20 Years Of Super Smash Bros.

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20 years ago this month, the original Super Smash Bros. launched for Nintendo 64 in North America. It hardly needs to be stated how important that game would prove to be for Nintendo’s fortunes. The mascot brawler would eventually grow into one of the company’s most beloved and lavish franchises, selling millions of copies and inspiring a string of imitators on other platforms in its wake. But despite all of the marquee characters attached to the game, it was also a big risk for Nintendo, a curious experiment within a genre it had little familiarity with, and its eventual success was far from assured.

By the time Super Smash Bros. arrived in 1999, Nintendo was already well-versed in spinning its mascots off into seemingly incongruous genres. The company’s dungareed workhorse, Mario, had by that point starred in even more off-shoot games than he had platformers, running the gamut from puzzlers to racers, and he certainly wasn’t the only one; the lovable puffball Kirby had a similar predilection for genre-hopping, appearing in his own interpretations of pinball, Breakout, and even minigolf, while the Pokemon series would go on to inspire a raft of its own off-shoot games following its explosive debut.

N64’s Super Smash Bros., however, differed from other spin-offs in one significant way: it marked the first time these disparate characters appeared together in the same game. While its roster may seem quaint by today’s standards, at the time it was a veritable all-star cast of Nintendo mascots. Mario, of course, featured prominently in advertisements and on the game’s box, but now he shared the spotlight with Link, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, and even a couple of relatively obscure characters like EarthBound’s Ness and F-Zero’s Captain Falcon, representing a cross-section of the company’s biggest franchises.

Few other games at the time attempted to bring this many properties together under one banner, giving Super Smash Bros. the air of a blockbuster crossover event. However, it wasn’t always envisioned as such. The game initially began life under the codename “Kakuto-Geemu Ryuoh,” a side project that Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai and then-HAL programmer (and future Nintendo president), the late Satoru Iwata, collaborated on in their spare time. From its inception, Sakurai wanted the project to offer a different type of experience than other fighting games on the market, emphasizing four-player free-for-alls and easy-to-learn controls.

When it came time to replace the game’s generic stand-in fighters with an actual cast, Sakurai asked to use characters from Nintendo’s vast stable of mascots, but the idea was initially met with some reluctance. “Nowadays, we take it for granted, but at the time, people had reservations about mobilizing an all-star cast of characters,” Iwata recalled during a 2008 interview with Sakurai. “I guess fans were upset by the prospect of pitting characters like Mario, Link, and Pikachu against one another. We had a hard time convincing them the fun and depth that were so obviously present in the Smash Bros. trademark fighting style.”

Despite this hesitance, Sakurai’s instincts proved to be correct, and Super Smash Bros. would go on to become one of the N64’s best-selling releases thanks in large part to its star-studded roster. The diverse cast of fighters gave the game a crossover appeal that many of Nintendo’s other spin-offs lacked. While Mario’s sports outings inherently drew in those who were already fans of the plumber, Super Smash Bros. appealed to anyone who had ever played a Nintendo game, be it Zelda, Donkey Kong, or Pokemon. Moreover, it allowed for some hilarious, never-before-possible confrontations, further adding to the novelty. Here was an official Nintendo game in which players could shoot Pikachu in the face using a ray gun or smack Yoshi with a hammer and send him flying into the background.

It certainly helped that the title was easy to pick up and play as well. Sakurai’s work as a game designer had long been characterized by its accessibility, and with Smash Bros., he applied that same sensibility to what was traditionally an inaccessible genre. Where most contemporary fighting games required players to memorize complex strings of inputs to pull off combos, Smash emphasized simplicity, tying each character’s full repertoire of attacks to two buttons and directional tilts. This setup still afforded enough nuance for advanced play, but even those who had never proven to be particularly adept at fighting games were able to pick the title up and join the fray with relative ease. The stages on which these bouts were contested also contributed to the unpredictability, as each featured its own unique hazards that players needed to carefully navigate while fighting.

Super Smash Bros. would go on to sell more than five million copies worldwide. While it wasn’t enough to reverse the N64’s fortunes against Sony’s insurgent PlayStation, it helped solidify the system’s reputation as a party machine. More importantly, it laid the groundwork for even greater things to come. While the original game was a commercial success in its own right, the series wouldn’t truly explode in popularity until its sequel, Super Smash Bros. Melee, arrived two years later on the freshly launched GameCube. And the franchise only continued to grow from there, each successive installment introducing more fighters, gameplay modes, music, and other content until each game became a spectacle unto itself.

