Halo: The Master Chief Collection Is Coming To PC, Each Game To Be Sold Separately

Confirming rumors, Microsoft officially announced Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be coming to PC later this year. Microsoft says the PC edition was “built specifically for the PC audience,” but it remains to be seen what kind of PC-specific features are being implemented.

Microsoft did confirm that Halo: MCC for PC will contain campaign and multiplayer support, so it sounds very similar to the Xbox One edition. However, whether or not there is cross-play support is unknown. Also unclear is if people who already bought the Xbox One edition will get the PC edition at no cost like Xbox Play Anywhere titles.

In a statement, 343 said it was “critical” to ensure that Halo: MCC for PC is a “first class” experience that doesn’t suffer from the same kind of issues that the Xbox One edition did.

“The team is passionately committed to ensuring that all of the features, bells, and whistles expected in a modern PC title are included with MCC,” 343 said.

To that end, Microsoft is adopting a unique release schedule for Halo: MCC on PC. Each title within the game will be released one by one. According to 343, this will allow the studio to ensure that “each one is right, while giving players a chance to jump in right away, rather than having to wait for the entire suite of games to be completed.”

This process will begin with Halo: Reach with the ensuing releases following in chronological order–Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST (campaign only), and Halo 4.

Each title will be sold separately. For Halo: Reach specifically, players will get campaign, multiplayer, and Firefight, though it’s not immediately clear if these are combined into one purchase or each sold separately. Microsoft’s announcement blog post doesn’t confirm if Halo 1 and Halo 2 are releasing on PC as Anniversary editions (featuring better graphics and other improvements) or as their standard editions.

Microsoft said it will share many more details about Halo: MCC in the time ahead, so keep checking back for more. 343 is working on the PC edition alongside outside studios Splash Damage and Ruffian.

Halo: MCC for PC will be available through the Microsoft Store and Steam, though pricing for each title was not announced. Whatever the case, 343 said each game within Halo: MCC for PC will “evolve and grow over time with community input.”

The collection originally launched on Xbox One back in November 2014, and the initial launch did not go so well with the game suffering from serious server issues. Those problems have been fixed, and the game is in much better shape today, and Microsoft continues to update the title on a regular basis as it also works on the brand-new Halo game, Halo Infinite.

Halo: MCC on Xbox One includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 2 Anniversary, as well as Halo 3 and Halo 4. Halo 3: ODST was later added to the package as a measure of thanks to the community for sticking with the game amid its issues.

Halo: MCC coming to PC is a big deal. While Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 were released on PC, subsequent titles never were. Microsoft previously acknowledged that fans want to see more Halo games for PC, and this move–along with Halo Infinite being confirmed for PC–seems to be a strong signal that Halo once again has a home outside of Xbox.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-the-master-chief-collection-is-coming-to-pc-e/1100-6465506/

Halo: The Master Chief Collection Adding Halo: Reach, Including Firefight Mode

Halo: The Master Chief Collection continues to grow. Microsoft announced today during its Inside Xbox broadcast that Halo: Reach will be added to the package in the near future.

Originally released in 2010, Halo: Reach is the final Halo game developed by Bungie after it handed off the franchise to Microsoft and its new developer, 343 Industries. A prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo: Reach tells a stirring story that ends on a dark note. The game puts you into the space marine boots of Spartan Six, not Master Chief.

Halo: Reach’s multiplayer content, as well as Forge and Theatre, will be added to Halo: MCC on Xbox One at no extra cost. However, the game’s campaign and fan-favourite Firefight multiplayer mode are coming together in a paid package. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass member, however, you’ll get “the entirety of Halo: Reach” without paying extra.

Halo: Reach becomes the second game added to Halo: MCC, following Halo 3: ODST that was added in 2015 as an effort on 343’s part to make up for the game’s launch struggles.

Microsoft also announced that Halo: MCC is coming to PC, with each title in the collection launching one by one. Unlike on Xbox One, Reach will be offered as one package on PC and will be the first MCC game available as part of its rollout on the platform.

After Halo: Reach is added, Halo: The Master Chief Collection will include all but one of the mainline Halo FPS games. Only the Xbox One game Halo 5: Guardians is not in the package. That game, like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, is included with Xbox Game Pass.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-the-master-chief-collection-adding-halo-reach/1100-6465507/

Devil May Cry 5 Dante Guide: Tips To Get SSS Rank As This Stylish Hunter

Nothing beats the exhilaration of performing an SSS rank combo in Devil May Cry 5. But if you want to experience these emotional highs, your technique needs to be on point. As an action game, DMC5 is filled to the brim with complex mechanics that takes practice to master.

