Friday, January 20, 2017

New Games

New Games


Oh wow, XCOM 2's Long War 2 overhaul is out now

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 02:00 PM PST

And here I was, about to write up a bit of late news about how Pavonis Interactive (née Long War Studios) planned "Long War 2" mega-mod for XCOM 2 would include some new types of missions, when the damn thing just up and drops onto the Steam Workshop, free for all comers.

XCOM 2 owners on PC can pick it up right now, and some are already wallowing happily in the many changes wrought by the mod. New character classes, enhanced difficulty, new tiers of weaponry, and a top-to-bottom refresh of the game's structure are in store for those who opt to take the plunge. I haven't tried the mod yet, but Pavonis' other work with the first Long War mod for XCOM: Enemy Unknown is very well-regarded, even by the folks at Firaxis itself. 

Just note that at the moment Long War 2 will break a whole bunch of other mods, so Commanders that want in are encouraged to clear their configuration files and try to start as cleanly as possible so as to avoid unsightly compatibility issues. 

Oh wow, XCOM 2's Long War 2 overhaul is out now screenshot

It will require a heat action to open the Yakuza 0 Business Edition

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 11:00 AM PST

I think a little part of me died when I saw John Hardin, Sega's PR manager, smash the box of Yakuza 0 The Business Edition with a hammer. It was hysterical, but all I could think of was how damaged the game would be. You shouldn't damage Yakuza 0; the game is fucking incredible!

That being said, this quirky little video shows you exactly what a copy of this "special edition" will come with. It is a bit underwhelming, all things considering, but I do love the business card holder. I'm also a fan of bulkier boxes; it looks like the graphic design department put a lot of effort into this.

It will require a heat action to open the Yakuza 0 Business Edition screenshot

Read more...

Comments of the Week 05: All is Calm

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 10:00 AM PST

Congratulations, you are now through the slowest part of the gaming year. Nothing major ever happens at the very end of December through the first week of January. But can you hear that in the distance? It's the sound of hype. For, lo, the Nintendo Swtich event cometh with news out the wazoo! For now, though, let's enjoy this quiet moment together and look though some comments.

Comments of the Week 05: All is Calm screenshot

Read more...

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns hitting 3DS on February 28

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 09:30 AM PST

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns, otherwise known as the upcoming Bokujō Monogatari series entry with a pet capybara, is coming to 3DS in North America on February 28, 2017.

Apart from the fast-approaching release date and $40 price point, publisher Xseed has also shared details about the farming sim's Super Mario Bros. crossover costumes. Dressing up like Mario boosts your running speed, Luigi's outfit enhances your fishing luck, Peach's dress makes you better friends with others, and Toad's lil costume recharges your stamina as you go about your day.

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns hitting 3DS on February 28 screenshot

Read more...

Friday Night Fights: And we're back

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 09:00 AM PST

[Friday Night Fights is a long-running Destructoid tradition that seems to rise and fall with the tide. Now SuperMonk4Ever is taking the reins. We hope you all will join in to play some video games with your favorite e-buddies. ~ Shade]

Welcome back to what has always been, and what always will be, known as Friday Night Fights! That's right, after a small hiatus, we are rearing the weekly FNF posts back into gear.

Now, nothing has changed and we intend to continue with the familiar schedule and workabouts. So if you are looking for that Tank to get on the payload in Overwatch or just looking for a group to crack up with; Friday Night Fights is here to help.

Friday Night Fights: And we're back screenshot

Read more...

Go behind the scenes of that live-action Gravity Rush 2 video

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 08:30 AM PST

Happy Gravity Rush 2 day!

Before you dive in (or while you wait for the install), you should watch this making-of video for the game's live-action ad. How'd they bring Gravity Rush to life? With a fancy rolling room, of course!

Aside from showing the fascinating rig used to create the gravity-bending sequence, there's also some cute moments with the kitten in this video. Practical effects and a cat? That's a win-win.