All of these advances would eventually culminate in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Switch, which is far and away the largest installment in the series to date, dwarfing the original’s humble 12-character roster with more than 70 playable fighters. Despite only launching this past December, Ultimate has already become the best-selling game in the franchise, moving more than 13 million copies in four months–a testament to the series’ enduring appeal even two decades after its debut. While the original Super Smash Bros. may seem antiquated compared to the games that would follow, it’ll always be remembered for kickstarting one of Nintendo’s most beloved and lucrative franchises, and it wouldn’t have been possible if two visionary designers hadn’t worked on a weird little experiment in their spare time 20 years ago.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/20-years-of-super-smash-bros/1100-6466511/

Days Gone Composer On The PS4 Game’s Grimy Music And The Bands That Deacon Might Like

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After years of development, Sony’s next big exclusive, Days Gone, is finally here for PlayStation 4. We caught up with the game’s composer, Nathan Whitehead, for a chat about the soundtrack to the post-apocalyptic world the Pacific Northwest. Whitehead previously composed the music for the Purge film series and Transformers: Dark of the Moon, among other things.

In our conversation, Whitehead discusses how he came to be attached to the project, the challenges (and opportunities) of working with an interactive medium like video games, the overall tone and inspiration for Days Gone’s music, and the task of not repeating himself after working professionally in music for so many years. We also asked what kind of music Deacon St. John and his biker gang would probably listen to–his response is pretty great.

You can find our full interview with Whitehead below.

For more on Days Gone, you can check out GameSpot’s PS4 review here, as well as all of our written and video content here.

Q: Can you talk about the origins of music in your life and your inspirations? Where did it all begin and how did you cultivate it into the career you have today?

My parents constantly played music when I was growing up. We weren’t a family of musicians but there was always music playing. Lots of The Beatles and folk/rock from the ’60s. We even had this film score compilation cassette tape that we nearly wore out. I was eight or nine years old and had never seen old movies like Dr. Zhivago but I knew the music from that tape. I was fascinated by music as far back as I can remember and I was also very curious. I started by just picking out melodies I had heard on the piano in our living room. I remember loving the way music could make me feel and thinking, ‘What if I could write my own music?’ It felt like having a superpower. A huge part of the inspiration to become a composer was all those powerful experiences I had growing up listening to music, watching movies, playing games, etc. I migrated from piano to guitar and that eventually led to forming a band in high school.

We played mostly punk rock. Punk is great but I always felt the urge to try writing all these different kinds of music that didn’t fit the band. One day it clicked that, as a composer, I could explore all these different genres of music and be a part of films and games and the sort of experiences that had been so special to me. It immediately felt like the perfect job and it still feels that way today. My career path was basically moving from Tennessee to L.A. and working my way up through assistant jobs. I always continued to write music for short films, student projects, anything I could get my hands on. For me, moving to L.A. was really helpful and I was fortunate during this time to have some great mentors like Steve Jablonsky. After several years helping out with programming and arranging for other composers, I started getting some small films on my own and never looked back.

Q: How did you come to be attached to Days Gone?

John Garvin, the creative director at Sony Bend Studio, heard a piece of music I wrote for The Purge: Anarchy that he liked. That led to some meetings with the Sony music team and eventually with John. I was extremely excited by the project from day one and I wrote a couple of ideas for John to check out. Things seemed to click and shortly thereafter I was invited to join the team!

Q: Video games are highly interactive, unlike TV and movies. What were some of the challenges with Days Gone as it relates to making music for the game when you’re not necessarily sure how the player will be interacting with the world at any point?

Days Gone is this big, open world experience with a really powerful story. I think combining those two elements is one of the biggest challenges for the music. The story is usually served well by a score that’s more linear but the big, dynamic world means there is even more unpredictability in what could be happening at any moment.

I really wanted the player to have this immersive experience and if there’s a weird music transition, it can take them out of that experience. The Sony team were geniuses at designing the interactive implementation and that informed the way I wrote the score. Rather than simply fading music out, I wrote longer transition pieces that would feel more like a band vamping and ending organically. I also wrote a lot of layered pieces where individual tiers could be turned off or on by the game engine according to what’s happening in-game and it can make those transitions on musical beats. Hopefully, this all results in the unpredictable gameplay feeling much more like it’s being scored in a linear fashion, just on the fly.

