New Apex Legends Crypto Teaser Hints At Off-World Location

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Respawn has posted a tweet of a strange message between Apex Legends‘ new character, Crypto, and his mom ahead of the battle royale game’s Season 3 launch. It’s seemingly a letter from the hacker thanking his mother for her advice in regards to asking out a cute girl. Wait a bit though and it’s revealed the message has been carefully encrypted and is actually about Crypto’s plans.

“As I’m sure you’ve heard I took your advice and I went to the Games,” the real message reads. “It’s the only way I can get close to the people who framed me. All I had to do was distract the Syndicate long enough to get ‘Crypto’s’ credentials into the system. You were right about the qualifying matches. I looked into it and there’s no way I could have gotten in. So I went with Plan B: I took down the Repulsor tower. I had no idea it would be so insane. I’m hoping the damage was enough to close King’s Canyon so I can hitch a ride on the dropship off Solace, and find the evidence I need somewhere in New Dawn.”

In the letter, Crypto is referencing the events that transpired in the cinematic trailer for Apex Legends Season 2, which saw the flyers and leviathans invade King’s Canyon after the destruction of the repulsor tower. Unfortunately for Crypto, we know his actions didn’t stop the Apex Games. The Syndicate continued the blood sport, utilizing a reworked battlefield. This might explain the subsequent hacking attempts during the final weeks of Season 2, though, as well as Crypto’s attempts to access the Singh Labs to find a space elevator. He needs a new way off-world since his previous plan failed.

“I just hope this isn’t like last time, and I don’t get blown up before I go off-planet. (Sorry. Rejection leads to gallows humor.),” the message continues. “Thank you for always being the mom I needed. I’ll be in touch. Try not to worry too much. What’s that you always say? It’s hard to be scared when you’re prepared.”

Respawn could just be releasing this message as a teaser to create more hype for Crypto, who’s believed to be coming to Apex Legends alongside the launch of Season 3 on October 1. However, it does continue to support the speculation that Apex Legends might be getting a brand-new map at some point. New Dawn could be a reference to Dawn–a multiplayer map in Titanfall Online, a canceled free-to-play game. Dawn was set in a massive desert environment that was filled with downed warships and makeshift buildings following the devastating space battle between the IMC and Frontier Militia in the planet’s upper atmosphere. Sounds like an ideal location for a new battle royale map. We’ll have to wait and see though.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-apex-legends-crypto-teaser-hints-at-off-world-/1100-6470053/

A Brand-New Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Trailer Debuts This Week

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We’re inching closer to Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order‘s November 15 release. With less than two before the third-person action-adventure game launches on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, developer Respawn Entertainment has announced that a new trailer will be unveiled this Thursday.

Respawn tweeted that a livestream is set for September 26 at 11 AM PT for Triple Force Friday (with many of the happenings coming on Thursday). Broadcasted from Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker‘s filming location at Pinewood Studios in London, the livestream is said to feature product reveals for the next generation of Star Wars products. Alongside Disney+’s The Mandalorian and the highly-anticipated Rise of Skywalker, Gotham star Cameron Monaghan, who plays Jedi Fallen Order’s protagonist Cal Kestis, is reported to reveal a new trailer and never-before-seen products for the action-adventure game.

You can watch the Triple Force Friday livestream here, on Star War’s YouTube channel, on EA Star Wars’ Twitch channel, or on EA’s Mixer channel.

Triple Force Friday Livestream Start Time

  • 11 AM PT
  • 1 PM CST
  • 2 PM ET
  • 7 PM BST

While it’s expected to be topped by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Borderlands 3, and Mortal Kombat 11, a prediction by the NPD Group suggests that Jedi Fallen Order will still rank amongst the US’ top 10 best-selling games of 2019. Jedi Fallen Order did go on to become one of GameStop’s 10 most pre-ordered games following E3 2019, where we learned a lot about the upcoming title, including its Metroid influences, the variety of Force powers available to Cal, and more.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-brand-new-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-trailer-de/1100-6470043/

Mario Kart Tour’s First Event Detailed, Features Two Special Unlockable Characters

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Mario Kart Tour finally arrives on iOS and Android devices tomorrow, September 25. To coincide with its launch, Nintendo will kick off the game’s first “Tour”–a biweekly event that will take place in different locations and give players a chance to unlock special characters.

