Friday, April 1, 2016

New Games

New Games


Superhot meets Clustertruck in Super Truck

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:00 PM PDT

You know and love Superhot and Clustertruck, right? If so, then TinyBuild's April Fools' Day combination of those two titles is right up your alley.

I just gave Super Truck a quick spin and it is pretty much what you'd expect: the trucks only move faster than a crawl when you move and they are red. This is easily the best April Fools' thing I've seen thus far as it is playable and free. Grab your copy here for PC.

Superhot meets Clustertruck in Super Truck screenshot

Trion Worlds' newest game is Atlas Reactor, open alpha now live

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:00 PM PDT

More and more games are sporting a bright cartoony art style these days, and I can dig it!

Trion Worlds is getting ready to launch the tactical game Atlas Reactor at some point this year, and is kicking off an open alpha event this week to celebrate. While a closed beta will be coming soon, players can jump in now for a "limited time" to experience the game.

Utilizing a weird mix of turn-based and real-time strategy, players have 20 seconds to decide their actions, all of which will carry out in the following resolution phase. There are 15 characters that have been revealed so far, and you can check out some gameplay below. It looks promising enough.

Atlas Reactor [Trion Worlds]

Trion Worlds' newest game is Atlas Reactor, open alpha now live screenshot

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy arcade is being tested this month

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 02:00 PM PDT

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival -- which is totally not an April Fools joke as it was announced weeks ago -- is being tested this month in Japan. Square Enix has announced that tests will begin on April 15 and conclude on April 17 at select locations, and all testers who complete a survey will be given a special seal trinket for their troubles.

The folks over at Gematsu have the full rundown of all of the locations you can play it, which you can also check out below. I recently imported Theatrhythm Dragon Quest, and although I don't like it as much as the Final Fantasy line, it isn't bad! Hopefully we see more of these in the future.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival [Gematsu]

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy arcade is being tested this month screenshot

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Sony Computer Entertainment renamed Sony Interactive Entertainment

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 01:00 PM PDT

Ha, I've been trying to make it clear what is and isn't actual news on this April Fools day, in the Year of our Luigi, but this one is so dull that you can probably figure it out for yourself.

Sony has officially announced that they have changed their name from Sony Computer Entertainment to Sony Interactive Entertainment. This change will take place in America, Europe, and Asia. That's it. I'm only reporting this to cut down on the confusion factor when people think SCEA went out of business or something.

To me, no matter how many name changes Sony goes through in my lifetime, I will never forget the "Sony Computer Entertainment America!!!" opening at the start of select Crash Bandicoot games.

I wish Naughty Dog still made great, silly games in addition to its ultra-serious current fare.

Corporate Name Change [Sony]

Sony Computer Entertainment renamed Sony Interactive Entertainment screenshot

River City Ransom SP has been delayed

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT

River City Ransom SP basically came out of nowhere for me, and was on track for an April release on 3DS. The operative word here is "was," because Arc System Works has delayed the game to June 2. No other reason was given besides "quality" concerns.

At the moment, SP is a Japan-only release, but something tells me this will be an easy one to import. That is, if you have a Japanese 3DS!

River City Ransom SP [ via Gematsu]

River City Ransom SP has been delayed screenshot

Oculus has bungled the launch of the Rift

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 11:30 AM PDT

The Oculus Rift launched on March 28, or at least, that is what Oculus would like us to believe. The reality is that North American Kickstarter backers received their units on or around the launch, and the first person to pre-order the Rift received it hand-delivered by Oculus founder Palmer Luckey, but many people who were quoted March shipping dates still have not had their Rifts shipped. Why?

Luckey is staying pretty quiet about the whole ordeal, and what little he has said comes across as a bit lacking. "Stay tuned for future updates, I will give them as soon as possible -- this particular update was set in stone just hours ago!" Luckey tweeted on March 27 before posting a screencap of that same tweet just four days later on March 31. In the mentions of the screencapped tweet, someone asked "when?" to which Palmer responded with a screencap of "as soon as possible."

The Oculus subreddit has been filled with threads by redditors furious that their pre-orders have not been fulfilled yet and about the lack of communication from Oculus on the situation. Palmer eventually responded to a couple of these threads, stating that he "won't give in-depth updates on any situation without knowing it is solid, true, and finalized," and that "many thousands of Rifts (are) out there" in consumers' hands.

While all the details aren't clear, there are glaring problems with the Oculus Rift launch. First off, Kickstarter backers were never promised a complete retail version of the headset, but they got one anyway. Secondly, the pre-order page went live minutes early, and people placed their order before the intended start time indicated by a countdown timer on the homepage of the Oculus Rift site. Instead of keeping things fair, Oculus honored those orders, and those who waited until the page was supposed to be live are seemingly still waiting, myself included. I managed to get my order in at 8:05am, as I found a link to pre-order from a post in the Oculus subreddit since the page with the countdown timer didn't display the link right away.

