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Star Wars: Zero Company Officially Revealed With 2026 Release Window

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:30:00 -0000

Star Wars: Zero Company, Bit Reactor's upcoming new Star Wars tactics game, has been officially revealed at Star wars Celebration today for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S with a release window of 2026.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/swzc-anngp-screenshot-5-wm-1745001499438.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Star Wars: Zero Company, Bit Reactor's upcoming new Star Wars tactics game, has been officially revealed at Star wars Celebration today for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S with a release window of 2026.</p><p>Zero Company takes place in the "twilight of the Clone Wars," and stars Hawks, a former Republic officer commanding an elite squad of operatives taking on a growing new threat. It's a single-player game, featuring turn-based tactics gameplay, and is said to incorporate "meaningful outcomes from player choices".</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="star-wars-zero-company-first-screenshots" data-value="star-wars-zero-company-first-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Gameplay will involve taking on various tactical operations and investigations all across the galaxy, and in between developing a base of operations and gathering intelligence through an informant network. Zero Company features a cast of brand new Star Wars characters spanning a range of different character classes and species, including a squad that players can swap in and out as they see fit. The main character, Hawks, is also customizable in both appearance and character class.</p><p>Star Wars: Zero Company is being developed by Bit Reactor, a new studio staffed with strategy game veterans, with support from Lucasfilm Games and Respawn Entertainment, and publsihed by Electronic Arts. This is the first we've seen of the game, after it was rumored for a long time and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-zero-company-to-be-officially-revealed-from-respawn-and-bit-reactor-this-weekend">ultimately teased by EA</a> just last week.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.</em></p></section>

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma FAQ Suggests Some Physical Switch 2 Cartridges Will Be Playable on Switch 1

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:02:03 -0000

To cap off two weeks of confusion about Nintendo Switch 2 pricing, pre-orders, DLC, and more, here's another weird scenario to add to the pile. According to an FAQ on the upcoming game Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, at least some Nintendo Switch 2 physical cartridges will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 1.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/15/runefactoryguardiansofazumacuilantrailer-ign-blogroll-1744738157299.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>To cap off two weeks of questions, confusion, and occasional answers about Nintendo Switch 2 pricing, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-pre-orders-to-begin-on-april-24-in-us-price-remains-449">pre-orders</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wilds-nintendo-switch-2-edition-wont-include-the-dlc">DLC</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-edition-games-contain-both-the-game-and-the-upgrade-on-the-cart-nintendo-clarifies">Switch 2 Edition upgrades</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-gamecube-controller-appears-to-be-compatible-with-gamecube-classics-only-according-to-nintendo-small-print">controllers</a>, and more, here's another weird scenario to add to the pile. According to an FAQ from Marvelous on the upcoming game Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, at least some Nintendo Switch 2 physical cartridges will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 1.</p><p>This comes from this <a href="https://marvelousgames.com/news/rune-factory-guardians-of-azuma-nintendo-switch-2-faq">Marvelous FAQ</a>, which includes the following:</p><blockquote><em><strong>What is the physical "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"?</strong></em></blockquote><blockquote><em>The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a red 64GB game card that includes, in full, the Nintendo Switch game and the Upgrade Pack.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>Like most modern titles, there may be small updates or patches available at launch to provide minor fixes and improvements, but rest assured: the complete game is on the game card, ready to play from day one.</em></blockquote><p>This suggests you can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Guardians of Azuma, and slot it into a Nintendo Switch 1 to play the Nintendo Switch 1 edition of the game if you so choose. If this is indeed the case, this is the first time we're hearing of the ability to play certain Switch 2 cartridges on the Switch 1.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="rune-factory-guardians-of-azuma-official-cuilang-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>We've known for a while that <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-nintendo-switch-2-is-officially-almost-fully-backward-compatible">most Switch 1 games will be compatible with Switch 2</a>. We also know that games that are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 (Mario Kart World, for instance), or Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Switch 1 games (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, with all the upgrades), won't be playable on the Switch 1. But the question of whether you can just take Switch 2 cartridges and plug them into the Switch 1 to get the Switch 1 version of the same game has been up in the air so far. Some players have <a href="https://x.com/dootskyre/status/1911896893090828394">spotted an image in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour</a> that suggested a tiny "notch" in the plastic of Switch 2 cartridges might prevent that from being the case, but whether that notch is preventative or not remains to be seen.</p><p>It's also unclear as to how exactly many games this will apply to. We know that first-party and some third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-edition-games-contain-both-the-game-and-the-upgrade-on-the-cart-nintendo-clarifies">will include both the base game and the Switch 2 Edition upgrades on the cartridge</a>, while other third-parties may choose to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging. Additionally, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-confirms-some-switch-2-game-cards-will-only-include-a-download-key">some boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games</a> will not actually have the game on the cartridge, but instead will contain a game-key card that will allow you to download the game once you insert it.</p><p>So essentially, when you purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 boxed game at retail, you might be getting any of the following:</p><ul><li>A physical Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive game cartridge that only works on the Switch 2</li><li>A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game that has a Nintendo Switch 1 version on the cartridge, as well as a Switch 2 upgrade, that may or may not be playable on both Switch 2 and in its base version on the Switch 1</li><li>A game-key card that doesn't have the game on it, but allows you to download the game in question (and may or may not also be usable on the Switch 1 as well)</li><li>A physical box with a download key for the Switch 2 that may or may not work on the Switch 1 as well</li></ul><p>If all this has your head spinning, you're not alone. It's been a confusing ride trying to sort out what, exactly, you'll be purchasing when you buy boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games, and Nintendo has been hesitant to step in and clarify things just far. We reached out to Nintendo for comment on Marvelous' FAQ, specifically asking if it's true that some Switch 2 cartridges will be playable on Switch 1 and if so, which. We'll update this story if more information surfaces.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.</em></p></section>

Invincible: The Dice Game Is Super Cheap on Amazon Right Now

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:27:03 -0000

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/invincible-dice-game-1744989621116.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Invincible: The Dice Game is 44% off at Amazon right now. The push your luck card and dice game by Mantic Games is a fun, pick-up-and-play experience for two or more players. It comes in a relatively small box, making it a good small gift or game to take on camping trips to pass the time. With season 3 of Prime Video's Invincible animated show now over, this sale is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with these characters and the Invincible universe.</p><h2>Invincible: The Dice Game Deal on Amazon Today</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="0f16c122-5ccd-4d6f-97dd-b9089e6c0195" data-id="218922"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="0f16c122-5ccd-4d6f-97dd-b9089e6c0195" data-id="218922" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>Players are looking to join the Guardians of the Globe by assuming the role of new recruits, taking on other heroes and fighting various villains. Earn enough reputation points, and you win. Be warned, however: your resources are limited to the amount of dice available in your pool, so strategy is the name of the game. Rounds go by fast, giving you ample opportunity to try out every path to victory!</p><p>In our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/invincible-season-3-review-prime-video">review of Invincible season 3</a>, we said "Invincible’s third season makes for a fun and interesting, but not always satisfying, watch. A lot happens in these episodes – Mark wrestles with the ethics of killing, other characters die or nearly die, and new villains arrive from other galaxies or dimensions – even though little of it feels conclusive. The door is left open to several possible developments – especially when it comes to Mark’s evolving morality." Season 4 of the popular Image comics adaptation will <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/invincible-season-4-should-premiere-in-2026-as-amazon-teases-thragg-casting">likely arrive in 2026</a>.</p><section data-transform="poll" data-id="282f44e0-013f-4f8a-944f-8b12422faf00"></section><aside><p>Looking to dive into the comics for this series? Check out <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-read-the-invincible-comics">our guide to reading Invincible online</a> for the best way to do so in 2025.</p></aside><h3>See more board game recommendations</h3><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="0c23bc04-37e4-4cc6-8597-d286a499a6a2" data-items="[215271,215273,215275,215272,215276,215274]" data-show-pricing="false" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky </em><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mylesobenza.bsky.social"><em>@mylesobenza.bsky.social</em></a><em>.</em></p></section></section>

Marvel Rivals Swimsuit Skins Teased as Marvel Preps for Summer-Themed Comic Book Special

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:57:52 -0000

Marvel is suiting up for another Swimsuit Special comic run, and it looks like NetEase Games’ Marvel Rivals will join in on the summer fun with some of its own swimsuit skins.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/marvel-rivals-swimsuit-skins-1744986536332.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Marvel is suiting up for another Swimsuit Special comic book release, and it looks like NetEase Games’ <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/marvel-rivals">Marvel Rivals</a> will join in on the summer fun with some of its own swimsuit skins.</p><p>Details on what could eventually result in the arrival of long-awaited Marvel Rivals swimsuit cosmetics were shared in a recent <a href="https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/the-marvel-swimsuit-special-returns-friends-foes-rivals-july-2025"><u>post on the Marvel website</u></a>. It promises that Marvel will return to the fan-favorite series come July 9 with Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1. The story will give Earth’s Mightiest Heroes a much-needed break from the stresses of saving the world, but more importantly, the comic book giant teases that the run will include a sneak peek at designs for Marvel Rivals.</p><section data-transform="image-with-caption" data-image-url="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/marvel-swimsuit-special-1744986484621.jpg" data-image-title="undefined" data-image-class="article-image-full-size" data-image-link="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/marvel-swimsuit-special-1744986484621.jpg" data-caption="Marvel%20Swimsuit%20Special%20art.%20Image%20courtesy%20of%20Marvel." /></section><p>“Roxxon Comics is at it again when they release their own UNAUTHORIZED SWIMSUIT SPECIAL,” a description for the Marvel Swimsuit Special says. “Wasp is on the case and seizes the opportunity for Marvel’s heroes to do their OWN swimwear fashion shoot all over the world! But fear not, True Believers, we know what you’re REALLY here for! This super-sized special features splash page after splash page of gorgeous art, but with a story so you can pretend you’re ‘reading it for the articles…’”</p><p>Unfortunately, Marvel doesn’t share much about when these summer designs will launch or which characters will be included in the collection. It’s also important to note that today’s post doesn’t outright confirm that these skins will specifically be part of a swimsuit set, but considering the special’s subject matter, it would make sense to at least see some summer cosmetics included. We’ll learn more about the Marvel Swimsuit Special in the months ahead, so let’s hope future news comes with more information about how it ties into Marvel Rivals.</p><p>Marvel Rivals launched in December and quickly became a popular distraction for multiplayer fans across PC and consoles. Its competitive nature and vast character pool have had players scheming up new ways to rise through the ranks, but while many focus on improving their performance, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-rivals-fans-fear-netease-is-planting-fake-hero-leaks-to-throw-off-dataminers-but-whats-really-going-on">others are far more concerned with NetEase’s plans for post-launch support</a>. One idea that has attracted the attention of armies of fans is the hope they may one day see a Marvel Rivals swimsuit collection come to the game, and now, we know that their prayers will likely soon be answered.</p><section data-transform="tier-list" data-id="09d1711b-7a64-42ef-a7a3-1cdea4a1d640"></section><p>Regarding launch timing, there are a few clues we can look at when guessing when swimsuits may be included. We know that Marvel Rivals Season 2 <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-rivals-season-2-update-patch-notes-introduce-emma-frost-ahead-of-launch-this-week">brought Emma Frost and the Hellfire Gala to the hero shooter experience</a> just last week. With the season set to end in about three months, we can guess that the new outfits should launch with Season 3 sometime around July or August. It’s a window that makes sense based on both NetEase’s previously promised schedule while letting fans soak up the sun just before summer comes to an end.</p><p>Also launching alongside Season 3 is NetEase’s <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-rivals-dev-says-its-feeling-social-media-pressure-to-keep-the-game-as-exciting-as-it-has-been-since-december-announced-big-season-3-shake-up">new post-launch plans</a>. Instead of three-month seasons, Marvel Rivals fans can look forward to snappier seasons that last only about two months. That means at least one new playable hero will be included every month for the foreseeable future. For more on Marvel Rivals, you can read up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/venom-is-twerking-in-everyones-marvel-rivals-matches">the April Fools' Day emote that let Venom twerk</a>. You can also <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-rivals-just-made-a-classic-moon-knight-meme-feel-a-little-more-real">click here</a> to learn more about how NetEase made an infamous Moon Knight meme canon. </p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).</em></p></section>

Hasbro Reveals Incredible New Dash Rendar and Jedi: Survivor Figures | Star Wars Celebration 2025

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:14:52 -0000

Check out everything Hasbro announced at their Star Wars Celebration panel, including an amazing Dash Rendar figure and lots of new Jedi: Survivor toys.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/mixcollage-18-apr-2025-09-44-am-6791-1744984827772.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Star Wars collectors are getting a real feast out of Star Wars Celebration 2025. We already got <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/hasbro-reveals-new-the-mandalorian-figures-at-star-wars-celebration-2025">an exclusive first look at Hasbro's new The Mandalorian figures</a>, but those were just some of the new toys revealed during the company's Celebration panel.</p><p>From the return of Expanded Universe fan-favorite Dash Rendar to an impressive lineup of figures based on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, check out the slideshow gallery below to see everything revealed at the Hasbro panel:</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="everything-revealed-at-hasbros-star-wars-celebration-2025-panel" data-value="everything-revealed-at-hasbros-star-wars-celebration-2025-panel" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Dash Rendar was easily the highlight of the panel, proving that Hasbro isn't shy about revisiting the Legends timeline now and then. In the past, they've also tackled characters like Jaina Solo and several characters from the Knights of the Old Republic series. Dash Rendar will be released as part of the 6-inch Black Series line.</p><p>As for Jedi: Survivor, fans can look forward to a Nightsister Merrin figure and a three-pack of Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev, both in the Black Series line. Hasbro is also releasing a new Merrin figure and a Rocket Launcher Trooper in the smaller 3.75-inch Vintage Collection line.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/img-6195-1744985613418.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/img-6195-1744985613418.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Other highlights include new Black Series figures of Han Solo and Chewbacca based on their Episode IV looks and a Vintage Collection playset that features a Tusken Raider and a full-size Bantha.</p><p>Hasbro also used the panel to show off their exclusive Celebration release, a Black Series figure of Star Wars: Visions' The Ronin and his droid R5-D56. The two come packaged inside a deluxe box with watercolor artwork and a slipcover. This set is being sold exclusively at Celebration, though if past exclusives are any indication, small quantities may go up for sale on <a href="https://www.hasbropulse.com/">the Hasbro Pulse website</a> after the show.</p><p><strong>Update</strong> - The Ronin is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSDDYJGT/?tag=igndeals14-20">currently available for purchase on Amazon</a>.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-official-teaser-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>Apart from The Ronin, all of these figures are slated for release in Summer 2025, with preorders opening on April 18 at 12pm PT. </p><p>In other Star Wars Celebration news, we got early details on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-starfighter-is-a-new-film-starring-ryan-gosling-thats-arriving-in-theaters-in-may-2027-star-wars-celebration">Shawn Levy's upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter</a>. You can also check out <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-celebration-everything-announced-at-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-panel">everything announced at The Mandalorian and Grogu panel</a>.</p></section>

Infinity Nikki Codes (April 2025)

