Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Trailer Shows New Mechanics

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Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is gearing up for its release on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One later this month with a brand-new pre-launch trailer that briefly details some of the added features and mechanics.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts will include “never-before-seen sniping mechanics” that will reportedly influence how accurate and devastating you are as you comb through the game’s Siberian sandbox. You’ll take into consideration elevation, wind, and bullet-drop in your quest to line-up the perfect shot. The HUD, as displayed in the trailer below, highlights various estimations that will affect the shot you’re preparing to take.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts will also feature “a vast selection” of weapons, from snipers and assault rifles to pistols and other quick-use equipment. The game launches with “five large, unique maps” and 25 contracts to work your way through.

CI Games announced Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts in August 2018, pegging the first-person sniping simulation for a November 22 release on consoles and PC. Pre-ordering the game nets you some bonuses, such as two exclusive in-game weapons and an additional skin.

The last entry in the Sniper Ghost Warrior franchise was 2017’s Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3. The title received criticism for its barren open-world and general lack of sniping, with Richard Wakeling saying in his review, “Yet it falters whenever it veers away from its strengths, and the plethora of nagging glitches and technical problems are a persistent nuisance that make Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 difficult to recommend.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sniper-ghost-warrior-contracts-trailer-shows-new-m/1100-6471145/

PS Now Explained: Everything You Need To Know About Sony’s Cloud Gaming Service

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The video game industry is rapidly gearing up to embrace cloud-based game streaming with the likes of Microsoft’s Project xCloud and Google Stadia on the horizon. And as subscription services like Xbox Game Pass continue to thrive, it’s pretty safe to say that gaming is becoming for affordable and convenient than ever. These services are no doubt exciting, but it’s so easy to focus on what’s coming that you may have lost sight of the here and now. If you’re looking for a service that combines cloud gaming and a hefty library of titles to choose from, Sony’s had one for years: PlayStation Now.

It’s understandable why PS Now might have slipped past you. The service was in a rather primitive form in its early days, with a fairly limited library and less-than-ideal stream quality. However, Sony has made strides since it launched PS Now in 2014 by improving functionality and expanding access, even letting you directly download PS4 titles. If this is news to you, or if you simply want to know more about PS Now, let us walk you through everything you need to know about Sony’s subscription service.

PS Now’s game library has expanded greatly since its early days.

Quick History Of PS Now

PS Now was in beta in 2014 for Sony’s family of gaming platforms (PS4, PS3, PS Vita, and PS TV), including Sony Bravia TVs, and subsequently launched in 2015 in North America, Europe, and Japan throughout that year. At the time, it only had a handful of PS3 games in its library available for streaming, but has evolved since.

While Sony dropped PS Now support for PS3 and PS Vita/TV in 2017, it bolstered the service by expanding the library with PS4 and PS2 games in 2018, including the ability to download them directly to your PS4. And in 2019, PS Now game streaming was brought to PC users through a dedicated application. Today, PS Now sits pretty with over 800 games that cover releases from Sony’s various gaming platforms.

How PS Now Works

PS Now is a subscription-based service that grants you access to a large library of games. One of the biggest developments recently was that Sony cut the monthly price in half, from $20 to $10, to align closer to its competitors. There are three subscription models as of now; monthly, in three-month chunks, or on an annual basis:

  • $9.99 monthly
  • $24.99 for three months ($8.33/month average)
  • $59.99 yearly ($4.99/month average)

Playing games via cloud streaming on PS Now does not tax your local hardware the same way digital or physical copies of games do. That’s because the processing tasks are performed by remote servers that send video feed to your screen–you’re accessing the cloud to play these games. There are some inherent advantages , like not putting stress on your actual hardware and not having to wait for a download to complete before playing. Though the possibility of noticeable input lag or compressed image quality by virtue of streaming still lingers–your mileage will vary depending on your connection.

At the moment, PS Now is a sort of hybrid of Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud approaches, but for PlayStation games, as you are also allowed to download PS4 and PS2 games directly to your PS4 as part of your subscription.

The Games You Can Play

PS Now has some big hitters, like the latest God of War and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, both high-profile PS4 exclusives. However, certain games can and will be cycled through; both of those games, with Grand Theft Auto V and Infamous: Second Son will be available until January 2, 2020. This isn’t unprecedented though, as Xbox Game Pass does this with specific games as well. While timed availability is something you’ll want to pay attention to, there’s still so much more to choose from.

