New Xbox One Backward Compatibility Games Out Now

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Xbox One players have two more games they can now play on their console. Microsoft’s director of programming for Xbox Live, Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb, took to Twitter to announce that the Xbox One now supports two more Xbox 360 titles via backward compatibility.

Both Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge and RedLynx’s Trials Evolution join Xbox One’s forever-growing backward compatibility list. These titles are available to download starting today.

Developed by Team Ninja for the PS3, Wii U, and Xbox 360, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge is an enhanced Ninja Gaiden 3 port that includes the original DLC, as well as a variety of performance enhancements and improvements. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge released nearly a year after the initial game’s March 2012 release date and brought alongside a host of changes like increasing the speed of kunai climbing, introducing new weapons like the lunar staff and kusarigama, improving enemy AI, and more.

Trials Evolution was developed by RedLynx. Released for the Xbox 360 in April 2012 before speeding to iOS and PC in 2013, Trials Evolution–the fourth mainline entry in the Trials franchise–tasks you with facing and overcoming a variety of motorcycle trials in a bid to claim the top spot on the leaderboards. Trials Evolution includes two course editors (Lite and Pro) that allow you to create and share courses online.

In our Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge review, we called the update “a welcome gesture, and one that makes for an improved action game–yet a hundred small fixes are no substitute for a game built from the ground up to be a challenging, fluid, and fulfilling action extravaganza.”

In our Trials Evolution review, we said it’s “a great game that not only tests your skill and patience, but keeps you laughing at the ridiculous scenarios.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-games-out-now/1100-6466624/

Fortnite Week 10 Secret Banner Location Guide (Season 8 Discovery Challenge)

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We’ve finally reached the end of Fortnite Season 8, but there’s still one more set of weekly challenges to complete before Season 9 officially begins. Week 10’s challenges are now live across PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, which means this is your last chance to level your Battle Pass up and unlock any remaining Season 8 skins and rewards.

As has been the case this whole season, there’s an added bonus for completing as many challenges as you can. If you finish all of the tasks from a given week, you’ll complete one of Season 8’s Discovery challenges, which in turn will unlock a special loading screen. These screens all feature some cool artwork, but the real reason you want to unlock them is because each one contains a subtle clue that points you to a free Battle Star–which levels your Battle Pass up by one tier–or a Banner–which can be used as a profile icon–hidden somewhere around the game’s map.

If you’ve finished all 10 weeks’ worth of Season 8 challenges, you’ll be able to pick up one final Banner before the season ends. To find it, though, you’ll need to look carefully at the loading screen below, which is your reward for completing the tenth Discovery challenge. This screen depicts a group of characters gazing at the mysterious alien vault beneath Loot Lake, which will presumably play a pivotal role in the seasonal changeover as Season 9 begins.

Among the things you can spot in the loading screen is someone in the Peely banana skin and, more importantly, the hidden banner. It’s located just near the perimeter of the hole, in the northwest corner.

You can see the Banner’s exact location on the map below. We also walk you through where to find it in the video at the top of this guide. However, the usual caveats will apply. This particular Banner won’t appear in the game unless you’ve completed all 10 weeks’ sets of challenges and unlocked the above loading screen, so you won’t be able to simply go to the right area and collect it unless you’ve done all the necessary work.

You only have a few more days to complete any outstanding Season 8 challenges and unlock all of this season’s Battle Pass rewards. If you need help mopping up some remaining missions, be sure to check out all of the tips we’ve put together in our complete Fortnite Season 8 challenges guide. You also still have a little more time to take part in Fortnite’s Avengers: Endgame crossover event and unlock the new Avengers-inspired rewards.

Fortnite’s final update of Season 8, patch 8.51, arrived on May 2. Along with the usual assortment of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, the update introduced the recently teased Shadow Bomb item, which gives players the ability to turn invisible temporarily and gain additional movement speed and abilities. You can read the full Fortnite 8.51 update patch notes here.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-week-10-secret-banner-location-guide-seas/1100-6466597/

(PS4, PC): Get Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward DLC For Free (US, EU)

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This week has been jam-packed with Golden Week game deals at Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Nintendo Eshop, and the latest deal is actually a freebie that Final Fantasy XIV Online players will want to snag. If you don’t already own Heavensward, the critically acclaimed DLC is available for free on both PC and PS4 until June 27.

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Important things to know: The PC edition is free from the Square Enix Store as part of its Golden Week sale, while the PS4 version is available from the PlayStation Store. However, both the PC and PS4 expansion require The Final Fantasy XIV Online Starter Edition to play (and in PlayStation’s case, you must own it to even claim). Square Enix notes that its PC download of Heavensward isn’t compatible with Steam’s version of the Starter Edition, so you’ll have to own the base game in some capacity outside Steam.