Go behind the scenes of that live-action Gravity Rush 2 video screenshot

Arms is beautiful and fun, but not the next big eSport

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 08:00 AM PST

There are times when I feel like I'm not playing a game to its max potential, that there is some high skill ceiling I'm not quite reaching. That often comes when playing fighting games, but not just fighting games. Games like Crysis and Vanquish just ooze this mysterious feeling that you can do cool shit in them. That feeling did not come to me in Arms. Conversely, I felt like I had run the course of what is possible. 

That is not to say I can't get better, but the game is relatively simple compared to even the most casual-friendly fighters. When the advertised way to play is holding the Joy-Con facing inward (playing on a Grip or Pro Controller is also possible), using only motion and the four shoulder buttons, it has to be. 

Arms is beautiful and fun, but not the next big eSport screenshot

Read more...

There's an 'Under $5' PlayStation Network Flash Sale

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 07:30 AM PST

At first glance, this weekend's North American PlayStation Network Flash Sale might seem lackluster. Admittedly, some of these games are showing their age. But as far as pricing, everything's $5 and under, so unlike some of the recent sales, no one title is going to break the bank here.

Even though getting into the PlayStation 4 re-release of Dark Cloud 2 right now is a bad idea for me in terms of timing (I don't just want to "add it to the pile" and forget about it), that's what I'm eying.

If you're at all into story-driven adventure games, you may want to consider Asemblance. It fell short of my expectations, but it pulls off some cool things and is much easier to recommend at this price. Otherwise, the list is a whole lotta games you're probably well aware of, so take your pick.

There's an 'Under $5' PlayStation Network Flash Sale screenshot

Read more...

Inside developer shares first image of its next game

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 07:00 AM PST

Playdead's up to something. The developer that's renowned for its mastery of moody and artistic puzzle-platformers is probably making another moody and artistic puzzle-platformer. It's hard to say, though. Playdead isn't a studio that likes to say much.

What we have is this single image shared on Twitter:

Inside developer shares first image of its next game screenshot

Read more...

Here is some actual gameplay of Ghost Recon Wildlands

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 06:30 AM PST

The previous trailer released for Ghost Recon Wildlands didn't fill me with a lot of confidence. It looked like Ubisoft was taking a beloved series and shifting its style for mainstream appeal. While this extended gameplay trailer doesn't really reassure me that the company is handling the Tom Clancy name correctly, it doesn't come off nearly as bad as the previous attempt at humor.

Here is some actual gameplay of Ghost Recon Wildlands screenshot

Read more...

Nearly two years later, Cities: Skylines is almost ready on Xbox One

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 06:00 AM PST

Back in August 2015, Paradox revealed that Cities: Skylines was in the works for Xbox One -- its console debut. But we've barely heard a peep out of them since then, while the PC edition rolls on from expansion to expansion, now currently on their third DLC. Until now, that is.

Paradox has informed Destructoid that the Xbox One build will be playable at GDC next month, among a fourth expansion for Skylines, and an add-on for Stellaris, as well as a new RTS game project. Although the wait has been lengthy, if Skylines ships with all [now] four expansions at launch on one disc, it'll have been worth it.

I've only been middling with it myself, so the Xbox One version is a perfect opportunity to dive into it in earnest.

Nearly two years later, Cities: Skylines is almost ready on Xbox One screenshot

Strafe is gunning for a March release date

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 05:30 AM PST

Strafe, the retro-themed throwback shooter and my personal most anticipated game of 2017, is going to be available on March 28. Along with that information also comes absolute confirmation that the game is, indeed, procedurally generated. That kind of dampens my enthusiasm, but I do love old-school shooters.

Strafe is gunning for a March release date screenshot

Read more...

Double Dragon IV will have three modes, playable boss characters

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 05:00 AM PST

I've been heavily preparing for Double Dragon IV by playing previous games in the series, and at the moment I've just completed the trilogy. While some say that it looks uninspired or even "lazy," I'm jazzed to try it out having spent hundreds of hours of beating up Black Warrior clan members the past 20 years.

Set to release later this month on the year of the 30th anniversary, the official website just opened up, and we have a few more details as we head into launch. For one, it'll have the token story mode, as well as a two player duel mode with a big character select screen, a challenge tower, and share play support for "up to one hour" to make up for no online play.