Subscribers have access to a variety of great games like Bloodborne, Rocket League, and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. PS Now also casts a fairly wide net; Sony shows confidence in the service’s capability as you’ll see fighting games, competitive shooters, and fast-paced action games on the roster, which typically demand a low-lag gaming environment. It’s likely you’ll find something you’ll enjoy, but here are a few PS4 titles we’d recommend right off the bat:

  • Bloodborne
  • Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
  • God of War
  • Rocket League
  • Grand Theft Auto V
  • Mortal Kombat 11
  • Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
  • Tekken 7
  • Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
  • Wolfenstein: The New Order
  • XCOM 2
  • Gravity Rush 2
  • Fallout 4
  • Battlefield 4

It’s not just about the latest PS4 games, though. You can find number of PS3 and PS2 available on PS Now as well, and here are some that we can recommend:

  • Ape Escape 2 (PS2)
  • Batman Arkham Asylum, City, and Origins (PS3)
  • Bioshock 1, 2, and Infinite (PS3)
  • Braid (PS3)
  • Catherine (PS3)
  • Eternal Sonata (PS3)
  • Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
  • Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (PS3)

Over 800 games make up the service, and you can check out the full list of games available through PS Now.

While a subscription to PS Now doesn’t give you access to PS Plus benefits, you’re at least granted access to multiplayer capabilities for games on the service. It’s a nice perk that doesn’t require you to commit to both subscription services to get the most out of PS Now.

With a decent internet connection and a controller, you can PlayStation games on PC with PS Now.

PlayStation Games On PC? No Way!

You can now play PlayStation games on PC via PS Now through the app. Sure, it’s not the same as having a proper PC port, but it’s pretty wild to at least have access to some of PlayStation’s hits on a computer. Given that you meet the technical requirements of internet speed, all you really need for PS Now on PC is the proper controller. A DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 controller will work, as well as any gamepad recognized through XInput on Windows (that includes Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers).

Your PC needs to be running Windows 7 or higher (currently there’s no support for Mac), so even that junky old laptop can play God of War or Uncharted 4 as long as it runs the PS Now app and holds a stable internet connection.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps-now-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about/1100-6471137/

Some Of Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Guns Are Bugged, Apparently

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It seems some of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare‘s weapons have extremely high recoil or extremely far range, affecting a handful of rifles and one particular shotgun.

According to YouTuber E-Roc, three guns have exponentially higher recoil when crouching than standing: the Kilo 141 assault rifle, the M-13 assault rifle, and the MP-5 submachine gun. When compared to the plethora of other guns tested, E-Roc found that these three guns in particular become more inaccurate when crouched. “I want you to keep in mind the M-13, the Kilo 141, and the MP-5 because for these guns, I think, the recoil pattern is broke. It needs to be fixed,” E-Roc says. “I would honestly recommend you not to use these guns … until they fix it, at least. Just don’t use them.” E-Roc notes that the weapons haven’t been modified in Modern Warfare’s Gunsmith.”

An Activision blog post says the standing position is a gun’s baseline-level of accuracy. “Accuracy while standing is the baseline accuracy for any weapon, so consider that when choosing between weapons for a loadout.” The post later confirms crouching affords you an accuracy boost. “In a crouch, your Operator gets an accuracy boost and recoil reduction bonus.”

Polygon reports that one specific shotgun, the double-barreled 725, has very unusual behavior. It dishes out an exceptional amount of damage already, typically dropping enemies in the first of its two shots. However, with some extra attachments like an extended barrel and an upgrade called a “monolithic suppressor,” the 725 shotgun can mimic the game’s best sniper rifles.

Developer Infinity Ward has recently implemented a new update for the first-person shooter, which includes numerous fixes and tweaks, the removal of all battle chatter, changing the sounds of footsteps, and more.

In our Modern Warfare review-in-progress, we said, “The pitfalls of Spec Ops don’t detract from what Modern Warfare does well. Realism mode is an excellent addition to the slate, and although not all the new multiplayer modes are great, Gunfight and the Night Vision playlist are refreshing standouts. And while the campaign ends up playing it safe in the end, it’s still a memorable one, and it lays a strong foundation for where the Modern Warfare series could go from here.” The review and score, which concluded with a 7/10, will be updated once we test multiplayer on live servers and spend more time with the Spec Ops mode.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/some-of-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-guns-are-bugge/1100-6471141/

Hearthstone 2019 Global Champion Is First Female To Win Competition

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Hearthstone has a new global champion. The championship event held at BlizzCon 2019 ended in victory for Chinese player Li “VKLiooon” Xiaomeng, making her the first woman to win in a Hearthstone championship event. Simply by playing she became the first woman to compete in such an event, so the win means she achieved the highest victory possible in her first championship.