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Redeem these Infinity Nikki codes for free rewards, such as Diamonds and Bling.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/12/05/infinity-nikki-redeem-codes-promo-1733425727273.jpg"/><aside><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><strong>Last updated April 18, 2025</strong>: Added a new Infinity Nikki code!</p></aside><p>If you're looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in April 2025, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/12/05/infinity-nikki-codes-1733425623710.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/12/05/infinity-nikki-codes-1733425623710.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><aside><p><strong>All of the Infinity Nikki codes below have been tested as working at the time of submission. Spotted a new code or one has expired? Let us know in the comments!</strong></p></aside><h2>Active Infinity Nikki Codes (April 2025)</h2><p>Below, you'll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in April 2025, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):</p><p></p><ul><li><strong>Sidebyside </strong>- 10x Revelation Crystals <strong>(NEW!)</strong></li><li><strong>WARMSPRINGBONUS</strong> - 100x Diamonds, 20k Bling (expires April 29, 2025) </li><li><strong>INFINITYNIKKISteam</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>NOSTRANGELINKS</strong> - 100x Diamonds, 20k Bling (expires April 30, 2025)</li><li><strong>RevelrySeasonRe</strong> - 50x Thread of Purity, 30k Bling </li><li><strong>RevelrySeasonGroup</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling</li><li><strong>GIRLPOWER25</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling</li><li><strong>RevelrySeasonDC</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling (expires April 27, 2025)</li><li><strong>1.2VERDISCORD </strong>- 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>1.2VERREDDIT </strong>- 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>1.2VERGLOBALGROUP </strong>- 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>ハイキングDISCORD </strong>- 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>PEARFECTGUIDES</strong> - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>NIKKIXWEBTOON</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>ニキプレゼント1205</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>おめでとう</strong> - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>リリース</strong> - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>インフィニティニキ</strong> - 15x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>無限暖暖公測開啟</strong> - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>無限暖暖公測FB社團限定</strong> - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>インフィニキDISCORD</strong> - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling</li><li><strong>INGIFT1205 </strong>- 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling </li><li><strong>GROUPSTYLIST</strong> - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)</li><li><strong>REDDITSTYLIST </strong>- 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)</li><li><strong>DISCORDSTYLIST </strong>- 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)</li></ul><h2>Expired Infinity Nikki Codes</h2><p>The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of April 2025:</p><p></p><ul><li>100THDAYCELEBRATION</li><li>MAYEVERYGIRLHAPPINESS</li><li>Newstoryawaits</li><li>Newyearbliss</li><li>NIKKIFIREWORKS</li><li>NIKKIEXCURSIONTIME</li><li>NIKKINEWBLOOM2025</li><li>HEARTFELTGIFTS</li><li>NIKKIBEWITHYOU</li><li>NIKKIRELEASE</li><li>dreamweavernikki</li><li>NIKKI20241022</li><li>infinitynikki1205</li><li>BDAYSURPRISE</li><li>GIFTFROMMOMO</li><li>GIFTTONIKKI</li><li>nikkihappybirthday2024</li><li>NIKKITHEBEST</li><li>QUACKQUACK</li><li>AAbNxRNMmSm</li><li>AAbQjjYKwbH</li><li>AAb7xf6hWuS</li><li>AAbtWkna3V7</li><li>AAbaEyDU4EX</li><li>AAbMNJX8hxF</li><li>AAb5S3RSK8M</li><li>AAbUfWnYUtd </li><li>AAbUa8e2U3a </li><li>AAbtk9jmpnV</li></ul><h2>How to Redeem Infinity Nikki Codes</h2><p>To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:</p><p></p><ol><li>Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings - Land of Wishes main quest. It's about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.</li><li>Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.</li><li>Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.</li><li>Scroll over to the Other tab.</li><li>You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.</li><li>Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”</li><li>If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards.</li></ol><p></p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/12/05/infinity-nikki-how-to-redeem-codes-1733425569539.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/12/05/infinity-nikki-how-to-redeem-codes-1733425569539.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><h2>Why Isn't My Infinity Nikki Code Working?</h2><p>If the Infinity Nikki code that you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:</p><p></p><ul><li>There's a typo in the code.</li><li>The Infinity Nikki code is expired.</li></ul><p></p><p>When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn't work, it's probably expired and can no longer be redeemed.</p><h2>How to Get More Infinity Nikki Codes</h2><p>The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the <a href="https://discord.com/invite/infinitynikki">official Infinity Nikki Discord server</a>. Once you're in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You'll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!</p><p>Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we'd recommend checking our article every so often.</p><h2>What is Infinity Nikki?</h2><p>Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she's whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You'll find and create a plethora of <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Outfits">outfits</a> and accessories, take on <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Walkthrough">quests</a>, and gather many types of <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Whimstar_Locations_and_Puzzles">collectibles</a> with the help of Momo, Nikki's adorable feline companion.</p><aside><p><strong>For Infinity Nikki game help, check out our guides below:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Tips_and_Tricks">Tips and Tricks</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Things_to_Do_First">Things to Do First</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/infinity-nikki/Infinity_Nikki_Resonance_Banner_Schedule_and_History">Infinity Nikki Resonance Banner Schedule and History</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/maps/infinity-nikki/miraland">Infinity Nikki Interactive Map</a><em></em></li></ul></aside><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures.</em></p></section>

Star Wars and The Mandalorian Invade Monopoly Go

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:39:19 -0000

Mobile game gets a Star Wars collaboration in May

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/a-1744930869718.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Mobile gaming obsession <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/monopoly-go"><u>Monopoly Go</u></a> is teaming up with Star Wars to add a little science fiction sauce to its real estate dice-rolling. The collaboration, announced today at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, will run from May 1 - July 2 and takes inspiration from events from Skywalker Saga and The Mandalorian.</p><p></p><p>As well as giving some beloved Star Wars characters a cute cartoon makeover, the Star Wars season on Monopoly Go will add a Star Wars Go sticker album to fill, podracing in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and collectible in-game items like tokens, shields and emojis. Plus you get to enjoy the weirdness of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, R2D2, Yoda, Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn hanging out Mr Monopoly, AKA Rich Uncle Pennybags.</p><p></p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="monopoly-go-meets-star-wars" data-value="monopoly-go-meets-star-wars" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p></p><p>It's not the first time Monopoly Go has done a mash-up, last September Marvel characters got Monopolized with Spider-Man, Wolverine, and the Avengers all making an appearance. </p><p></p><p>Publisher Scopely also recently acquired the Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now teams as part of a deal with Niantic. </p><p>According to a report from our sister site GamesIndustry.biz, Monopoly Go was ranked <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamesindustrybiz-presents-the-year-in-numbers-2024">the top game for consumer spending in 2024</a>, bringing in a "gold toilets for everyone on the team" $2.47 billion jackpot. In 2024 Scopely also reported 150 million downloads and 10 million daily users. </p><p></p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She's been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.</em></p></section>

Star Wars Outlaws Gets Second Story Update A Pirate’s Fortune in May

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0000

A Pirate's Fortune gives players the chance to join forces with Hondo Ohnaka

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/18/vess-1744939130688.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/star-wars-outlaws">Star Wars Outlaws</a> fans will be able to head back into the game for a new tale of space smuggling on May 15, when the second story pack for the Ubisoft game will be released on all the game's current platforms. It'll be free for season pass holders, otherwise you're going to need $14.99 in credits to join Kay Vess and Nix on a new adventure. </p><p></p><p>A Pirate's Fortune gives players the chance to join forces with Hondo Ohnaka, head of the Ohnaka Gang. Hondo will be a name familiar to <a href="https://www.ign.com/tv/star-wars-the-clone-wars">Star Wars: The Clone Wars</a> fans and readers of the 2017 comic book series Star Wars: Darth Maul, and has even done time as one of the animatronic characters at the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction. This time around he'll be Kay's ally as she takes on Stinger Tash and her gang, the Rokana Raiders, checks out a mysterious tomb and does some smuggling for the Miyuki Trade League. If you haven't quite finished the main storyline quests in Star Wars Outlaws you'll need to get that done to be ready to jump into the new content on May 15. </p><p></p><p>The news was announced during a panel at Star Wars Celebration in Japan today, where Ubisoft also revealed that Star Wars Outlaws would be coming to the <a href="https://www.ign.com/tech/nintendo-switch-2">Nintendo Switch 2</a> on September 4 a few months after the handheld's June 5 launch. </p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She's been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.</em></p></section>

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Ubisoft title Star Wars Outlaws getting a Nintendo Switch 2 version in September

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/08/29/starwarsoutlaws-performancereview-blogroll-1724957034472.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Ubisoft had already confirmed <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/star-wars-outlaws"><u>Star Wars: Outlaws</u></a> as one of the games that will be coming to the <a href="https://www.ign.com/tech/nintendo-switch-2"><u>Nintendo Switch 2</u></a>, but today we learned the space adventure won't be a launch title when the new Nintendo handheld is released on June 5, instead arriving a few months later on September 4. </p><p></p><p>If you missed it on PS5, XBox and PC, Star Wars Outlaws is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and follows Kay Vess, a small time criminal who finds herself with a death mark from a cartel against her name. Our reviewer gave it a 7, saying it was "a fun intergalactic heist adventure with great exploration, but it’s hindered by simple stealth, repetitive combat, and a few too many bugs at launch."</p><p></p><p>Ubisoft didn't have many details to share beyond reiterating that the title would be available on Nintendo Switch 2 and confirming when, but at least we can update the <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-switch-2/Switch_2_Games_List_-_Release_Date,_Price,_and_Exclusives"><u>Switch 2 Games List.</u></a> With <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-delays-switch-2-pre-order-date-in-the-us-to-assess-impact-of-trumps-tariffs"><u>American and Canadian gamers locked in pre-order limbo</u></a> as Nintendo assesses the impact of the new tariffs introduced by the Republican administration, any news on Nintendo Switch 2 games getting released is a welcome distraction. </p><p></p><p>The news was announced during a panel at Star Wars Celebration in Japan today, where Ubisoft also gave fans a look at the second story pack headed to <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-outlaws-gets-second-story-update-a-pirates-fortune-in-may">Star Wars: Outlaws, titled A Pirate’s Fortune</a>. The add on will see Kay joining allying with Hondo Ohnaka to take on Stinger Tash, leader of the Rokana Raiders. Star Wars: Outlaws: A Pirate’s Fortune will be released on May 15.</p><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She's been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.</em></p></section>

Creatures of Sonaria Codes (April 2025)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Looking to score some free goodies in Creatures of Sonaria? Check out these codes.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/11/25/creatures-of-sonaria-codes-1732551244241.jpg"/><aside><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><strong>Last updated April 16, 2025</strong>: Checked for new Creatures of Sonaria codes! Just a note that it's been a while since new Creatures of Sonaria codes have been released. While we continue to check for them each day, we will update the date here as soon as new codes are announced.</p></aside><p>After some bonus goodies to kit out your monsters in Creatures of Sonaria? We've got you covered. Below, you'll find all of the active codes in Roblox's kaiju survival game, allowing you to redeem plushies and other rewards.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/11/23/roblox-creatures-of-sonaria-1732385520538.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/11/23/roblox-creatures-of-sonaria-1732385520538.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><h2>Working Creatures of Sonaria Codes (April 2025)</h2><p>Currently, there are <strong>no active Creatures of Sonaria codes</strong> in April 2025. As soon as that changes, we’ll update this page, so check back soon for updates.</p><aside><p><strong>All the codes above have been tested as working at the time of submission. However, codes with unknown expiry dates may stop working at any time. Spotted a new code we haven't included or tried one only to find it's expired? Let us know by </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhbxMtPS3HEE4OG-eIztR1seOdUyBWQD9Tvj2o92_U6xCfew/viewform"><strong>reporting them here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p></aside><h2>Expired Creatures of Sonaria Codes</h2><ul><li>COSBILLION</li><li>2024CAMPFIRE10</li><li>CAMPFIRECAMPOUT</li><li>EMBEREXTRAVAGANZA</li><li>CAMPFIREASHES</li><li>100ktwitter</li><li>100ktiktok</li><li>astralredeem2024</li></ul><h2>How to Redeem Creatures of Sonaria Codes</h2><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/11/23/roblox-creatures-of-sonaria-redeem-codes-1732385520538.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/11/23/roblox-creatures-of-sonaria-redeem-codes-1732385520538.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>To redeem Creatures of Sonaria codes, launch the Roblox Experience and, once you’re in, follow the steps below:</p><ol><li>Head to the main menu and look in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Below the slot box, you'll see <strong>two gift icons</strong>.</li><li>Click the blue gift icon on the left to pull up the <strong>codes bar</strong>.</li><li>Type your code into the code bar, being careful to make sure it’s in the right case and spelt correctly.</li><li>Hit Redeem and your rewards will be added to your account.</li></ol><h2>Why Isn't My Creatures of Sonaria Code Working?</h2><p>If your Creatures of Sonaria code isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of two scenarios. The first is that the code was inputted incorrectly. Creatures of Sonaria codes can either be in lower case or upper case, so make sure you have the code inputted correctly before you hit redeem. You can even copy and paste the codes directly from this article over to Roblox if you want to make sure you’re inputting them correctly.</p><p>The other possibility is the code has expired or you’ve already used it. If you’ve already used it, you’ll get a message below the bar reminding you the inputted code has already been redeemed. If you’ve inputted your code and the message says it's expired, it means the code's no longer available to use.</p><h2>How to Get More Creatures of Sonaria Codes</h2><p>If you’re looking to scout out some extra Creatures of Sonaria Codes, you should check out the game's official <a href="https://discord.com/invite/upMvvPpbXv">Discord server</a>. The devs frequently post the latest news and updates in the server's <strong>announcements </strong>channel, including when they add redeemable codes. </p><p>You can also follow <a href="https://x.com/Sonar_Games">Sonar Studios</a> on X, where they usually post when major codes go live.</p><h2>What is Creatures of Sonaria in Roblox?</h2><p>Creatures of Sonaria is a survival game with a unique twist. Instead of playing a human enduring a hostile world, you start off as a weak monster that must scavenge for food and water while avoiding threats. As you start to acclimatize to your harsh habitat, you age up, becoming more powerful and capable of taking on tougher hazards, as you hunt other monsters, survive deadly weather events, and more.</p><p>Featuring a wide range of creatures you can control and collect, cooperative play with friends online, and a large open-world to explore, Creatures of Sonaria is a sprawling experience that will test whether you truly have what it takes to survive.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he's away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.</em></p></section>

The Best LEGO Minecraft Sets for Kids and Adult Fans of the Franchise

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:45:00 -0000

They turned blocks into bricks. These are the best LEGO Minecraft sets.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/01/13/lego-minecraft-the-crafting-table-preorder-blogroll-1717421056338-1736771923170.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The LEGO Minecraft builds are both attractive and simple, and although most of the builds depict pre-conceived designs, other sets enable the sort of free play that both LEGO and <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/minecraft">Minecraft</a> are famous for.</p><p>Minecraft's retro, pixelated appearance lends itself to brick form, especially with how alternating color patterns create the impression of shadow, texture, and three-dimensionality. Below we've gathered the best LEGO Minecraft LEGO sets that you can purchase in 2025. You can also check out our picks of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-lego-sets">best LEGO sets</a> overall.</p><p>Now that the <a href="https://ign.com/articles/how-to-watch-a-minecraft-movie">Minecraft Movie is in theaters</a>, there are also <a href="https://ign.com/articles/new-minecraft-movie-lego-sets-where-to-buy">specific movie-themed sets available</a> now that feature minifigures from the film.</p><h2 data-toc-title="Featured in this article">LEGO Minecraft Best Sets</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-items="[218912,218913,218914,218915,218916,218917,218918,218919,218920,218921]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><h2></h2><h2 data-toc-title="Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring">Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218912"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218912" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21272</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>10+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>491</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>6.5 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, 2 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$49.99</li></ul></aside><p>Inspired by A Minecraft Movie, this set comes with Steve, Garrett, Henry, and a great hog, But most importantly, it comes with a baby zombie riding atop a giant chicken–the infamous ""Chicken Jockey" that's been going viral and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/people-are-taking-live-chickens-into-screenings-of-the-minecraft-movie-now-as-chicken-jockey-meme-gets-out-of-hand">wasting theater employees' precious time</a>.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Ender Dragon and End Ship">The Ender Dragon and End Ship</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218913"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218913" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21264</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>657</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>4 in. (10 cm) tall (Dragon), 12 inches long (Ship)</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$79.99</li></ul></aside><p>Straight from the End biome, this set allows you to play out a climactic battle, in which you battle the Ender Dragon for its egg. The End Ship has a fully realized interior concealed by a roof, and it contains a brewing station and health potions so you can keep your energy up for the battles ahead.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Mooshroom House">The Mooshroom House</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218914"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218914" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21270</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>500</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>6 inches high, 7.5 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$49.99</li></ul></aside><p>A pixelated chunk of domestic bliss, The Mooshroom House is situated on an island, and it includes a farm and a composter. The set comes with a ton of accesories, including a fishing rod, a netherite sword, a crafting table, a boat, and a minifigure of Steve.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Armadillo Mine Expedition">The Armadillo Mine Expedition</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218915"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218915" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21269</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>247</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>4 inches high, 8.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$29.99</li></ul></aside><p>Set in the game's savannah biome, the best interactive feature of The Armadillo Mine Expedition is the box of TNT; when you 'explode' it, it takes out part of the terrain to reveal the precious metals under the surface. A massive cave spider crowns the set, joined by two armadillos and a wolf.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Cherry Blossom Garden">The Cherry Blossom Garden</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218916"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218916" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21260</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>304</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>4 inches high, 7.5 inches wide, 6 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$27.99</li></ul></aside><p>Very zen and very beautiful, the Cherry Blossom Garden is the perfect place to relax, so long as that pesky zombie doesn't manage to get in! The first LEGO set to feature Sunny as a minifigure, the set also includes two sniffers (an adult and a baby) and a small bridge that connects its two halves together.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Windmill Farm">The Windmill Farm</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218917"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218917" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21262</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>462</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>7.5 inches high, 6.5 inches wide, 4.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$54.99</li></ul></aside><p>The Windmall Farm provides a farm-to-table LEGO experience. You farm the wheat in your garden. Then you crush it into flour via the windmill, which turns by rotating a wheel in the back. Lastly, you can go to your tiny kitchen and use your eggs, milk, and sugar accessories to bake some plastic bread and cakes. Yum.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Frog House">The Frog House</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218918"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218918" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: #21256</strong></li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>400</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>4 inches high, 8.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$54.99</li></ul></aside><p>Shaped as its name implies, the Frog House has a fully realized interior and a roof that detaches, allowing for easy access and roleplay.The set comes with a zombie, a drowned, three <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Frog">Minecraft frogs</a>, and a slime to feed them.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Nether Portal Ambush">The Nether Portal Ambush</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218919"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218919" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><p></p><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21255</li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>8+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>352</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>4 inches high, 8.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$37.99</li></ul></aside><p>A battle scene on the border between the Crimson Forest (check out the mushroom trees) and the Basalt Deltas, this set also includes an Orc Warrior and a Ghast that shoots discs from its mouth.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Armory">The Armory</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218920"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218920" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21252 </li><li><strong>Age Range: </strong>7+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>203</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>2.5 inches high, 3 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$19.99</li></ul></aside><p>This workshop for the Armorsmith contains an anvil, <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Furnaces">furnace</a>, and cauldron along with a number of weapons, including two swords, two shields, a golden axe, and an enchanted <a href="https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Trident">trident</a>.</p></section><h2 data-toc-title="The Crafting Table">The Crafting Table</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218921"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="ddf7a234-5867-43f4-92fd-0187891e1136" data-id="218921" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><aside><ul><li><strong>Set: </strong>#21265</li><li><strong>Age Range:</strong> 18+</li><li><strong>Piece Count: </strong>1195</li><li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>5.5 inches high, 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep</li><li><strong>Price: </strong>$89.99</li></ul></aside><p>It's an accurate fascimile of the Crafting Table in the game, but it also contains Easter eggs and miniature builds of 12 different biomes., including Cherry Grove, Ice Spikes, and the Taiga. Its release commemorates 15 years of Minecraft, and as such, it pays tribute to its entire legacy. If you're an adult fan who's going to buy one Minecraft set, this is the one.</p><h2>LEGO Minecraft FAQ</h2><h3>How Many LEGO Minecraft Sets Are There?</h3><p>There are currently a total of 34 LEGO Minecraft sets <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/minecraft">available at the LEGO store</a> as of April 2025.</p><h3>Are LEGO and Minecraft a Good Match?</h3><p>Crossing LEGO with Minecraft is charmingly redundant. One is based around physical building blocks. The other is based around digital building blocks. And now, we have physical blocks of those digital blocks. So If you're a digital builder who's looking to branch out into the physical world, Minecraft LEGO provides an easy gateway for that transition. </p><p></p></section></section>