As Dante, you utilize his arsenal of weapons and multiple fighting styles to perform all manner of combos. When playing him, you have to strike a balance at being flexible, while also being relentless in your approach. In this guide, we give you the basics of how to play this tenured demon hunter, as well as offer some tips on how to achieve an SSS rank. For visual reference, watch the video above to see what SSS rank Dante combat looks like in action.

If you want more info about Devil May Cry 5, be sure to check out the full review along with our guides on how to find all the Secret Missions, and how to unlock the game’s special ending.

Overview

As the last character to unlock during the main story, the legendary devil hunter Dante may feel like you’re biting off more than you can chew. While mechanically he’s similar to his version in DMC4, the pacing in DMC5 and the number of tools he has at his disposal is a big shift from the previous game, which can make getting a handle of his combat style feel a bit daunting. Simply put, Dante is the most advanced character in the game. In addition to an expansive arsenal of melee weapons and firearms that each have their own functions and mechanics, the legendary devil hunter also has four unique combat styles that introduce new moves and enhance his combat loadout.

It’s a bit overwhelming coming to grips with Dante since he doesn’t like to keep things subtle when he swings his sword or fires off his pistols–everything he does carries considerable force and an exceeding amount of flair behind it. However, what really sets Dante apart from Nero and V is the amount of customization you can apply to his arsenal. Though you can equip him with up to four melee weapons and guns at once–that’s eight weapons in total that can be swapped freely during combat–you can whittle it down to something a bit more manageable.

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Dante’s signature ability is his Devil Trigger, which greatly amplifies his attack power and combo potential. When activated, Dante will slowly regenerate any lost health and dish out significantly increased damage. Some of his key combat skills change slightly too, which can mean all the difference. For instance, using Dante’s signature Stinger attack allows him to pierce through the enemy–even damage nearby foes in the process. But even when he’s not in Devil Trigger, Dante’s attacks tend to focus on dishing out massive amounts of raw attack power in a short time–making him a particularly fun character to play.

The Styles

Dante truly shines with his four combat styles: the swordmaster, gunslinger, trickster, and royal guard. You’re able to switch between these four different stances and change his flow and mechanics. The Swordmaster style amplifies all of his melee weapons, adding a special move that’s not available in the other styles–such as the Sparda sword’s prop shredder and roundtrip moves. The Gunslinger stance boosts the attack power of each firearm, while also giving them some added buffs and traits. Trickster style gives Dante added mobility, allowing him to air-dodge, teleport, and pull off some fast moves that make him extremely mobile on the ground and in the air.

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The final style is known as the Royal Guard, and it’s by far the most challenging to master. Though it doesn’t possess the number of moves and enhancements that the Gunslinger or Swordmaster have, this style allows Dante to parry almost every attack from enemies, and strike back with energy stored up from any successful block. If you’re feeling especially brave, it’s even possible to clear an entire mission with Dante using only the abilities of the Royal Guard. While you’re certainly free to stick with a particular style you like, Dante’s true potential shines when he’s constantly switching between them. It can be especially satisfying pulling of some successful launchers in Swordmaster style, and then immediately following up by teleporting to airborne foes in Trickster, and then finishing them off in the air with the Gunslinger’s rainstorm skill.

Combat Techniques

First off, you’re going to need to get comfortable with Dante’s weapons and styles. Given the number of weapons he has in his arsenal, you may feel inclined to stick with a mostly standard set-up. While you can pull off some spectacular combos with just the basics, Dante’s combat chic is all about variety, and you’re much better off in the long run experimenting with different weapons and styles. One of Dante’s most effective starting weapons is the Balrog gauntlets. Allowing you to switch off between two different modes focusing on kicks and punches, this weapon has a surprisingly deep set of skills. It even includes a useful dodge mechanic known as the Dempsey Roll, allowing Dante to effortlessly dodge enemy strikes with side-steps, and immediately follow up with a critical strike.

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Some of Dante’s most effective weapons deal multiple hits within a single strike. The Cavaliere motorcycle, one of the game’s most bizarre weapons, especially excels at this. With the standard combo, you can hold the attack button to have Dante press down each strike, letting the bladed wheels grind into the enemy. These are incredibly effective against armored foes, and breaking their defense can score a large boost to your style ranking.

One of the best ways to attain the elusive SSS rank with Dante is to constantly switch up your weapons and tactics, while also staying on the move. The ability to swap between his loadout and styles is Dante’s greatest asset, and if you stick with one style or weapon for too long, your ranking will suffer. A strategy to use for attacking with Dante is start off with a basic combo with one weapon, and switch over to another once that particular combo chain ends. With the Devil Trigger active as well, Dante can become a serious force on the battlefield.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/devil-may-cry-5-dante-guide-tips-to-get-sss-rank-a/1100-6465533/

Microsoft’s Biggest Game, Minecraft, Is Coming To Xbox Game Pass

As part of March 12’s Inside Xbox broadcast, Microsoft announced the next Xbox Game Pass title–and it is a very big one. Microsoft’s open-ended sandbox game, Minecraft, will be added into the Xbox Game Pass library on Xbox One starting on April 4.