Flanked by other players and former champions, Xiaomeng took the trophy of the first Hearthstone Grandmasters championship. She has been playing competitively in the Hearthstone community for quite a while, but her consistent placement in the 2019 season qualified her for the global finals. She took the opportunity on-stage to thank her fans, and to send a message to any females in the audience.

“Two years ago, I remember when I was competing in a huge tournament,” she said, via a translator. “I was waiting in line … and there was this guy telling me, ‘If you’re a girl you should not be waiting in line here, it’s not for you.’ And now today I am here, with all the support from the fans. So I want to say to all the girls out there who have a dream for esports, for competition, for glory: if you want to do it, and you believe in yourself, you should just forget your gender and go for it.”

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Xiaomeng’s victory was rather definitive. In the finals match against Brian “Bloodyface” Eason, she went 3-0. The final round hinged on a matchup in which Xiaomeng had 23 in Hunter damage ready to finish off Eason, and his Druid timed out his turn looking for a solution. When the timer was up she took the shot for the win.

Also at BlizzCon, Blizzard announced the next expansion for Hearthstone, Descent of Dragons, to launch in December. Before that, though, the game is getting a new mode inspired by the popular auto-chess genre. The new mode, called Hearthstone Battlegrounds, will launch in closed beta on November 5, and then into open beta on November 12.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-2019-global-champion-is-first-female-t/1100-6471139/

Kojima Says Trump And Brexit Inspired Death Stranding

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Hideo Kojima makes his politics pretty clear in a new documentary, saying Kojima Productions’ first title, Death Stranding, is inspired by recent political events and situations.

Kojima spoke candidly to BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat about the current political climate, referencing President Donald Trump and Brexit as inspirations for the game’s themes. “Trump is building a wall and the UK is leaving the EU,” Kojima told BBC Radio 1 reporter Steffan Powell. “In the game, we use bridges to connect things. But destroying those bridges can instantly turn them into walls. So bridges and walls are almost synonymous. That’s one of the things I’d like players to think about in the game.”

Kojima says “the era of today is about individualism” and uses that as a means to examine the increased loneliness in our ever-connected world. “The attacks and violence seen online these days is out of control. So I designed this for people to take a step back and by connecting, relearn how to be kind to others,” Kojima said. “After spending dozens of hours in the game you will come back to reality in the end. When you do, I want you to use what you learned in the game. Connecting is one of those things.”

Kojima also spoke openly about his own battles with loneliness and how he hopes people will empathize with the messaging behind Death Stranding. “I’m very prone to loneliness. I think there are similar people around the world, especially gamers. Even though they’re having fun with others outside when they are alone and playing video games in their living room they don’t feel like they fit into society or their community. So when those people play this game they realize people like them exist all over the world. Knowing that even though I’m lonely, there are other people like me makes them feel at ease.”

The reviews have finally rolled in and Death Stranding has received generally favorable praise from critics. In our own review, editor Kallie Plagge said, “Death Stranding is a hard game to absorb. There are many intertwining threads to its plot, and silly names, corny moments, and heavy exposition belie an otherwise very simple message. That comes through much more clearly in the game’s more mundane moments, when you find a desperately-needed ladder left behind by another player or receive a letter from an NPC thanking you for your efforts. It’s positive without ignoring pain; in fact, it argues in both its story and its gameplay that adversity itself is what makes things worth doing and life worth living. It’s a game that requires patience, compassion, and love, and it’s also one we really need right now.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/kojima-says-trump-and-brexit-inspired-death-strand/1100-6471138/

Diablo 4 Isn’t Coming Out Anytime Soon, Blizzard Says

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Blizzard has confirmed that there are no plans to launch the now-in-development Diablo 4 anytime soon.

Before wrapping up a BlizzCon panel, game director Luis Barriga explained that there’s no release date attached to Diablo 4 at the moment. “There is much, much more to come. A game of this scope takes time,” Barriga said. This is a very, very early first step. We’re not coming out soon, not even Blizzard soon. We’re just excited to take this first early step in the journey together with you.”

Diablo has had a staggered release since its inception. The first title launched in 1996 and received the Hellfire expansion a year later. Diablo 2 hit the market in 2000 and, like the original Diablo, received its expansion, Lord of Destruction, a year later. It would be more than a decade, in 2012, when Diablo 3 made its debut. Diablo 3 received one expansion and an additional character class before Blizzard unveiled Diablo Immortal and the newly-announced Diablo 4.