Unlike past games in the series, Mario Kart Tour features a handful of courses inspired by real-world locations, and the first Tour will be based on New York City. The event will run from September 25 to October 9. During each Tour, you’ll be able to earn Grand Stars based on how many points you accumulate in a race. These in turn will unlock new cups and Tour gifts, which include new drivers, karts, gliders, and other items.

There are a variety of unlockable characters in Mario Kart Tour, but some will only be available during Tour events. During the New York Tour, you’ll have a chance to unlock two unique drivers: Musician Mario and Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey. Each driver in the title is able to use a special item: Musician Mario can throw two Bob-ombs at once, while Pauline can use the Lucky 7.

In addition to the real-world locations, Mario Kart Tour features a variety of courses from throughout the series’ history; we’ve gotten glimpses at Rainbow Road and Choco Island from the SNES game, as well as Dino Dino Jungle from Double Dash. The game also features 30 racers, who you’ll be able to unlock via a gacha mechanic.

Mario Kart Tour is free to download and features microtransactions. To play the game, you’ll need to have a Nintendo Account. You can create one of those for free on Nintendo’s website. For more details on Mario Kart Tour and its first event, check out the video above.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-tours-first-event-detailed-features-two/1100-6470042/

Final Fantasy VII Remake boxart revealed, plus several new screenshots and Abzu boss battle gameplay

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Final Fantasy VII Remake boxart revealed, plus several new screenshots and Abzu boss battle gameplay

New screenshots showcasing Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and the fight against Abzu.

source /news/9029-final-fantasy-vii-remake-boxart-revealed-plus-several-new-screenshots-and-abzu-boss-battle-gameplay

Huge Black Ops 4 Update Adds Tanks For Battle Royale Mode And Lots More

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Even with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare releasing next month, Activision continues to support last year’s game, Black Ops 4, with new updates and more content. The newest wave of new content is out now in the form of the Operation Dark Divide update–and it’s a big one.

For the battle royale mode, Blackout, the update restores the map to its normal look from the previous refresh that sets the stage for a new mode. The new mode is Heavy Metal Heroes, and it is a vehicle-focused mode that encourages players to jump into armored ARAVs, ATVs, and motorcycles, while a new vehicle, the tank, has been added.

No Caption Provided

The tank is … a tank. It is equipped with a mighty powerful weapon that Activision says will “decimate” anyone found in its sights. The tank supports a drive and a passenger who sits in the gunner position. To call in the tank, players must find it on the map or use the flare gun to call it to your location on the map.

Elsewhere in Blackout, the Dark Divide update adds two new weapons taken from the Zombies mode: the Savage Impaler and Winter’s Fury.

Outside of Blackout, the Dark Divide update introduces new Elixirs (Secret Shopper, Power Vacuum) and a new Perk in the form of Blaze Phase. This allows you to transform into a “charging fireball” to scorch your enemies or knock them back.

Those who have the Black Ops Pass, meanwhile, are getting the final chapter in the Zombies Aether storyline; Tag Der Toten is available now. It sees the crew of the Victis travelling to Siberia to fight off even more zombies as they uncover secrets.

For standard multiplayer, the Dark Divide update adds a new map called Lair. This map is set on a volcanic island featuring a laser that players can activate to torch their enemies. A second “new” map is “Launch,” which is a reimagined version of the original Launch map from the first Black Ops.

