Halo Infinite Loses Another Top Dev But Studio Says Not To Worry

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The Halo Infinite development team has lost another person in a leadership role, but 343 Industries is urging fans not to worry. Mary Olson, who was the lead producer of Halo Infinite’s campaign, has departed 343 Industries to join the nearby Seattle studio Midwinter Entertainment.

Olson’s departure from the Halo Infinite team caused some fans to worry that the Xbox One and PC game might be in trouble. However, 343 community manager John ‘Unyshek’ Junyszek said in a Reddit post that there is “no creative dilemma” at the studio, and that Olson’s departure is not out of the ordinary for a game closing in on its release date.

Fans were worried, it seems, because Olson was just the latest high-level developer to leave the Halo Infinite team. Creative director Tim Longo left in August, and at the time, Olson was named as his replacement of sorts to help oversee Halo Infinite’s campaign.

Unyshek wrote on Reddit that Olson’s position as lead producer for the campaign was to “help drive the game to its completion” before the Holiday 2020 release date. Longo, meanwhile, was creative director for the entire game–spanning multiplayer and campaign.

Unyshek spoke out on Reddit to clarify this and assure fans that 343 is still “working hard to make sure we can execute on [Halo Infinite’s] vision.”

“Unfortunately the thread’s title saying, ‘He was replaced with Mary Olson and she also left,’ is far from accurate,” Unyshek said. “It implies that Mary took over creative control of the entire game, didn’t like what she saw, and then decided to leave. If that’s what actually happened, I could totally understand getting worried–but that isn’t the case, as she was a Lead Producer and not a new Creative Director. There is no creative dilemma inside the studio, and there’s no writing on the walls.”

It is not clear who, if anyone, will take over for Olson in overseeing Halo Infinite’s campaign from now until release next year.

The campaign in Halo 5: Guardians was regarded by some to be weak; even 343 boss Bonnie Ross acknowledged that Halo 5’s story missed the mark in some ways. This is no doubt contributing to fans’ worries about Halo Infinite’s story.

Whatever the case, Unyshek said it is foolish to presume that Halo Infinite’s story will be bad because two major developers left. “There will undoubtedly be things you like and dislike about every game,” he said. “There will be times this happens because of people leave and times when this happens because people stay. That said, preparing to pin the blame on people leaving/staying a year out from launch probably isn’t the best take.

“No game is perfect, but we’ll certainly do our best.”

Halo Infinite releases in Holiday 2020 as a launch title for Project Scarlett. The game will also be available on PC and Xbox One.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-infinite-loses-another-top-dev-but-studio-say/1100-6470539/

Pokemon Go Regi Trio Returning For A Limited Time

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Regigigas is finally making its debut in Pokemon Go next month, but before it arrives in EX Raids, you’ll have another chance to catch the other three Legendary titans. Regirock, Regice, and Registeel are returning to standard Raids for a limited time beginning November 1, and this time around, you’ll also have a chance of encountering their Shiny forms.

The three Legendary Pokemon will appear in five-star Raids until 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET on November 4, giving you only a couple of days to capture them. The three titans are known for their high defense stats, so to help you take them on, Pokemon that are effective against the Legendaries will appear more frequently in the game.

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In particular, Geodude, Magnemite, Swinub, Aron, and Spheal will spawn more frequently in the wild. Meanwhile, Aerodactyl, Shuckle, Sneasel, Skarmory, Snorunt, and Beldum will be more likely to hatch from eggs, and incubators will be twice as effective as normal during that three-day span, allowing you to hatch eggs more quickly. You can read more about the titans’ return on the Pokemon Go website.

As previously mentioned, the Legendary Regigigas will appear for the first time in EX Raids later in the month, but if you don’t want to wait until then, you’ll have the option to encounter it early by purchasing an event ticket. This will give you access to a Special Research story event called “A Colossal Discovery.” The event takes place on November 2 from 11 AM to 7 PM local time and culminates in an encounter with Regigigas.

Unlike other in-game items in Pokemon Go, however, the event ticket cannot be purchased with Poke Coins–you’ll need to shell out $8 USD if you’re thinking of picking one up. This is the first time Pokemon Go has locked events behind a paywall; previous Special Research questlines were available for free to all players. If you don’t choose to get a ticket, you can still encounter Regigigas in EX Raids later in November, but you’ll need to receive an invitation to participate in those battles.

