Final Fantasy 7 Remake Screens Show Weapon Customization, Moogles, Darts

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Sony has shared a bundle of new screens and details on the Final Fantasy VII Remake, ranging from weapon customization to mini-games. Plus, Square Enix revealed that the second part of the game is already in development.

Most of the new revelations came from the PlayStation Blog. The screens show off weapon abilities and customization, using Cloud’s iconic Buster Sword as an example. Each weapon has its own unique weapon ability, which you gain proficiency in the more you use it. Once you’ve maxed out the proficiency rating, the character learns that ability permanently. Another screen shows the Buster Sword upgrade screen, letting you unlock new abilities or increase its number of Materia slots.

The other new screens show the Chocobo & Moogle summon, with the teddy bear-like character riding on the back of the giant birds, and Cloud taking on a game of darts in Seventh Heaven. Plus we get lots of new looks at the characters and environments of Midgar.

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In addition, director Tetsuya Nomura stated on the official site that the next part is underway. “We’ve already begun working on the next one as well, but I’m confident that playing through this title will expand your expectations just like the world that extends beyond Midgar,” he said.

As an example of expanding Midgar, he mentioned the subject of bosses. He’d previously said that Midgar wouldn’t be adding any new characters, but it is adding additional bosses, and implied the Midgar section will end with a different boss than the original.

“When you think of Midgar’s final boss, you probably think of the M.O.T.O.R., but in this game new bosses will appear and add to the excitement of the story even more.”

Final Fantasy VII Remake is coming March 3, 2020. For more details check out our preorder guide.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-remake-screens-show-weapon-customi/1100-6471696/

Red Dead 2 Black Friday Deals: PC Version On Sale For $44, Includes Free Games

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Red Dead Redemption 2 has finally come to PC and just in time, too–it’s Black Friday season, and thanks to a bunch of sales, you’ll be able to pay less than the standard retail price of $60 for it. In fact, Black Friday is much more than a day of sales; for some retailers, it’s an event that lasts a week or more, and it’s already started.

It’s not just the PC version of RDR2 that’s on sale, either. The game’s renewed popularity now that it’s in the hands of PC players means the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game are seeing renewed interest, with sale prices to match. In some cases those prices extend beyond just the standard version of the game to encompass its Special Edition and Ultimate Edition, both of which feature extra missions and other digital goodies. In addition to Black Friday prices, there are some regular discounts floating around at current retailers, with better prices coming later this week.

Red Dead Redemption 2 PC deals

Best deal: $44.15 (comes with five free games)

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Red Dead Redemption 2 recently released on PC, and you can get the standard edition for just $44.15 from digital games store Green Man Gaming. The Special edition is also discounted to $54, and the Ultimate edition is available for $67.49. It’s important to note that this deal is for a digital code that can be redeemed on Rockstar Games’ own PC launcher.

As part of Green Man Gaming’s Black Friday sale, you’ll also get a code for the Intel Starter Pack with your purchase, which lets you select five free games from a handful of options. You can find more info on that bonus and how to redeem at GMG. This deal is available until December 3.

See Red Dead 2 (PC) at GMG

While GMG currently has the best deal on Red Dead 2 for PC, you’ll also find the game on sale at these stores, in case the above deal sells out:

Fanatical

GameStop

Epic Games Store

Humble Bundle

Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 and Xbox One deals

Best deal: $25

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While the PC version has quite a few features that aren’t available on consoles–like increased frame rates and resolutions–the PS4 and Xbox One versions are still fantastic games. The game even won GameSpot’s 2018 Game of the Year based on those versions. Best Buy will have the PS4 version and, while not directly confirmed by its ad, most likely the Xbox One version as well for just $25 during Black Friday, starting on November 27. This is the lowest price we’ve seen so far.

See for PS4
See for Xbox One

If Red Dead Redemption 2 sells out at that price at Best Buy, you’ll find it for $30 elsewhere during Black Friday, which is still a great price for this critically acclaimed game.

That’s pretty much what you can expect in terms of discounts on Red Dead Redemption 2 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One during Black Friday 2019. For more great game discounts, check out our guides to the best Black Friday deals on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Borderlands 3, and more.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-dead-2-black-friday-deals-pc-version-on-sale-f/1100-6471680/

Black Friday 2019 Deals: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Is $38 At Walmart

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is one of the hottest games of the year, which will make it one of the go-to gifts of the holiday season. Black Friday 2019 is next week, but we’ve already seen some big discounts on Infinity Ward’s latest take on the long-running first-person shooter series. We’ve rounded up the best Black Friday deals we’ve seen so far, and will update this list if we see any other deals pop up over the course of the holiday season.