Go to Activision’s blog to learn more about what’s new in Dark Divide. The update is available now on PlayStation 4 with releases for Xbox One and PC to follow.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/huge-black-ops-4-update-adds-tanks-for-battle-roya/1100-6470039/

Watch Dogs Legion, Which Lets You Control Many Different Characters, Is “Complex Almost Beyond Description”

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One of the defining features of 2020’s Watch Dogs Legion is that you’re able to take control of basically anyone in the game’s version of London. Associate producer Shelley Johnson said in a new interview that the technical underpinnings of Legion are “complex almost beyond description.”

“This is probably one of the most ambitious games Ubi has ever imagined,” Johnson told Stevivor. “It was certainly from a management standpoint and a creative standpoint, the biggest challenge yet, certainly for me personally.”

Johnson told Gamecrate earlier this year that there is no limit to the number of different NPCs that players can assume control of in Legion. “One of the numbers that was floating around at one point was 9 million,” she said. “They’re procedurally generated characters. So we’ve spent four years building the technology to be able to deliver on this promise and that includes the ability to piece together this huge city of characters as far as animation, dialogue, census data, like all those bio pieces that you see when you profile somebody, faces, character kids, all of this comes together to produce a unique character every time.”

Johnson told Stevivor that it was an expensive, time-consuming process to make Legion a reality as it relates to the ambition under the hood. “[To] play as anyone, as a pillar–to really fulfil on the promise of that–it’s expensive,” she said. “This game is, in as far as challenge is concerned, complex almost beyond description.”

Testing a game like Legion sounds like a big challenge, and Johnson said it’s the first game from Ubisoft that reached the limits of what human testing was capable of. She added that, in the future, games with the complexity and scale of Legion may need to make use of AI to pick up “some of the heavy lifting.”

Watch Dogs Legion launches in March 2020 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Check out the video embedded above to learn more.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-which-lets-you-control-many-diff/1100-6470038/

Fortnite Is Adding Bots, Here’s What That Means

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The popular battle royale game Fortnite is introducing bots. In the game’s next seasonal refresh, Epic Games will introduce bots with the aim of helping newcomers learn the ropes.

The bots will behave similarly to humans, Epic said in a blog post. These bots will populate matches in all playlists except Competitive. Over time, the game will recognize when a player’s skill improves, and in turn, the number of bots in your match will decrease. Currently, Fortnite matches are populated 100 percent by other humans, so this is one of Fortnite’s biggest changes ever.

Epic says the new bots system will evolve over time as the studio iterates and updates the feature, though no specific plans were divulged.

The bots will operate alongside the new matchmaking system that Epic is rolling out in the upcoming 10.40 update. Due to the fact that the “range of player skill has grown considerably” since release, Epic is making changes to the “matchmaking logic” for Fortnite’s core modes to help match players of similar skill together.

“You will be more likely to match with players of similar skill, and as you get better, so should your opponents,” Epic said in a blog post explaining the changes. “We will slowly roll this out to all regions across Battle Royale core modes as we test and monitor how it performs. We’re excited to get this out for everyone to play with and will continue to update the system.”

Fortnite is currently in the midst of a Batman-themed event to celebrate the character’s 80th anniversary. For more on that, check out GameSpot’s guide to all the Fortnite Bat Signal locations.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-is-adding-bots-heres-what-that-means/1100-6470036/

Xbox To Be First Carbon Neutral Game Console With Test Program

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Video game companies are rallying together to try to save the planet. The United Nations Environment Program has announced a new “Playing for the Planet Alliance,” which sees 21 major game companies–including Sony and Microsoft–work together to share best practices for becoming more environmentally friendly. The companies are also quickly putting their words into action, as Sony’s PlayStation 5 will be more environmentally friendly as part of the initiative, while Microsoft is launching a pilot program to make 825,000 carbon neutral Xbox consoles.

In total, the efforts undertaken by the 21 game companies is estimated to result in a “30 million ton reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030.” Additionally, “millions” of trees will be planted, while game companies will enact practices to do better in the areas of “energy management, packaging, and device recycling.” A press release from the UN also mentions how some future games will be designed specifically with new “green nudges.” It’s unclear what this means, however.