Mario Kart World Direct Acknowledges Long-Standing Meme by Repeatedly Throwing Penguin Off Cliffs

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:11:25 -0000

During today's Mario Kart World Direct, we got a closer look at a number of new tracks, features, and racers, including Penguin. We've known Penguin was in the game since its reveal last week, but today's Direct decided to feature this blue cutie in a very meme-specific way...by repeatedly throwing him off cliffs.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/mario-kart-world-direct-4-17-2025-3-1744913447592.jpeg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>During today's Mario Kart World Direct, we got a closer look at a number of new tracks, features, and racers, including Penguin. We've known Penguin was in the game since its reveal last week, but today's Direct decided to feature this blue cutie in a very meme-specific way...by repeatedly throwing him off cliffs.</p><p>This happened not once, but <em>twice</em> during the Direct, as fans have pointed out on social media. On one occasion, Penguin simply misjudges a curve and sails neatly off over an icy landscape:</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even Nintendo is deliberately dropping blue penguins off of icy ledges.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarioKartWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarioKartWorld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarioKartWorldDirect?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarioKartWorldDirect</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nintendo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nintendo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Switch2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Switch2</a> <a href="https://t.co/0eMsUE24Jz">pic.twitter.com/0eMsUE24Jz</a></p>— Jonathan Leung (@VGMaps) <a href="https://twitter.com/VGMaps/status/1912876504939180190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <p>But in a second, even more on the nose move, a Penguin in Free Roam drives straight off a cliff into the sea below while music from Super Mario 64 toodles away in the background:</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">29 years later and we still chucking penguins off of cliffs like in Mario 64<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarioKartWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarioKartWorld</a> <a href="https://t.co/7klPg5rZkM">pic.twitter.com/7klPg5rZkM</a></p>— 🔥FireShadow64🔥(DROP THE PRICE) (@FireShadow64) <a href="https://twitter.com/FireShadow64/status/1912862828089770470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <p>If you're confused as to why this is noteworthy, allow me to draw your attention to a long-standing community meme of Penguin from Super Mario 64. In Super Mario 64, players discovered years ago that it was possible to collect a Power Star from Mother Penguin by returning Baby Penguin to her, then to take Baby Penguin after the star appears and take them away again...or even drop them off a cliff:</p><p></p><div class="reddit-embed-wrapper"><blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" data-embed-height="625"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/19sxq6/we_all_did_this_super_mario_64/">We all did this - [Super Mario 64]</a><br> by<a href=""></a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/">gaming</a></blockquote></div><style>.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }</style><p></p><p>This bit has been memed into fame for over a decade by the Mario community, so it's extremely funny to see Nintendo acknowledge it even if it's in a somewhat subtle, plausible-deniability kind of way. Is this a horrendous thing to do? Society still hasn't come down cleanly on one side or another of the Penguin-cliff debate. At least Mario Kart World gives Penguin a nice little water vehicle so they can just keep going once they've landed.</p><p></p><div class="reddit-embed-wrapper"><blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" data-embed-height="739"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/mariokart/comments/1k1cubt/they_did_this_on_purpose/">They did this on purpose</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Icy-ConcentrationC/">u/Icy-ConcentrationC</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/mariokart/">mariokart</a></blockquote></div><style>.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }</style><p>Today's Mario Kart Nintendo Direct wasn't exactly the font of new information many were hoping it would be, but we still got word on some interesting new stuff: more new <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-direct-reveals-new-and-returning-courses-even-more-characters">characters, courses</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-worlds-coolest-new-features-explained-items-tricks-food-modes-and-more">items, and features</a>, as well as a close look (courtesy of Penguin and others) of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-worlds-free-roam-mode-is-an-open-world-road-trip-you-can-take-with-friends">new open world Free Roam</a> mode, which will let players drive around anywhere in the world without restraint.</p><p>You can catch up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-direct-everything-announced-for-the-switch-2-launch-title">everything announced right here</a>. </p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.</em></p></section>

Disney Destiny: Everything Revealed About the Disney Cruise Ship All About Heroes and Villains

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:30:28 -0000

The Disney Destiny is Disney's newest cruise ship and it's set to debut this November. Until then, we are breaking down everything we know about this Heroes and Villains-themed ship, including the Hercules Broadway-style show, the Lion King dining experience, and much more.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/disney-destiny-1744910859554.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The Heroes and Villains-themed Disney Destiny is set to make its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 20, 2025, and <a href="https://disneyparksblog.com/dcl/new-experiences-disney-destiny/">Disney just revealed a ton of new info</a> on the latest cruise ship about to join its fleet. </p><p>There is a lot to look forward to on the Disney Destiny, including a Lion King dining experience, a Hercules Broadway-style show, and so much more, and we're here to break down everything you need to know.</p><h2>The Disney Destiny Is All About Celebrating The Heroes and Villains We Love</h2><p>Heroes and Villains are the name of the game for the Disney Destiny, and Disney wants its guests to be "inspired, encouraged, and empowered" by these characters during their journey. This sense of wonder will begin the moment you step on the Disney Destiny and are greeted by the Grand Hall and a one-of-a-kind statue of Black Panther. The Grand Hall will also feature 360-degree lighting effects that will, at times, take on the colors of some of our favorite characters to build the mood and immersion even more.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/disney-destiny-grand-hall-loki-1744909970642.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/disney-destiny-grand-hall-loki-1744909970642.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>As for who we may see, Disney has revealed Loki will be up to his mischievous ways and will attempt to declare himself ruler of the ship and will cause chaos with "grand proclamations, questionable storytelling, surprise competitions, and more."</p><p>Creuella de Vil will also take center stage as she will let guests "put their personal style to the test on [her] very own wretched runway or take part in a bit of <em>treble</em>-making as they create a lyrical tribute to her marvelousness."</p><p>Furthermore, Cruella is the inspiration for De Vil's piano lounge that will have exclusive drinks like the Fashionista and Fearless Sir Galahad alongside and a "Hollywood Regency-inspired aesthetic." Oh, and a piano that looks just like a dalmatian. </p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="de-vils-piano-lounge-on-the-disney-destiny" data-value="de-vils-piano-lounge-on-the-disney-destiny" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>The Villains don't get the only spotlight, however, as The Sanctum will take inspiration from Doctor Strange and some of his artifacts like the Cloak of Levitation and spell books from the library of Kamar-Taj. This lounge will have drinks and food, and you can check them out below.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="the-sanctum-on-the-disney-destiny" data-value="the-sanctum-on-the-disney-destiny" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>Lastly, the Disney Destiny will be the first Disney cruise ship to feature a Marvel character on its stern as Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots will grace the filigree on the back of the ship.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/1920-stern-1440x811-1744909991334.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/1920-stern-1440x811-1744909991334.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>These are just a few examples of the heroes and villains that will be the stars of Disney Destiny, and they will join such others as Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, Hades, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno, and more. </p><h2>Hercules' Broadway-Style Show Will Lead the Charge of Entertainment on the Disney Destiny</h2><p>Disney Hercules, the Destiny's Broadway-style show, has us very excited as <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-tale-of-moana-on-the-disney-treasure-is-one-of-the-greatest-shows-ive-seen-for-one-very-special-reason">The Tale of Moana on the Disney Treasure was one of the best shows we've seen on land or at sea.</a> This adaptation of the beloved Disney classic will feature all the music and characters you know and love alongside new additions like the song, 'Shooting Star,' which was actually cut from the original film.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/disney-destiny-disney-hercules-1744910070116.jpg"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/disney-destiny-disney-hercules-1744910070116.jpg" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Hercules himself will be played by Corey J. Bradford, who recently wowed guests at a Disney Destiny media preview with his rendition of 'Go the Distance,' and he will be confronted once again by the terrifying Hyrdra, who is being brought to life by award-winning puppet designer Michael Curry. </p><p></p><iframe src="//www.instagram.com/p/DIb0Zv0OkJv/embed" height="710" width="612" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><p>Disney Hercules will be just one of the shows featured in the Destiny's Walt Disney Theater alongside Frozen, A Musical Spectacular and Disney Seas the Adventure. </p><p>Guests will also be able to enjoy shows and games inside of Saga, the central hub for "daytime family activities and adult exclusive evening entertainment." Saga's architecture is inspired by Wakanda, and will feature encounters with Maleficent, Match Your Mate, Family Time Game Show, a new Aquamouse story with villains, and more.</p><h2>Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King Will Be Just One of the Many Dining Experiences to Remember</h2><p>While <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/plaza-de-coco-on-the-disney-treasure-was-an-emotional-dining-experience-that-celebrates-those-we-love-the-most">the Disney Treasure had the incredible Plaza de Coco dining experience,</a> the Disney Destiny is getting its own version inspired by The Lion King. The legendary songs and moments from this Disney classic will be just one part of a night to remember at Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. </p><p>Storytells Mwongozo and Shaha will be taking us through the story of the great Simba, and other performers will help bring these moments to life with costumes, props, authentic African instrruments, and more. </p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="pride-lands-feast-of-the-lion-king-on-the-disney-destiny" data-value="pride-lands-feast-of-the-lion-king-on-the-disney-destiny" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>As for the meal itself, Disney aims to "balance the wide-ranging flavors of African cuisines with familiar fare that will satisfy the whole family." Such highlights include Nala's Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pan-seared Berbere-spiced Roasted Chicken, Cape Malay Shrimp Curry, Heirloom Tomato Kachumbari, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Warm Chocolate Malva Pudding, and even drinks like the Can You Feel the Rum Tonight? and the Slimy Yet Satisfying. </p><p>Other dining experiences on the Disney Destiny include Worlds of Marvel with Rocket and Groot, 1923, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, The Rose, the Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired Cask & Cannon, Cafe Megara, Cafe Merida, and more.</p><p>The Incredibles will also be getting there own themed sweets shop with Edna A La Mode Sweets, which will be the place to get handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies, and specialty treats. </p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="edna-la-mode-sweets-on-the-disney-destiny" data-value="edna-la-mode-sweets-on-the-disney-destiny" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><h2>The Disney Destiny Has So Much More In Store</h2><p>There is still so much more to learn about the Disney Destiny, and we'll be updating this article and more as new details are revealed! </p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="disney-destiny-merch" data-value="disney-destiny-merch" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>While you wait, be sure to read our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/disney-treasure-ultimate-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-about-disneys-newest-cruise-ship">Disney Treasure Ultimate Guide</a> as the Destiny is its sister ship, <a href="https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships/destiny/">check out more official details on the Disney Destiny</a> and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/the-haunted-mansion-parlor-on-the-disney-treasure-is-the-perfect-extension-of-the-disney-parks-attraction">see much we loved the Haunted Mansion Parlor</a> on the Disney Treasure as it will also be on the Destiny. </p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter </em><a href="https://twitter.com/AdamBankhurst"><em>@AdamBankhurst</em></a><em> and on </em><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adambankhurst"><em>TikTok.</em></a></p></section>

Snowbreak: Containment Zone Update Adds New Events and Gameplay Enhancements

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0000

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/abyssal-dawn-1744401520134.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The free-to-play 3D waifu sci-fi RPG shooter Snowbreak: Containment Zone just dropped its latest update, and it adds lots of new content. There are new characters, skins, gameplay modes, and even more on the horizon.</p><p>If you’re not familiar with Snowbreak, it’s a third-person RPG shooter on PC and mobile that takes place in a world where giant beings known as Titans suddenly appear in heavily populated areas. They cause untold destruction and leave a toxic substance known as Titagen in their wake. Leaders joined together to form the Heimdall Force, a paramilitary unit whose mission is to fight back against these Titans.</p><p>You play as the Adjutant of the Heimdall Force, and your job is to recruit and lead a squad of female super soldiers. Known as Manifestations, these soldiers awakened to their powers after the first arrival of the Titans, and the strongest among them are even able to use Titagen in combat without the ill effects normally associated with it.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/fight-1744401193210.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/fight-1744401193210.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>The story is told in chapters, with each chapter further broken down into stages. In each combat stage, you form a squad of three characters, each of whom have their own unique skills. You only control one character on the battlefield at a time, and using their skills drains energy, which slowly refills over time. So you need to strategically swap between each of your characters to make the best use of their abilities without fully draining their energy. As you progress, you can build relationships with members of your squad by giving them gifts or deploying them in combat. As their affinity for you grows, you’ll get to know them better.</p><p>The latest update adds a new story scenario called Abyssal Dawn, which will have you investigating an incident with the two characters who are also new additions in the update: Nerida and Nita - Pulse.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nerida-1744401232522.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nerida-1744401232522.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Nerida is self-demanding, often solitary, and can be stern with others but not to you. She likes sweet snacks, plushies, and ancient marine life models, and she’s obsessed with deep-sea documentaries and jellyfish care. She’s equipped with a Chaos-type assault rifle, and her role is the primary damage dealer of your squad. </p><p>She excels with both single-target and area-of-effect attacks and can build up the Internal Injury effect on enemies with both her Standard Skill and Ultimate, which summons a jellyfish that provides AoE damage buffs and stays on the field even if you switch to another character. You can then switch back to her to use her Standard Skill, which deals big burst damage by consuming the Internal Injury effect you’ve built up.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nita-pulse-1744401268347.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nita-pulse-1744401268347.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Nita - Pulse is casual yet perceptive, driven by money but protective of the vulnerable. While she’s on the battlefield, she keeps her eyes peeled for items of value and likes to pocket them, like Titagen objects. She wields a Thermal-type shotgun and brings a new QTE combat mechanic with her. Successfully chain QTE inputs together during her Standard Skill to deal increased damage, and if you fully complete the chain, she unleashes a final powerful strike.</p><p>Nita - Pulse is free to acquire for all players, available now by completing the Pulse Puzzles event. She’ll also be available for free as a login reward during the Nita’s Invitation event that starts May 1. If you participate in that event, you’ll also be able to earn Nita’s fully modified exclusive weapon, maxed Auctus Drive (her version of a Manifestation), and signature fixed-talent Logistics squad. So in one event, you can max out her full build at no cost.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nitas-invitation-event-1744401305118.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nitas-invitation-event-1744401305118.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>If you’re wondering what the Pulse Puzzles event is, that’s another new addition with the latest update. As the name implies, it’ll have you solve puzzles across various parts of the game. It’s a chance to relax and better understand Nita, and it will be permanently available, so you can do it at your own pace. To get to know Nita even more, there’s also a new interactable scene with her called Grove of Secrets that’s available from now until May 29.<br /> </p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nita-sylvan-spirit-1744401345665.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/nita-sylvan-spirit-1744401345665.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="null"/></a><p>Nita - Pulse and Nerida were both introduced alongside additional skins. Nita’s transforms her into a white-haired forest nymph, and Nerida’s features interchangeable parts, including footwear and stockings, similar to the customization options available for Vidya. But they’re not the only ones getting new looks.</p><p>The update added new outfits for Katya, Fenny, and Bubu. Katya was introduced a year ago and is known for her unique appearance and characteristics. Fenny has been in the game since launch and become a fan favorite, and Bubu is a character from last year’s traditional-themed event.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/katya-1744401375399.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/katya-1744401375399.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>There’s also a new hide-and-seek gameplay mode called Let’s Go, Heimdall! for 15 players at a time, where three seekers try to find 12 hiders. On the horizon is the much-anticipated Emotional Purge mode, which adds cover-based shooting gameplay. It’ll first be available on April 28 and will be further refined in future updates.</p><p>And in addition to her new costume, Bubu is also getting a new dorm room at your home base. That also adds new interactable furniture in the form of her Tranquil Desk Set.</p><a href="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/tranquil-desk-set-1744401487995.png"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/11/tranquil-desk-set-1744401487995.png" class="article-image-full-size" title="undefined"/></a><p>Those are the highlights of this update, but there’s even more that’s been added. You’ll just have to play it to see it all. Snowbreak: Containment Zone is available to download for free right now on Steam, iOS, and Android, and it’s cross-platform, so your progress is shared across all platforms. To learn more about the game, characters, and world, check out <a href="https://snowbreak.go.link/j7m9u">the official website</a> or join the community on <a href="https://x.com/SnowbreakEN"><u>Twitter</u></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/@SnowbreakEN"><u>Facebook</u></a>, or <a href="https://discord.com/invite/snowbreak"><u>Discord</u></a>.</p></section>