What I know for sure is that I and many others received an email on March 24 stating "Your Rift is almost ready to ship, and your order will be processed in the next 1-3 weeks. For some customers, your actual ship date may differ from the estimate you saw when ordering," and that is the last I've heard about my Rift. My press contact has no other information at this time, and Forbes came up empty-handed when it contacted customer support. At this rate, I'll more than likely have the HTC Vive on its April 5 launch before my Rift even gets shipped.

Maybe I'm just spoiled, but I've had no trouble getting any new piece of consumer hardware at launch pending I pre-ordered it or waited in line the night before release. I've never seen another launch where the only people who had the hardware at launch are developers, press, the first guy to pre-order, and those who helped crowdfund the item years ago. Nor have I witnessed a company take pre-orders months in advance, only to delay shipments just days before launch. 

I guess Luckey wasn't lying when he said "shipping a real consumer product is more complex than janking out a dev kit."

The Oculus subreddit has been filled with many threads by redditors furious that their pre-orders have not been fulfilled yet and about the lack of communication from Oculus on the situation. Palmer eventually responded to a couple of these threads stating that he "won't give in-depth updates on any situation without knowing it is solid, true, and finalized," and that "many thousands of Rifts (are) out there" in consumers' hands.

While all the details aren't clear, there are many glaring problems with the Oculus Rift launch. First off, Kickstarter backers were never promised a complete retail version of the headset, but they got one anyway. Secondly, the pre-order page went live minutes early, and people placed their order before the intended start time indicated by a countdown timer on the homepage of the Oculus Rift site. Instead of keeping things fair, Oculus honored those orders, and those that waited till the page was supposed to be live are seemingly still waiting, myself included. I managed to get my order in at 8:05 am, as I found a link to pre-order from a post in the Oculus subreddit since the page with the countdown timer didn't display the link right away.

What I know for sure is that myself and many others received an email on March 24 stating "Your Rift is almost ready to ship, and your order will be processed in the next 1-3 weeks. For some customers, your actual ship date may differ from the estimate you saw when ordering," and that is the last I've heard about my Rift. My press contact has no other information at this time, and Forbescame up empty handed when it contacted customer support.

Maybe I'm just spoiled, but I've had no trouble getting any new piece of consumer hardware at launch pending I pre-ordered it or waited in line on release night. I've never seen another launch where the only people who had the hardware at launch are developers, press, the first guy to pre-order and those that helped crowdfund the item years ago. Nor have I ever witnessed a company take pre-orders months in advance, only to delay shipments just days before launch. 

I guess Luckey wasn't lying when he said "shipping a real consumer product is more complex thanjanking out a dev kit."

Oculus has bungled the launch of the Rift screenshot

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Here's a recap of this year's April Fools' gags

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 11:00 AM PDT

Ah April Fools', the one time a year where half of the internet says that the other half doesn't have a sense of humor.

I've always been kind of torn on the celebration myself. On one hand, a lot of these pranks end up as timeless discussion points and truly hit the mark as art forms in and of themselves. On the other, I've grown tired of the tryhard nature of the festivities, and outside of my required duties, I try to stay out of it to avoid the whirlwind of what is real and what isn't. I don't chalk it up to getting old, as I've felt this way for over a decade. Wait what was I talking about again?

Anyways, rant aside, here's a recap of what went down today! You like fun, don't you?

Here's a recap of this year's April Fools' gags screenshot

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FNF - Dtoid vs Reverb Games: Rocket League

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 10:40 AM PDT

DvR

Bats and Supes aren't the only ones having an epic throwdown this week (Though ours will be much more fun). The always awesome, ever sexy, and my personal wet nurse, Steven Hansen is leading you into battle at 4pm today! Who are we battling? The Reverb Games Twitch maestro Rick "KingFoom" Olson (who setup this whole thing and many of you should remember) and their awesome community from their Twitch channel! The battleground itself is Psyonix's Rocket League, and we need three of you to help us (well, err, Steven) out!

How do you join? KingFoom will be hosting a private server and Discord chat (I'll update with a link, once I have it) for this event. All you need to do is head over to Twitch.tv/ReverbGames chat and say "Hey, I'm from Dtoid and want to play!" Since Rocket League is crossplay, don't worry if you're on PC or PS4, it'll all get sorted. Just get in there and have fun with some great people! The games will also be hosted on our Twitch channel as well, so we've even given you viewing options (we classy)! 

Foom tells me there might be prizes, Steven has (not) promised nudity, and there's a 75% chance I'll show up in chat and say something horrible about someone's mother. What more do you need?

FNF - Dtoid vs Reverb Games: Rocket League screenshot

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This thankfully fake NVIDIA energy drink probably tastes like PC coolant

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 10:30 AM PDT

NVIDIA is touting an "amazing new weapon for PC gamers," and it's not a new graphics card. It's the fake energy drink "GeForce GTX," which boasts 980mg of caffeine.

I typically only have an energy drink once or twice a year, during crunch time (my last was Metal Gear Solid V pre-embargo). But back in the day though when "LAN Cafes" were actually a popular thing, I'd down them like soda.

Maybe we'll all have massive heart problems in our old age because of it. But for now, "game on!"