The game has 91 million monthly players, making it bigger than Fortnite, and one of Microsoft’s biggest games ever. Launching on Xbox Game Pass means Minecraft will reach even more people, as anyone with an Xbox Game Pass subscription can play at no extra cost. Microsoft also mentioned that Minecraft’s release into the Xbox Game Pass catalog expands the lineup of family-friendly games further.

Microsoft acquired the Minecraft franchise and developer Mojang in 2014 for $2.5 billion. The game is available on Microsoft’s console and mobile platforms, as well as systems from competing companies like PlayStation and Nintendo.

While Microsoft has no plans to make Minecraft 2, the franchise expands in 2019 with a new game called Minecraft Dungeons, which doesn’t have the franchise’s trademark building mechanics. Outside of games, a Minecraft movie is in the works.

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for Xbox One. For $10 USD/month, subscribers get access to a growing library of Xbox One games and backwards-compatible Xbox 360 titles. In addition to legacy titles, all of Microsoft’s first-party exclusives are included with Xbox Game Pass, meaning members can get this year’s Gears 5 and Halo Infinite whenever it comes out at no extra cost.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsofts-biggest-game-minecraft-is-coming-to-xbo/1100-6465508/

Red Dead 2 Online: How The New Clothing Catalogue Works

Red Dead Redemption 2 has gotten updated once again with new additions to the ongoing Red Dead Online multiplayer mode. This week it added a new item catalogue, which will roll out new items on a regular basis and rotate them in and out of stock.

The Wheeler, Rawson & Co Catalogue is a new way to purchase cosmetics. Some items will be marked Coming Soon before they’re released, and then when they become available they’ll be marked as Limited Stock. That will be your notice that they’re only available for a limited time. Once those items go out of rotation, they’ll be listed as Out of Stock, but don’t worry. Items will come back into stock from time to time. Rockstar also committed to improving the catalogue organization itself as time goes on.

To kick off the new cosmetics, the catalogue has debuted with several pieces of rare clothing, listed below.

  • The Tasman Outfit (Male only)
  • The Danube Outfit (Female only)
  • Tied Pants
  • Hitched Skirt (Female only)
  • Winter Shotgun Coat
  • Gardenia Hat
  • Squat Stovepipe Top Hat

Meanwhile, the update launched a new multiplayer mode. Spoils of War is a capture style multiplayer mode, pitting two 16-player teams against each other to defend their own stockpile while raiding the other’s. Take more of the other team’s loot by the time the mode ends to win. You can find this in the Featured Series playlist.

You can get a 20% XP boost in any Showdown Mode this week, and winning a Spoils of War match will get you a bonus 8x Dynamite Arrows. Once you’ve earned them you can retrieve them from your Post Office or Camp Lockbox.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-dead-2-online-how-the-new-clothing-catalogue-w/1100-6465526/

Fortnite Makes Important Cross-Play Changes In New Patch

Fortnite‘s 8.10 update is now live on all platforms. Along with introducing the new Baller vehicle, this week’s patch makes some pretty notable changes to the game below its surface, particularly with regard to cross-play.

Following the 8.10 update, PS4 and Xbox One players will now by default be grouped in the same matchmaking pool in Battle Royale. Nintendo Switch players, who were previously part of the same matchmaking pool as those on other consoles, will now be grouped with mobile players to ensure an “on-average better per-game experience.”

When Sony first enabled cross-play between the PS4 version of Fortnite and other consoles last fall, players had to manually opt-in to the feature. That is still the case after this week’s patch, but players who choose to opt out will be limited to Fortnite’s Creative and Playgrounds modes, meaning cross-play between these two sets of platforms is now the default option for the game’s standard modes.

According to Epic, the reason behind these cross-play changes is optimization. “[The] motivating factor is unlocking optimization potential allowing us to run more playlists during more hours of the day while supporting more data center locations,” the developer wrote in its patch notes. Epic also invited fans to leave feedback on their cross-play experience.