Here’s where a Twitch Prime membership comes in handy–the streaming site is currently giving away a free PC download of Final Fantasy XIV Online: Starter Edition, but that deal ends tomorrow, May 3, so grab it ASAP if you’re also planning to get the Heavensward DLC while its free. On the Twitch Prime website, scroll right under “Free In-Game Loot & More,” and you’ll see the FFXIV offer.

Get Final Fantasy XIV Online Starter Edition for free on PC »

(US) Get Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward for free on PC »

(EU) Get Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward for free on PC »

(US) Get Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward for free on PS4 »

The Heavensward expansion earned a 9/10 from GameSpot for its exciting and epic continuation of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn’s story, gorgeous visuals, detailed environments, and variety of dungeons and challenges.

“Heavensward is an essential purchase for those who have spent more hours than they’d care to admit in Eorzea,” wrote critic Pete Davison in his Heavensward review. “While new players–or those who never beat A Realm Reborn’s complete story–may feel aggravated at being locked-out of the expansion until they catch up, there’s little denying that Final Fantasy XIV as a whole offers astonishing value for those willing to immerse themselves, and it will only continue to grow and expand over time.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-pc-get-final-fantasy-14-heavensward-dlc-for-fr/1100-6466622/

Avengers: Endgame Spoilers Are A Free-For-All As Of Monday, Say Directors

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Avengers: Endgame is setting box office records left and right, so chances are pretty good that you’ve already seen it. If you haven’t made time, though, you might want to head to the cinema over the next few days, because directors Joe and Anthony Russo have declared that the statute of limitations on spoilers is almost over. As of Monday, May 6, spoilers are fair game.

Co-director Joe Russo gave the end date in an interview with Good Morning America, and then the brothers collectively shared the clip on Twitter. Russo said he feels there has to be an end-date when spoilers are no longer off-limits, because part of the reason they make movies is to encourage discussion. With that in mind, it’s fair enough if you couldn’t make it out opening weekend, but after two weekends the conversation should be free to spoil.

This film is the final one in the Infinity Saga, and culminates in a lot of story and character payoffs that have been building for more than ten years. As a result spoiler sensitivity has been higher than usual, as fans eagerly await seeing what happens to earth’s mightiest heroes. If you’ve managed to avoid plot details so far, now you have a firm due date. The Russos have previously pleaded with fans not to spoil the film, and of course not everyone has or will abide by their own determination of when to begin spoiling.

If on the other hand you already have seen Endgame, you may still be puzzling out some of the finer details. In that case check out the endings explained and read up on plot holes. Or for the lighter side you can catch up with a ton of Easter eggs and scenes that weren’t in the trailers.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/avengers-endgame-spoilers-are-a-free-for-all-as-of/1100-6466623/

Nintendo Switch Best Buy Deal: Buy A Switch, Get A Free Game

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First-party Nintendo Switch games are notorious for not budging in price, while other games see price drops are early as release day (we’re looking at you, Mortal Kombat 11). However, we’ve recently seen quite a few Nintendo Switch games on sale at places like Amazon, where you can currently find many titles discounted by $10, $15, or even more. Now, Best Buy is getting in on the deals action with a fantastic offer for anyone looking to pick up Nintendo’s latest console. For a limited time, the retailer is giving away a free Switch game of your choice when you buy a Nintendo Switch console. Previous deals have bundled the console with a handful of game options for 50% off, so this offer is one of the best Switch bundle options we’ve seen to date.

Another bonus: This offer extends to over 200 Switch games (222, to be exact), and that number includes a mix of acclaimed first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, new releases like Mortal Kombat 11, and indie gems like Undertale. The console options include the standard gray Joy-Con or neon red-and-blue Joy-Con versions ($300), as well as the Pikachu & Eevee special edition that comes with Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and a Poke Ball Plus ($400).

Just choose your console and an eligible game, add them both to your cart, and you’ll see the discount applied at checkout. Visit the official offer page to get started:

BUY A NINTENDO SWITCH, GET A FREE GAME AT BEST BUY »

Plus, check out some of the available titles below, and see the full list of eligible games at Best Buy.

  • Bayonetta 2
  • Civilization VI
  • Dark Souls Remastered
  • Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
  • Diablo III: Eternal Collection
  • Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
  • Fifa 19
  • Final Fantasy X/X2 HD Remaster
  • Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Mario Tennis Aces
  • Minecraft
  • Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
  • Mortal Kombat 11
  • New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
  • Octopath Traveler
  • Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee
  • Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu
  • Splatoon 2
  • Super Mario Odyssey
  • Super Mario Party
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • The World Ends with You: Final Remix
  • Undertale
  • Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
  • Xenoblade Chronicles 2

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-best-buy-deal-buy-a-switch-get-a-f/1100-6466617/

Bloodstained Release Date Trailer Highlights Old “Poop” Graphics Vs. New Ones

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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has undergone several delays, but now it’s just around the corner. A new trailer drops a release date for the Castlevania homage, but also makes a point of showing just how far it’s come during its long development cycle.