This thankfully fake NVIDIA energy drink probably tastes like PC coolant screenshot

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Super Carmen Miranda RPG justifies Cockeyes VR's design

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 10:00 AM PDT

At this point, the industry has been set ablaze by this morning's announcement of the biggest virtual reality headset on the market, Cockeyes. Aside from the definitive pornographic experience on the market, there isn't a whole lot of information about the extensive software catalog.

One of the titles far enough along in development to try is Super Carmen Miranda RPG, and it handily demonstrates the strengths Cockeyes has over its competition. You're going to want this one.

Super Carmen Miranda RPG justifies Cockeyes VR's design screenshot

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Mojang teases a 'Trendy' costume update for April Fools'

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 09:30 AM PDT

Mojang has embraced tech culture with their newest April Fools' joke for Minecraft. The "1.RV" update teases "trendy" items that "get with the times," including wearables, gadgets, and VR glasses out the wazoo.

They also note that the gear "might not come off," and that since you'll need to constantly charge, all players get a complimentary USB power block. It's relatively tame as far as April Fools' jokes go, but it's not like Minecraft even needs more press.

Minecraft 1.RV [Mojang]

Mojang teases a 'Trendy' costume update for April Fools' screenshot

CPSC blasts Cockeyes VR as most dangerous product ever

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 09:00 AM PDT

Expressing disbelief in how a product like this ever made it past the testing stages, the chairman of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said today he will never allow the Destructoid Cockeyes VR headset to reach store shelves.

"In the two years I've been the head of this commission I have not seen a product more recklessly dangerous than this so-called entertainment device," Doug Turner said in statement released this afternoon. "During the brief time we've spent with the Cockeyes, four of our product testers had to be institutionalized due to madness. Another two haven't stopped crying since they put it on and one man has convinced himself he is God."

CPSC blasts Cockeyes VR as most dangerous product ever screenshot

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Arc System Works overhauls website, is now a 'wedding planner'

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 08:30 AM PDT

Here's a golf clap for Arc System Works.

In one of the more out there April Fools jokes, Arc has re-purposed their website to sell bridal packages for thousands of dollars, promising serene locations from various games like the Guilty Gear series. Who wouldn't want to honeymoon on the Mayship with Johnny?

Sadly, the gag site has seemingly already reverted back, but it's the thought that counts, and you can see a snapshot here and some tidbits in the gallery below.

Arc System Works [Arc]

Arc System Works overhauls website, is now a 'wedding planner' screenshot

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'I can finally die happy' says The Wizard's Lucas of Destructoid Cockeyes VR

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 08:00 AM PDT

Earlier today we unveiled the biggest virtual reality headset on the market, Destructoid Cockeyes, but a few experts and taste-makers have already had their hands on and heads in it. A highlight among the glowing reviews came from Lucas, professional gamer upset in 1989 by an unknown contender using what many suspect was insider information on a previously unreleased game.

Of the VR headset, Lucas extolled:

"Bad" doesn't even begin to describe it. This thing is truly awful. It's terrible. It's atrocious. It's dreadful. It's garbage. It's wholly unsatisfactory. It might just be the worst. I love it. I finally can die happy now.

He then went on to postulate that if he had Cockeyes back at the Nintendo World Championships, he probably would have handily beaten that cheating punk kid.

'I can finally die happy' says The Wizard's Lucas of Destructoid Cockeyes VR screenshot

Good to know: My Nintendo points expire after six months

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 07:45 AM PDT

Nintendo rolled out its new customer loyalty program, My Nintendo, earlier this week. It's sort of like Club Nintendo, but more digital-centric, at least for the time being. There are a few different ways to earn points -- linking your social media accounts, buying 3DS or Wii U games on the eShop, completing tasks in Miitomo -- that can be exchanged for rewards like full games and coupons.

An important note: "Points are valid for six months after you collect them. When you redeem points for rewards, your points closest to expiring will automatically be used up first."

This message is not exactly hidden or anything, but I missed it my first (admittedly hurried) time through My Nintendo, and figured some of you might have done the same. Something to be mindful of, for sure! And for future reference, you can check your points history here to see what you've earned, what you've spent, and if any of your points have expired.

Good to know: My Nintendo points expire after six months screenshot

Ha! Nintendo teases physical Splatoon arcade for April Fools'

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 07:30 AM PDT

The April Fools' jokes keep rolling in!

This time the official Splatoon Twitter account unveiled a "Squid Booth," which is basically a "mobile" platform to play Splatoon for up to four players. The account also claims that you can buy two for double the fun, but the price for said privilege has not yet been announced.

You know what? If money was no object I'd totally build this myself.

Splatoon [Twitter]

Ha! Nintendo teases physical Splatoon arcade for April Fools' screenshot

Get ready for Also Cocks, the premier porn experience for Destructoid Cockeyes

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 07:00 AM PDT

We all know that the future of porn lies in virtual reality. Sure, video games are great and all, but who needs games when you've got some grade-A spank material?