The participating companies and platforms include Sony, Microsoft, Google Stadia, Rovio, Supercell, Sybo, Ubisoft, and Wildworks. Nintendo is the only major platform-holder that is missing.

Nintendo does, however, already operate an Environment Committee at the company’s headquarters in Japan, while each of its overseas subsidiaries have their own committees that look into environmental impact in their regions.

“The video games industry has the ability to engage, inspire and captivate the imaginations of billions of people across the world. This makes them a hugely important partner in addressing the climate emergency,” United Nations Environment Program executive director Inger Andersen said in a statement. “We are encouraged by the commitment of these gaming companies, which shows recognition that we all must play our role in the global effort to lower carbon emissions and effect real change towards sustainability.”

As for the carbon neutral Xbox, Microsoft says it will produce 825,000 of the consoles, though it’s unclear what version of the system this might be. Whatever the case, these will be the “first gaming consoles to be carbon neutral.” This is only a test program, Microsoft said, but the company is also looking to see “what we can do to further reduce and neutralize carbon across devices in the future.”

Microsoft’s business operations have been carbon neutral since 2012, so the new effort on a carbon neutral Xbox is an extension of that program.

The United Nations Environment Program said in its statement that it is possible for educational games to reach the masses, even if it hasn’t happened yet. In response to this, the UN said some of its Alliance members will host “design-jams” where developers will explore ideas to make games that are both fun and educational regarding environmental impact.

Here is what some of the member companies will do to help save the planet:

  • Sony — The PS5 will have a “low power” suspend mode, which is one part of Sony’s plan to have more energy effience technology overall. Sony will also “assess and report” their carbon footprint.
  • Microsoft — The company will make 825,000 Xbox consoles that are carbon neutral as part of a pilot program. These will be the first game consoles in history to have no carbon impact on the earth. Additionally, Microsoft is releasing a “Built the Better World” program in Minecraft to help people learn more about what they can do to help the cause.
  • Google Stadia — There will be a Sustainable Game Development guide for developers to help them implement “green nudges” into the gameplay; but again, it’s unclear what this means.
  • Supercell (Clash of Clans) — Will work on carbon impact initiatives to help offset the carbon impact of players charging their mobile devices.
  • Wild Works (Animal Jam) — The studio will “integrate restoration elements” in their games. They will also plant trees around world.
  • Green Man Gaming — Will also plant trees.
  • Ubisoft — The company will launch in-game “green themes” in unspecified titles, and will also look to source materials from “eco-friendly” factories.
  • Sports Interactive (Football Manager) — Will starting using a recycling alternative for future Football Manager games that will eliminate 20 tons of plastic packaging.
  • Creative Mobile — Their game ZooCraft will transition to becoming a “conservation-focused game”
  • Reliance Games (Little Singham) — The studio will offer in-game events across India.
  • iDreamSky — The studio will put “green nudges” in their games.
  • E-Line Media (Never Alone), Strange Loop (Eco), and Internet of Elephants (Safari Central) — The companies will “share their expertise of making high impact environmentally oriented games into the Alliance.”
  • Twitch — The company says it will use their streaming service to “spread this message [about climate change] to the global gaming community.”
  • Niantic (Pokemon Go) — Will “engage their community to act around sustainability issues.”

Full list of Playing for the Planet Alliance members:

  • Creative Mobile
  • E-Line Media
  • Google Stadia
  • Green Man Gaming
  • iDreamSky
  • Internet of Elephants
  • Microsoft
  • Niantic Inc
  • Pixelberry
  • Reliance Games
  • Rovio
  • Space Ape
  • Sports Interactive
  • Supercell
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Strange Loop
  • Sybo
  • Twitch
  • Ubisoft
  • WildWorks
  • Playmob

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-to-be-first-carbon-neutral-game-console-with-/1100-6470034/

The Surge 2 Review

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The Surge 2 Review

This sequel improves upon the original in a few ways but misses the mark elsewhere.

source /review/9025-the-surge-2-review

Game Release Dates Of October 2019: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

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With September about to end, you might be wondering about October’s biggest releases. Seeing as the fall release season is in full swing, next month is packed with just as many big new games from the industry’s most noteworthy franchises. You can expect games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and Luigi’s Mansion 3.