Zelda Fans Are Worried Tears of the Kingdom's Switch 2 Version Won't Support Cloud Saves

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:24:58 -0000

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to get special enhanced versions of several Switch 1 games, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. A newly spotted disclaimer has fans worrying some games, or at least one game, won't support Nintendo's cloud save functionality as they'd hope.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2023/05/17/zelda-totk-coolestcreations-blogroll-1684348375029.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to get special enhanced versions of several Switch 1 games, including <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom">The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</a>. A newly spotted disclaimer has fans worrying some games, or at least one game, won't support Nintendo's cloud save functionality as they'd hope.</p><p>Over the last day or so, users have been noticing that Nintendo's pages for <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Tears-of-the-Kingdom-Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition-2787249.html">Tears of the Kingdom</a>'s Switch 2 edition carries the following disclaimer: "Please note: this software does not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership’s Save Data Cloud backup feature."</p><p>Per <a href="https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-switch-2-editions-of-the-legend-of-zelda-botw-totk-do-not-support-cloud-saves-saves-can-still-be-transferred-however.1166340/">ResetEra</a>, the page for <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Breath-of-the-Wild-Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition-2787250.html">The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition</a> also apparently carried this disclaimer at one point, as did <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition/Super-Mario-Party-Jamboree-Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition-Jamboree-TV-2785806.html">Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV</a>. </p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="zelda-breath-of-the-wild-nintendo-switch-2-edition-graphical-comparison-treehouse-live" data-loop=""></section><p>Though it's since disappeared from those pages, the Tears of the Kingdom still has the disclaimer as of this writing. The Japanese page though, per <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/switch-2-edition-zelda-games-wont-support-cloud-saves-to-backup-your-data">Eurogamer</a> via machine translation, does not carry the same disclaimer; only the US and EU pages seem to be showing it.</p><p>IGN has reached out to Nintendo for clarification on the matter.</p><p>If this holds true, this could create some confusing scenarios for players. Nintendo's cloud save option for NSO members is handy, for one. It makes carrying games across systems, or juggling storage space for games without losing your saved progress, a little less stres-inducing.</p><p>Actually importing a save file from the original Switch to the Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom does seem to still work. The Nintendo page noted an additional save slot for the Switch 2 Edition, where one can start a brand-new journey or "continue a previous one with your existing save data." Nintendo does note that save data created in the second save data slot cannot be trasnferred to the Nintendo Switch 1 version of Tears of the Kingdom.</p><p>It's a confusing situation that can possibly lead to some stress, as players would likely not want to lose a save file they've dumped many, many hours into when upgrading versions. Hopefully, this gets cleared up soon.</p><p>The Switch 2 Edition does have a few reasons for prospective Switch 2 owners to upgrade, including the Zelda Notes app, which comes packed with helpful guiding content, lore, and even <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-zelda-ports-will-let-players-repair-equipment-with-the-zelda-notes-app-if-theyre-lucky">some potential equipment repair options</a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.</em></p></section>

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals and Bundles Right Now (April 2025)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:23:00 -0000

Here are the cheapest Xbox Game Pass deals available right now.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/08/27/clair-blog-1724769161467.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>With so many great games coming down the pipeline, now's a great time to hop on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon. If some titles joining the catalog this year have caught your eye and you're itching to join in on the fun, you can choose between <a href="https://zdcs.link/9lX0P0" data-aps-asin="B07TFP7JFH">one</a> or <a href="https://zdcs.link/zJ2Gkp" data-aps-asin="B07TGNFVWV">three</a> month Game Pass Ultimate membership options at Amazon. Unfortunately, there aren't any discount deals available at the moment, but we'll update this when a new one drops.</p><p>You can learn more about options for signing up, what's coming soon to Game Pass this month, and the big releases still to come below.</p><h3>Navigate to:</h3><ul><li><strong></strong><a href="#gamepass"><strong>Best Xbox Game Pass Deals</strong></a><strong></strong></li><li><strong></strong><a href="#comingsoon"><strong>What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?</strong></a><strong></strong></li><li><strong></strong><a href="#gamesleaving"><strong>What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?</strong></a><strong></strong></li><li><strong></strong><a href="#bigreleases"><strong>Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass</strong></a></li></ul><h2 id="pass">Best Xbox Game Pass Deals</h2><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="40fca49d-caba-44af-a409-39bfc91958ad" data-id="218136"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="40fca49d-caba-44af-a409-39bfc91958ad" data-id="218136" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>While there aren't any deals available at the moment, we've included where you can buy a one month Game Pass Ultimate membership above at Amazon. This will set you back $19.99. Amazon also has a <a href="https://zdcs.link/zJ2Gkp" data-aps-asin="B07TGNFVWV">three</a> month Game Pass Ultimate membership option available for $59.99, if you want to stock up on a few months to get you started.</p><h2 id="comingsoon">What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?</h2><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="clair-obscur-expedition-33-the-final-preview" data-loop=""></section><p>Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you're curious about what's in store for the end of April and start of May, we've got you covered. The <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-spotlights-its-game-pass-april-2025-wave-2-rollout-including-clair-obscur-and-gta-5">Xbox Game Pass April wave 2 lineup</a> is:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/grand-theft-auto-v"><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) - April 15</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/neon-white"><strong>Neon White</strong></a><strong> (Console) – April 16</strong><br />Now on Game Pass Standard</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/spongebob-squarepants-the-patrick-star-game"><strong>SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 16</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/crime-scene-cleaner"><strong>Crime Scene Cleaner</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 17</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/tempopo"><strong>Tempopo</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 17</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/clair-obscur-expedition-33"><strong>Clair Obscur: Expedition 33</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 24</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/towerborne"><strong>Towerborne</strong></a><strong> (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 29</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/far-cry-4"><strong>Far Cry 4</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 30</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/anno-1800"><strong>Anno 1800</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 1</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-ii-2022"><strong>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 1</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</li><li><a href="https://www.ign.com/games/dredge"><strong>Dredge</strong></a><strong> (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 6</strong><br />Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard</li></ul><p>Unfortunately, for those subscribing to the Standard tier (available for $14.99/month), this does not give Game Pass users access to day one releases. This means that some of the big new releases on the platform will not be available on that tier.</p><h2 id="gamesleaving">What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?</h2><p>Unfortunately with new games joining the catalog it means a few must take their leave. Below, we've listed the games that'll be leaving Xbox Game Pass on April 30.</p><ul><li><strong>Have a Nice Death </strong>(Cloud, Console, and PC)</li><li><strong>Kona II Brume </strong>(Cloud, Console, and PC)</li><li><strong>Sniper Elite 5 </strong>(Cloud, Console, and PC)</li><li><strong>The Last Case of Benedict Fox</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC)</li><li><strong>Thirsty Suitors </strong>(Cloud, Console, and PC)</li><li><strong>The Rewinder </strong>(Cloud, Console, and PC)</li></ul><h2 id="bigreleases">Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass</h2><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="south-of-midnight-video-review" data-loop=""></section><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-games-showcase-and-black-ops-6-direct-june-2024-everything-announced">Xbox's Summer Showcase last June</a> was a massive success, revealing an incredible amount of new games coming to the platform. The showcase included <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/doom-the-dark-ages">Doom: The Dark Ages</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/perfect-dark-reboot">Perfect Dark</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/fable">Fable</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/gears-of-war-e-day">Gears of War: E-Day</a>, and so many more. But which of these titles will appear as day-one releases on Game Pass? Thankfully, quite a few! Including all of the previously mentioned titles.</p><p>The latest big release on the platform is <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/south-of-midnight">South of Midnight</a>. In our <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/south-of-midnight-review">review</a>, IGN's Michael Higham said, "South of Midnight is a straightforward but well-executed action-adventure game elevated by the artistry and heart of the American Southern culture that’s wrapped around it."</p><p>If you're looking for even more savings on all things Xbox, have a look at our roundup of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-xbox-deals">best Xbox deals</a>. There, we've highlighted all of the latest and greatest discounts on the platform, from incredible game deals to fantastic offers on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-gaming-headset">high-quality headphones</a>. Or, if you'd rather see what's going on with other platforms, check out our roundups of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-playstation-ps5-deals">best PlayStation deals</a>, the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-nintendo-switch-deals">best Nintendo Switch deals</a>, and our overall roundup of the <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-game-deals">best video game deals</a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.</em></p></section></section>

Mario Kart World's Coolest New Features Explained: Items, Tricks, Food, Modes, and More

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:29:16 -0000

Nintendo just wrapped up its April 2025 Mario Kart World Direct, revealing details about new items, modes, and more about those strange snacks players can chomp into when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches this June.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/mario-kart-world-cowboy-1744899630173.png"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Nintendo just wrapped up its April 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq4uCJDwO9U">Mario Kart World Direct</a>, revealing details about new items, modes, and more about those strange snacks players can chomp into when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches this June.</p><p>Nintendo’s latest entry into its long-running kart racing spinoff series looks like the next big step for Mario and co. That’s thanks in part to a smorgasbord of both new and returning items, while other familiar features have either been given small tweaks or total facelifts. Mario Kart World dived into a solid slice of everything players can expect in its 15-minute presentation, so we made sure to gather the highlights.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="mario-kart-world-screenshots" data-value="mario-kart-world-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><h2>Items</h2><p>The biggest question block hanging over everyone’s heads has had players questioning which wacky items they’ll be able to toss at their friends come June. Nintendo’s got a fittingly wacky answer that includes spins on items and abilities that may be able to be paired with some of Mario Kart World’s new features.</p><p>Items like the Bullet Bill and Lightning appear to function just as you remember. The former sends players flying forward at breakneck speeds, while the latter stops and shrinks opponents, though now it also causes it to start raining in the game now that Mario Kart has introduced weather effects. Meanwhile, classic items like the Feather also remain largely unchanged, but now, players can use them to not only hop over some of the many new track hazards but also reach new areas, high-up rails, and even shortcuts.</p><p>New items have plenty to bring to the table, too. The Coin Shell is a golden shell variant that leaves a trail of coins for you – and your enemies – as it moves forward through the track ahead of its thrower. Kamek is an especially wild addition, as the Koopa wizard can be spawned to transform each of your opponents into something completely new. Other highlights include Hammers that now stick in the ground for a short time and a slightly tweaked Ice Flower that can seen multiple opponents spinning at a time.</p><p>One of Mario Kart World’s more mysterious items are those new food-related abilities. These are called Dash Foods and come in the form of tasty burgers, plates of sushi, kebabs, and more. These are collectibles that can be acquired around Mario Kart World’s giant map and, once gobbled up, unlock new outfits to use elsewhere. In case you were wondering, yes, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/yes-mario-kart-worlds-cow-can-eat-burgers-and-steak"><u>the Moo Moo Meadows Cow can, in fact, eat burgers</u></a>.</p><h2>New Tricks</h2><p>Tricks have been an important part of Mario Kart since 2008’s Mario Kart Wii, and in Mario Kart World, they’ve been given added importance. You can charge jump straight from the track this time around, allowing you to not only short hop over items but fully clear hazards like other vehicles, too. It should help reach those out-of-reach rails to grind on as well, with additional tricks in the air giving players the ability to gain a bit of extra air.</p><p>Tricks will also help players leap toward and latch onto walls, which can be hopped between to find new portions of a track and even some hidden item blocks. Chaining tricks together can be tricky, so if you find yourself missing a particular jump to a high-up ledge, a new Rewind feature will help you turn back the clock for a few moments to hone your skills.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="mario-kart-world-game-overview" data-loop=""></section><h2>Modes</h2><p>While modes like Grand Prix and Time Trials are back, Mario Kart World comes with loads of new modes, too. Knockout Tour is one of the more substantial additions, as it allows players to compete to stay ahead of the pack across extended races. Those who fall behind are in danger of being, well, knocked out.</p><p>Time Trials are one returning mode that have been beefed up to accommodate Mario Kart World’s improved multiplayer functionality. When hopping online, players will have the option to download data from other racers from around the world. Longtime Mario Kart fans will also be happy to know that fan-favorite modes like VS Race, Balloon Battle, and Coin Runners are back and feature some of those new tracks to fight off friends with. There’s also a full-on photo mode, which can be used to capture iconic moments when cruising around the world.</p><p>Of course, Mario Kart World’s biggest new mode is its open-world-inspired free roam feature, which allows players to explore its vast map and all of the tracks it houses. We explained everything you need to know about this major addition to the Mario Kart universe and how you can play it with your friends <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-worlds-free-roam-mode-is-an-open-world-road-trip-you-can-take-with-friends"><u>here</u></a>.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="mario-kart-world-knockout-tour-golden-rally-gameplay-nintendo-treehouse-live" data-loop=""></section><p>Mario Kart World launches alongside the Switch 2 June 5. We’re still waiting for Nintendo to set a new date for pre-order options in the US and Canada following their delay earlier this month. Meanwhile, the topic of the console’s price remains one detail that continues to take over Nintendo comment sections. Today’s Mario Kart World Direct was no exception, as players made sure its chat sections were filled with comments like “drop the price.”</p><p>For more on Mario Kart World, you can read up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-direct-reveals-new-and-returning-courses-even-more-characters"><u>all of the new characters and tracks arriving this June</u></a>. You can also see <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/heres-why-the-nintendo-switch-2-mario-kart-world-and-everything-around-them-is-so-expensive"><u>how players have been reacting to the title’s controversial $80 price tag</u></a> and <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-exclusive-mario-kart-world-justifies-its-80-price-tag-nintendo-insists-in-first-comments-addressing-cost-controversy"><u>how Nintendo attempted to address it</u></a>. Finally, for everything else announced during today’s Direct, you can click <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-direct-everything-announced-for-the-switch-2-launch-title"><u>here</u></a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).</em></p></section>