For this reason, we here at Destructoid are proud to announce Also Cocks, a strictly pornographic VR experience. Take a tour of the Destructoid headquarters after dark, with members of our staff letting it all hang out, fully uncensored for your fapping pleasure!

Whether you'd like to see Brett's donkey Donski, Patrick's Hancock, Jed's junk in the trunk, or Niero's big boss, it's all on display as if you're right there in the room with them. We even have planned DLC to include previous staff members such as Jim Sterling, who finally uses that dildo bat for its intended purpose, and Conrad Zimmerman, who is just waiting to give you a mustache ride.

Also Cocks will be an exclusive launch title for Cockeyes, Destructoid's upcoming VR hardware. Get pumped!

Get ready for Also Cocks, the premier porn experience for Destructoid Cockeyes screenshot

Not April Fools': Nintendo will mail you a Shadow Mewtwo card for Pokken Tournament

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 06:30 AM PDT

Nintendo has always made it clear that prospective Pokken Tournament buyers would only get the Shadow Mewtwo card if they bought the game physically, but it's going the extra mile with a new promotion. Provided that you have signed up for the Nintendo Store, anyone who bought the game digitally can now send in a support ticket to try to get a physical copy of the card. You just need your Nintendo Network ID and the serial number. Note that this offer is only available in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

I checked this and it is definitely real. There's no way Nintendo would subject their entire support center workforce to this trickery. If it did though it would be one hell of an April Fools' joke -- though nothing will likely top Google's mic drop fiasco.

Shadow Mewtwo amiibo Card Offer for Pokkén Tournament [Nintendo]

Not April Fools': Nintendo will mail you a Shadow Mewtwo card for Pokken Tournament screenshot

Get a year of PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold for $40

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 06:15 AM PDT

Update 4/1: Well the PS Plus cards are now sold out at the $40 mark. Xbox Live Gold cards are still kicking strong.

Deals on PlayStation Plus subscriptions are pretty rare, particularly at the $40 price point. Before today's deal, the last time we spotted a 12-month PS Plus card for $40 was in January. And before that? All the way back in September of last year.

As of this morning, eBay powerseller neogames has a truckload of physical Sony PlayStation Plus one-year membership subscription cards available for $39.99 with free standard shipping. Xbox gamers won't need to feel left out either, the same deal is available for one year worth of Xbox Live Gold from the same retailer.

We generally receive a quantity notification from eBay, but that info is missing in action today on the PS Plus. So if you're reading this a few days later, don't be surprised if they've run out of stock at the $40 price. For the Xbox One, expect the $40 deal price to end when quantity reaches the ~88,000 mark.

If you were hoping for a digital code so you can renew your subscription ASAP, you're a bit out of luck, but shipping is free at the very least. The cards do not expire, so you can stack these up for when your PS Plus subscription nears expiration.

Game deals from Dealzon. Sales help support Destructoid.

Get a year of PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold for $40 screenshot

Now I'm a believer: RV is the future of gaming

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 06:00 AM PDT

I have to admit that I was skeptical. When something's so absurdly out of left field, you kinda have to be. For 40 years now, video games have been about sitting on your couch and staring at a TV screen. I didn't want to believe that would ever change.

So, some four years ago when that gas station attendant they call Lucky Palmer told me that RV was the future of gaming, I readily dismissed him. I said "Mister, if there's one thing I've learned in this life, it's to never take advice from a man whose name sounds like a cheap brand of cigarettes." Four years later, well, now I guess I can say I haven't really learned anything.

I slept on it that night. And the next night. And a lot more nights. Sometime, maybe a year ago, I started to think there could be something to this RV nonsense. I mean, it looks so goddamn cool

It's hard to imagine because I'd never been in an RV before. Other people said it was a life-affirming experience. "Take my word for it," they'd say. "This is a game changer." I was stuck on the practical application. I'm supposed to spend all this money on an RV because you say it's so great? I don't even have a big enough driveway for this thing!

Earlier this year, I bit the bullet. The hype got to me. Lucky's words stuck with me. I bought a camper and it cost me a lot of money. Then, I had to buy a new truck because I found out that my old one couldn't pull my camper. In for a penny, in for a pound, I guess. 

With my bank account severely depleted, me and my best friend took off on a cross-country road trip. He'd drive down the interstate while I sat in the back and played video games. Now that I've tried it first-hand, friend, let me tell you: I'm no longer a skeptic; I'm a believer.

There's just a special magical feeling about RV gaming. Wind rushing through the cheap aluminum screen and across your face as you rip around Rainbow Road. The smell of the Kansas asphalt as you blow up Megaton. It really is better. Just...just take my word for it.

That's what do, 16 hours a day. Time disappeared when we were in that RV. Before I knew it, we'd be stopped for the night, parked in a Walmart lot. People we worried about my health, telling me this might not be good for me. I was just worried about fending off the small town crackheads.

Now that I've had a taste of the good life, I don't know that I'll ever be able to go back. Why would you willingly settle for a lesser form of gaming? Settling ain't my style. So, you can find me on the open road in my RV, doing what I love. And if any of you happen to come across that Lucky fellow, well, tell him I said he's one smart cookie.