Q: A lot of music, at least early on, is grimy and spooky–sort of like Alice in Chains-style guitars but darker in a way. Was this something intentional to represent the Pacific Northwest where the game is set and where grunge bands hail from?

I don’t think we specifically mentioned grunge but the decision to incorporate guitars and other dark, grimy elements was very much informed by the Pacific Northwest setting. This mix of folk Americana and a touch of rock elements felt right for the place and also for the biker culture. I could see Deacon St. John listening to some classic Alice in Chains from time to time. These rougher textures in the score were also inspired by the way the world is now, two years after the apocalypse. Everything has lost its sheen and the music couldn’t be too shiny and polished, either.

Q: What kind of overall tone and feel is the music for Days Gone trying to evoke?

There’s a lot of opposing forces to juggle in Days Gone–hope and tragedy, beautiful nature and a world that will kill you, and Deacon’s internal struggle with regrets and fears. My aim was for the music to possess some of the determination and grit we see in Deacon and to also feel a little introspective. And that all needed to be believable in the biker culture Deacon is a part of.

Q: You worked on Days Gone for two years, I think I heard; what was the process like? Is it creatively challenging or freeing to have so much time to work on a project, as compared to TV or movies where you have quicker turnarounds and deadlines?

A little over two years! I found it really creatively freeing to have so much time. I loved being able to really focus on our musical vocabulary and keep iterating until the identity of the score felt right. That is hard to do on any project and you never get that much time on quick TV turnarounds. It’s rare with movies. We talked a lot about the various pillars of the score–the various thematic or conceptual elements that help tell the story the music needed to tell. I think of this as musical world-building and I loved having so much time to focus on this phase.

Nathan Whitehead / Photo credit: Leah Murphy

Q: Can you talk about the creative process of working with a game studio and their own music/audio director; how much back and forth was there?

One of the best things about scoring Days Gone was the amazing team I got to work with. I spoke regularly with Sony music producers Pete Scaturro and Keith Leary and also met with John Garvin as much as possible. There was a lot of back and forth and I loved that. I would write some music and we would talk about what worked and what didn’t and new ideas would always arise from those meetings. John was great at immediately articulating his gut response to the music and he spoke in emotional terms.

To me, that is the most effective way to navigate this process – just discuss how the music makes us feel or talk about how we want to feel. A big part of the collaboration was also the tremendous support for my composing process. The team at Sony was phenomenal at managing all the details and logistics of music for a AAA game while also creating space for me to simply focus on writing music. It’s a wonderful spot to be in as a composer and I’m so grateful for the collaboration.

Q: I think some of the best work oftentimes goes unnoticed or underappreciated, and this could apply to music. How do you feel about that, if it’s even true?

I think that is true sometimes. What really excites me is storytelling and connecting with people through storytelling. Music has such special powers to do both of these things and a truly great score might be easier to overlook because the player is so engrossed in the game. That’s a huge success in my opinion. I would rather someone be moved by experiencing Days Gone and not remember the music than have them disengage from the story but like the soundtrack.

Q: You have written so much music over the years, for video games, TV, movies, and more; how do you go about not repeating yourself?

I only really know if I’m on the right path if the music I’m writing makes me feel something. That goes a long way to helping me avoid repeating myself because the musical approach I took on one score will almost never feel good to me on another project. But if I feel stuck in a rut one thing that can help is to force some limitations on the project. If I chose to only use a string quartet and an analog synth on a score, it forces me into territory I might not have been before and makes it difficult to repeat past work. That obviously has to be right for the project at hand but that can be a great way to craft a unique sound.

Q: Kind of a weird one, but what kind of music do you think Deacon’s biker gang likes?

Well, I think you nailed it earlier with the grunge connection. Alice in Chains and bikers go well together or hard-hitting Tom Morello stuff like Prophets of Rage. But Deacon is also a thinker and not simply an aggro biker. I could see him listening to Bon Iver or The National on occasion, too.

Q: Anything else you want to share about the music for Days Gone?

