Bandai Namco offers a look at Digimon Survive in new developer diary

Bandai Namco offers a look at Digimon Survive in new developer diary

Digimon Survive resurfaces in a new in-depth video.

source /news/8534-bandai-namco-offers-a-look-at-digimon-survive-in-new-developer-diary

E3 2019: Google Stadia — What We Know And Want To See At E3

The way we play games changes by the year, but there’s something particularly special about 2019: the advent of cloud-based streaming. Google is leading the charge with Stadia, which is a hardware-less gaming platform that relegates all graphical processing to remote data centers. Through an internet connection, you’ll be able to stream games directly to any capable device using the power of high-end machines housed elsewhere. So, it doesn’t matter what your actual local hardware is; as long as you can run a Chrome browser and have a sufficient internet connection, you can play any game available on Stadia.

Stadia was first unveiled at the Game Developers’ Conference 2019 with a keynote presentation outlining the first details of this new platform. We were given a breakdown of how the tech works, a few on-stage demonstrations, some of its unique capabilities, and a tease of which studios would be contributing to Stadia. And we even got hands on with Stadia itself on the GDC show floor. With E3 2019 right around the corner, we expect Google to make another push with new announcements and more information since the company said it’ll have more to share in the summer. This could encompass Stadia’s business model, upcoming game library, and possible release date–it’s set to launch sometime this year in the US, UK, and “most of Europe” after all, and E3 is as good a time as any to go big.

What We Know So Far

The unveiling of Stadia at GDC 2019 gave us plenty of details about the platform. Aside from the fact that it’s entirely based in the cloud, making it accessible on multiple devices, we know about its technical specifications. At launch, Stadia users will have the power of a custom multi-core hyper-threading CPU clocked at 2.7 GHz, 16GB of RAM, cloud SSD storage, and most notably a brand-new AMD GPU rated at 10.7 TFLOPs–for comparison, the Xbox One X (the current powerhouse for consoles) is rated at 6.0 TFLOPs. Stadia will be able to play games at 4K resolution at 60 frames-per-second, though that may vary depending on games, optimization, and your own internet connection. There are plans to gradually upgrade Stadia’s specs over time, and Google is aiming to support 8K and 120 FPS in the future. But Stadia’s capabilities aren’t bound by a simple TFLOP number, since cloud-based tech can account for much more.

You won’t have to wait around for game downloads, and updates or patches since Stadia is pulling from a cloud-based version whichever game you’re playing. Google is also going to great lengths for YouTube integration, and we’ve seen it in action, like being able to jump into specific parts of a game based on a video, which is called State Share. Streamers can also let viewers join their multiplayer games instantly through what’s called Crowd Play. Google Voice Assistant will be featured as well, and could have significant implications for guides and instant access to information for games you’re playing.

When it comes to cloud-based services, bandwidth is always a huge concern as this could be a deal-breaker depending on ISP conditions and data caps. Google stated that 20 to 25 mbps is necessary for a proper 1080p 60FPS experience and around 30 mbps for 4K. As for input lag, Google VP Phil Harrison said in response to whether or not he’s confident in Stadia’s performance will satisfy players, “Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.” He cited the expectations that id Software has for Doom Eternal and how Stadia has been able to meet those expectations with its responsiveness in gameplay.

What’s Confirmed For E3

Nothing has been confirmed for E3 2019 on Google’s behalf, yet. However, the GDC reveal was capped off by saying that there would be more details to come in the Summer. Well, E3 is in June, and June is in the Summer, so it’s fair to think that Google would insert itself into (or at least around) the biggest convention for the gaming industry. Whether it’s officially part of E3 proper isn’t likely. We may see some publisher/developer booths with Stadia running certain games, but we don’t expect to Google to have an official presence at the show since it is not part of the ESA.

What We Hope To See At E3

As much as we know about Google Stadia, there are still plenty of questions that need answering and finer details that need explaining. Most importantly, what does the Stadia pricing model look like? Will it be a subscription based service, or is it simply a platform where you purchase access to specific games, or will there be options for incremental play time? Maybe it’s a hybrid of all these? It’s a mystery at this point, but Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot predicted that it would blend several purchase options. Back in April, Google stated that it already decided on a pricing model but planned on sharing details at a later date. Well, Stadia launches this year and the coming days would be as good a time as any to make the announcement.