Now I'm a believer: RV is the future of gaming screenshot

Square Enix's ChocoGo parody apes startups, ridesharing apps

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 05:30 AM PDT

Square Enix is coming into April Fools with one of my favorite jokes of the day -- a pitch for a ChocoGo app. It's a ride sharing app where users can "tip greens" and use their favorite lovable birds to get around.

I love the presenter, as he seems like he's constantly holding back laughter using phrases like "husbandry." I'm surprised he didn't claim that ChocoGo would "disrupt" the industry! Doesn't he knew that disruption is the only viable business model?

Square Enix's ChocoGo parody apes startups, ridesharing apps screenshot

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Leaked Nintendo presentation: you already own an NX controller

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 05:00 AM PDT

Whoops, Nintendo! This morning we received an anonymous tip containing nothing but a video file containing what looks to be an internal Nintendo presentation, shedding new light on the touchscreen NX controller we should be hearing more about very soon.

We're absolutely sure this is totally legit, no doubt about it.

Leaked Nintendo presentation: you already own an NX controller screenshot

Blizzard teases Hearthstone MMO for April Fools'

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:30 AM PDT

Blizzard usually has the best April Fools' joke, and they're at it again with a Hearthstone MMO pitch, complete with an over-the-top announcer that sounds like he's selling cans of Surge in the 90s.

It's basically a mockup of Hearthstone mixed with World of Warcraft footage, but the spokesperson sells it with phrases like "all new three dimensional game world." It brings me back to when people used to yell "BLAST PROCESSING!" at me on a constant basis while trying to peddle me sugar.

Blizzard teases Hearthstone MMO for April Fools' screenshot

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League of Legends celebrates 'Draven Day,' which is actually real

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:15 AM PDT

Riot Games has reskinned their entire League of Legends experience to accomodate Draven -- a character that has basically become the Street Fighter-esque "Dan" running gag -- for April Fools day.

Sure it's an old meme but Riot really went all in on it. In addition to their entire front page being taken over by Draven, there's also a host of new skins to buy (which are actually real, I checked), Draven minions to fight, merch, new in-game bundles, and a "Dravenizer," that makes you face more like...Draven.

It's a smart move to embrace a community meme, but I also appreciate the fact that actual content came out of this instead of something light.

Happy Draven Day [League of Legends]

League of Legends celebrates 'Draven Day,' which is actually real screenshot

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Tips for getting the most out of the Destructoid Cockeyes VR Helmet

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:00 AM PDT

As you've no doubt already heard, the Destructoid Cockeyes VR Helmet aims to be the most immersive virtual reality bucket on the market. With its patented TruVue 360 bucket fidelity, the Destructoid Cockeyes will bring all the fun and excitement of having your head stuck in a vice directly into your home. We at Destructoid have already got our hands on this game-changing device, and those of us who survived can't wait to share it with you.

If you've already set aside six paychecks to cover the 10 percent down payment you need to get on the pre-order waiting list for this state-of-the-art piece of technology, then the following tips for getting the most out of this revolutionary VR headset are for you.

Tips for getting the most out of the Destructoid Cockeyes VR Helmet screenshot

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I wish this 999 and Danganronpa crossover was real

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:45 AM PDT

Spike Chunsoft with the big guns! Mixing up two of their biggest franchises, they've teased Nine Coins, Nine Purses, Nine Bears: The Novel, which is "coming soon to Monokuma OS" and "graphing calculators."

You know what? This would actually work, as I fully expected Monokuma to pop out at any point during the Zero Escape series. There's still a chance, as the upcoming Time Dilemma could just opt to go with a different Zero twist -- one perhaps more bear-related.

Maybe we'll all have egg on our faces that we didn't heed this obvious hint.

Spike Chunsoft [Twitter]

I wish this 999 and Danganronpa crossover was real screenshot

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Maybe Square Enix can recoup FFXV costs with its multi-thousand dollar clothing line

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:30 AM PDT

Yesterday, we learned that Final Fantasy XV would have to sell 10 million to break even (read: double Metal Gear Sold V's sales). But I think I know how the company might be able to make all of it back.

You with me? How about this...Miles Finch Overpriced clothing!

Yes, for the low, low cost of $1,442 from Japanese fashion company Roen, you can dress like Noctis, with a full top, bottom, designer pair of gloves, and $30 socks. Prompto's outfit is going for over $2,000. Insanity!

Final Fantasy XV [Fashion Press via Kotaku]

Maybe Square Enix can recoup FFXV costs with its multi-thousand dollar clothing line screenshot

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Blizzard jokingly reveals 'birds' as the fourth Starcraft II race

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:15 AM PDT

Birds, man. They ruin everything!

Not according to Blizzard though. They love birds so much that they're willing to put them in Starcraft II as the fourth race to compete against the Terran, Protoss, and Zerg. They even created some animations for them and everything. Well, sorta, as this is an April Fools gag, as is the below Carbot Zergling video.

Jokes aside, I'd love to see a fourth Starcraft race one day. I was always a bigger Warcraft RTS fan for that reason, and heroes sealed the deal.