In the meantime, Pokemon Go’s Halloween 2019 event kicks off this Thursday, October 17. For a limited time, you’ll be able to encounter costume-wearing starter Pokemon in Raids, while a Pikachu wearing a Mimikyu costume can be found in the wild. The Legendary Dark-type Darkrai will also make its first appearance in Raid Battles as part of the event.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-regi-trio-returning-for-a-limited-time/1100-6470535/

Here’s How Long Little Town Hero Lasts

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Little Town Hero is the next RPG from Game Freak, the studio that brought us the massive Pokemon series. This game is a little smaller in scope, though, as you may expect from the little town name. Game director Masao Taya says he wanted to make it a smaller, more digestible role-playing game for adults who are pressed for time.

“Despite my love for this genre, I haven’t really been playing turn-based RPGs other than Pokémon as of late,” Taya told Nintendo Life. “Of course, becoming an adult has reduced the amount of time I can devote to games, but I believe that’s not all. RPGs are really time-consuming, and with how big the maps are, you can easily get lost and stuck in areas where you only get to battle weak opponents. That was a large part of the reason that I stopped playing as much.

“So with Little Town Hero, we’ve been careful not to prepare maps that are infinitely huge, or maps filled with opponents that can defeated just by spamming the attack button. Instead, we’ve aimed for an interesting battle system that really makes you consider how to go about defeating your enemy, each and every time.”

Taya says that Little Town Hero can vary based on how quickly players connect with its unique battle system. If you catch on quickly, it will be 10-12 hours. If not, it might be more around 15-20.

That’s still a good bit shorter than a lot of other RPGs. Pokemon games tend to be 20-30 for the main campaign, and much more if you aim to catch ’em all. Persona 5 is well over 100 hours.

Little Town Hero releases on October 16 on the Nintendo Switch eshop. Game Freak is also preparing to put out its next main Pokemon games, Sword and Shield, in November.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/heres-how-long-little-town-hero-lasts/1100-6470534/

Life is Strange 2 to get a retailer Standard and Collector’s Edition

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Life is Strange 2 to get a retailer Standard and Collector's Edition

The complete edition to be put on your shelf.

source /news/9076-life-is-strange-2-to-get-a-retailer-standard-and-collector-s-edition

Pokemon Go Adding Regigigas Next Month, But You Can Catch It Early If You Pay

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A new Legendary Pokemon is coming to Pokemon Go very soon. The colossal Regigigas is set to debut next month in EX Raids, but if you can’t wait until then to catch one, you’ll have a chance to encounter it early–but only if you pay.

Niantic is introducing a paid ticket system that will give players access to a Special Research questline called “A Colossal Discovery.” By purchasing a ticket, you’ll be able to take part in a special story event that culminates in an encounter with Regigigas before it appears in EX Raids.

The Colossal Discovery event will take place on Saturday, November 2, from 11 AM to 7 PM local time. In addition to access to the event, purchasing a ticket will net you a Colossal Discovery medal, an Unova and Sinnoh Stone (used for evolving certain Pokemon from their respective regions), an exclusive avatar pose, and the ability to receive up to 10 free Raid Passes when you spin Photo Discs at PokeStops during the event.

The ticket will retail for $8 USD, and unlike other in-game items, it cannot be purchased using Poke Coins. This is sure to be a controversial addition to the game. Up until now, Special Research questlines have been available for free for all players, but this new ticket system locks an entire event behind a pay wall. You can read more about ticket, including details on how to purchase one, on the Pokemon Go website.

If you don’t decide to spring for a ticket, you’ll still be able to catch Regigigas in EX Raids later in November, but you need to receive an invitation to participate in those. Meanwhile, Regirock, Registeel, and Regice will return to standard Raid Battles from November 1-4, and you’ll have your first chance to encounter their Shiny forms.