Double Dragon IV [Arc System Works]

Double Dragon IV will have three modes, playable boss characters screenshot

Gal Gun Double Peace has been banned in New Zealand

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 04:30 AM PST

Gal Gun Double Peace has been deemed "objectionable" by the Film and Video Labeling Body of New Zealand, which in other words means it is no longer available for purchase or consumption through legal means in the country. They found the content too sexual with regard to rape and underage female students. The game takes place in a Japanese high school where students are typically aged 16-18.

A work is deemed "objectionable" in the event that it "describes, depicts, expresses, or otherwise deals with matters such as sex, horror, crime, cruelty, or violence in such a manner that the availability of the publication is likely to be injurious to the public good."

Gal Gun Double Peace has been banned in New Zealand screenshot

Read more...

The Flame in the Flood's PS4 port is a Southern Gothic treat

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 04:00 AM PST

I bought The Flame in the Flood when it released on Steam last year. And while I only played for an hour or two, The Molasses Flood’s debut resonated with me thanks to its melancholy vision of a post-societal America.

It’s a new year, though, and The Flame in the Flood is on a new console. As such, I’ve spent the better part of my week navigating the uncertain waters of The Flame in the Flood’s PlayStation 4 port in hopes of uncovering its secrets.

The Flame in the Flood's PS4 port is a Southern Gothic treat screenshot

Read more...

Konami is bringing Pasukaru Sensei Perfect Paint to the 3DS

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 03:30 AM PST

Over in Japan Konami is still shambling along, releasing the occasional game and Pachislot machine. While a new Bomberman and Metal Gear spinoff are confirmed for the US (as well as any PES-related shenanigans), they also have another upcoming release to add to their Japanese lineup -- 100% Pasukaru Sensei Perfect Paint.

It's slated to come to the 3DS this summer, and it originates from a puzzler that was sold on Android and iOS in the east. There's no word on if it'll include incorporate the existing microtransactions or physical playing card element. Going off the "dislikes" in the trailer people are still mad at Konami.

Konami is bringing Pasukaru Sensei Perfect Paint to the 3DS screenshot

Read more...

The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup canceled for Wii U, planned for Switch

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 03:00 AM PST

Usually, console transitions are rather smooth. Developers and consumers alike know when a current generation is scheduled to die, and the former typically develop for the current and future consoles as needed -- you only need to look at the cavalcade of PS3 and PS4 games to take note.

But with the Wii U, Nintendo kind of just pulled the plug without telling a lot of people. When they stopped manufacturing the console altogether before the Switch was even properly revealed, I spoke to many indie developers that basically had no idea it was happening until the news was reported. Naturally, they've been struggling with whether or not to cancel all their Wii U plans and move to Switch, and the next domino just fell -- The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup.

Speaking to Nintendo Life, creator Chris Seaver explained that while the PC version is still the focus, followed by 3DS, the Wii U edition is done. If they get Switch dev kits (which they still don't have), they'll pursue that route as well. Seaver goes on to call the Wii U a "dead system," and hopes that the switch will reinvigorate Nintendo's home console market.

Unlikely Legend Of Rusty Pup Confirmed For Switch, Wii U Version Canned [Nintendo Life]

The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup canceled for Wii U, planned for Switch screenshot

Destiny won't have a Crimson Days Valentine's event this year because they're working on 'something else'

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 02:30 AM PST

Destiny has been in a rut for sometime. Nearly everyone I know has called it quits again after farming the Wrath of the Machine challenges, and the Winter update, while a nice gesture, essentially amounts to an extra Strike and a new scoreboard. So what else do we have to look forward to until Destiny 2 hits? Not a whole lot, apparently.

Bungie explains that it will not be hosting a Crimson Days Valentine's event this year, because it's "too busy" working on something else for an upcoming update in the spring. I won't miss Crimson as it was crudely copied and pasted on and billed as content in an effort to sell microtransactions -- like most events -- but the game needs something to keep people interested before spring/summer.

With all of the millions that Destiny earned since launch you'd think they'd be able to hire more hands, but this has been the Bungie way. Maybe it shifted a lot of folks to Destiny 2, where the real long term plans lie? If so, that will only solidify Destiny's original release as a beta/proving ground.