Starcraft II [Battle,net]

Blizzard jokingly reveals 'birds' as the fourth Starcraft II race screenshot

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Cockeyes has a clever solution to the VR motion sickness problem

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:00 AM PDT

Virtual reality is obviously the only way anybody will ever play video games until the end of time, but it has one major hurdle it still needs to address: how can it turn humans into sessile piles of organic matter who never have to exit the virtual world in order to attend to standard bodily functions like eating, drinking, pooping, or vomiting as a result of classic VR motion sickness? Destructoid Cockeyes takes a clever approach to the latter issue.

Lead engineer Donna Pheelwell explains how a new perspective on the problem completely changed how the team decided to tackle it.

Sure, software developers can use tricks like adding in a virtual nose, but we wanted to implement a hardware solution that would work across all genres and titles.

So we took a step back and thought, "Wait. Maybe we can use this to our advantage. Maybe we can change the conversation about VR motion sickness." We decided to lean into it.

Cockeyes is unique among virtual reality headsets in that it's just so absurdly large. This gives it two advantages. For one, it covers the entire face, so any vomitus expelled from the mouth stays inside the helmet and away from furniture or pets that would eat it. We used some of that extra space near the front and built in moisture and pH sensors, so the helmet knows when the user has spewed into it.

For two, we have a lot of room for additional modules inside the helmet. So we installed klaxons, strobe lights, and a scent generator that can produce a small range of aromas including decomposing animal carcass and flying fish. As a result, we can trick users' brains into feeling like they are in situations where vomiting is normal, like burrowing through a landfill during a thunderstorm or vacationing on a Carnival Cruise ship.

The human brain is a peculiar organ. We found in our testing that even with users who consciously acknowledged they were sitting in a room using virtual reality, they felt content with the acrid stench of stomach juice surrounding their heads and the half-digested Pringles running down their shirts. It just feels natural when the headset is tuned properly.

So while other VR headsets recommend suspending use when motion sickness sets in, Cockeyes allows nonstop gaming on the head, no matter what the rest of the body says about it.

Cockeyes has a clever solution to the VR motion sickness problem screenshot

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Felspire Rise of The Saint Trailer

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:08 PM PDT

Felspire reveals its upcoming expansion, Rise of the Saint.

The post Felspire Rise of The Saint Trailer appeared first on MMOHuts.

Chronicle: RuneScape Legends – First Look

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 04:01 PM PDT

Chronicle: RuneScape Legends – First Look

Chronicle: Runescape Legends is a free to play CCG developed by Jagex for PC, Mac, and mobile devices. In Chronicle: Runescape Legends players can become creators of epic adventures within the deep lore of the RuneScape universe. Chronicle is planned to release with two forms of cards, creature and support. You can spend your gold to buy support cards which can give you buffs, boosts and other effects to varying aspects of the game. Creature cards are monsters and will provide you with gold and other items… if you defeat them that is.

Chronicle: RuneScape Legends is Jagex's take on the growing online-card game genre. By mixing mechanics typically found in board games and card games, throwing a tiny dash of RPG in, and presenting it on a light-weight client, they've managed to create something rather unique in a saturated market. Of course, RuneScape is also a much-loved and well-known setting, so instant popularity for the game is almost assured. If you're a fan of strategy with a bit of chance thrown in, you may find yourself enjoying Chronicle: RuneScape Legends. It certainly has both in spades.

There’s a ton of content planned to come in the months ahead, including our first major card expansion bringing a ton of Old School Runescape content in Mid April, as well as the introduction of Morvran, the Slayer Master in Late April!

To get another perspective on the game, check out our MMOHuts beta review HERE!

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Escape from Tarkov Weapon Customization Demo

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:51 PM PDT

Escape from Tarkov shows off its intensive weapon customization system from alpha.

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Warframe announces New Lotus Voice Packs

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:34 PM PDT

When there’s a need, game developers rush to fill it – and today, Warframe is delivering some hot new voice packs for Lotus.

They include:

  • Waifu Lotus: Make every headshot an adorable memory. Waifu Lotus believes in you and knows you’re doing a super great job, Tenno! *
  • Mr. Lotus: Give in to the dulcet tones of Mr. Lotus. Let his rugged voice charm you all the way to Extraction.
  • Lotus Flower: Suave. Sophisticated. Full of pollen. Straight from the water garden it’s an actual Lotus! Don’t let her delicate petals fool you, she’s one tough bloom!
  • Dismal Lotus: Add Dismal Lotus as your guide and if you’re lucky he might have something positive to say. Don’t count on it, though. He would look on the bright side if only he believed there was one.
  • Vay Hek: He may sound like he’s full of rage, but he just wants to help! Follow the newly supportive Vay Hek to the ends of the Earth and things might just get a little meta. Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. We hope.