In addition to the aforementioned Baller, a new hamster ball-like vehicle equipped with a Grappler for high mobility, update 8.10 makes some changes to how Vending Machines work; now players will no longer need to exchange materials, and the machines will self-destruct after one use. Epic has also brought back the heist-themed Getaway Limited-Time Mode.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-makes-important-cross-play-changes-in-new/1100-6465527/

Apex Legends Battle Pass: Respawn Talks Leaks And Datamining

Apex Legends recently appeared to have its first Battle Pass character leaked thanks to a mistaken update on the Origin store. Respawn is now acknowledging that the mistake happened, but also warning fans not to put too much stock in datamines and leaks.

In an update on Reddit, community manager Jay Frechette said there was an “unintentional update about Season 1 on Origin today.” That confirms that the leak was legitimate. But Frechette also said the team wanted to clarify and set expectations given both that leak and earlier datamining efforts. For one, the battle pass isn’t coming today (Tuesday, March 12).

“There’s lots of stuff that has been datamined from Apex since launch and is swirling around the Internet,” Frechette said. “We know this stuff is fun to dig up and speculate about, but you should not treat any of that info as a source of truth. There’s stuff in there that is very old, or things we’ve tried in the past and cut–remember our design process is to prototype and play lots of ideas–and some of it may be things we’re still building for Apex Legends. Finding this stuff by no means confirms that it’ll ever come out. At best you should treat any posts about this as a rumor and the real info will come from us when we’re ready to show off what’s coming next.”

The statement doesn’t appear to apply to the Origin leak that revealed the next character as Octane, since that wasn’t datamined. It wouldn’t make sense for Origin to have an advertisement ready to go for the new character if it was still in testing and subject to change. But the statement does warn users not to put too much stock in datamined information.

Aside from revealing Octane, the leak also mentioned new weapons and loot, and a battle pass price of 950 Apex Coins (roughly $10).

Meanwhile, Respawn recently banned 355,000 cheaters on PC, and detailed plans for dealing with cheaters in the future. It won’t be adding a reconnect feature, though, due to the resource intensity and chances for being exploited further by cheaters.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-battle-pass-respawn-talks-leaks-and-d/1100-6465528/

Sign Points to Potential Borderlands 3 Announcement

Update: Gearbox has teased its upcoming PAX East 2019 main theater show with a new image that undoubtedly points to something Borderlands-related appearing at the show, which would line up with heavy speculation of a proper Borderlands 3 announcement.

Gearbox’s teaser image teases the March 28 show in Boston, Massachusetts, with a stylized, cel-shaded highway sign set in a desert area.

via Gearbox's Twitter via Gearbox’s Twitter

Continue reading…

source http://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/12/is-a-borderlands-3-reveal-imminent-gearbox-teases-never-before-seen-reveals-at-pax-east-2019

Dead Cells’ Rise of the Giant DLC Coming This Month

Dead Cells developer Motion Twin has revealed details and a PC date for its previously announced Rise of the Giant DLC.

The free update will arrive for the PC version on March 28, and will add an entirely new area called the Caverns that will have a brand new boss as the end. It will also bring a new “Skinning” system that will add more than 50 outfits for your character that can be found as blueprints from enemies in higher difficulties, from bosses, and in certain secret areas.

Motion Twin released a new trailer that shows off a few moments of the new content, which you can watch below:

Continue reading…

source http://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/12/dead-cells-rise-of-the-giant-dlc-adds-cosmetics-and-a-new-ending-this-month

Monster Hunter Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Possibly Teases Something New

While 2018’s Monster Hunter World served as many players’ introduction to the action RPG series, the franchise is one of Capcom’s oldest, originally debuting during the PlayStation 2 era. This year marks the series’ 15th anniversary, and the publisher is commemorating the occasion with a special trailer.

The video, which you can watch below, takes a look back on all of the mainline installments in the series to date, beginning with 2004’s Monster Hunter. Since then, the franchise has appeared on numerous handheld and home consoles, including the PSP, Wii, and 3DS, most recently making its home on PS4, Xbox One, and PC with Monster Hunter World.

The video ends with another teaser for Iceborne, this year’s major Monster Hunter World expansion. Capcom hasn’t revealed any new details about the DLC, but it has previously said it will introduce new locales, monsters, gear, quests, and other content.

In addition to the above trailer, Capcom has been celebrating Monster Hunter’s 15th anniversary by sharing cards from developers who’ve worked on the series, one of which has caught the attention of users on Resetera. Specifically, eagle-eyed fans have spotted the word “NEXT” apparently hidden in the card from Yasunori Ichinose, who has directed several portable Monster Hunter games.

Whether or not this is a hint at things to come for the franchise remains to be seen, but we’ll undoubtedly hear more about Monster Hunter World’s Iceborne expansion before long. The DLC is slated to launch for PS4 and Xbox One this fall, with a PC release to follow.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/monster-hunter-celebrates-15th-anniversary-possibl/1100-6465519/