So far, the best deal for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare comes from Walmart and GameStop, which have the game for only $38–a great price for such a new CoD game, given that games in the series often maintain their MSRP for a long time. Walmart’s deal is live now as part of its early Black Friday deals. You also get three hours of double XP when buying Modern Warfare at Walmart. GameStop’s matching price won’t be available until Thanksgiving Day.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – $38 at Walmart

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | $38 ($60)

Console bundles

PS4 Pro bundle with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – $300

PS4 Pro + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | $300 ($400)

This PS4 Pro bundle from Walmart includes both the console and a copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The Black Friday bundle costs $300 and is available now as part of Walmart’s early access Black Friday sale.

Modern Warfare received a score of 7/10 in our Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare review. GameSpot’s Kallie Plagge was disappointed by its lackluster Spec Ops mode but still enjoyed Modern Warfare’s exciting campaign and new multiplayer modes, including the 2v2 Gunfight mode.

“The pitfalls of Spec Ops don’t detract from what Modern Warfare does well, though,” she wrote. “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.”

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Black Friday deals

PS4

Xbox One

PC

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/black-friday-2019-deals-call-of-duty-modern-warfar/1100-6471539/

Black Friday Flash Deal: Death Stranding PS4 Pro Back In Stock For Just $300

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Death Stranding is a relatively recent release, but you can already save big on the ambitious game from Hideo Kojima if you’re looking to buy or upgrade to a PS4 Pro. GameStop is offering the PS4 Pro Limited Edition bundle for $300, down from $400. This appears to be a price-match of other retailers deals, and those have been selling out fast.

The bundle includes a Limited Edition console with the special PS4 paintjob and translucent controller, along with a copy of the game. The console is a 1TB PS4 Pro, so it’s the high-end version of the system.

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Death Stranding Limited-Edition PS4 Pro | $300 ($400)

Death Stranding was Kojima’s first new game after leaving Konami, and as a result expectations were high. The results reception was mixed but critics agreed it was ambitious and experimental, which may make it worth experiencing for yourself. GameSpot’s review awarded it a 9/10.

“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,” Kallie Plagge wrote. “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/black-friday-flash-deal-death-stranding-ps4-pro-ba/1100-6471697/

PS4, Nintendo Switch Getting Physical Version Of Classic Shooter Ikaruga

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The classic shooter Ikaruga came to PS4 and Nintendo Switch last year as a digital release. For those who prefer a physical disc or card to hold, though, Nicalis has announced that retail versions are in the works.

The announcement is sparse, simply showing boxart and mentioning that more release details will be shared when they’re ready. Given the timing and that these copies are in active production, it seems likely that they’ll come in the first half of 2020. Pricing was not announced, but the game is regularly priced at $15 on digital storefronts.

Ikaruga is inspired by classic vertically-oriented shooters, but with a puzzle-like twist. Bullets are color-coded between two different tones, and your ship can absorb one or the other. That makes playing a constant exercise in determining when to dodge bullets versus managing which kind your ship absorbs, while also firing back at enemy ships. It’s known as a pioneer of the “bullet hell” subgenre of shooters. The vertical orientation makes it an ideal game to play with a Flip Grip on Nintendo Switch.

“Fans of space shooters owe themselves the opportunity to play Ikaruga, a game that was designed both to impress their sensibilities and to challenge every ounce of their being,” Greg Kasavin wrote in GameSpot’s review. “Yet anyone who appreciates what makes a truly great game should be able to recognize Ikaruga for its elegant design and aesthetic beauty. Make no mistake, it’s not some wistful nostalgia for a bygone era of gaming that makes Ikaruga so appealing. Rather, it’s the knowledge that Ikaruga takes 20 years of great ideas in game design and somehow manages to put an entirely new spin on them, not for novelty’s sake, but only for the sake of making a game that’s both familiar and utterly unique.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-nintendo-switch-getting-physical-version-of-cl/1100-6471694/

Rick & Morty Creator’s Trover Saves The Universe Hits Switch And Xbox One Soon

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Trover Saves the Universe, the strange, Justin Roiland-created platformer/adventure game that released for PC and PS4 earlier this year, is coming to Nintendo Switch and Xbox One–and you won’t have to wait long at all. It will come to Switch this week on November 28, before an Xbox One release on December 3. Trover Saves the Universe will bring Roiland’s weird sense of humor (the same one that’s behind Rick & Morty, which he co-created with Dan Harmon) to all modern console owners.

The game will come to both consoles without support for the VR modes possible on PC and PS4; Xbox One does not have VR compatibility, and there’s no mention of Labo VR support on the game’s Switch store page. The Switch version is available to pre-order now, but the Xbox store page is not up yet. This release will come with both free DLC packs that have released for the PS4 version of the game: Jopo Mode, which gives you a new playable character, and “important cosmic jobs,” which are playable jobs that can unlock Justin Roiland comedy sketches.