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Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:06 PM PDT

My first experience with online gaming was the text-based MUDs [Multi-User Dungeons], where the gameplay was less focused on an "end-game" and more focused on the grind, and group based gameplay. I enjoyed it, without graphics and everything! Silly, I know. Tree of Savior harkens back to those days, as well as Ragnarok Online, a cutesy MMO that almost everyone has likely played or heard of. So many MMOs on the market now are aimed at, again, the "end-game". Doing big-time raids, getting new, ridiculous gear, then sitting around waiting on the next raid to release. That can be terrifyingly boring, and one of the reasons I fall out of games like World of Warcraft and Destiny, et cetera. However, I enjoy the grind, and the fellowship that comes with it. Thankfully Kim Hakkyu, an original creator of Ragnarok Online, is back to form with an adventure that aims at making the journey to end-game the real game. It has a Ragnarok, and Secret of Mana feel to it; it's adorable and fun with monsters and mythos representing Lithuanian culture. Mix all these elements together for a sure fire enjoyable experience.

Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

What you don't know Lithuanian culture? Good it will feel new!

I adore this game. I did not expect that I would love it as much as I did. And unlike other "news outlets," I'm not going to spend this entire write-up complaining about one bug that made the start of the game infuriating. Sure, having a controller plugged in prevents players from using the menus and starting the game. That's one of the hazards of playing a beta before launch. Please remember what Early Access means. Tree of Savior is not quite ready for primetime yet, but those willing to spend cash can get in now. Believe me when I say there's no small number of gamers that have bought in either. The game uses servers, which also have "channels", a pretty popular idea overseas [This is a Nexon-published title after all] and the lower the load/lag on that server, the higher chance that the queue time will be absolutely soul-crushing. I did have a two hour wait today, and only found myself getting disconnected right at the end. Upsetting? Yes. But instead I just picked a different, higher-lag server and got right into action. Surprisingly there's no cash shop yet, though dataminers have confirmed cosmetics hinting that it's in the works. But enough babbling on semantics! Let's move on to the meat and potatoes!

How does Tree of Savior come together? It's got what feels like a very basic series of classes to pick from at the get-go: Archer, Cleric, Swordsman, and Wizard. Very simple, very easy to understand what each of them does. But that's where simplicity goes out of the damn window. Players have a Character Level and a Class Level. You gain a character level, then a class level in an alternating fashion. Once you gain a certain level with your class [for the first rank it's 15], you can select a new rank class, or simply gain another Circle or enhance that particular class [Say, Cleric]. If you opt to not go with another circle, you get two choices for the upgrade: Priest or Krivis. The next tier offers two more class choices.

Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

Tree of Savior offers the greatest jump in anime mmorpg class innovation since Eden Eternal.

I believe you can go up to rank 3 of your own class. I have not gotten quite that deep into the class system though, as it takes so long to make progress. There are about 80 classes offered, and there are Class Masters to teach you new passives in addition to the other passives you can learn for your base class. As far as passives go, you have them divided up for each class you have under your belt. They can increase damage, range, and other effects of your powers. Another thing to be aware of is once you have changed classes, you can learn the "Weapon Swap" trait, which simply put, lets you swap your weapon. Leveling gains skill points for your powers, and stat points to enhance yourself; the game also suggests what stats are most important, thankfully. It is also important to note that when you start off, you make a "Team" name. I feel like it should have been a family name since it appears in game as a "Last Name." However they do not appear to cross servers; I believe you have to have a different Team per server.

Now, with about 80 classes across the board, you might be asking yourself: "What's the level cap?" In the beta, it was about 200, but from what I've gathered, it is planned at launch to hit 400-500. There are level 400 dungeons and areas to explore, contributing to this theory. So there is definitely plenty of grinding and exploring to do. Each area is beautiful and adorable, and I started to feel kind of bad pummeling the cute little creatures into tiny pieces. I spent most of my playtime with the Cleric, but that gave me the chance to party with others to see just how varied gameplay can be. The buttons for the game are pretty simple. You have an attack button [Z], and a jump button [X], and your standard [Q]-et cetera for abilities and items on your hotbars.

Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

Hotkeys are pretty complex but the way its presented, it's easy to learn.

Jumping is actually pretty important too, since larger enemies [bosses, etc] can do huge aoe attacks or cones that can typically be avoided by jumping with the right timing. It's not too hard to get the hang of, but it means you shouldn't spam attacks on these boss type fights until you know the pattern. One of the big gripes I have with this game is while combat and movement are terribly simple, this game has SO MANY DAMN BUTTONS. The inventory defaults to [F2], not [I]. [F1] increases stats, [F3] is for learning skills. It even has a default button to recording video footage. [Insert] puts you into "Rest Mode" which offers your moment of creating certain things. Though despite the piano of hotkeys, Tree of Savior is surprisingly easy to learn and play. The tooltips, when you need them, appear on the left side of the screen and you can scroll through the information, complete with screenshots to make it easier to understand. Kudos to them! It's also worth noting that when you complete a quest, you can press [Backspace] to teleport back to the quest giver for a quick turn in.