Amid all these big names are new expansions, indie games, and re-releases. You might want to spend another 100+ hours The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or Overwatch with their respective Nintendo Switch ports. Of course, the long-awaited Kickstarted indie action-RPG Indivisible might suit your fancy just as well. WWE 2K20 is making the rounds in October with tons of wrestlers to choose. But if you’re big into Destiny 2, then all these other games may mean nothing to you since you’re more keen to play the Shadowkeep expansion for the rest of the year. And since the free-to-play New Light version of the game is coming out on the same day, newcomers can jump in with fewer obstacles than before.

It’s safe to say that there are plenty of games coming in October, and if you’re all about knowing when each one is releasing, then you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up all the biggest releases of October 2019 below. For a look at all the other big games still to come this year, be sure to check out our complete list of game release dates in 2019.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (PS4, Xbox One, PC) — October 4

As the sequel to 2017’s Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Ghostpoint is taking a different approach to the series’ established formula. Aside from a darker tone, it places a greater emphasis on survival, gathering loot, and class-based tactical shooting. You explore the New Zealand-Inspired fictional island of Aurora as Ghosts operative Lieutenant Colonel “Nomad,” as they take on missions to eliminate a rogue military contractor known as Skell Technology.

Further Reading:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PS4, Xbox One, PC) — October 25

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a soft reboot to the tenured first-person shooter franchise. Across both single-player and multiplayer, the focus this time is on tactical shooting and decision-making. Though, you can still expect the fast-paced competitive thrills the series is known builds its name on. Other notable features in Modern Warfare include cross-platform multiplayer, the return of killstreaks, an 100-player mode called Ground War, and more.

Further Reading:

Luigi’s Mansion 3 (Switch) — October 31

Nintendo fans will be pleased to know that Luigi’s Mansion 3 is releasing this month and on Halloween, no less! It once again stars Mario’s easily-frightened brother who’s on an adventure to rid the ghostly presence of a haunted hotel.

Further Reading:

Full October Release Schedule

GamePlatformRelease Date
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep (Expansion)PS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 1
Ghostbusters: The Video Game RemasteredPS4, Xbox One, PC, SwitchOctober 4
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon BreakpointPS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 4
The Alliance Alive HD RemasteredPS4, SwitchOctober 8
Concrete GeniePS4October 8
IndivisiblePS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 8
Trine 4: The Nightmare PrincePS4, Xbox One, PC, SwitchOctober 8
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible LairPS4, Xbox One, PC, SwitchOctober 8
GridPS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 11
Overwatch: Legendary EditionSwitchOctober 15
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete EditionSwitchOctober 15
Little Town HeroSwitchOctober 16
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Complete EditionSwitch, PCOctober 18
Plants vs Zombies: Battle for NeighborvillePS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 18
Ring Fit AdventureSwitchOctober 18
WWE 2K20PS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 22
Call of Duty: Modern WarfarePS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 25
MediEvilPS4October 25
The Outer WorldsPS4, Xbox One, PCOctober 25
Disgaea 4 Complete+PS4, SwitchOctober 29
Resident Evil 5SwitchOctober 29
Resident Evil 6SwitchOctober 29
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HDPS4, Xbox One, SwitchOctober 29
VampyrSwitchOctober 29
Yakuza 4 PS4October 29
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret HideoutPS4, Switch, PCOctober 31
Luigi’s Mansion 3SwitchOctober 31

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-release-dates-of-october-2019-ps4-xbox-one-ni/1100-6470030/