Pokémon TCG Charizard Premium Collection Is Back in Stock at Amazon For Just $50

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:04:57 -0000

Pokémon TCG: Charizard ex Super Premium Collection is on sale for $49.94 at Amazon (38% off) and includes 10 booster packs with chase cards from Twilight Masquerade, Obsidian Flames, and more.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/pixel-9-2025-04-17t124354-599-1744890238497.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><strong>Update, 04/19: </strong>Prices and stock have changed on these sets once again, but stay tuned here or follow <a href="https://x.com/IGNDeals">@IGNDeals</a> on Twitter/X to stay in the loop. We'll leave several new great Pokémon TCG finds just below as well, and keep the listings for the Charizard sets up in case you want to add to your wishlist for the next restock.</p><p>Some of these new restocks we've found are just as worth picking up as well, such as the <a href="https://zdcs.link/98LXJd">Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection</a>, especially if you’ve been eyeing the newer Scarlet & Violet sets or need an excuse to add another tin to the growing stack.</p><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="e029409f-0020-43ce-95ac-88650ab348d6" data-items="[218952,218953,218954,218955,218956,218957,218958,218959,218960,218961,218962]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p>Let’s be real: I don’t need another <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/best-pokemon-tcg-deals">Pokémon card bundle</a>. But the moment I saw the Charizard ex Super Premium Collection on sale, something in my brain short-circuited. My body? Fully ready for yet <em>another</em> unnecessary purchase. And at <a href="https://zdcs.link/9yXRm6?object_uuid=d18afbef-ba9c-4fc0-b09c-5dbe79fed3de&t=article">under $50, this box is stacked</a>.</p><p>You’re getting a foil Charizard ex promo, plus matching Charmander and Charmeleon to complete the fiery trio. There’s even a Charizard display figure (because, of course, there is), and—get this—ten booster packs. Not five. Not six. Ten. That’s ten chances to pull something ridiculous. </p><section data-transform="catalog-item-wrapper" data-catalogid="e45a74c9-b9d4-478c-991d-5d8e613269a4" data-id="218886"><section data-transform="catalog-item" data-catalogid="e45a74c9-b9d4-478c-991d-5d8e613269a4" data-id="218886" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted="false"></section><p>The set includes packs from Twilight Masquerade, Stellar Crown, Paradox Rift, Temporal Forces, and Obsidian Flames—some of the most exciting recent drops in the TCG lineup.</p><p>To help you further in your quest for great pulls, here are some of my favorite chase cards from these Pokémon TCG sets. Or, if you're done with chasing singles in boosters and fancy just picking up a couple of single cards instead of splashing out on this deal, I've included some handy offers from TCG Player to make sure you're getting the best price.</p><h2>My Favorite Twilight Masquerade Cards</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="951880c6-d634-43b7-a8cc-8a3d998d830f" data-items="[217890,217891,217892,217893,217894]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>I want Perrin and Hisuian Growlithe purely for the art. GIDORA nailed the emotional bond between a Trainer and her Pokémon, and the way the two illustrations pair up makes pulling just one feel like an incomplete thought. </p><p>On the other end of the spectrum, Dragapult ex is is terrifyingly efficient and might be the best Pokémon ex in the set. Carmine is the real money card here though, continuing the trend of playable, stylish Trainer cards dominating the top of the market. Throw in cozy Eevee vibes and a surprisingly playable Ursaluna, and you’ve got a set with range.</p><h2>My Favorite Stellar Crown Cards</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="b72b7d25-2316-4a8c-b50e-c7d5369347c2" data-items="[218266,218267,218268,218269,218270]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>Stellar Crown is what happens when nostalgia and artistry shake hands. Squirtle and Bulbasaur show off their bird-watching hobbies in some of the most charming cards I’ve seen in years. Then there’s Terapagos ex, which looks like it belongs in a jewelry store, not a binder. </p><p>Hydrapple and Dachsbun are slightly more niche but still desirable thanks to lush illustrations and just enough playability to make you think twice before selling. I think this set knows what it's doing: hook you with Kanto starters, then keep you around with glittering, high-rarity flex pulls.</p><h2>My Favorite Paradox Rift Cards</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="6b0f22f0-c61d-4954-83aa-d615d4d7981c" data-items="[218360,218361,218362,218363,218364]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>Paradox Rift wants to make a statement. Roaring Moon ex is the best pull here, both in power and price, and Groudon isn’t far behind with volcanic drama cranked to eleven. </p><p>Iron Valiant and Altaria offer very different flavors of future aesthetic, and somehow they both work. Iron Hands ex might not be pretty, but it’s still a beast in competitive decks. If you're after a set that brings both gorgeous artwork and raw pressure, this is the one to crack.</p><h2>My Favorite Temporal Forces Cards</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="2d3b2515-9a49-4c5b-a3b1-ef682efa515c" data-items="[218261,218262,218263,218264,218265]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>Temporal Forces is part prehistoric brawl, part retro sci-fi. Raging Bolt ex leads the pack with one of the strongest attacks in Standard, and Iron Crown ex isn’t far behind, fueling Future decks with wild efficiency. </p><p>Walking Wake ex wins big on artwork alone, thanks to Suicune’s eternal popularity, and Gouging Fire holds its own with surprise jungle-dino energy. Even Iron Leaves ex has sneaky-good utility. I want every single one of these cards for a different reason, which is exactly how a good set should work.</p><h2>My Favorite Obsidian Flames Cards</h2><section data-transform="catalog-carousel" data-catalogid="bb043b47-a878-4d85-9201-c7438d51bee5" data-items="[218256,218257,218258,218259,218260]" data-show-pricing="true" data-highlighted-item="null"></section><p>Charizard ex is the undisputed king here, with two of the most sought-after variants in the entire block. The Special Illustration Rare version is especially gorgeous, all fire and fury, while the gold Hyper Rare keeps things flashy. </p><p>Ninetales and Cleffa bring artistic value, and I think Cleffa might be the most unexpectedly stunning card in the set. Pidgeot ex also deserves a shout for balancing playability with an ultra-stylized take on a Gen I classic. This is one of those sets where almost every big pull earns its spot.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.</em></p></section></section>

Tempest Rising Review - Single-Player Campaign

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0000

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/16/tempestrising-single-player-blogroll-1744836892460.jpg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p><em>Note: This review specifically covers the single-player campaigns of Tempest Rising. For thoughts on multiplayer, stand by until after launch.</em></p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p>It was only a matter of time before someone got tired of waiting for EA to announce a new Command & Conquer real-time strategy game without canceling it a few months later, and finally, Danish developer Slipgate Ironworks has become the one to take matters into its own hands. Tempest Rising plays like a C&C game with the serial number filed off, and it does a fairly good job of scratching the itch for this style of fast-paced action with two very traditional but well-made campaigns set to the tune of a familiar soundtrack partly composed by distinctive C&C composer Frank Klepacki. Given how closely it follows that template, though, it’s a little disappointing that it didn’t have more fun building personality and atmosphere between missions.</p><section data-transform="slideshow" data-slug="tempest-rising-single-player-campaign-review-screenshots" data-value="tempest-rising-single-player-campaign-review-screenshots" data-type="slug" data-caption=""></section><p>How closely, exactly? Aside from how it replicates the plate-spinning gameplay and basic tech tree (as many have done over the past 30 years), you could easily just change a few names – GDF to GDI and Tempest to Tiberium, for example – and Tempest Rising would be fairly indistinguishable from a C&C iteration as you’re harvesting resources, building a base, and cranking out infantry, tanks, and aircraft that die in seconds if you’re not paying close attention when they encounter the enemy. Some of the similarities are amusingly on the nose: The Nod-like Dynasty faction’s barracks structure is shaped like giant hands reaching up from the ground, and they didn’t bother changing the name of the Mobile Construction Vehicle (MCV) that expands into your base’s central Construction Yard building at all. So yes, it’s pretty close!</p><p></p><p>The campaigns’ story is treated in much the same lovingly derivative way, reframing the GDI/Nod conflict as between the good guy Global Defense <s>Initiative</s> Force and the paramilitary Dynasty faction fighting for territory in Europe and northern Africa, though here it’s set in the aftermath of a Cuban Missile Crisis where things went much worse than they did for us. You wouldn’t really know that it’s a post-World War 3 world, though, because other than some wrecked roads on the battlefields, the regional maps in the briefings look pretty normal, and none of the missions take place anywhere recognizable. But more importantly, it’s missing a few of C&C’s secret ingredients – chief among them a good villain. </p><section data-transform="quoteBox">We don’t get any good mustache-twirling villain moments like attacking the Pentagon or Eiffel Tower.</section><p>So much of the personality of the classic C&C games came from the evil Nod faction and its mysteriously ageless leader, Kane (played with wild-eyed zeal by Joe Kucan). Granted, the Dynasty leaders who brief you before every mission have more character than the generic, gruff-voiced general of the GDF, but the constantly sneering Aleks can’t hold a candle to Kane. You can't build a cult of personality around a grumpy guy in a beret, and beyond being black leather fetishists, the Dynasty doesn’t have a lot going on ideologically – they’re not even explicitly framed as fascist bad guys out for global domination (especially when compared to the shadowy council pulling the GDF’s strings) so we don’t get any good mustache-twirling villain moments like attacking the Pentagon or Eiffel Tower. Without something like that to get invested in – and coupled with some instances of comically poor voice acting – I was unmotivated to sit through the multiple strings of optional dialogue that give you more bland background on the lore but nothing else.</p><section data-transform="poll" data-id="6b038d76-5b58-4998-ac3c-036109faa8c3"></section><p>In a day and age when anyone with a smartphone can replace their Zoom background with a high-tech command center or dark and ominous paramilitary headquarters, I’m sad Slipgate wasn’t granted the resources to do C&C-style live-action cutscenes and get someone to follow in Tim Curry’s legendary footsteps by chewing the virtual scenery to pieces. These generic animated characters just can’t compete, especially when there was clearly no budget to even match mouth movements to dialogue on most of them (conspicuously, both factions have lieutenants who give you orders through gas masks for no reason). </p><p></p><p>When it comes to actual real-time strategy, though, Tempest Rising fares much better. It may be playing within the constraints of a very defined genre and style, but it looks nice, runs well (it only crashed on me when loading a specific saved game), its interface is modern and friendly, and it’s pretty good at finding ways to be inventive with its faction design. Once you get past basic infantry, just about everything has a special ability or a twist to it that you’ll want to spend some time learning to use and decide if it’s worth your time to micromanage, as opposed to selecting everything and sending it into the attack-move meat grinder. There are too many to list, but the GDF’s heavy use of drone controller units is a fun one: you can control them independently to scout within a radius, you can pack their pilots into an APC or transport chopper and they'll still fly around and shoot, and if they’re destroyed they simply respawn for free in a few seconds. It's also a nice touch to generate resources for special abilities by taking the extra step of marking a target before destroying it – it's a good reward for a little bit of extra micro-management in small engagements. </p><section data-transform="quoteBox">The Trebuchet answers the question of what would happen if GDI’s Mammoth Tank and StarCraft 2’s Siege Tank loved each other very much.</section><p>I couldn't help but applaud when the GDF posed and then answered the question of what would happen if GDI’s Mammoth Tank and StarCraft 2’s Siege Tank loved each other very much; that's some excellent wish fulfillment for fans of both those series. These Trebuchet hybrids deploy and un-deploy so quickly – in about a second – that it really drives home how micromanagement-heavy Tempest Rising is built to be. You don’t need to constantly flip back and forth between mobile and stationary modes, but you’ll get more firepower and range out of them if you do.</p><section data-transform="ignvideo" data-slug="tempest-rising-official-gameplay-overview-trailer" data-loop=""></section><p>On the opposing side, the Dynasty’s Scrap Truck is a wildly powerful unit that automatically repairs every vehicle or building in a radius while it’s stationary, and it can deploy to become a turret structure with an even bigger repair range. You can then use that to expand your base building area and stock it with flame and missile turrets (Dynasty can build a structure in advance and then instantly place it, while GDF places structures and then builds them), quickly creating a vehicle repair outpost with self-healing defenses right on the enemy’s doorstep. That, combined with their ultra-long-range Porcupine missile trucks and deadly SAM launchers, makes Dynasty a fantastic offensive turtling faction. And when you want to get a bit more aggressive, they can literally roll out a giant metal ball that flattens any tanks or infantry in its path if they can’t destroy it first.</p><section data-transform="quoteBox">Missions are a good time to smash through, but very few stand out.</section><p>All in all, the variety of missions once you get past the first few tutorials is respectable but expected, including a lot of base-cracking, defense holdouts and last stands, and commando missions led by powerful specialist infantry, and all of them come with optional objectives for you to cross off that might encourage replays. It's interesting that some of those objectives don’t even pop up unless you scout out the whole map – it's a reason to go back and replay, but if you're trying to do everything in one go it might be a little trollish. All of these missions are well done but again, quite conventional; there’s nothing here that thinks radically outside the box or effectively builds minigame modes around unit abilities the way StarCraft 2 did. They are a good time to smash through, but very few stand out.</p><section data-transform="user-list" data-id="116107" data-slug="dans-favorite-rts-games" data-nickname="DanStapleton"></section><p>Like nearly every RTS campaign ever made, Tempest Rising gradually gives you access to new units and airstrike support abilities as you go, but here you also choose a new global upgrade every mission from one of three linear trees – plus you can unlock and then mix-and-match upgrades to fill an expanding number of slots. Some of the upgrades are minor but useful, such as adding burn damage over time to Dynasty’s flamethrowers or stat bonuses that start units out with a veterancy level. Some feel a little exploitative, like one that increases infantry vision range by 50% (which makes them incredibly effective spotters for artillery). A few, though, are meaningful choices that I’d definitely think hard about if I were to play through again on a higher difficulty. The biggest of these for me was the “Stolen Plans” abilities that let you build some of the opposing factions’ vehicles without having to capture their buildings. Some of those, like the Trebuchet tank and Porcupine missile launcher truck, are game-changers that helped me break through tough defensive lines quickly. It’s true that leaning on these can homogenize the campaigns a bit rather than emphasizing what makes each faction unique, but I appreciate being able to customize my force. Also, the ability to re-pack the Dynasty Scrap Truck after deploying it was a huge upgrade that saved me from having to build a whole fleet of them.</p><p></p><p>It’s not spoiling anything that isn’t on the Steam page to say that late in both the campaigns, which follow the same events from opposite perspectives, the story abruptly introduces a third, technologically advanced faction tied to the glowing resource they’re all fighting over – which is a sentence I could’ve copied directly from the Wikipedia page of Command & Conquer 3. The alien (ish?) Veti don’t have a playable campaign and aren't yet available in skirmish or multiplayer, so it's a bit tricky to understand how they work differently, but it’s good that they’re here for variety’s sake. Fighting their heavier armies isn’t dramatically different from taking on the GDF or Dynasty in the campaign – they have similar base and defense structures, tanks, aircraft, and infantry – but they do have a few terrifying late-game units that GDF and Dynasty can’t go toe-to-toe with and required me to take an entirely different posture when one showed up.</p></section>

Mario Kart World Direct Reveals New and Returning Courses, Even More Characters

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:50:45 -0000

Nintendo hosted a Mario Kart World Direct this morning, showing off all the features of the upcoming launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Amid all the new tricks and modes, Nintendo also confirmed a slew of new and returning tracks and racers for Mario Kart World.

<section class="article-page"><img src="https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2025/04/17/mario-kart-world-direct-4-17-2025-3-1744897556380.jpeg"/><section data-transform="mobile-ad-break"></section><p>Nintendo hosted a Mario Kart World Direct this morning, showing off all the features of the upcoming launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Amid all the new tricks and modes, Nintendo also confirmed a slew of new and returning tracks and racers for Mario Kart World.</p><p>On the course side, there were several new courses shown off as part of the roamable world. From the streets of Crown City to the water of Salty Salty Speedway, there are plenty of places to explore and shortcuts to discover. Mechanics like wall-riding and grinding seem like they'll add quite a bit for players to uncover. Here's what we spotted in today's Direct.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><h2>Mario Kart World Confirmed Courses Shown in Today's Direct</h2><ul><li>Mario Bros. Circuit</li><li>Crown City</li><li>Salty Salty Speedway</li><li>Starview Peak</li><li>Boo Cinema</li><li>Toad's Factory</li><li>Peach Beach</li><li>Wario Shipyard</li><li>Whistletop Summit</li><li>DK Spaceport</li><li>Desert Hills</li><li>Shy Guy Bazaar</li><li>Wario Stadium</li><li>Airship Fortress</li><li>DK Pass</li><li>Sky-High Sundae</li><li>Koopa Troopa Beach</li><li>Faraway Oasis</li><li>Crown City</li><li>Peach Stadium</li><li>Dino Dino Jungle</li><li>Great ? Block Ruins</li><li>Rainbow Road</li></ul><section data-transform="divider"></section><p>But what's a world full of courses without a universe's worth of racers to speed across them? Mario Kart World looks to be making some deep pulls from Mario's history. The usual suspects of Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Yoshi are joined by the likes of Spike, Conkdor, Penguin, and more. Here's everyone we spotted in a kart during today's Mario Kart World Direct.</p><p>Mario Kart World Confirmed Racers From Today's Direct</p><ul><li>Mario</li><li>Luigi</li><li>Peach</li><li>Daisy</li><li>Rosalina</li><li>Pauline</li><li>Yoshi</li><li>Toad</li><li>Koopa Troopa</li><li>Baby Mario</li><li>Baby Luigi</li><li>Baby Peach</li><li>Baby Daisy</li><li>Baby Rosalina</li><li>Wario</li><li>Waluigi</li><li>Bowser</li><li>Goomba</li><li>Spike</li><li>Cow</li><li>Lakitu</li><li>Toadette</li><li>Bowser Jr.</li><li>Birdo</li><li>King Boo</li><li>Shy Guy</li><li>Donkey Kong</li><li>Nabbit</li><li>Pirahna Plant</li><li>Hammer Bro</li><li>Monty Mole</li><li>Sidestepper</li><li>Cheep Cheep</li><li>Dry Bones</li><li>Wiggler</li><li>Cataquack</li><li>Pianta</li><li>Rocky Wrench</li><li>Conkdor</li><li>Chargin' Chuck</li><li>Penguin</li><li>Stingby</li><li>Swoop</li><li>Dolphin</li><li>Para-Biddybud</li><li>Pokey</li><li>Coin Coffer</li><li>Peepa</li><li>Snowman</li><li>Fish Bone</li></ul><section data-transform="divider"></section><p>It's quite a line-up so far, and will probably only expand as we learn more about this game. Today's Mario Kart World Direct went over everything from Grand Prix and Knockout Mode to the camera-fueled social options.</p><p>Mario Kart World is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2's launch day, June 5, as an exclusive for the newest Switch console. There certainly seems to be quite a bit to do here, which will hopefully measure up <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-exclusive-mario-kart-world-justifies-its-80-price-tag-nintendo-insists-in-first-comments-addressing-cost-controversy">to its $80 price tag</a>. The newest Kart <em>is</em> being sold both standalone and as part of a hardware bundle though, and given <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-continues-to-sell-millions-so-will-nintendo-release-mario-kart-9-for-switch-2">Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's massive popularity</a>, World is likely to find a home on many Switch 2 consoles.</p><p>You can catch up on <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-direct-everything-announced-for-the-switch-2-launch-title">everything announced at today's Direct right here</a>.</p><section data-transform="divider"></section><p><em>Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.</em></p></section>

Nintendo Switch 2 dodges tariff price increase, but accessories will experience 'price adjustments'

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:44:56 -0000

The Nintendo Switch 2 will still cost $449, but the camera and controllers will be more expensive.