I’ve quickly learned how passionate and invested the game community is and I just want to say thank you to all the gamers out there for the excitement and anticipation they have already shown for Days Gone and for the music. It’s been such a challenging and rewarding project and I’m so excited to share it with everyone.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/days-gone-composer-on-the-ps4-games-grimy-music-an/1100-6466499/

20 Geeky Mother’s Day Gift Ideas – Best Gifts For Gamer Moms

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We’re now just a few weeks out from Mother’s Day, and we can assume that since you’re here, you probably have no idea what to get her this year. Flowers and spa gift cards start to feel generic after a while, and honestly, they require very little forethought–so why not surprise your mom (or wife) with something unique that shows you really thought about what she’d enjoy?

If she’s into gaming or some other nerdy aspect of pop culture, feed her obsession with an unconventional gift she’ll actually remember and enjoy long-term this Mother’s Day. From consoles and accessories to apparel, collectibles, and more, we’ve gathered some creative ideas to make the gift search a bit easier for you.

If you think you might want to get her a game, check out our top picks for each console below, and read on for more quirky Mother’s Day gift ideas.

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1. PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch

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We’ve talked up PowerA’s third-party Nintendo Switch controllers in the past–not only are they $20 cheaper than first-party Switch controllers, which generally sell for $70, but they also feature a variety of stunning Nintendo-inspired designs. This new Zelda design will be released April 30 and makes a great gift for a Zelda fan, especially if she fell in love with Breath of the Wild.

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2. House Stark Frosted Pine-Scented Tin Candle

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There are candles–and then there are Game of Thrones candles. If mom is just as hyped about the upcoming Season 8 finale as the rest of the world, she’ll enjoy lighting this little pine-scented candle featuring House Stark’s sigil that’ll leave her home smelling fresh.

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3. NES Classic and SNES Classic

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Retro mini consoles are all the rage these days, but the NES Classic and SNES Classic are both worth the hype. The two systems come pre-installed with dozens of the most iconic games of their era, offering hours of entertainment and a fun trip down memory lane for long-time gamers.

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4. Critical Hit D20 Waffle Maker

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Whether she’s a seasoned DM or plays tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons casually, she’ll get a kick out of this delicious ode to the D20 die. Fact: Fluffy Belgian waffles taste even better when they come in cool shapes.

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5. Geek Parenting by Stephen H. Segal and Valya Dudycz Lupescu

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This gift is definitely aimed at younger moms who still have little ones in the home. Both humorous and useful, Geek Parenting offers an enlightening look at the deeper lessons that can be gleaned from some of pop culture’s most famous fictional relationships, like Frodo and Bilbo, Carl and Michonne, and even Cersei and Joffrey.

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6. Protective Case for Nintendo Switch

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A hard-cover case is an absolute must for Nintendo Switch owners who take the console with them on-the-go. This particular brand offers a range of gorgeous designs that she may appreciate, but if you’re looking for a plain black case, this sturdy Orzly case is another favorite of ours (and thousands of Amazon reviewers).

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7. Overwatch Glass Water Bottle

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What better gift exists than the gift of hydration? If she’s into Overwatch, then this durable glass bottle is not only cool merch but a practical accessory she can take with her everywhere she goes.

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8. Star Wars Cookie Cutters

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This set of four Star Wars-inspired cookie cutters are perfect for creating themed treats next time she feels like watching the films.

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9. Razer Kraken Pro V2

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The Razer Kraken Pro V2, which was tested and included in GameSpot’s list of the best gaming headsets, is a reliable, affordable option for PC gamers (last time we checked, it was on sale at Amazon for just $65). Sturdy and comfortable enough for hours of wear, the Kraken Pro V2 has a retractable mic and solid sound quality and will work well if she often plays online with friends.

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10. Wonder Woman Sweatshirt

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First of all, one can never have too many cozy sweatshirts. Secondly, this striking blue top isn’t just an homage to Wonder Woman; it’s also a way of showing your mom how much you think of her–strong and inspiring, just like DC’s fierce heroine.

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11. Undertale Soundtrack Vinyl 2LP

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ThinkGeek has a variety of officially licensed collectible vinyl records inspired by games, movies, and TV shows, and each one would make a great gift for someone who’s a fan. Aside from Undertale’s unforgettable 16-bit soundtrack, you can find other options like this vinyl with music from Pokemon Gold and Silver, or this one with tracks from Stranger Things. Even if she doesn’t have a record player, vinyl records can also double as a gorgeous piece of home decor when displayed on a shelf.