Up to now, we’ve seen Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and the upcoming shooter Doom Eternal (see above) running on Stadia live. While those are some big names, that’s only two games, one of which has been out for months already. Google has boasted wide ranging partnerships with notable developers and publishers like Ubisoft, Bethesda, and 2K Games, and introduced its own first-party studio led by former EA and Ubisoft head Jade Raymond. With this in mind, we’d expect to see more games running on Stadia. A tentative launch lineup would also be nice to drum up hype for the platform, but to also get a better idea of what we can expect to play on it.

While Stadia’s key selling point is the elimination of a hardware requirement, Google is still going to offer its own controller specifically designed to give you convenient access to the platform’s unique tools. The Stadia controller was on display at GDC 2019 when the platform was first announced, but attendees couldn’t actually get their hands on it. We’d hope to get a feel for how it works and how its ergonomics compare to the DualShock and Xbox controllers, gamepads we’ve been using for years now.

We’re covering cloud-based game streaming from all angles as this is a big shift in the gaming industry, and you can keep up with all the Google Stadia news and details here on GameSpot.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2019-google-stadia-what-we-know-and-want-to-see/1100-6467268/

Zelda Spin-Off Cadence Of Hyrule Releasing In June

Nintendo has narrowed down the release window for Cadence of Hyrule, the upcoming Zelda-themed Crypt of the NecroDancer game for Switch. During its recent Indie World 2019 broadcast, the company announced the title will launch sometime in June.

On top of confirming its release window, Nintendo showcased roughly a minute of new footage of Cadence of Hyrule, which you can watch below. The segment begins around the 6:57 mark and shows Link and Zelda–both of whom are playable in the upcoming game–navigating a handful of environments inspired by A Link to the Past and battling classic enemies like Bokoblins and Darknuts.

Nintendo had previously announced Cadence of Hyrule would be launching sometime this spring, although the company hadn’t specified when. There was speculation the game would surprise release this week, after eagle-eyed fans discovered a line that reads, “Release date: May 30, 2019” in the source code of Nintendo’s website. However, that has since been changed to say June 20, although whether that is the game’s actual release date or merely placeholder text remains to be seen.

Cadence of Hyrule was first announced back in March, during the Nindies Spring Showcase 2019 presentation. The game is being developed by Brace Yourself–the studio behind the original Crypt of the NecroDancer–and blends CotND’s signature rhythm-based combat with music, characters, and environments from the Legend of Zelda series. Nintendo says the game boasts 25 remixed Zelda songs, as well as a randomly generated overworld and dungeons.

Cadence of Hyrule isn’t the only 2D Zelda game coming to Switch this year. Nintendo is also releasing a remake of the series’ classic Game Boy installment, Link’s Awakening, for the hybrid console sometime in 2019. We will likely hear more about that game during Nintendo’s E3 2019 Direct presentation, which takes place on Tuesday, June 11, at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zelda-spin-off-cadence-of-hyrule-releasing-in-june/1100-6467288/

New Digimon Survive Video Reveals Original Anime’s Influences On The Game

Bandai Namco has released a new dev diary for Digimon Survive, an upcoming survival strategy RPG based on the franchise about digital monsters. The video acts as a lead-up to both the game’s release and the upcoming 20th anniversary for the international debut of the original Digimon Adventure anime, recounting the history of Digimon and how it has influenced the development of Digimon Survive. This video is linked below.

“At present, the Digimon Story series is acting as our core property since we believe that it’s our best property to further expand Digimon’s reach, but we also have another series known as Digimon World that while strongly supported by our core fans, is rather specialized in its game mechanics making it somewhat harder for more casual fans and customers to get into, leading us to spend some time thinking about how we can change this, how we can keep the unique gameplay style and feeling of a new game while also creating a Digimon game that’s a new approach, and this is what led us to develop Digimon Survive,” producer Kazumasa Habu said.

