joke game is for a niche community has done well enough to warrant free updates for two years. It’s kind of sad that this is the end of the line for the game.

Divekick's final update brings in a new free character screenshot

Do you want original Xbox game backward compatibility? Xbox says 'nothing's impossible'

Posted: 24 Nov 2015 08:00 PM PST

Responding to questions about backwards compatibility for original Xbox games, Xbox engineering lead Mike Ybarra says that while it may be "challenging," "nothing's impossible."

"We're not looking at original Xbox games on Xbox One yet," Ybarra said, speaking on The Inner Circle podcast (via GameSpot).

Do you want original Xbox game backward compatibility? Xbox says 'nothing's impossible' screenshot

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