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12. Hello Kitty Face Masks with Pearl Powder – Set of 7

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Korean face masks are the beauty trend that’s not disappearing anytime soon, and they’re the perfect self-care accessory all women should keep around. This seven-piece set contains restorative pearl powder, a natural source of proteins and minerals that can help boost collagen in the skin and leave it looking luminous.

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13. Philips Hue White and Color Smart Bulbs

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You don’t realize how convenient voice-controlled lights are until you start using them on a daily basis. Not only will she be able to easily control these lights using her voice; she can also choose the color, level of warmth, and more. The voice control works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, and you can also control the lights through the Philips Hue App.

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14. Museum of Gudetama Two-Sided Tote Bag

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This vibrant bag is for anyone who appreciates Gudetama (Sanrio’s popular “lazy egg” character), breakfast, colorful accessories, and/or art references. The bag features Gudetama posing as Edvard Munch’s The Scream on one side and as Mona Lisa on the other. It’s weird, it’s artsy, it’s a clash of references–and if she’s into that type of thing, this cute tote is the perfect fit for her.

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15. Personalized Cutting Board

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Cutting boards aren’t just useful–they can also function as a tasteful piece of kitchen decor. You can customize this cutting board’s size, type of wood, and message, which will adjust the pricing.

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16. Kindle Paperwhite

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The Amazon Kindle has been around for more than 10 years, and many models later, it’s still going strong and serving up digital books to readers. The Kindle Paperwhite is considered one of the best e-readers on the market for its affordability, portable slimness, Bluetooth capability, waterproof protection, and long battery life. If mom loves curling up with a book but can’t always make it to the bookstore, an e-reader is a thoughtful gift she’ll use for years.

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17. Star Wars Galactic Necklace

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Jewelry is a classic Mother’s Day gift–but this isn’t any old necklace. Featuring Star Wars planets, an X-Wing, a TIE Fighter, an asteroid belt, and even the Death Star, this gorgeous chain contains various gemstones and charms made from stainless steel. This statement necklace adds color to any outfit and is definitely a conversation starter. And if you think she’d prefer a similar necklace without the Star Wars references, consider picking up this regular solar system-themed version instead (it’s on sale!).

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18. Pusheen Slippers

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Perfect for cat lovers (particularly Pusheen), these cozy slippers will help cushion her feet and keep them warm while she’s at home. The outsoles also provide a bit of traction to keep her from slipping on hard floors.

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19. Funko Pop Captain Marvel

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This Funko featuring the Avengers’ feisty new heroine would make an excellent addition to anyone’s collection. Of course, there are also countless other Funko characters to choose from–browse more options at Amazon.

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20. Potion earrings

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There’s no shortage of game-inspired and generally geeky earrings available on Etsy, but we’re particularly fond of this red-and-blue potion earrings set reminiscent of the health and magic potions from The Legend of Zelda. Made with real cork and glass, this stunning little pair adds a pop of color and personality to any outfit. You can also purchase two red or two blue potions together, if desired.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/20-geeky-mothers-day-gift-ideas-best-gifts-for-gam/1100-6466361/

Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth – Returning Heroes trailer and DLC details

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Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth - Returning Heroes trailer and DLC details

Meet old friends in this latest trailer.

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Fallout 76 Update To Let You Carry More, Join The Pioneer Scouts

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Bethesda continues to announce and release patches for Fallout 76, and today is no different. The Maryland-based company has announced that the online, open-world shooter will get yet another update next month. Patch 9, scheduled to drop on May 7, will introduce a new faction and increase item carry weight.

The patch is titled Ever Upwards, a mantra of Appalachia’s Pioneer Scouts. The Pioneer Scouts have seen their numbers–both in terms of new recruits and veteran members–dwindle due to the Great War’s effects. As such, anyone and everyone willing to help their cause can join. To become a Pioneer Scout, players should check out train stations.

Those who join the Pioneer Scouts can complete challenges–such as archery, cooking, swimming, and more–to earn badges. These badges can be exchanged at Pioneer Scout vending machines for C.A.M.P. items and various other loot. The reward for players who reach Possum rank is tougher badges and their first backpack.

Backpacks make their first appearance with the Ever Upwards patch. Bethesda doesn’t specify how much the backpack will increase carry weight. However, they can be outfitted with a number of craftable mods, such as increasing carry capacity, damage resistance, a refrigeration unit, and more. Check out the image below for a sampling of backpack designs.