Trover Saves The Universe is a comedy game first and foremost, with the platforming and combat generally being quite simple. It earned a 7/10 in our original review, and critic Justin Clark summed up the game as “a really messed up alien buddy comedy.” If you pick it up, be sure to look out for every Easter egg hidden away in the game.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rick-and-morty-creators-trover-saves-the-universe-/1100-6471693/

Apex Legends: This Powerful Shotgun Got Nerfed, But Is Still Extremely Dominant

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Apex Legends, which launched earlier this year to critical acclaim, has introduced a minor nerf for one of its most powerful weapons. The Peacekeeper, which got a tweak in the November 5 update, has received two very minor changes. Rechamber time has been increased by a tenth of a second, from 1.1 seconds to 1.2 seconds, while the head shot multiplier has been cut from 1.5 to 1.25.

This could potentially be the difference between life and death in some instances, although fans have been quick to point out that it’s not the change they were expecting. As professional player Rogue notes, it was the pellet size that many players took issue with, not how fast it rechambered or the modifier on head shots. These changes, he and others responding to the original tweet have argued, will not actually fix the issues some players have faced.

This is not the only concern players have with Apex Legends’ balance at the moment–as Dot Esports has noted, a recent Reddit survey found that 77% of players think that Pathfinder’s abilities make the legend overpowered, while a whopping 91% believe that Mirage needs to be buffed. This survey, conducted for the game’s third season, collected 1936 responses–a tiny portion of the player base, but a considerable number nonetheless.

It’s possible that the Peacekeeper will receive further nerfs and changes. In October, EA reported that Apex Legends had been played by over 70 million players–it’s a huge success.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-this-powerful-shotgun-got-nerfed-but-/1100-6471692/

Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Not Worried About Half-Life: Alyx Game Because VR Is Very “Niche”

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The roster of big game releases for 2020 recently grew when Valve, out of nowhere, announced Half-Life: Alyx for launch in March 2020 as a virtual reality-exclusive title. Given that it’s been so long since the release of a new Half-Life title, there will surely be pent-up demand that could scare other developers launching games close to it.

CD Projekt Red isn’t scared about launching Cyberpunk 2077 in April 2020, however, because the two games are going for different markets. Half-Life: Alyx is designed for virtual reality while Cyberpunk 2077 is going after a bigger audience of players on console and PC.

Management for CD Projekt Red said on an earnings call recently that the company isn’t shaking in its boots over Half-Life: Alyx because VR is an incredibly niche market.

“Of course we’ve seen the Half-Life VR announcement. I think it was a surprise for everybody … VR remains an extremely niche-y niche of the market,” the company said. “It’s very, very small.”

The only reason why Valve would make Half-Life: Alyx exclusive to VR is because they want VR as an industry to grow. The hope is people will be so excited for a new Half-Life that they’ll go buy a headset, according to CD Projekt Red.

“The only reason I can think of why Valve has decided to actually put this title on the market is because they actually have a cooperation on the hardware side of the things and I assume they are planning … this is probably a big effort for them to try to expand that niche,” CD Projekt Red said. “That niche is very, very, very–and I could add a few verys here–small. So, from the market perspective, are we afraid? No. It is a very different niche.”

Whereas Valve is trying to specifically improve VR hardware sales by making Half-Life: Alyx, at least according to CD Projekt Red, the Polish studio is trying to appeal to more people. VR as a business sector remains unproven and not profitable, according to CD Projekt Red.

“[Half-Life: Alyx] is an endeavor to try to push the hardware while we are really targeting the mass market where it is–which is major consoles and PCs without the need to have the VR gear,” the company said. “I know there are a few titles here and there that usually showcase [VR] but I have not heard of anybody building an actual valid business on VR so far.”

One day, VR might become a viable business, and CD Projekt Red acknowledged that Half-Life: Alyx could be the game to help drive interest in VR. Still, the company doesn’t think it will happen soon–if it ever does–so it has no plans to adapt its games for VR right now.

“Perhaps Half-Life will become this first stone that is going to turn into something larger [for VR] as we go, but that’s definitely not going to be the case come first half of the next year; I dare say it’s probably not going to be next year,” CD Projekt Red said. “I don’t dare to venture any further because things may change. At some point VR may be a mass market entertainment that will validate the business model behind it but it is not the case, at least not for us, right now.”

Half-Life: Alyx is a prequel to Half-Life 2 in which players control Alyx Vance. The game is reportedly a big undertaking for Valve, and among the developers contributing to the project are members of the Campo Santo team that Valve acquired in 2018. The voice actress for Alyx is Ozioma Akagha, who replaces Merle Dandridge from the earlier Half-Life games. New Zealand-based actor Rhys Darby (Jumanji, Flight of the Conchords) is joining the game as a new character.