The trailer (above) gives a release date of June 18 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and one week later, June 25, for Nintendo Switch. But most of the time is spent showing internet naysayers mocking the early graphics, and juxtaposing that old “poop” look with the game as it will release in a little more than a month. Yes, the trailer actually does call the old graphics “poop.”

It doesn’t shed much light on the reason for the Switch version following a week after the others. This follows an announcement, from a Nintendo Direct in fact, that all of the versions will be coming this summer.

The Kickstarter for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night promised a game in the style of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, the most famous work from Bloodstained creator Koji Igarashi. That crowdfunding concluded almost four years ago, so it’s spent quite a bit of time in development–so long, in fact, that the target platforms have changed over time. It was originally targeting PlayStation Vita and Wii U, and development started before the Nintendo Switch was even announced, so those plans have shuffled to the new platform. The studio also recently canceled the Mac and Linux versions.

Our recent hands-on showed a game that’s right up the alley of classic Metroidvania-style adventures, with some minor trade-offs from taking it 3D. A notably clever 8-bit style prequel is already available on all platforms as well.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bloodstained-release-date-trailer-highlights-old-p/1100-6466619/

Epic Games Store’s Latest Free PC Game Now Available

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It’s been a busy week for news out of the Epic Games Store, as it was recently announced that Rocket League developer Psyonix will be acquired by Epic and the vehicular soccer game will be coming to the service later this year. In addition, Epic continues to challenge Steam with its biweekly free game offerings, with past freebies including acclaimed titles like The Witness, Oxenfree, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Subnautica.

Now, the latest free PC game from Epic is available: World of Goo replaces Transistor as the newest giveaway. From now until May 16, you can download the game, and it’ll be yours to keep. If you don’t already have an Epic account, all you have to do is create one (which is free). It’s worth the 30 seconds it’ll take you to sign up, as Epic has already established a track record of offering some great games at no cost.

Get World of Goo for free »

Create a free Epic Store account »

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World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle game that involves building bridges, towers, and other structures to navigate various levels. Your building tools are balls of goo, and there are several different types of goo with their own unique abilities. The game also includes a multiplayer sandbox area where players around the world can compete to build the tallest towers of goo and complete other challenges. World of Goo initially launched on PC back in 2008 but just received its first update in 10 years (likely to prepare for this Epic giveaway). The update includes a full remaster of the game, including improved frame rate, HD resolution, and 16:9 aspect ratio. So there’s truly no better time to snag this classic (and very silly) game.

If World of Goo isn’t your thing, hang tight, because another freebie will drop later this month. Stories Untold, which includes a genre-mixing anthology of mysterious and innovative story-driven games, will be Epic’s next PC giveaway. Look for it in the Epic Store starting May 16.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-stores-latest-free-pc-game-now-availabl/1100-6466615/

Fortnite Guide: Where Is The Junk Junction Treasure Map?

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Season 8, Week 10’s Fortnite challenges are now available. While they are largely easy, in amongst them is one challenge that requires you to locate a treasure map and then follow it to the loot. As always, we’ve put together a little guide that you can follow to get it done quick.

As the challenge states, you’ll need to head over to Junk Junction to find the signpost with the treasure map on it. More specifically, you’ll have to venture to the center of the location and keep your eyes peeled for the purple shipping container. Just in front of it you’ll find the signpost with an image of what looks like a couple of weird cacti.

Those are actually the underground mines, which you can find north-west of Fatal Fields. Open your map and zoom in on the grid reference F8 and you’ll see the same shapes as the ones depicted on the treasure map. Make a trip to that location and you’ll find the precious Battle Star awaiting. Done!

Fortnite Junk Junction Signpost Treasure Map Location

  • Signpost treasure map: This can be found at the center of Junk Junction, just in front of the purple shipping container.
  • Treasure location: North west of Fatal Fields at the grid reference F8.

The only other tricky challenge for Season 8, Week 10 involves launching yourself through Flaming Hoops. These hoops have popped up on the island and, to complete the challenge, you’ll need to use the pirate cannons to send yourself hurtling through them. We’ve outlined exactly where you need to go in our Fortnite Flaming Hoop location guide.

If you’ve wrapped up the weekly challenges, make sure to check out the new Avengers Endgame LTM, which has its own set of unique quests to complete. Many of the challenges in this crossover include wielding the iconic weapons used by Earth’s greatest defenders, or playing as Thanos and his horde of Chitauri. If you manage to complete 10 of the challenges, you’ll get a very cool Quinjet glider.