This Week At Bungie – 01/19/2017 [Bungie.net]

Destiny won't have a Crimson Days Valentine's event this year because they're working on 'something else' screenshot

1-2-Switch is not the next Wii Sports

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 02:00 AM PST

When the Wii launched over 10 years ago (10 years!?), people were still unsure about the concept of motion control in video games. "What is this TV remote-looking thing? How will anyone play games with this?" The innovative console turned out to be a monumental success for Nintendo.

The single largest reason why they were able to convince so many people, not just hardcore gamers, that motion controls could work is that Wii Sports and the later Wii Sports Resort utilized the Wii Mote and Nunchuk in a variety of simple games based on sports that many people were already familiar with. Working motion control would not have been enough to reel in the casual soccer mom audience, however. The games were fun and approachable in their own right. You wanted to come back to play them again and again.

Nintendo Land set out to do the same for Wii U, showcasing a variety of ways the second screen could be used to enhance gameplay. Neither the console or its bundled proof-of-concept game performed nearly as well as their predecessors, but the game was still received favorably for having fun, unique content in single player, co-operative multiplayer, and competitive multiplayer. All modes made use of the gamepad in a variety of interesting applications.

1-2-Switch looks to take on the proof-of-concept role for the Nintendo Switch this time around, featuring a number of competitive mini-games designed using the various input methods available on Switch including motion control, infrared sensors, and "HD rumble." Unlike its predecessors, 1-2-Switch will not be included when you buy a Switch.

It is sold separately for $50.

1-2-Switch is not the next Wii Sports screenshot

Read more...

The Nintendo Switch won't have video/streaming platforms at launch, and that's okay

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 01:00 AM PST

Back in the day, it was relatively important for a console to have access to some array of video streaming services. The Wii didn't play DVDs or Blu-Ray discs by default, but it did house the Netflix app, which many folks used. Microsoft also touted its new Xbox One as an "entertainment box" for a while, and is now the only console that can run Ultra HD Blu-Rays (the PS4 Pro can't).

But times have changed. Now everyone and their grandma own a Roku, Chromecast, or Fire TV stick/box, so it's not as imperative if a gaming system can run Crackle, FX Now, or HBO Go applications. That's the route Nintendo is going with for now with the Switch, anyway.

Speaking to Kotaku, a rep for Nintendo stated, "All of our efforts have gone toward making the Nintendo Switch system an amazing dedicated video game platform, so it will not support any video-streaming services at launch. However, support for video-streaming services is being considered for a future update."

"Considered?" Just like USB hard drive support, eh? Neither of those are a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of at launch. In other news, Miis will continue to exist, but there will be no "Mii Maker" on the Switch -- but rather, players will craft them in a buried System Settings option and they won't be required or heavily implemented unless a developer wants to.

Nintendo Answers (And Avoids) Our Switch Questions [Kotaku]

The Nintendo Switch won't have video/streaming platforms at launch, and that's okay screenshot

Final Fantasy XV's Moogle Chocobo Carnival temporarily transforms Altissia

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 12:00 AM PST

Final Fantasy XV has more than enough stuff to do before you start to dive into the realm of DLC, but it's there, if you want it.

And thankfully there's some free DLC on the way in the form of the Moogle Chocobo Carnival, accompanied by a premium holiday item pack. All you have to do is download the "Holiday Pack," and either way, you'll be able to access the carnival starting on January 23 at 5PM PT.

If you spring for the premium edition you'll get a few extra items (five accessories, two AP boosting items, a second outfit, and photo frames). The free edition nets you an accessory that prevents leveling, an AP boosting item, and an outfit. Square Enix did confirm it would be a limited, seasonal event, and it'll run until February 19 at 4PM PT. More are on the way in the future beyond the previously announced campaign reworks and the paid DLC chapters.

Hopefully the paid DLC is actually good, and FFXV hits that 10 million sold mark, because it deserves it just based on the core game alone.

Final Fantasy XV's Moogle Chocobo Carnival temporarily transforms Altissia screenshot

Read more...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...