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Samurai Shodown Uses Deep Machine Learning To Create Opponents
The latest entry in SNK’s classic fighting game series, Samurai Shodown, will launch for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch in June, publisher Athlon Games has announced. The PC version, meanwhile, will launch at a later, as of yet undisclosed time.
At launch, there will be a number of modes available to the player. Alongside the prerequisite story, online, and offline versus modes, there will also be a new asynchronous mode called “Dojo.” While SNK didn’t delve into the specifics of how it’ll work, it did say that Dojo will use deep machine learning to create custom computer-controlled opponents. These AI fighters will learn from how a player behaves in online and offline modes, and battle against the player with this behavior in mind.
These AI characters will be shareable, and Samurai Shodown players will also be able to download versions of other players that are online. Ghosts will be available to fight in one-on-one battles, as well as a unique Ironman Challenge that pits a player against 100 AI fighters in a row. The potential here is interesting, especially when it comes to teaching how to play the game.
Samurai Shodown is a weapon-based fighter set in the late 18th century. Despite not being a numbered entry, it takes place in the existing timeline, set before Samurai Shodown V and prior to the events of the original game. At a recent preview event, the game’s developers explained that this placement in the timeline allowed SNK to bring back familiar faces while also introducing new characters. In total there will be 13 characters that longtime fans will recognize, including Haohmaru, Galford, and Earthquake. Additional characters will also be made available through DLC after the games launch.
Unlike many other fighting games, Samurai Showdown doesn’t focus on lengthy and flashy combos, and is instead oriented by single, well-timed strikes that deal devastating damage. As a result, high-level play is based on reading the opponent, manipulating their movements, and reacting to exploit openings. While the barrier to entry is low, the ceiling for mastery has traditionally been very high.
In the trailer above, you can see some of Samurai Shodown’s characters and get a feel for how lethal the gameplay can be. It’s also a good look at the game’s eye-catching visual style, which mixes 3D models with painterly backgrounds and a cel shading effect.
from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/samurai-shodown-uses-deep-machine-learning-to-crea/1100-6465815/
Watch PS4’s “State Of Play” Stream Here Today: Start Times And More
Sony has announced its own streaming presentation. The first such “State of Play” showcase will debut on Monday, March 25, and promises a series of game reveals, trailers, news, and more for PS4 and PSVR.
You’ll be able to watch the stream in its entirety right here on GameSpot. Sony suggested in its announcement that this will be the first of many streaming presentations that it airs throughout the year, and that new ones will be coming regularly. Nintendo and Microsoft both hold similar presentations, called Nintendo Direct and Inside Xbox, respectively.
Though Sony hasn’t detailed which games it will be showing off, it has several upcoming titles that could be part of the showcase. The Last of Us 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Dreams, Days Gone, and Death Stranding are all in the pipeline, and Sony is likely to pepper in some indies and VR exclusives as well. The company announced it will be skipping E3 this year, so a series of smaller presentations may be part of its way to fill the gap.
Microsoft is holding a similar presentation, focused strictly on indies, on March 26. Check for the State of Play showtimes, and then synchronize your watches and set your bookmarks to come back here and watch the show. You can see start times in various time zones below.
Sony PlayStation March 25 State of Play Livestream Start Time
- 2 PM PT
- 5 PM ET
- 9 PM GMT
- 8 AM AET (March 26)
from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-ps4s-state-of-play-stream-here-today-start-t/1100-6465789/
New Fortnite Floor Is Lava LTM Teased
Fortnite will soon gain a new limited-time mode, according to the in-game news feed. The Floor is Lava is coming soon to the battle royale game on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.
Not much more is known about the LTM as yet. The mode’s description states, “Get to high ground or build above the lava that’s overtaking the island,” while an attached label says the mode is “coming soon,” but there’s no more clues as to precisely when you’ll be able to play it.
It’s possible the mode will launch with the upcoming v8.20 update. The most recent update, v8.11, added the Flint-Knock Pistol, One Shot LTM, and more–here’s hoping the next patch is similarly bountiful.
Fortnite recently hit another huge milestone in player numbers–the game has now amassed over 250 million players in total, with a record concurrent player count of 10.8 million. Elsewhere, Fortnite studio Epic announced at GDC that it’s created a $100 million fund for developers that was made possible thanks to the success of its battle royale phenomenon. What’s more, Epic announced that Quantic Dream’s PlayStation-exclusive titles including Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, and Detroit: Become Human are coming to the Epic Games Store this year.
from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-fortnite-floor-is-lava-ltm-teased/1100-6465814/