“We also looked at one of the key features of the Digimon Adventure anime, where Digimon grew stronger to reflect people’s hearts, and wondered what would happen if we incorporated that element into a game,” he continued. “We thought it would be fun to have the drama between the characters factor into how the Digimon evolve within the game.” Habu went on to describe how Digimon Adventure played a huge role in Digimon Survive’s development, citing the anime as inspiration for the game’s storytelling, art style, and character designs.

In this regard, the Bandai Namco team turned to the original source when it came to building Digimon Survive’s world–director Hiroyuki Kakudō. “One of the most interesting things I heard from [Kakudō] was that Digimon, as titled, were not born because humans created computers but instead became visible to human beings only because they created computers and digital technology,” Habu said. “He told me that he wrote the world of Digimon with this in mind, that Digimon have been living alongside humans throughout history and that Digimon in the past may have been manifested through magic or sorcery or in Japan, via the ancient art of onmyo, subjugating them as shikigami, or as yokai, or even as demons… One of the concepts we have for this game is whether or not we can bring to life and expand on this challenging fictional world [Kakudō] has envisioned.”

Bandai Namco’s contribution to Digimon’s lore seems to be the end of the Digital World or at least some sort of implication that it undergoes a cycle of destruction and rebirth. Habu describes Digimon Survive’s world as a place of “severe ruin, the sort of tragic place so broken that it might vanish at any given moment.”

Even though we still don’t know much about Digimon Survive, it’s my most anticipated game of 2019. The game is expected to launch on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-digimon-survive-video-reveals-original-animes-/1100-6467286/

Visit the GameSpot Base Station during E3 2019!

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E3 2019 is just around the corner and the GameSpot team will be ready to bring you the best coverage and so much more! If you are in Los Angeles from June 11 to June 13 you should stop by our Base Station, located at the Chick Hearn Court, between Staples Center and the Microsoft Theater.

The GameSpot Base Station will be open to the general public for all ages. You won’t even need a badge to enjoy non-stop live gameplay on the eSports truck, hit the Galactic Gaming Station for some arcade gaming, take some memorable pictures at the Jack in the Box Fuel House Photo Opp, or get some exclusive swag from the Jack in the Box Loot Box. Be sure to stop by from 3 pm to 8 pm.

And we can’t forget our celebrity meet & greets:

Tuesday June 11

Wednesday June 12

  • Sohinki, Jovenshire & Lasercorn from 3pm to 4pm
  • The New Day, WWE Smackdown from 4pm to 6pm
  • Funhaus from 6pm to 8pm

Thursday June 13

Remember to follow us on Twitter to find out the latest updates on our meet & greet schedule, keep up with surprises, and for the best coverage of E3 2019.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/base-station/

Where Is Xur? Destiny 2 Location And Exotic Weapons Guide (May 31-June 4)

Only one weekend remains before Destiny 2 receives its next content drop: Penumbra, the final content addition covered under the game’s Year Two annual pass. June 4 starts the Season of Opulence, the last new content addition before Bungie outlines the “next chapter” of Destiny–and since it’s the weekend, that makes this the last visit by Exotics peddler Xur before the start of the new season.

Xur is hanging out in the Tower this week. Head to the Hangar and turn left from the stairs, past Dead Orbit, to find Xur up on the catwalk near the edge of the area. Things are a bit out of character for Xur this week: He’s not carrying a weapon for you to buy, but only three pieces of armor.

No Caption ProvidedGallery image 1Gallery image 2Gallery image 3Gallery image 4

For Warlocks, Xur offers the Wings of Sacred Dawn chest armor, which you can use with the Dawnblade Super. When you’re using the Exotic, aiming your weapon will let you hover in midair, and landing weapon hits while you’re up there will extend the effect. Titans can snag the Aeon Safe gauntlets, which grant grenade and class ability energy to your allies and even more energy if they’re wearing Aeon Cult gear themselves. Finally, Hunters get the Frost-EE5 boots, increasing your sprint speed when you dodge and speeds up your ability regeneration while sprinting.