That’s not the only Pokemon Go event on the horizon. This year’s Halloween event kicks off on October 17 and introduces costume-wearing starter Pokemon, Shiny Yamask, and specially themed Field Research quests. The Legendary Dark-type Pokemon Darkrai will also make its debut in five-star Raids.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-adding-regigigas-next-month-but-you-can/1100-6470530/

Wargroove Free DLC To Add Co-Op Campaign And New Commanders

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Indie studio Chucklefish has announced a huge update coming to its strategy game Wargroove. The “Double Trouble” DLC will come to all platforms for free, and brings a co-op story campaign, additional commanders, units, editor tools, and more.

According to the announcement, Double Trouble’s new story campaign stars a league of roguish troublemakers as its new Outlaw Commanders: Wulfar, Errol and Orla, and Vesper. You’ll be able to play the new story campaign co-op online or on the couch, or solo if that’s your groove. It will also introduce two new units, Thieves and Riflemen. Thieves can lift gold from enemy encampments and strongholds, while Riflemen are strong but ammo-limited range fighters.

The update also includes competitive online Quick Play maps, public and private multiplayer lobbies, new arcade missions, and a Volcano theme along with a host of editor tools. You’ll be able to use unit modifiers, indicators for special criteria like where the last attacker was, counters, and much more.

Plus the update will introduce a series of balance changes. Many of them are cost adjustments to units, along with tweaks to damage or special abilities. You can check out the full list of announced balance adjustments below.

No release date is set for Double Trouble, but Chucklefish says it’s in the final stages of testing and will be ready soon. The studio will be hosting a look at the DLC on its Twitch channel on October 15. Plus it reiterated that its physical edition is incoming on PS4 and Nintendo Switch on October 29. In GameSpot’s Wargroove review, Chris Pereira called it a “delight to play.”

Wargroove Double Trouble Balance Changes

  • Spearmen – Cost increased 150 => 250 gold
  • Dogs – Cost decreased 200 => 150 gold
  • Amphibians – Damage vs structures reduced, crit damage now 45-55 => 35-45
  • Amphibians – Cost increased 250 => 350 gold
  • Trebuchets = Cost increased 900 => 1000
  • Balloons – Cost decreased 500 => 450
  • Balloons – Can now only carry the same units as wagons
  • Harpies – Minimum base damage vs structures 45% => 50%
  • Koji – Drones now take 50% damage from all units instead of 800% damage
  • Sedge – Sadistic rush charge speed, very slow => slow
  • Tenri – Tornado charge speed, medium => slow
  • “M” (secret Commander) – Groove charge speed, slow => medium
  • Ryota – Blade dash charge speed, medium => fast
  • Ryota – Blade dash now starts at 50% commander damage
  • Ryota – Blade dash now increases in damage by 5% commander damage per “jump” on blade dash route.
  • Ryota – Can now dash through neutral structures
  • Commander – Minimum base damage vs soldiers 95% => 115%
  • Commander – Minimum base damage vs spearmen 65% => 75%
  • Critical hits no longer increase RNG damage range. All damage is max +/- 5%, even after crit
  • Killing non unit summons (vines, crystals, etc) will no longer build groove

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wargroove-free-dlc-to-add-co-op-campaign-and-new-c/1100-6470531/

Fortnite Chapter 2 Trailer Leaks, Shows Off New Map, Boats, And More

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It’s been more than 24 hours since Fortnite seemingly deleted itself as part of “The End” event for Season 10, and players aren’t quite sure what’s going on. Those who try to log into the game are greeted only by a black hole, with no way to jump into matches or view their skins and V-Bucks (although Sony and Nintendo assure those are safe). Rumors had circulated that this series of events would lead to the game being rebranded as Fortnite: Chapter 2, and now a leaked trailer seems to back that up.

The trailer, which you can see for yourself below, shows an overview of the new content and mechanics apparently coming to Fortnite next season. Rather than picking up as Season 11, the new season is dubbed Chapter 2, Season 1, and it makes some significant changes.

First, it appears the game will be set on an entirely new map, as many have speculated, and there are a load of new skins to earn. The trailer also touts there are new ways to level up, showing one player upgrading different medals they’ve earned by completing in-game actions, such as opening chests, eliminating opponents, or harvesting materials.

On top of that, it appears a new vehicle is on the way. Toward the end of the trailer, we can see a group of players shooting it out on speed boats, and at one point a player can be seen diving into the river, suggesting you’ll now be able to swim. The video closes out with a clip of one player carrying another on their shoulders across a beach, which may mean you’ll have a new way of rescuing downed allies.