Removal of Unity 6 from China 'not tied' to tariffs, says Unity

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:30:59 -0000

Developers in China can no longer access Unity 6, but will retain access to the Chinese version of Unity and Unity 2022 LTS.

Mario Kart World features missions for the first time in 20 years

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:24:38 -0000

Originally introduced in Mario Kart DS, the Switch 2 exclusive is reintroducing missions, this time in an open-world setting.

Former Arkane Austin VR lead opens new studio with backing from Meta

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:14:18 -0000

Cire Games has broken cover after receiving financing through the Oculus Publishing Ignition fund.

Cronos: The New Dawn devs say remote work made its unique combat possible

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

You need talent to grow a studio, and good talent isn't always in your neck of the woods.

Frostpunk 2 nears 600,000 sales after 'tough' year for developer 11 Bit Studios

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:22:28 -0000

The Polish studio delivered record sales in 2024, but said the year was fraught with 'significant challenges.'

Dwarf Fortress has topped 1 million sales on Steam

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:57:52 -0000

The legendary procedurally generated adventure has become a million seller.

A Minecraft Movie has grossed $550 million globally in under two weeks

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:52:39 -0000

The video game adaptation has outpaced other heavy hitters such as Captain America: Brave New World.

Panic has paid out over $1 million to Playdate developers on Catalog

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:36:14 -0000

'Seeing numbers like this makes us realize that even an indie platform can be meaningful in the gaming world.'

'A vicious cycle:' Translator unions call out Keywords for lowballing contract workers

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:40:14 -0000

European unions AVTE and Tramiti claim Keywords has met their requests for collective bargaining with a 'wall of silence.'

The huge, hidden web game market no one talks about (and how to get in)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:24:50 -0000

There's a hidden market of customers who want to play games on the web.

Report: Gamurs Group torches PC Invasion and continues layoffs

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:40:35 -0000

The media conglomerate behind Destructoid and Prima Games has seemingly axed more positions.

Niantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billion

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:58:50 -0000

The AR company has been cutting jobs to reposition its new-look business as a startup.

Ubisoft open-sources color blindness accessibility tool Chroma

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:35:07 -0000

The French publisher said it hopes developers will use the tool to design games with accessibility in mind.

How Balatro publisher Playstack delivered a marketing masterclass

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:07:16 -0000

A carefully curated 'Wheel of Attention' became Balatro's best friend.

Sony has raised the price of the PlayStation 5 in some markets

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:48:57 -0000

The company is asking consumers to pay more for console hardware in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, EMEA, and the UK.

Saber Interactive CEO donates $5 million for game industry institute at University of Texas

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:18:54 -0000

Matt Karch, CEO and co-founder of Saber Interactive, appears to be the first game industry figure with his name on a university program.

U.S. tariff pause could give Nintendo time to amass a Switch 2 stockpile

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:37:35 -0000

A 90-day reprieve for countries due to be hit by heightened U.S. tariffs has created a window of opportunity for the Japanese company.

Actors union protests outside BAFTAs to call for better working conditions in the UK

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:35:20 -0000

Union leadership said they hoped to catch the attention of some of the 'richest companies in the world.'

SAG-AFTRA receives bipartisan congressional support for anti-deepfake and AI act

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:05:37 -0000

The 'NO FAKES' act is aimed at protecting actors, recording artists, and broadcasters alike.

Industry veterans establish Onibi to create the 'most accessible UGC open world' ever

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0000

A group of former World of Warcraft, Fortnite, and Baldur's Gate 3 devs have joined forces to create a new anime-style multiplayer RPG.

Ubisoft tells The Crew players they never actually owned the game

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:49:16 -0000

The company says an ongoing lawsuit concerning The Crew shutdown is based on a 'faulty assumption' of video game ownership.

Bloober CEO: creating a 'safe,' sustainable workplace takes priority in studio leadership

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:20:15 -0000

'Every single decision I'm making is not just about if the business is good, but if we'll be able to take care of the 250 people we have in the studio and their families.'

It's time for gaming awards to rethink the strategy/sim category

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:20:10 -0000

A plea to rethink how strategy and simulation awards are handed out.

Report: Nintendo is delaying the Switch 2 in China

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:53:39 -0000

Rumblings of delays in China come after Nintendo scrapped pre-order plans in the United States and Canada.

Update: The Molasses Flood has been absorbed into CD Projekt Red

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:02:06 -0000

The dev team will continue working on The Witcher multiplayer spin-off 'Project Sirius' within CDPR proper, but the studio itself has essentially been dissolved.

PlayStation platformer Astro Bot dominates 2025 BAFTA Games Awards

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:37:56 -0000

Team Asobi's acclaimed title nabbed five awards including Best Game.

Testronic opens QA testing facility in Manila

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:28:35 -0000

The facility presents a full-scale infrastructure for 'both day and night shifts.'

'We have way more power than any corporation:' Union workers call on developers to fight for their future

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:01:50 -0000

Unionized workers feel the video game industry is at an existential crossroads: so how did we get here, and what happens next?

Nintendo is delaying Switch 2 pre-orders in Canada because of America

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:43:54 -0000

Canadian pre-orders have been canned to 'align with the timing of pre-orders to be determined in the U.S.'

Nintendo Switch 2's DLSS support may be a big part of future Nintendo games

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:41:10 -0000

Nintendo Switch 2 director Takuhiro Dohta says Nintendo is using DLSS in its first-party games.

Aonic appoints former Larian UK boss Arthur Mostovoy as head of games

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:21:03 -0000

Mostovoy wants to help Aonic's teams thrive as we enter a purported 'golden age of indies and small teams.'

Brass Lion Entertainment makes layoffs to 'realign' workforce around upcoming action-RPG

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:54:49 -0000

The studio has laid off at least 13 employees.

Nintendo taking 'variable' approach to pricing with Switch 2 titles

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:25:11 -0000

Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has explained why Mario Kart World will cost $80, and what that means for other first-party software.

Obituary: Blizzard veteran and Overwatch art director Bill Petras has passed away

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:20:30 -0000

Petras helped define the visual style of major franchises such as World of Warcraft and Overwatch.

Twin Sails Interactive splits from Asmodee and Embracer to become an independent publisher

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:58:05 -0000

'We will continue to champion creative titles with strong visual identities and passionate teams behind them.'

Nintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. over Trump tariffs

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:40:14 -0000

The Japanese company has explained it must 'assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.'

Krafton brands life simulator InZoi a 'long-term franchise' after it hits 1 million sales

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:49:26 -0000

The early access title reached the milestone after one week.

Parents can now moderate their child's friend list and block specific experiences in Roblox

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:22:21 -0000

The wildly popular UGC platform continues to expand its suite of parental controls after concerns were raised over its approach to child safety.

Disney, Codemasters, and Jagex veterans launch indie publishing label The CoLab

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:12:47 -0000

The nascent publishing label hopes to counter 'greedflation' in the video game industry.

The Nintendo Switch 2's mouse mode opens amazing doors for devs

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:00:01 -0000

Nintendo Switch 2's mouse controls feel incredible. Dragging two of them back and forth at once across a table does not.

Nintendo Switch 2 shows Nintendo's strategy for an online social future

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0000

Nintendo is using multiplayer to jump ahead in the handheld market.

Australian studio PlaySide is making layoffs after delivering record revenue

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:19:27 -0000

The company has announced a restructuring plan in response to waning contract work, but the news comes just months after it reported record annual revenue of $64.6 million AUD.

Epic acquires AI-powered 3D asset tagging technology Loci

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:26:09 -0000

The Fortnite maker says the tech will help 'automate artist workflows and improve discoverability of content.'

Unity promises to deliver 'battle-tested' Switch 2 support

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:40:29 -0000

The engine maker wants to help developers 'push the power' of the Switch 2 without compromising performance.

'Redesigned from the ground up:' The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5 for $449

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:35:40 -0000

Nintendo's next-generation device features a larger 7.9 inch LCD display, upgraded dock with 4K support, brand new voice chat functionality, and more.

Update: Microsoft claims it has made 'fair' proposals to union workers after Zenimax staff authorize strike

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:45:14 -0000

Unionized ZeniMax workers have accused Microsoft of failing to address key concerns after years of bargaining, but the company claims it has made 'substantial progress' during negotiations.

Behind the headlines at Valve's rocky start

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:16:04 -0000

Retired Valve CMO Monica Harrington details the difficult early days at the company.

Dredge wasn't originally going to be a narrative game, but then it became one of 2023's best

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:55:38 -0000

Inside the building of Dredge's dialogue-based narrative system

HYBE IM nets $21 million to expand publishing business by wielding the power of K-pop

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:35:10 -0000

The publisher is owned by record label HYBE, known for managing popular boyband BTS through its Big Hit label.

Nintendo raises planned Switch 2 accessory prices amid tariff “uncertainty”

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:55:25 -0000

Prices for hardware and games remain steady, delayed US preorders open April 24.

<p>Nintendo <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/nintendo-maintains-nintendo-switch-2-pricing-retail-pre-orders-to-begin-april-24-in-u-s/">announced Friday morning</a> that a number of accessories for the Switch 2 "will experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions." And while the launch price of the console hardware and Nintendo's first-party exclusive games is not changing for now, the company warned that "other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions."</p> <p>The announcement comes as Nintendo has set a new date of April 24 to open US preorders for the Switch 2. Those preorders were <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/">initially delayed from a planned April 9 opening</a> so Nintendo could "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions" on the console's launch. "We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing," Nintendo said in its announcement Friday.</p> <p>Here are the newly announced planned prices for Nintendo's official Switch 2 accessories (the <a href="https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-2-accessory-prices/">original prices announced on April 2</a> are struck out in parentheses):</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-raises-planned-switch-2-accessory-prices-amid-tariff-uncertainty/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-raises-planned-switch-2-accessory-prices-amid-tariff-uncertainty/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Sunderfolk review: RPG magic that transports your friends together

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:00:19 -0000

Using your phone as a controller keeps you engaged with this accommodating RPG.

<p class="p1">The <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/10/sunderfolk-is-a-couch-co-op-tactical-rpg-you-play-with-a-phone-no-really/">creators of <em>Sunderfolk</em></a> wanted to make a video game that would help players “Rediscover game night.” By my reckoning, they have succeeded, because I am now regularly arguing with good friends over stupid moves. Why didn’t I pick up that gold? Don’t you see how ending up there messed up an area attack? Ah, well.</p> <p class="p1">That kind of friendly friction, inside dedicated social time, only gets harder to come by as you get older, settle into routines, and sometimes move apart. I’ve hosted four <i>Sunderfolk</i> sessions with three friends, all in different states, and it has felt like reclaiming something I lost. <a href="https://www.dreamhaven.com/games/sunderfolk"><i>Sunderfolk</i></a> is a fun game with a lot of good ideas, and the best one is convincing humans to join up in pondering hex tiles, turn order, and what to name the ogres who shoot arrows (“Pointy Bros”).</p> <p class="p1">Maybe you already have all the gaming appointments you need with friends, online or in person. <i>Sunderfolk</i>, I might suggest, is a worthy addition to your queue as a low-effort way to give everyone a break from being the organizer. It does a decent job of tutorializing and onboarding less experienced players, then adds depth as it goes on. Given that only one person out of four has to own the game on some system, and the only other hardware needed is a phone, it’s a pretty light lift for what I’m finding to be a great payoff. Some parts could be improved, but the core loop and its camaraderie engine feel sturdy.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/sunderfolk-review-rpg-magic-that-transports-your-friends-together/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/sunderfolk-review-rpg-magic-that-transports-your-friends-together/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the dad rock of video games, and I love it

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:30:57 -0000

It also proves AAA publishers should be more willing to delay their games.

<p dir="auto">Assassin’s Creed titles are cozy games for me. There’s no more relaxing place to go after a difficult day: historical outdoor museum tours plus dopamine dispensers plus slow-paced assassination simulators. The developers of <em>Assassin’s Creed: Shadows</em> seem to understand thisbetter than ever before.</p> <p dir="auto">I’m “only” 40 hours into <em>Shadows</em> (I reckon I’m about 30 percent through the game), but I already consider it one of the best entries in the franchise’s long history.</p> <p dir="auto">I’ve appreciated some past titles’ willingness to experiment and get jazzy with it, but <em>Shadows</em> takes a different tack. It has cherry-picked the best elements from the past decade or so of the franchise and refined them.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/assassins-creed-shadows-is-the-dad-rock-of-video-games-and-i-love-it/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/assassins-creed-shadows-is-the-dad-rock-of-video-games-and-i-love-it/#comments">Comments</a></p>

What do you actually do in Mario Kart World’s vast open world?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:46:45 -0000

Nintendo also shows off new "Charge Jump" race technique, "reimagined" classic courses.

<div class="ars-video"><div class="relative" allow="fullscreen" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mq4uCJDwO9U?start=0&wmode=transparent"></div></div> <p>Earlier this month, Nintendo let Ars Technica and other outlets have access to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/hands-on-with-the-switch-2-its-the-switch-too/">a small hands-on slice of <em>Mario Kart World</em></a> ahead of its planned June 5 launch. Today, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq4uCJDwO9U">a short livestreamed video presentation</a> gave a bit of extra information about how exactly the full version of the free-roaming Nintendo Switch 2 launch game will work in practice.</p> <p>As the name implies, <em>Mario Kart World</em> sets itself apart from previous games via a "vast interconnected world" that you can roam freely between the actual race courses. That open space between races will feature "hundreds of P-switches," Nintendo said, each of which activates a small mission to "hone your driving abilities." Free-roaming racers will also be able to find hidden medallions and question-mark panels, as well as "drive-thru" food items that can be used to unlock new outfits.</p> <img width="2553" height="1425" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5.png" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5.png 2553w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-640x357.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-1024x572.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-768x429.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-1536x857.png 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-2048x1143.png 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-980x547.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mkworld5-1440x804.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2553px) 100vw, 2553px"> "Hundreds" of P-Switches like this will activate short missions throughout the game's world. Credit: Nintendo <p>While cruising around the Mario Kart "world," players will stumble onto new courses "inspired by their surrounding region," as well as "nostalgic courses for past titles... reimagined and spread throughout the world." When playing in Grand Prix mode, the drive between these courses will be integrated into the usual four-course cups themselves; after racing Mario Kart Circuit in the Mushroom cup, for instance, the second race "will have you covering the distance from Mario Bros. Circuit to Crown City," Nintendo said.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/what-do-you-actually-do-in-mario-kart-worlds-vast-open-world/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/what-do-you-actually-do-in-mario-kart-worlds-vast-open-world/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Diablo vs. Darkest Dungeon: RPG devs on balancing punishment and power

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:01:23 -0000

In interviews, two devs offer contrasting views of what makes an RPG fun.

<p>It’s one of the oldest conversations in gaming. Do you play video games because you’re looking for a challenge and want to experience the thrill and satisfaction of overcoming obstacles? Or do you turn to games to feel empowered, for the escapist fantasy of possessing incredible abilities that are often unattainable in real life?</p> <p>Nowhere is this question more relevant than in the role-playing game genre. The core of the genre is developing a character (or stable of characters) over time, watching their power grow and capabilities expand. Satisfying player power fantasies is at the heart of many RPGs, where you can watch your virtual avatar grow from an unknown serf clad in rags to a living god, wielding incredible power to dominate your enemies or redeem a broken world.</p> <p>That said, the thrill of power is only really exciting when leavened with a little friction. Eventually, even being omnipotent gets old.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/power-and-peril-how-diablo-and-darkest-dungeon-designers-define-the-rpg/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/power-and-peril-how-diablo-and-darkest-dungeon-designers-define-the-rpg/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Nvidia nudges mainstream gaming PCs forward with RTX 5060 series, starting at $299

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:36:13 -0000

RTX 5060 includes 8GB for $299; RTX 5060 Ti has 8GB or 16GB for $379 and $429.