Despite Diablo 4 not coming out anytime soon, Blizzard has provided a bevy of information about the upcoming action-RPG title. New to the hack-n-slash experience are mounts, which allow you to travel fast and in style. And it turns out that all versions of the game are online-only. We were able to go hands-on with Diablo 4 during BlizzCon and concluded that the shared-world aspect introduced something new to the franchise.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4-isnt-coming-out-anytime-soon-blizzard-say/1100-6471134/

Save $15 On The Beautiful Pokemon Sword And Shield Collector’s Edition Strategy Guide

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The internet has largely killed the print strategy guide business, but there’s something about holding a physical strategy guide that is still alluring in 2019. A number of major franchises such as Pokemon continue to get weighty strategy guides with each release. And with Pokemon Sword and Shield arriving November 15 on Nintendo Switch, a new strategy guide is also up for pre-order, with the Collector’s Edition currently discounted to $24.68 (was $40) at Amazon.

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Pokemon Sword & Shield: The Official Galar Region Strategy Guide: Collector’s Edition — $24.68 ($40)

The Collector’s Edition has a slick black cover featuring outlines of Sword and Shield legendaries Zacian and Zamazenta. The 400-page hardcover includes exclusive concept art and a Joy-Con controller skin decal pack.

If you’re at all interested in a strategy guide for Sword and Shield, the Collector’s Edition is the right choice. The 348-page standard edition paperback is only about $2 less at Amazon, and it doesn’t come with the concept art or controller decals. With Amazon’s pre-order price guarantee, if the Collector’s Edition dips even further in price between now and release, you’ll only pay the lowest price.

There’s one downside here: The strategy guide releases November 22, a week after Sword and Shield launch. But if you’re the collecting type or buying it as a holiday gift, the delay probably won’t matter too much. You may also want to look into The Official Galar Region Pokedex, which is on sale for $19.73 at Amazon (was $25) ahead of its December 20 release.

If you’re having a hard time deciding which version is right for you, we have a breakdown of the differences between Sword and Shield. After you make your decision, make sure to check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield pre-order guide to see the bonuses from each retailer.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/save-15-on-the-beautiful-pokemon-sword-and-shield-/1100-6471135/

Diablo 4 Bringing Back Talent Trees, Rune Words

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Diablo 4 looks to recall classic Diablo in lots of ways, and one of those includes bringing back older customization systems. At a BlizzCon panel detailing the upcoming sequel, game director Luis Barriga announced that some systems that went missing in Diablo 3 are coming back.

“Customization is back with a vengeance,” Barriga said. “We have a trifecta of customization options: talent trees, skill ranks, and rune words. We want you to play the build that’s in your head. Your idea of a frost sorceress might be different than mine.”

Rune words were an element in Diablo 2‘s Lord of Destruction expansion, letting you combine runes to imbue socketed items with enhancements. Similarly, talent trees let you customize your build in Diablo 2, but Diablo 3 traded that for an Active and Passive skill unlock system.

“Diablo 4 returns the franchise to its darker roots,” wrote Phil Hornshaw in hands-on impressions. “While Diablo helped inspire the slate of loot-chasing games that have recently arisen, it looks like Blizzard is borrowing some ideas from those games to make Diablo 4 something more of a shared-world experience.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4-bringing-back-talent-trees-rune-words/1100-6471133/

New Battle.Net App Launches In Beta

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Alongside the BlizzCon festivities and announcements like Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4, Blizzard unveiled a newly revamped version of its game launcher, Battle.net. The new version is now available in beta and makes some significant UI improvements to the app.

The most obvious change is to the game selection, which is now represented by icons across a horizontal bar, leaving more vertical space for a friends list and game detail menus. According to the announcement, the increased access to friend chats is a direct response to user feedback. It also shows more recent updates and highlights for new games.

The beta is up for anyone who has opted in to test Battle.net updates. If you want to be a part of these tests, you can opt in by going to the Beta menu under Settings in the desktop app.

This news came alongside big announcements for many of Blizzard’s major franchises. Those included Overwatch 2 with a story campaign and redesigned heroes, the grim return to the world of Diablo, and new expansions announced for both World of Warcraft and Hearthstone. Blizzard president J. Allen Brack also took a moment at the top of the opening ceremonies to address the recent controversies and Hong Kong protests, and expanded on those thoughts in an interview.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-battlenet-app-launches-in-beta/1100-6471129/

Persona 5 Scramble introduces new characters Sophia, Zenkichi, and Alice

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Persona 5 Scramble introduces new characters Sophia, Zenkichi, and Alice

Also revealed today is a couple of Persona 5 battle BGMs unlocked with save data of P5-related games.

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