Half-Life: Alyx is free on Valve Index for those who buy a headset before the end of 2019. The game is also playable on other PC VR headsets made by companies other than Valve.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-dev-not-worried-about-half-life-aly/1100-6471691/

Hideo Kojima Is Hinting At A Return To Horror

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Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding released on PlayStation 4 this month, earning a 9/10 in our review and marking a new era for director Hideo Kojima, four years after his split with Konami. Before Death Stranding, Kojima was working on a new Silent Hill game called Silent Hills. A much-loved demo, P.T., was released, but Konami ultimately cancelled the game much to the chagrin of fans. Now, years later, it’s starting to look like Kojima is thinking about horror again.

On Twitter, Kojima has made reference to making “the scariest horror game,” and he’s watching horror movies to prepare. The film in question, The Eye, is not actually a Thai film, as Kojima claims–it’s the work of Hong Kong directors the Pang brothers. Part of the film is, however, set in Thailand.

From this, it’s not clear whether Kojima is actually moving ahead with a horror game development, or just exploring the possibility. In 2017, Kojima said that he did not plan on returning to horror, but P.T. continues to be relevant, despite having been delisted years ago. Earlier this month actor Norman Reedus said that he was okay with Silent Hills not going ahead, as it meant that he was able to work with Kojima or Death Stranding instead. But since Konami holds the rights to Silent Hill, any horror game Kojima works on now would have to be different anyway.

Kojima has not tweeted about the movie again since, so it’s not clear whether he got through The Eye or not, and whether it has inspired him to return to horror, or awakened “his horror soul.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hideo-kojima-is-hinting-at-a-return-to-horror/1100-6471687/

Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Spin-Off May Have Microtransactions; PS5, Xbox Scarlett Under Consideration

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CD Projekt Red continues to speak about the unannounced Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer game. As part of an earnings presentation, management confirmed that the game is only in the “relatively early stage” of development and that it will feature some form of microtransactions, though the company isn’t ready just yet to confirm specifics.

“We believe right now it is definitely too early to share any details on that or give guidance [as] the project is in the relatively early stage,” management said about the Cyberpunk multiplayer game’s microtransactions.

The company added that it is continually experimenting with the Cyberpunk multiplayer game, which is in fact the first multiplayer game made by CD Projekt Red. For the business model specifically, the analyst who asked about it suggested it would be a free-to-play title supported by microtransactions. However, management wasn’t ready to say one way or the other.

That being said, CD Projekt Red wants to make sure it continues to be a consumer-friendly company as it relates to delivering content that feels valuable to players. The Polish studio is known for being relatively generous with its post-release content releases. For The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the studio offered up more than a dozen pieces of free DLC.

“We keep experimenting. It’s our first multiplayer game. We check different options and possibilities, and it’s definitely not the time to point you to a specific direction on that. But you can expect that we won’t change our general policy toward deals with gamers. So expect wise monetization and always value for money,” the company said.

Also in the presentation, CD Projekt Red said the Cyberpunk multiplayer game is a “smaller project” with “smaller staffing” compared to the main team working on the Cyberpunk 2077 single-player game.

Cyberpunk 2077, which features Keanu Reeves in a big role, is set to launch in April 2020 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The multiplayer title would presumably follow thereafter, though no official announcements have been made at this stage.

Another hot-button topic touched on in the presentation was next-generation consoles. Management was asked if the company plans to support the upcoming PlayStation 5 and Xbox Scarlett, in the wake of rumours that Cyberpunk 2077 will come to these systems.

“Of course we do have insight into what’s around the corner; what’s happening with PlayStation and Xbox. We’re watching it closely,” CD Projekt Red said. “And one may safely assume that at some point we’re going to do something with the next-gen [consoles]. However, we cannot really be very specific; what that might be, when exactly that might be. I would only safely assume that it’s not going to be around the launch timeframe of those consoles.”

The company went on to say that CD Projekt Red is known for making games that play best on high-end PCs. And in that regard, the company is technically more prepared for the upcoming release of the PS5 and Scarlett, which have improved specs.

In October, a CD Projekt Red developer said the studio might consider releasing Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 and Xbox Scarlett, but those consoles aren’t a focus currently. Another developer, John Mamais, spoke about how excited he is about the prospect of new consoles.

“It’s going to be awesome. It’s always cool to have new consoles coming out and I can’t wait to work on those things,” Mamais said. “We’ll see what we can do with those. It’s fun watching games evolve; they’re looking more and more realistic, which is–I like working on games like that. The more powerful the technology, or the consoles, the more it is [good] for me as a game developer.”

Read next: Cyberpunk 2077, Avengers, And Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Developers Talk Crunch Culture

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-multiplayer-spin-off-may-have-micro/1100-6471688/