<p>Nvidia is rounding out its GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards today with the official announcement of the mainstream RTX 5060 series. The company is announcing three new GPUs today: The 5060 Ti will launch on April 16 in both 8GB and 16GB variations, for $379 and $429, respectively. The regular RTX 5060 will follow at some point in May for the same $299 MSRP as the last-generation RTX 4060. It is also sticking with 8GB of RAM.</p> <p>Obviously, it remains to be seen whether the company and its partners can actually stock these cards at these prices. GPUs from the top-tier <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/review-nvidias-geforce-rtx-5090-is-the-first-gpu-that-can-beat-the-rtx-4090/">RTX 5090</a> to the mainstream <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-review-no-its-not-4090-performance-at-549/">RTX 5070</a> have been difficult to impossible to buy at their announced MSRPs. And it's not just Nvidia's problem or a high-end problem—<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/amd-radeon-rx-9070-and-9070-xt-review-rdna-4-fixes-a-lot-of-amds-problems/">AMD's Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs</a> have also been hard to buy, as have <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/review-intel-arc-b580-is-a-compelling-if-incredibly-tardy-250-midrange-gpu/">Intel's Arc B580</a> and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/intel-arc-b570-review-at-219-the-cheapest-good-graphics-card/">B570</a> cards.</p> <p>The new graphics cards' specs essentially match numbers that have been floating around for a couple of months now. Both models include modest increases in the number of CUDA cores compared to the last-generation 4060 and 4060 Ti models, with the same amount of RAM and the same 128-bit memory interface. But an upgrade to GDDR7 instead of GDDR6 provides a healthy bump to memory bandwidth and is probably also partially responsible for an increase in peak power consumption. The 4060 Ti in particular was memory bandwidth-constrained at higher resolutions, so hopefully some extra bandwidth will make it a better choice for a decent 1440p gaming PC.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/nvidia-nudges-mainstream-gaming-pcs-forward-with-rtx-5060-series-starting-at-299/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/nvidia-nudges-mainstream-gaming-pcs-forward-with-rtx-5060-series-starting-at-299/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Razer built a game-streaming app on top of Moonlight, and it’s not too bad

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:06:03 -0000

Razer took an open source app and made it simpler. A lead dev is all for it.

<p>Razer, maker of green-hued gaming hardware and accessories, has entered the game-streaming space with its new—but not entirely new—app, <a href="https://www.razer.com/gaming-software/razer-pc-remote-play">PC Remote Play</a>. It's based on very good existing streaming tech and makes connecting a PC to mobile devices fairly simple. It's worth checking out unless you have a hard-and-fast policy about avoiding software "utilities" from RGB-obsessed gaming companies.</p> <p>That, or you're already using and comfortable with <a href="https://moonlight-stream.org/">Moonlight</a>. Moonlight and <a href="https://github.com/LizardByte/Sunshine">Sunshine</a> are the open source game-streaming client and server that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/04/nvidias-gamestream-is-dead-sunshine-and-moonlight-are-better-replacements/">wonderfully picked up where Nvidia's Gamestream left off</a>. PC Remote Play is based on Moonstream's open source code, and Razer has <a href="https://github.com/razerofficial/Razer-PC-Remote-Play-android">made much of its own version's code available</a>.</p> <p>You're getting a few small upgrades when using PC Remote Play:</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/razer-built-a-game-streaming-app-on-top-of-moonlight-and-its-not-too-bad/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/razer-built-a-game-streaming-app-on-top-of-moonlight-and-its-not-too-bad/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Five standout games revealed at today’s Triple-i Showcase

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:24:40 -0000

More than 35 games in 45 minutes, and some of them were danged intriguing.

<p>"No ads, no hosts, no sponsors, just games." <a href="https://iii-initiative.com/">The Triple-i Initiative</a>'s pitch for its now-annual showcase of games, crafted by studios working somewhere between "Solo dev or very small team" and "Investor-minded conglomerate with international offices," promises a lot of peeks at games without a lot of chatter, and once again it delivered.</p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/04/slay-the-spire-2-vampire-survivors-meets-contra-and-other-triple-i-games/">Last year's showcase</a> debuted titles like <em>Norland</em>, <em>Slay the Spire 2</em>, and <em>The Rogue Prince of Persia</em>, along with updates from <em>Darkest Dungeon 2</em>, <em>Palworld</em>, and <em>Vampire Survivors</em>. This year featured looks at titles from the Deep Rock universe, the cloning-yourself-to-survive curiosity <a href="https://altersthegame.com/"><em>The Alters</em></a>, an <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3407390/ENDLESS_Legend_2/"><em>Endless Legend 2</em></a> that continues tweaking the 4X formula, and more.</p> <p>Below are five selected highlights for the Ars crowd, along with some notable other announcements. The full list is not yet up on <a href="https://iii-initiative.com/">the Triple-i site</a>, but you can see what jumped out from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMyziPJY_aw">the full showcase</a>.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/five-stand-out-games-revealed-at-todays-triple-i-showcase/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/five-stand-out-games-revealed-at-todays-triple-i-showcase/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Why Trump’s tariffs probably won’t cause an immediate Switch 2 price bump

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:36:47 -0000

But import taxes could impact longer-term pricing, US console supplies.

<p>Last week, Nintendo made the unprecedented move of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/">delaying US Switch 2 preorders</a> to "assess" the impact of Donald Trump's massive tariffs on the countries where the console is produced. Before most of those tariffs were <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/business/reciprocal-tariff-pause-trump/index.html">recently delayed for 90 days</a>, many were wondering if the company may be mulling a last-minute increase in the Switch 2's $450 asking price to account for those import taxes.</p> <p>While industry analysts think that kind of immediate price increase is unlikely, they warn that Trump's tariffs could have longer-term impacts on Switch 2 pricing and supplies in the US for years to come.</p> <h2>Already baked in</h2> <p>DFC Intelligence CEO David Cole, for instance, <a href="https://www.dfcint.com/the-evolution-of-console-gaming-insights-on-the-switch-2s-debut/">said in a recent analyst note</a> that the company is currently modeling "a 20 percent price increase over the next two years" across all video game hardware thanks to "broader macroeconomic challenges." In the case of the Switch 2, though, Cole <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/04/08/analysts-predict-potential-eventual-530-switch-2-price-after-tariffs/">clarified</a> that "we believe much of the 20 percent increase was already baked into the $450 price," which Nintendo is "not likely" to raise at this point.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/why-trumps-tariffs-probably-wont-cause-an-immediate-switch-2-price-bump/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/why-trumps-tariffs-probably-wont-cause-an-immediate-switch-2-price-bump/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Mario Kart World’s $80 price isn’t that high, historically

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:26:22 -0000

Adjusting for inflation shows console game prices have been higher in the recent past.

<p>Last week, Nintendo made waves across the game industry by announcing that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/psa-mario-kart-world-is-50-bundled-with-a-switch-2-but-80-by-itself/"><em>Mario Kart World</em> would sell for a suggested price of $80</a> in the US. That nominal price represents a new high-water mark both for Nintendo and for the game industry at large, which has generally reserved prices above $70 for <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/11/worth-the-money-the-gaming-collectors-edition-trend/">fancy, trinket-laden collectors' editions</a> or <a href="https://store.ubisoft.com/us/assassins-creed-shadows-digital-deluxe-edition/673b49019baa3f5f7f025a29.html?lang=en_US">Digital Deluxe Editions</a> that include all variety of downloadable bonuses.</p> <figure> <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.001.png" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2087696" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.001.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.001-640x480.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.001-768x576.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.001-980x735.png 980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Console gaming's nominal price ceiling has gone up pretty consistently in the last 40+ years. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Kyle Orland / Ars Technica </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <figure> <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.002.png" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2087697" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.002.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.002-640x480.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.002-768x576.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gameprices2025.002-980x735.png 980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> After adjusting for inflation, an $80 price level doesn't seem all that out of the ordinary. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Kyle Orland / Ars Technica </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>When you adjust historical game prices for inflation, though, you find that asking $80 for a baseline game in 2025 is broadly in line with the prices big games were commanding 10 to 15 years ago. And given the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-caused-the-u-s-pandemic-era-inflation/">faster-than-normal inflation rates of the last five years</a>, even the $70 nominal game prices that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/will-nba-2k21s-70-price-set-a-new-next-gen-console-standard/">set a new standard in 2020</a> don't have the same purchasing oomph they once did.</p> <h2>The data</h2> <figure> <img decoding="async" width="640" height="868" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1983gp-640x868.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="A yellowed print advertisement for video game cartridges." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-1690453" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1983gp-640x868.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1983gp-300x407.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1983gp.jpg 737w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> $34.99 for <em>Centipede</em> on the Atari 2600 might sound cheap, but that 1983 price is the equivalent of roughly $90 today. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.retrowaste.com/wp-content/gallery/1980s-video-games-ads/1983-atari-catridges-games-02.jpg" target="_blank"> Retro Waste </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <figure> <img decoding="async" width="640" height="868" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-640x868.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="A yellowed print advertisement for home video game consoles and accessories." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-1690452" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-640x868.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-300x407.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-768x1041.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-1133x1536.jpg 1133w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp-980x1328.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1988gp.jpg 1212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Check out the premium pricing for <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tag/zelda/"><em>Zelda</em></a> titles above other NES games in the 1988 Sears catalog. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.huguesjohnson.com/features/sears_catalog/sears-catalog-1988-pg615-NES_full.jpg" target="_blank"> Hughes Johnson </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <figure> <img decoding="async" width="640" height="870" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp-640x870.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="A 1990s advertisement for home video game consoles and accessories." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-1690455" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp-640x870.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp-300x408.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp-768x1044.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp-980x1332.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1993gp.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> If you wanted <em>Streets of Rage 2</em> from Electronics Boutique in 1993, you'd better have been ready to pay extra. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.huguesjohnson.com/scans/ebspring93/EBSpring93_04_Genesis.jpg" target="_blank"> Hughes Johnson </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>To judge <em>Mario Kart World</em>'s $80 price against historical trends, we first needed to figure out how much games cost in the past. To do that, we <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/the-return-of-the-70-video-game-has-been-a-long-time-coming/">built off of our similar 2020 analysis</a>, which relied on <a href="https://www.retrowaste.com/wp-content/gallery/1980s-video-games-ads/">scanned catalogs</a> and <a href="https://www.retrowaste.com/wp-content/gallery/1990s-video-games-ads/">retail advertising fliers</a> for real examples of nominal console game pricing going back to the Atari era. For more recent years, we relied more on <a href="https://kotaku.com/microsoft-to-sell-next-gen-games-for-60-price-of-gami-513489951">press reports</a> and <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201202032750/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/top-paid/games/xbox">archived digital storefronts</a> to show what prices new games were actually selling for at the time.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/will-mario-kart-worlds-80-price-become-gamings-new-normal/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/will-mario-kart-worlds-80-price-become-gamings-new-normal/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Carmack defends AI tools after Quake fan calls Microsoft AI demo “disgusting”

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:26:33 -0000

Carmack: "Power tools" like AI are "central to all the progress in computers."

<p>On Monday, John Carmack, co-creator of id Software's Quake franchise, <a href="https://x.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/1909311174845329874">defended</a> Microsoft's recent <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/articles/whamm-real-time-world-modelling-of-interactive-environments/">AI-generated <em>Quake II</em> demo</a> against criticism from a fan about the technology's impact on industry jobs, <a href="https://x.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/1909253938294980874">calling</a> it "impressive research work."</p> <p>Last Friday, Microsoft released a new <a href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/wham?features=labs-wham-enabled">playable tech demo</a> of a generative AI game engine called WHAMM (World and Human Action MaskGIT Model) that generates each simulated frame of <em>Quake II</em> in real time using an AI world model instead of traditional game engine techniques. However, Microsoft is up front about the limitations: "We do not intend for this to fully replicate the actual experience of playing the original <em>Quake II</em> game," the researchers wrote on the project's announcement page.</p> <p>Carmack's comments came after an X user with the handle "Quake Dad" <a href="https://x.com/rubyrangerr/status/1908686763817918994">called</a> the new demo "disgusting" and claimed it "spits on the work of every developer everywhere." The critic <a href="https://x.com/rubyrangerr/status/1909283473690648598">expressed concern</a> that such technology would eliminate jobs in an industry already facing layoffs, writing: "A fully generative game cuts out the number of jobs necessary for such a project which in turn makes it harder for devs to get jobs."</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/john-carmack-defends-ai-amid-backlash-over-microsofts-generative-quake-ii-demo/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/john-carmack-defends-ai-amid-backlash-over-microsofts-generative-quake-ii-demo/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Nintendo explains why Switch 2 hardware and software cost so much

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:00:37 -0000

$450 system isn't being sold at a loss, wasn't priced with tariffs in mind.

<p>Among the many surprises during <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-offers-new-details-on-switch-2-hardware-software/">last week's wider unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2</a> was the pricing: $450 for the console itself and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/psa-mario-kart-world-is-50-bundled-with-a-switch-2-but-80-by-itself/">$70 to $80 for many first-party games</a>. Now, in a set of interviews posted today (but conducted during last week's unveiling event), Nintendo executives are explaining and defending those prices, even as Trump's tariffs are <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/">apparently forcing the company to pause and reassess its whole launch strategy</a>.</p> <p>Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svRmWFAGLJg">speaking to CNBC</a> just as Trump's tariffs were being announced and said in the moment that "we're still all trying to really understand [the tariffs] better and understand what possible impacts may arise from that." At the same time, he said that the company "didn't consider tariffs into that equation" when choosing the Switch 2's $450 price and instead went with what "we felt that was going to be the right price point for our consumers and the right value proposition, if you will, for the device that we're creating."</p> <p>Elsewhere in that CNBC interview, Bowser suggested that Nintendo isn't following the Wii U example of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/08/nintendo-wii-u-still-being-sold-at-a-loss/">selling hardware at a loss</a> in order to gain more potential software customers. Instead, Bowser said the company is "trying to find a way to maintain... margins on the hardware even though they may be more slim than they are on software," and then "to make sure that they're seeing the value in their investment in one of our devices" through software.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-explains-why-switch-2-hardware-and-software-prices-cost-so-much/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-explains-why-switch-2-hardware-and-software-prices-cost-so-much/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Balatro yet again subject to mods’ poor understanding of “gambling”

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:24:10 -0000

YouTube restricts some, but not all, videos depicting the poker-ish indie game.

<p><em>Balatro</em> is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/09/balatro-arrives-on-phones-sept-26-so-plan-your-sick-days-accordingly/">certainly habit-forming</a>, but there's nothing to be won or lost, other than time, by playing it. While the game has you using standard playing cards and poker hands as part of its base mechanics, it does not have in-app purchases, loot boxes, or any kind of online play or enticement to gambling, beyond the basics of risk and reward.</p> <p>Yet many YouTube creators had their <em>Balatro</em> videos set to the traffic-dropping "Age-restricted" status recently, allegedly due to "depictions or promotions of casino websites or apps," with little recourse for appeal.</p> <p>A spokesperson for YouTube told Ars after this post was originally published that the videos should not be age-restricted, and that the service was "fixing the issue and conducting a platform-wide review."</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/balatro-yet-again-subject-to-mods-poor-understanding-of-gambling/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/balatro-yet-again-subject-to-mods-poor-understanding-of-gambling/#comments">Comments</a></p>

A begrudging defense of Nintendo’s “Game-Key cards” for the Switch 2

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:53:34 -0000

Op-ed: Game-Key cards have problems, but I'll take them over download-only.

<p>Nintendo's barrage of Switch announcements over the last two weeks have also come with changes to the way Nintendo treats physical and digital copies of games.</p> <p>Digital games can now become "<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/03/nintendos-new-system-for-sharing-digital-switch-games-explained/">virtual game cards</a>," facilitating slightly more flexible sharing of digitally purchased games between multiple Switch systems owned by the same person or family of people. And physical copies of games can now be either traditional game cards—little bits of plastic with the game stored on a flash memory chip inside—or "Game-Key cards," which look the same from the outside but don't actually have any game data stored on them.</p> <p>A Game-Key card has a "key" stored on it that prompts a download of the game data from Nintendo's servers the first time you insert it. From then on, the game behaves like a cross between a digital download and a physical game—all of the game's content has to be on the console's internal storage or a microSD Express card, but you <em>need</em> to have the Game-Key card inserted before the game will launch.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/a-begrudging-defense-of-nintendos-game-key-cards-for-the-switch-2/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/a-begrudging-defense-of-nintendos-game-key-cards-for-the-switch-2/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Nintendo isn’t using anti-drift Hall effect sensors on Switch 2 joysticks

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:48:48 -0000

But Nintendo promises "redesigned" Joy-Cons are "smoother" and "more durable."