Clerics are the best support out of the base classes, and their heal spells do not target individual players. This is an action game, [which does have controller support humorously enough, see bug from earlier] and the heal spells drop onto the ground as circles or blocks. If enemies walk across them, they take damage, and so it's pretty easy to kite enemies and drag them to their deaths. One thing I noticed is if you gain a character level, a huge explosion happen and lots and LOTS of enemies erupt and take damage. It can reveal more things to kill, and have way more enemies than you want aggro you, but it shouldn't be a problem. Damage is not something any class is short on! It's the little things that make this game fun! Tree of Savior is a pretty open world, but you can teleport from place to place by worshiping statues. Most dungeons I've encountered have statues for quick return trips once you've unlocked them.

Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

Cel-shaded battles have never felt so epic.

When you are not running around killing adorable critters, you can hit Insert and go into Rest Mode. While in Rest Mode, if you have the materials, you can make a campfire, craft consumables, as well as a few other items. However, it's not instantaneous. Could be seconds, a minute or two, or ten+ minutes if it is really a powerful item. However, you do gain faster HP regen while in this rest mode, and if there are benefits to your rest mode [campfire], other players can use them as well. You can also use an Anvil item to upgrade items, upgrade gems, and improve your items in a variety of ways. I won't spoil too much of that since it could very well change by the time the game launches, though currently crafts are rated on a 5 Star system.

Speaking of other players, most of the early dungeons are open world in a sense. While you zone into them they are treated as regular zones where players also join at the same time you do. You do not have to find a huge group prior to taking them on. Once you hit level 50 you can do instanced areas that will probably feel more familiar to standard MMO players. You also get Companions! I love the concept of companions, and you can set yours in the Lodge [character select screen, where your Team exists] to use them on any character on your same account and server. If you unlock a powerful Companion that you use often with your main character and build a close bond with them, they won't likely be as great with a lower character who doesn't have a high bond with said Companion. Some of them can be ridden, some help you fight, and there is talk that there are plans to add equipment to the Companions which I think will be fantastic.

Tree of Savior Early Access Impressions

Tree of Savior's grind does the impossible, being both lengthy and incredibly rewarding.

One of my favorite parts of the things you acquire in this game are EXP cards. Many quests give them to you and they offer EXP depending on the rank of the card. They give Class AND Character EXP, so they are invaluable. And with how long the grind can get, it's totally worth hunting for them.

Do You Need This?

Current State of the Beta: Great

I do not feel everyone ought to be leaping into the Early Access; there are still plenty of bugs and weird glitches, not to mention I want you all out of my server queue! One of the most noticeable issues is when my character moves at certain diagonals, his head wiggles and twitches angrily like he's in Night at the Roxbury. Lag and huge queue times hold Tree of Savior back, but fun gameplay, cute monster designs, and a ton of adventure keep drawing me back in. If you enjoy a good long grind, it's definitely something you'd enjoy playing with friends. I mean, you can even create Guilds with different functions. You can be a combat guild and declare war on other groups, or be an agricultural guild and sell your wares on the open market to make a fortune. You can PVP against other guilds in the field, and destroy their guild tower.

With plenty of class and upgrade choices, cool equipment, and amazing skills, Tree of Savior at last can proudly bear the title of spiritual successor to Ragnarok Online. I was a bit worried that it only had four classes, but the amount of customization that it allows blew me away. It even has card battles! It's a fairly balanced game, but I do feel like it can be incredibly easy to grind in certain areas. When I saw it had a "Stamina" system it also gave me some pause. But there are items in the wild to give you back stamina, not to mention it recovers pretty swiftly when not running around. All in all, Tree of Savior is the MMO you didn't know you needed, but do. It's a beautiful, fun, time-absorbing game that any age can enjoy. There are so many things I didn't cover, but I can say beyond a doubt: You like Ragnarok Online? Cute, addictive, fun gameplay? You need this.

Keep an eye out at the end of the month as Jamesbl0nde and Abubakr follow up with additional coverage of Tree of Savior!

Full Gameplay Image Gallery

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ARK: Survival Devolved Trailer & Bonus Spotlight

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 03:03 PM PDT

Forget the classic dino survival game: dinos ride humans as ARK gets a new focus. Also a spotlight showcasing the new Woolly Rhino, Eurypterid, & Dunkleosteus.

The post ARK: Survival Devolved Trailer & Bonus Spotlight appeared first on MMOHuts.

Dirty Bomb Phantom Rework Preview

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 01:21 PM PDT

An early test of the upcoming Phantom re-work, focusing on tweaks to his Katana to make it more team orientated.

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Total War: WARHAMMER Terrorgheist Reveal

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 01:07 PM PDT

Total War: Warhammer showcases the Terrorgheist, a terrifying screeching creature ready to divebomb the enemy.

The post Total War: WARHAMMER Terrorgheist Reveal appeared first on MMOHuts.

Spellbinders Gameplay Trailer

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 12:46 PM PDT

Kiloo Games showcases Spellbinder, its MOBA designed for mobile.

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Gods of Rome Nero Reveal Trailer

Posted: 01 Apr 2016 12:31 PM PDT

Gods of Rome welcomes the pompous mortal, Emperor Nero, in today’s trailer.

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