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In conjunction with these additions, double experience in Fallout 76 is happening all weekend. Double XP, available in both Adventure and Survival modes, kicked off Thursday, April 25 at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT and will end on Monday, April 29 at 6 AM ET / 3 AM PT.

Bethesda recently released Patch 8.5. The patch--approximately 2GB on console and a little under 1GB on PC–adds the controversial repair kits and a new photo mode.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-76-update-to-let-you-carry-more-join-the-p/1100-6466509/

Free Nintendo Switch Online Trial Comes Included In New Mario Tennis Aces Demo

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Nintendo has announced a special online demo for Mario Tennis Aces, which goes live on April 26 at 12PM PT / 3PM ET and continues until May 3. Downloading the demo gives you a free seven-day trial to Nintendo Switch Online as well.

“Taking part in the special demo will also allow players to reap some special rewards that even carry over into the full Mario Tennis Aces game,” Nintendo said in a press release. “Playing just one match in this week-long tournament unlocks an outfit for Mario that decks him out in classic overalls, while by collecting points in the demo’s co-op challenge mode, players are eligible to unlock blue, red, and yellow Yoshi that can also be used right away in the special demo or in the full version of the game.”

Mario Tennis Aces’ latest update added an expanded Ring Shot mode to the game. In Ring Shot, you play cooperatively with other players and try to rally as long as you can while hitting the tennis ball through randomly appearing rings on the court. There are Singles, Doubles, and Yoshi’s Ring Shot variations to the mode. Yoshi’s Ring Shot is a limited-time event which ends on June 1. You rack up points hitting the ball through the rings that are the same color as the Yoshi you’re playing as, and the event gives you the chance to unlock three new Yoshi colors: pink, orange, and light blue.

The roster in Mario Tennis Aces has grown in recent months, with Pauline, Boom Boom, Kamek, and several others joining. Dry Bones will be added as a playable character next month.

In our Mario Tennis Aces review, Justin Clark wrote, “It speaks volumes that even the multiplayer limitations don’t entirely dampen my enthusiasm for Aces. The Tetris Effect is in full swing here; days after the credits rolled, I still crave the satisfying thwack from a Power Shot, mentally replay matches and imagine how I might do things differently given a bit more focus and know-how. Mario Tennis Aces does what this series has done best, and for the most part, improves what it’s rarely gotten right prior.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-nintendo-switch-online-trial-comes-included-i/1100-6466508/

Where Is Xur? Destiny 2 Location, Exotics, And Invitation Of The Nine Guide (April 26-30)

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The Revelry is in full swing and the Iron Banner has returned in Destiny 2, and if that wasn’t enough, it’s also the weekend–which means it’s Xur time. The Agent of the Nine is back once again with an offering of Exotics to sell, although unfortunately he’s not bringing any of the Exotics from Forsaken with him this time out. He does, however, offer a Fated Engram that guarantees a fresh Exotic, and a new Invitation of the Nine weekly bounty. And if you’re still hurting for Exotics, you can head into the Verdant Forest and snag the Arbalest with our handy guide.

Head to Titan to find Xur this week. He’s in the area marked as The Rig, hanging out in a low building to the northeast of the spawn point. Ride your sparrow north with the edge of the platform and the water on your left until you see a low building; the vendor is inside.

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Xur brings Sweet Business with him this week, an Exotic auto rifle that sprays an ridiculous amount of ammo. The gun increases its fire rate and range the longer you hold down the trigger and automatically reloads from ammo you pick up off the ground, allowing you to do a ton of shooting without stopping. On the armor side, Xur brings Hunters the Lucky Pants leg armor, which reloads your stowed hand cannon for every precision hit you land, and makes hand cannons faster and more accurate when you swap to them. For Titans, there’s Doom Fang Pauldron, which gives you Super energy when you make melee kills, extends your Super on Shield Throw hits, and recharges Shield Throw when you get melee kills with your Super active. Finally, for Warlocks, there’s the Aeon Soul gauntlets, which recharges your allies’ class abilities, especially if they’re also wearing Aeon Cult Exotics.