Those who want to quickly catch up on older challenges. Season 8 is going to end soon, so you’ll want to get as much done as possible if you’ve got your heart set on any of the current unlockable cosmetics. Check out our full Fortnite Season 8 challenge guide for assistance.

Epic Games has also released the Fortnite update 8.51 patch notes, which includes a brand new tool that you can use to be sneaky. The Shadow Bomb cloaks its users in shadows and gives them the ability to move much faster for a little while, but the trade-off is that they can’t build or fight. Still, sounds pretty handy for causing some mischief.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-guide-where-is-the-junk-junction-treasure/1100-6466614/

Fortnite Week 10 Challenge List: Flaming Hoops, Junk Junction Treasure Map, And More (Season 8)

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Fortnite is now in Week 10 of Season 8 and we’re quickly approaching the end of the season. Before we get there, however, there are Battle Stars to be earned. You’ll need these to level up the Battle Pass and get some of the cool cosmetics, so if you’ve got your eyes on a particular item you should make it a point of doing this week’s challenges and finishing up any existing ones from previous weeks.

In Week 10, players will need to launch themselves through three flaming hoops using a cannon (guide here), complete a multi-stage harvesting challenge, and then take out enemies in either Tilted Towers or at The Block.

If you’ve spent V-Bucks on a premium version of the Battle Pass, there are a few extra challenges to do. The first of these asks you to deal damage using rifles. Once that’s done, you’ll also need to find the map signpost in Junk Junction and follow it to the treasure (guide here). Volcano Vents are also back this week, and you’ll need to deal damage within 10 seconds of landing after using one. The final challenge in the premium Battle Pass section asks you to simply take out a couple of enemies from closer than 5m away. Take a look at the full list of challenges below.

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Free

  • Launch through flaming hoops with a cannon (3) — 5 Battle Stars
  • Stage 1: Havest Wood in a single match (500) — 2 Battle Stars
    • Harvest Stone in a single match (400)
    • Harvest metal in a single match (300)
  • Eliminate opponents at Tilted Towers or The Block (3) — 10 Battle Stars

Premium

  • Deal damage with an Infantry Rifle or Heavy Assault Rifle (500) — 5 Battle Stars
  • Stage 1: Search the treasure map signpost found in Junk Junction — 2 Battle Stars
    • Follow the treasure map signpost in Junk Junction
  • Deal damage within 10s of landing after using a Volcano Vent (100) — 10 Battle Stars
  • Eliminate an opponent from closer than 5m away (2) — 10 Battle Stars

Fortnite update 8.51 is available now and its biggest new addition is the Shadow Bomb. This little item allows players to sneak around undetected and move faster, but makes it so you can’t attack, build, or loot while under its effects. You can read more about the Shadow Bomb and the other tweaks the update makes in the Fortnite update 8.51 patch notes.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-week-10-challenge-list-flaming-hoops-junk/1100-6466612/

Fortnite Week 10 Guide: Where To Launch Through Flaming Hoops (Season 8 Challenge)

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Fortnite Season 8 continues apace, with another new set of challenges available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, and mobile devices. Usually the majority of these tasks are simple enough to understand and can be completed through the regular course of playing a handful of matches. Others require a little more nuance and knowledge of where to go, or in some cases, aim. One of this week’s challenges has you fire yourself out of a cannon through flaming hoops like a circus performer.

To complete the mission, just find the three flaming hoops scattered across the map and fire yourself out of one of this season’s pirate cannons to reach them. You can go hunting across the map yourself, but we’ve outlined their general locations below if you want a shortcut. In broad terms, you can find them near Lazy Lagoon, near the giant volcano, and by Salty Springs.

Lazy Lagoon – The Lazy Lagoon hoop is floating above the pirate ship, and accessible with the cannon facing the ship. You’ll need to aim quite a bit higher than the hoop for the arc of your shot to reach it, though. Try lining up your shot with the top of the volcano.

Giant Volcano – From there, you’ll be well positioned to run to the south of the volcano and use the cannon in the pirate camp there to aim for the flaming hoop. You don’t need to aim as high this time, so just slightly above the hoop will be enough to hit your target.

Salty Springs – Finally, head for the pirate camp outside of Salty Springs, and make sure to break the wooden obstruction that’s blocking your shot. As in the last shot, aim just slightly above the hoop to make it through.

This new set of challenges accompanied the game’s 8.51 update, which includes bug fixes along with a new Shadow Bomb item that makes you temporarily invisible to enemies. While you’re invisible, you also get enhanced speed and double jumps for extra mobility. You can also still take part in the ongoing Avengers Endgame LTM, which lets you equip some special superheroic weapons and earn themed rewards.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-week-10-guide-where-to-launch-through-fla/1100-6466613/