None of this has been confirmed as of yet by Epic. The developer has been conspicuously silent on the status of Fortnite following The End event. The game’s official Twitter account went dark, and the official Fortnite website currently displays a livestream of the mysterious black hole, so it’s unclear when the next season of the game will begin. Based on the trailer, however, it looks like there are a lot of big changes in store for the new season.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-chapter-2-trailer-leaks-shows-off-new-map/1100-6470529/

New Apex Legends Fight Or Fright Trailer Gives The Battle Royale A Halloween Makeover

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Respawn has released a new trailer for Fight or Fright, Apex Legends‘ first Season 3: Meltdown limited-time event. The event will see the return of Kings Canyon, the addition of a new mode, an assortment of Halloween-themed skins, and a possible teaser for a brand-new character.

The trailer begins with Wraith and Pathfinder under fire while in Kings Canyon. Seeing a portal, Pathfinder tries to escape into it, jumping through before Wraith can fully warn him that the portal doesn’t belong to her. Pathfinder ends up in a nightmarish version of Kings Canyon, one overseen by a shadow-like entity. Pathfinder teams up with the Halloween versions of his fellow Legends to escape, but the foes they each defeat rise up as living shadows that continue to hunt the Legends down. The trailer ends with Pathfinder ultimately finding his way back to the portal and returning to the normal Kings Canyon.

What Pathfinder stumbled into is Shadowfall, the new mode tied to Fight or Fright. For a limited-time, you’ll be able to drop in this solo mode that takes place in the nightmare Kings Canyon. If you’re killed, your deathbox will spawn killer spiders and you’ll drop onto the map again as a member of the Shadow Squad–beings with enhanced speed and melee damage. Your goal is to survive until there are only 10 players left, and then work together to flee to the dropship. If you die and return as a member of the Shadow Squad, you can still win by working with your fellow shadows to kill off the remaining survivors before they can escape to the dropship.

During the event, Halloween-themed items will be available for you to unlock as well. Most are skins which–as seen in the trailer–dress up the Legends in Halloween costumes. You can unlock a cowboy costume for Mirage, for instance, or a spooky scarecrow outfit for Bloodhound. If you happen to unlock all of the new epic and legendary cosmetics, you’ll be rewarded with Lifeline’s heirloom.

Though it’s not confirmed, the Fight or Fright trailer may also further tease Apex Legends’ twelfth playable character. The shadow-like entity that is overseeing Shadowfall has a similar outline to Revenant–a character first seen in Season 3: Meltdown’s launch trailer, revealed in further detail via a leaked screenshot alongside new character Crypto, and then officially teased in a tweet by Respawn level designer Alex Graner. Revenant’s rumored ultimate ability is Death Recall, allowing them to use a totem to resuscitate squadmates without the need to retrieve their respawn banner–which may explain how the overseer is able to keep the Legends from fully dying in Shadowfall.

Fight or Fright will continue from October 15 to November 5.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-apex-legends-fight-or-fright-trailer-gives-the/1100-6470528/

Overwatch “Halloween Terror” Event Starts This Week

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Another Overwatch seasonal event is scary-close. Blizzard has announced that Halloween Terror, its yearly October event filled with spooky skins and events, is coming on October 15.

The teaser didn’t give much information beyond the date, though it did give us a cute look at what Zenyatta apparently does when no one’s looking. Past Halloween Terror events have included tons of new seasonal skins, a limited-time loot box bundle to collect them, and the continuing story of Dr. Junkenstein. Last year introduced Sombra as the Bride of Junkenstein.

All of this will come right alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch version of the game, which we recently got hands-on time with. Alessandro Fillari wrote that it’s “a great way for players, new and lapsed alike, to revisit the game in a more fresh and laid back way.”

The event may be overshadowed, though, by another incident from outside Overwatch entirely. After Blizzard made the controversial decision to punish a Hearthstone player after expressing his views on unrest in Hong Kong, some fans were calling to boycott Blizzard entirely. Overwatch fans rallied to help by attempting to turn Mei, the game’s only Chinese character, into a symbol of the boycott. Blizzard has since rescinded most of the punishment.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-halloween-terror-event-starts-this-week/1100-6470527/