Here are all the Exotics Xur offers this week and what they’ll cost you:

  • Sweet Business (Exotic auto rifle) — 29 Legendary Shards
  • Doom Fang Pauldron (Exotic Titan gauntlets) — 23 Legendary Shards
  • Lucky Pants (Exotic Hunter leg armor) — 23 Legendary Shards
  • Aeon Soul (Exotic Warlock gauntlets) — 23 Legendary Shards

You can also purchase a Fated Engram from Xur, if his inventory doesn’t interest you. Fated Engrams can now dish out Exotics from the Forsaken expansion, as well as the Year One group. Grabbing one of the engrams gives you a random Exotic that you don’t already have, provided you can afford it. Fated Engrams will run you 97 Legendary Shards, and you can only get one per account each week. Xur also offers the Five of Swords challenge card for free, which allows you to add difficulty modifiers that increase your score in Nightfall runs.

Finally, Xur brings another Invitation of the Nine weekly bounty. It gives you a Powerful gear drop when you complete it, as well as a bit of story about the Nine and the Drifter, and a new Lore entry. As usual, you’ll have to clear out a mess of enemies of various types, and complete a Strike. Stick to the planet mentioned in the bounty to kill the enemies you need, as they don’t always count if you kill them in other places.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/where-is-xur-destiny-2-location-exotics-and-invita/1100-6466507/

PSN’s Golden Week Sale Kicks Off With 500+ Games And DLC (PS4, PS3, Vita, PSP)

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The latest PlayStation mega sale is upon us–the annual Golden Week sale launched this morning on PSN (North America only), offering hundreds of game and DLC discounts up to 65% off (and 75% off for PS Plus members), including titles for PS4, PS3, PS Vita, and PSP.

The Golden Week sale is a nod to the week of national holidays celebrated this time of year in Japan and features Japanese-made (or Japanese-inspired) games, including popular series like Resident Evil, Persona, Dark Souls, and Dragon Quest. The sale will run until Tuesday, May 7 at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET.

It’s a good week to put your PS Plus membership to use: In addition to greater discounts on Golden Week deals, there’s also a huge sale on hundreds of PS4 games and DLC going on right now that’s exclusive to PS Plus members. Be sure to check it out before it ends Tuesday, April 30.

SHOP PSN’S GOLDEN WEEK GAME DEALS »

See some of our picks from this year’s sale below, and browse the full collection of offerings at the PlayStation Store.

PS4

  • 2064: Read Only Memories — $7 (PS Plus: $4)
  • 428: Shibuya Scramble — $20 (PS Plus: $15)
  • Attack on Titan 2 — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Dark Souls III — $27 (PS Plus: $21)
  • Dark Souls Remastered — $32 (PS Plus: $28)
  • Dead Cells — $20 (PS Plus: $17.49)
  • Devil May Cry HD Collection — $21 (PS Plus: $18)
  • Dragon Ball FighterZ — $30 (PS Plus: $24)
  • Dragon Ball FighterZ — FighterZ Pass — $21 (PS Plus: $17.49)
  • Dragon Ball FighterZ – Ultimate Edition — $66 (PS Plus: $55)
  • Dragon Quest XI: Digital Edition of Light — $36 (PS Plus: $30)
  • Final Fantasy: Royal Edition — $30 (PS Plus: $25)
  • Furi: Definitive Edition — $8.79 (PS Plus: $6.59)
  • God Eater 2: Rage Burst — $21 (PS Plus: $15)
  • Gravity Rush Remastered — $12 (PS Plus: $9)
  • Gravity Rush 2 — $14 (PS Plus: $12)
  • Jump Force — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Kingdom Hearts Collection — $90 (PS Plus: $87)
  • Kingdom Hearts III — $42 (PS Plus: $40.19)
  • Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite — $20 (PS Plus: $16)
  • Monster Hunter: World — $25 (PS Plus: $20)
  • Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Nioh: The Complete Edition — $30 (PS Plus: $25)
  • Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (VR) — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (VR) — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Resident Evil 2 — $45 (PS Plus: $40.19)
  • Resident Evil Revelations — $10 (PS Plus: $8)
  • Resident Evil: Deluxe Origins Bundle — $20 (PS Plus: $16)
  • SoulCalibur VI — $42 (PS Plus: $36)
  • Street Fighter V — $10 (PS Plus: $8)
  • Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection — $30 (PS Plus: $26)
  • Tales of Berseria — $21 (PS Plus: $15)
  • Tekken 7 — $30 (PS Plus: $25)
  • Tokyo Xanadu eX+ — $18 (PS Plus: $12)
  • Yakuza 6: The Song of Life — $28 (PS Plus: $24)
  • Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma — $12 (PS Plus: $8)
  • Zero Escape: The Nonary Games — $15 (PS Plus $10)