Xur Exotics For May 31-June 4

  • Aeon Safe (Exotic Titan gauntlets) — 23 Legendary Shards
  • Frost-EE5 (Exotic Hunter leg armor) — 23 Legendary Shards
  • Wings of Sacred Dawn (Exotic Warlock chest armor) — 23 Legendary Shards

If you’re bummed about not getting a gun from Xur this week, you can also buy a Fated Engram, if you can afford it. Dropping 97 Legendary Shards on the item will grant you one Year One Exotic you don’t already have for that character. 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.

And if you haven’t finished all nine of Xur’s Invitations of the Nine, you can snag one of those as well. The bounty was new in Season of the Drifter, dispensing Powerful gear rewards, a bit of story about the Nine and the Drifter, and a lore drop.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/where-is-xur-destiny-2-location-and-exotic-weapons/1100-6467287/

E3 2019: All The Square Enix Games Confirmed (So Far)

E3 2019 is fast approaching, and the biggest publishers are preparing to show off their slates of games for the upcoming year and beyond. Square Enix is holding a press event on Monday, June 10 at 6 PM ET / 9 PM PT. Regular show watchers will recognize that time slot as one that usually belongs to Sony, which is forgoing the conference this year.

We already know some of Square Enix’s plans, while others are less clear. The company has teased a reveal of its long-anticipated Marvel’s Avengers game. Some details have purportedly already leaked, but seeing it announced live is almost certain to reveal more information. Square also recently announced it will show off Dying Light 2 from Techland at its E3 event. And while it isn’t quite confirmed, the latest State of Play presentation showed of the Final Fantasy VII remake with an intriguing “more to come in June” teaser, which probably means it will be part of the E3 presentation too.

Make sure to check out all of GameSpot’s coverage of E3 2019 for the latest breaking news, and read our full E3 conference schedule to plan your watching for the weekend. Below is a standing list of all of the confirmed Square Enix games we know are slated to make an appearance at the show, so far.

  • Dying Light 2
  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Marvel’s Avengers

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2019-all-the-square-enix-games-confirmed-so-far/1100-6467285/

Doraemon: Story of Seasons – Second Japanese promotion trailer shows various activities and events

Doraemon: Story of Seasons - Second Japanese promotion trailer shows various activities and events

You can collect and use Doraemon’s gadgets as the game’s storyline progresses.

source /news/8531-doraemon-story-of-seasons-second-japanese-promotion-trailer-shows-various-activities-and-events

Console editions of Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment Enhanced Editions announced for September

Console editions of Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment Enhanced Editions announced for September

Console editions of classic CRPGs are landing in September.

source /news/8532-console-editions-of-baldur-s-gate-and-planescape-torment-enhanced-editions-announced-for-september

Divinity Original Sin Studio Appears To Tease Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios, the developer behind Divinity: Original Sin and Original Sin 2, has dropped what appears to be a teaser for a new Baldur’s Gate.

The official site has updated with a “III” logo, though the stylized lettering isn’t quite unique enough to necessarily identify it as belonging to Baldur’s Gate. As some savvy Twitter users have pointed out, though, the metadata refers to the image as “BaldursGate_logo_III_retouched.” It’s possible this wasn’t meant to be seen and is something of an inside joke, but it could also mean the studio is bringing Baldur’s Gate back. The timing of this tease could suggest that the studio is preparing a reveal at E3 2019.

The series has been relatively quiet recently. An Enhanced Edition port of the original Baldur’s Gate was released in 2013, and a new expansion was released in 2016, under Atari and the Canadian publisher Beamdog. The last numbered Baldur’s Gate game released in 2000, developed by BioWare.

The Divinity games have gained critical acclaim of their own. GameSpot’s review of Original Sin 2 awarded it a 10/10, which would make the studio a good fit for reviving the classic series.

“From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made in both its original and Definitive incarnations, with the latter proving that even the most complicated role-players can be ported successfully to gamepad-limited consoles,” Brett Todd wrote. “This immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of recent years, and it remains an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/divinity-original-sin-studio-appears-to-tease-bald/1100-6467281/