PS3

  • Castlevania: Symphony of the Night — $4 (PS Plus: $3)
  • Catherine — $10 (PS Plus: $8)
  • DMC Devil May Cry: Ultimate Edition — $20.24 (PS Plus: $13.49)
  • Final Fantasy IX (PSOne Classic) — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Final Fantasy V (PSOne Classic) — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Final Fantasy VIII (PSOne Classic) — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster Digital — $15 (PS Plus: $12.49)
  • Gradius V (PS2 Classic) — $4 (PS Plus: $3)
  • Mega Man Legends 2 (PSOne Classic) — $4 (PS Plus: $3)
  • Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions — $2.39 (PS Plus: $1.79)
  • Persona 4 Arena — $10.49 (PS Plus: $9)
  • Silent Hill (PSOne Classic) — $2.39 (PS Plus: $1.79)
  • Suikoden 3 (PS2 Classic) — $4 (PS Plus: $3)

PS Vita

  • 2064: Read Only Memories — $7 (PS Plus: $4)
  • Death Mark — $20 (PS Plus: $16)
  • Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention — $24 (PS Plus: $21)
  • Downwell — $2.19 (PS Plus: $1.69)
  • Dragon Quest Builders — $28 (PS Plus: $24)
  • Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Bundle — $15 (PS Plus: $12.49)
  • Muramasa Rebirth: Complete Collection — $14 (PS Plus: $10.49)
  • P3D & P5D Bundle + Megaverse Costume Pack — $52.49 (PS Plus: $45.49)
  • Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight — $28 (PS Plus: $24)
  • Persona 4: Dancing All Night — $15 (PS Plus: $12.49)
  • Persona 4: Golden — $12 (PS Plus: $10)
  • Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight — $28 (PS Plus: $24)
  • Yomawari: Midnight Shadows — $14 (PS Plus: $12)
  • Zero Escape: The Nonary Games — $12 (PS Plus: $8)

PSP

  • Final Fantasy III — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Final Fintasy IV: The Complete Collection — $9 (PS Plus: $7.49)
  • Final Fantasy Tactics (PSOne Classic) — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions — $6 (PS Plus: $5)
  • Mega Man Maverick Hunter X — $4 (PS Plus: $3)

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/psns-golden-week-sale-kicks-off-with-500-games-and/1100-6466502/

PlayStation 5 Still More Than A Year Away

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Sony recently started to explain its plans for the next generation of PlayStation, suggesting it could be closer than we had previously thought. But it still isn’t too close, as the company has now ruled out seeing it anytime in the next year.

Sony Interactive Entertainment followed up with an earnings announcement, and Wall Street Journal reporter Takashi Mochizuki tweeted about the company’s comments (via Engadget). The company announced that the next PlayStation will not be coming in the next fiscal year, which rules out any new console on shelves by April 2020. The company also recommitted a heavy investment into developing the next PlayStation.

Last year we had heard that the next-generation PlayStation was still three years away, which would put it in 2021. Cerny taking the wraps off with first details suggested that Sony could have moved that timeline up, possibly for a 2020 launch. This revelation doesn’t rule out 2020 altogether, but it does mean the company would need to aim for a summer or fall launch instead of spring.

PS4 architect Mark Cerny began detailing plans for the next PlayStation–presumably to be named the PlayStation 5–in a recent interview. The upgrade sounds like a significant improvement that still relies on a lot of PS4 architecture, even down to allowing for backwards compatibility. Other features include a solid-state drive, and the potential to support 8K resolution. You can read up on all of the technical specs we know so far.

Cerny also specifically ruled out the PS5 being an all-digital device. Microsoft has taken the first step into offering an all-digital console with the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, but it remains to be seen if its next generation will be all-digital as well. This could tie into Microsoft’s plans to launch a streaming platform, code-named Project xCloud, which could reduce the need for physical media. Meanwhile, both of them will face a new competitor with the coming launch of Google Stadia, an all-streaming gaming platform.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-5-still-more-than-a-year-away/1100-6466503/