<p>After <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/07/report-nintendo-quietly-owns-up-to-joy-con-drift-will-repair-for-free/">dealing with</a> years of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/07/report-nintendo-quietly-owns-up-to-joy-con-drift-will-repair-for-free/">widespread reports of "stick drift" on the original Switch Joy-Cons</a>, Nintendo watchers have been hoping the Switch 2 would make use of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_effect_sensor">magnetic Hall effect sensors</a> that avoid most of the physical wear and tear that causes the problem. Now, though, a Nintendo executive has confirmed that the Joy-Cons on the new console won't make use of the more reliable but more expensive technology.</p> <p>"Well, the Joy-Con 2's controllers have been designed from the ground up," Nintendo of America Senior Vice President of Product Development & Publishing Nate Bihldorff <a href="https://www.nintendolife.com/features/we-really-want-to-future-proof-the-nintendo-switch-2-interview">told enthusiast site Nintendo Life</a> in a recent interview. "They're not Hall effect sticks, but they feel really good."</p> <p>The confirmation comes after Nintendo pointedly refused to offer details about the Switch 2's joystick hardware at a roundtable Q&A session attended by Ars last week. When a reporter asked whether stick drift "is the sort of thing that has been improved with the Joy-Con 2 and the Pro Controller 2 as well," Switch 2 Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki responded (via a translator) that the "new Joy-Con 2 controllers have been designed from the ground up from scratch to have bigger movement, and also a lot smoother movement."</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/switch-2-joysticks-wont-use-hall-effect-sensors-to-avoid-stick-drift/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/switch-2-joysticks-wont-use-hall-effect-sensors-to-avoid-stick-drift/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Dustland Delivery plays like a funny, tough, post-apocalyptic Oregon Trail

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 11:30:14 -0000

Buy low, sell high, fight raiders, and fix tires in this quirky RPG.

<p>Road trips with just two people always have their awkward silences. In <em>Dustland Delivery</em>, my character, a sharpshooter, has tried to break the ice with the blacksmith he hired a few towns back, with only intermittent success.</p> <p>Remember that bodyguard, the one I unsuccessfully tried to flirt with at that bar? The blacksmith was uninterested. What about that wily junk dealer, or the creepy cemetery? Silence. She only wanted to discuss "Abandoned train" and "Abandoned factory," even though, in this post-apocalypse, abandonment was not that rare. But I made a note to look out for any rusted remains; stress and mood are far trickier to fix than hunger and thirst.</p> <div class="ars-video"><div class="relative" allow="fullscreen" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_sJFaQfI-is?start=0&wmode=transparent"></div><div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> <em>Dustland Delivery</em> release trailer. </div> </div> </div> <p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2943280/Dustland_Delivery/"><em>Dustland Delivery</em></a>, available through Steam for Windows (and Proton/Steam Deck), puts you in the role typically taken up by NPCs in other post-apocalyptic RPGs. You're a trader, buying cheap goods in one place to sell at a profit elsewhere, and working the costs of fuel, maintenance, and raider attacks into your margins. You're in charge of everything on your trip: how fast you drive, when to rest and set up camp, whether to approach that caravan of pickups or give them a wide berth.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/dustland-delivery-asks-which-is-worse-gas-prices-or-gangs-of-rotting-mutants/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/dustland-delivery-asks-which-is-worse-gas-prices-or-gangs-of-rotting-mutants/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Not just Switch 2: ESA warns Trump’s tariffs will hurt the entire game industry

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:36:27 -0000

"[It's] hard to imagine a world where tariffs like these don’t impact pricing."

<p>This morning's announcement that Nintendo is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/">delaying US preorders for the Switch 2</a> immediately increased the salience of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/04/critics-suspect-trumps-weird-tariff-math-came-from-chatbots/">President Trump's proposed wide-reaching import tariffs</a> for millions of American Nintendo fans. Additionally, the Entertainment Software Association—a lobbying group that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/06/gaming-trade-org-for-dmca-theres-no-such-thing-as-an-obsolete-game/">represents the game industry's interests</a> in Washington—is warning that the effects of Trump's tariffs on the gaming world won't stop with Nintendo.</p> <p>"There are so many devices we play video games on," ESA senior vice president Aubrey Quinn <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/esa-responds-to-trump-tariffs-if-we-think-its-just-the-switch-2-then-we-arent-taking-it-seriously">said in an interview with IGN</a> just as Nintendo's preorder delay news broke. "There are other consoles... VR headsets, our smartphones, people who love PC games; if we think it's just the Switch, then we aren't taking it seriously.</p> <p>"This is company-agnostic, this is an entire industry," she continued. "There's going to be an impact on the entire industry."</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/not-just-switch-2-esa-warns-trumps-tariffs-will-hurt-the-entire-game-industry/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/not-just-switch-2-esa-warns-trumps-tariffs-will-hurt-the-entire-game-industry/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Switch 2 preorders delayed over Trump tariff uncertainty

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:03:39 -0000

Nintendo will "assess" market conditions; planned June 5 launch date still set for now.

<p>Nintendo Switch 2 preorders, which were due to begin on April 9, are being delayed indefinitely amid the financial uncertainty surrounding <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/04/critics-suspect-trumps-weird-tariff-math-came-from-chatbots/">Donald Trump's recent announcement of massive tariffs</a> on most US trading partners.</p> <p>"Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” Nintendo said in <a href="https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch-2/553133/pre-orders-delayed-trump-tariff">a statement cited by Polygon</a>. "Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged."</p> <p>Nintendo announced launch details for the Switch 2 <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-offers-new-details-on-switch-2-hardware-software/">on Wednesday morning</a>, just hours before <a href="https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/tariffs-trump-news-04-02-25/index.html">Trump's afternoon "Liberation Day" press conference</a> announcing <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/03/trump-tariffs-affect-countries-economy/">the biggest increase in import duties in modern US history</a>. Those taxes on practically all goods imported into the United States are set to officially go into effect on April 9, the same day Nintendo had planned to roll out Switch 2 preorders <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/">for qualified customers</a>.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-preorders-to-assess-trump-tariff-effects/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Nvidia confirms the Switch 2 supports DLSS, G-Sync, and ray tracing

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:32:39 -0000

Nvidia says the Switch 2's GPU is 10 times faster than the original Switch.

<p>In the wake of the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/04/nintendo-offers-new-details-on-switch-2-hardware-software/">Switch 2 reveal</a>, neither Nintendo nor Nvidia has gone into any detail at all about the exact chip inside the upcoming handheld—technically, we are still not sure what Arm CPU architecture or what GPU architecture it uses, how much RAM we can expect it to have, how fast that memory will be, or exactly how many graphics cores we're looking at.</p> <p>But interviews with Nintendo executives and <a href="https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nintendo-switch-2-leveled-up-with-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-and-4k-gaming/">a blog post from Nvidia</a> did at least confirm several of the new chip's capabilities. The "custom Nvidia processor" has a GPU "with dedicated [Ray-Tracing] Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements," writes Nvidia Software Engineering VP Muni Anda.</p> <p>This means that, as rumored, the Switch 2 will support Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) upscaling technology, which helps to upscale a lower-resolution image into a higher-resolution image with less of a performance impact than native rendering and less loss of quality than traditional upscaling methods. For the Switch games that can render at 4K or at 120 FPS 1080p, DLSS will likely be responsible for making it possible.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/nvidia-confirms-the-switch-2-supports-dlss-g-sync-and-ray-tracing/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/nvidia-confirms-the-switch-2-supports-dlss-g-sync-and-ray-tracing/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Explaining MicroSD Express cards and why you should care about them

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:00:33 -0000

Little-used 2019 standard bridges a gap between internal and external storage.

<p>Among the changes mentioned in yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 presentation was a note that the new console doesn't just support MicroSD Express cards for augmenting the device's 256GB of internal storage, but it <em>requires </em>MicroSD Express. Whatever plentiful, cheap microSD card you're using in your current Switch, including Sandisk's Nintendo-branded ones, can't migrate over to your Switch 2 alongside all your Switch 1 games.</p> <h2>MicroSD Express, explained</h2> <p>Why is regular-old MicroSD no longer good enough? It all comes down to speed.</p> <p>Most run-of-the-mill SD and microSD cards you can buy today are using some version of the Ultra High Speed (UHS) standard. Designed to augment the default speed (12.5MB/s) and high speed (25MB/s) from the earliest versions of the SD card standard, the three UHS versions enable data transfers of up to 624MB/s.</p><p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/what-is-microsd-express-and-why-is-it-mandatory-for-the-nintendo-switch-2/">Read full article</a></p> <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/what-is-microsd-express-and-why-is-it-mandatory-for-the-nintendo-switch-2/#comments">Comments</a></p>

Star Wars Zero Company Features Character Customization, Permadeath, and More

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:46:31 -0000

Customize your version of Hawks and the squad, take on missions via the Galaxy Map, or socialize with allies in The Den.

<p><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> is <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-launches-in-2026-first-trailer-revealed">out in 2026</a>, and during a Developer Panel, the teams at Respawn and Bit Reactor unveiled the first tactical strategy game’s first details. They confirmed that Hawks, the commander of the mercenary unit, is customizable, from the appearance and voice to the species and name.</p> <p>But that’s not all – you can also make a custom squad. Want a murderous row of Astromechs? Go for it, though this decision will have consequences. Your crew hangs out in The Den, and you can socialize, recruit operatives and upgrade it.</p> <p>A Galaxy Map highlights the different available missions, and depending on how the Clone Wars progresses, you’ll need to adapt your strategy. Familiar planets from properties like <em>Star Wars: Obi-Wan</em>, <em>The Bad Batch</em>, and more also appear.</p> <p>Zero Company may start at odds, but as they build bonds, they can unlock new abilities (and even change their fate on the battlefield). The teams also confirmed difficulty settings, and yes, you can play with Permadeath in true <em>XCOM</em> fashion.</p> <p><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Star Wars Celebration LIVE! 2025 - DAY 2" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0trVP56Cy0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure>

Star Wars Zero Company Launches in 2026, First Trailer Revealed

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:51:04 -0000

In an original story set during the Clone Wars, players control Hawks and his unit of "professionals for hire" in an impossible operation.

<p>During <em>Star Wars</em> Celebration Japan 2025, Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor revealed the first trailer of <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/star-wars-zero-company-announced-by-respawn-entertainment-and-bit-reactor"><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em></a>. Occurring at the “twilight” of the Clone Wars, the single-player turn-based tactics title focuses on former Republic officer Hawks and the titular Zero Company.</p> <p>The unit comprises an “unconventional outfit of professionals for hire” participating in an operation against an “emerging threat.” Despite their rampant professionalism, the group has some friction, which Hawks must manage. It’s an original story but some tie-ins to other properties wouldn’t be surprising.</p> <p>Brief snatches of pre-alpha gameplay are showcased at the trailer’s tail-end, and, perhaps to the surprise of no one <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/bit-reactor-and-respawns-star-wars-strategy-game-screenshots-leak-ahead-of-april-19-reveal-rumour">due to leaks</a>, it’s an <em>XCOM</em>-like title with characters taking cover. Abilities include scanning for targets, Force pushing a droid away, sniping them from afar, and throwing grenades from elevated positions. There’s even a funny bit, intentional or not, of the Clone Trooper having a less-than-accurate aim.</p> <p><em>Star Wars Zero Company</em> launches in 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Further details have yet to be revealed, so stay tuned for more updates from the Developer Panel.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Star Wars Zero Company | Official Announce Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rcxnRaZ6slU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure>

Rematch Open Beta Surpasses 118,000 Concurrent Players on Steam

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:00:40 -0000

Sifu dev Sloclap's multiplayer football action game will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 19.

<p><em>Sifu </em>developer Sloclap’s upcoming football mutltplayer action title <em>Rematch </em>has generated plenty of buzz since its announcement <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/rematch-is-a-new-multiplayer-football-game-by-the-makers-of-sifu">in December</a>, and that’s being reflected in the player numbers it is attracing. An open beta of the multiplayer title recently went live on Steam, and players are flocking to it in droves.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://steamdb.info/app/3432970/charts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SteamDB</a>, on Friday, the day the open beta went live, it saw a peak of 118,739 concurrent players on Steam. Clearly, the promise of its <em>Rocket League-</em>style football multiplayer action has turned heads, and the fact that it’s coming from the studio behind fan favourite title <em>Sifu </em>only serves to help as well. It should be interesting to see how it performs over the remainder of its open beta period.</p> <p><em>Rematch </em>is launching for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/rematch-launches-on-june-19">on June 19</a>, and will also be available via Game Pass day and date. The game will be priced at $29.99. Head on <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/rematch-was-never-considered-for-a-free-to-play-release-creative-director">over here</a> for creative director Pierre Tarno’s words on why Sloclap didn’t consider a free-to-play model.</p>

PowerWash Simulator 2 Trailer Details Modes, Improvements, and More

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:33:28 -0000

FuturLab's simulation sequel is set to launch sometime this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

<p>FuturLab announced a sequel to surprise runaway hit <em>PowerWash Simulator </em>last month, and the developer has now released another brief new trailer that reveals new tidbits and gameplay footage for <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/powerwash-simulator-2-announced-launches-this-year"><em>PowerWash Simulator 2</em></a>. Check it out below. </p> <p>The new trailer sees members of the development team attempting to explain the game in 60 seconds, and revealing new details in the process. <em>PowerWash Simulator 2 </em>will tout a career mode as well as splitscreen co-op, in addition to base building and customization mechanics, and other gameplay tweaks and improvements. Check it out below for glimpses at all of that and more. </p> <p><em>PowerWash Simulator 2 </em>will launch sometime later this year for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. A specific release date hasn’t yet been announced. Unlike the first title, which was published by Square Enix, the sequel is set to be self-published by developer FuturLab.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="PowerWash Simulator 2 - Explained in 60 Seconds" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPiccc_YGWU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure>

Atomfall Has “Been a Huge Success” on Game Pass – Rebellion

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:15:00 -0000

"Microsoft has been a fantastic partner to work with, they've really leaned in to helping us," says Rebellion's CEO Jason Kingsley.

<p><em>Sniper Elite </em>and <em>Zombie Army </em>developer Rebellion launched a new IP last month in the form of <em>Atomfall, </em>a wonderfully bizarre new open world survival action title that has seen solid critical acclaim and player numbers to match. Earlier this month, Rebellion announced that the game had <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/atomfall-crosses-2-million-players">crossed 2 million players</a> since release, and the studio now says that its day and date release on Game Pass for PC and Xbox has had a big hand to play in that success.</p> <p>Speaking with <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/rebellion-ceo-on-atomfalls-success-and-launching-a-new-ip-on-xbox-game-pass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GamesIndustry</a>, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley called <em>Atomfall’s </em>Game Pass launch a “huge success,” calling it a “really good deal” for both the British studio and Microsoft, who, according to Kingsley, have “been a fantastic partner to work with.”</p> <p>“It’s been a huge success,” he said. “Microsoft has been a fantastic partner to work with, they’ve really leaned in to helping us. They brought their skills and their scale to bear on our small project, and it’s done really, really well for them, so they got a good deal, we got a good deal out of it as well.”</p> <p>Speaking specifically about how Microsoft’s subscription service has helped the game, Kingsley touched on the exposure the service provides to games and new IP in particular, and how that lowers the barrier to entry.</p> <p>“With Game Pass, you can get people to try it, then as a result of those people trying it, they like it, and they then tell their mates on social media, ‘I found this game on Game Pass, I really enjoyed it, you should have a go,'” he said. “And then some of them are on Game Pass, and will [play] it. But some of them aren’t on Game Pass, and will also want to be part of that conversation. So, they’ll go and buy it.</p> <p>“At least, that’s our theory – we don’t have the data in for that. But Chris [Kingsley, co-founderand CTO] and I both feel, one of the biggest challenges for a company like us is discovery. And Game Pass has allowed for a lot of discovery for our game.”</p> <p>Kingsley added that Game Pass helped the studio “mitigate risk.” He admitted that launching on the service does perhaps cannibalize sales, but as per the Rebellion CEO, the tradeoff makes it worth it.</p> <p>“Yes, it does mitigate risk, because without going into details, they guarantee you a certain level of income, regardless of what it will sell for,” he said. “But it potentially has a knock-on effect. Places like Xbox sales, for example. You could argue that all the hardcore are on Game Pass, and they’re the ones that might buy a new IP like this, so therefore, are you cannibalising one section of the audience? And I think, perhaps, yes, a little bit. But what you gain from that cost is disproportionate.”</p> <p><em>Atomfall </em>is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Read our review of the game <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/atomfall-review-stalker-alert">through here</a>.</p>

World of Goo 2 Launches for PS5 and Steam on April 25

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:46:31 -0000

2D Boy's puzzle platforming sequel is currently available on Nintendo Switch and PC via the Epic Games Store.

<p>Several months on from its original release, <em>World of Goo 2 </em>is set to open the gates for a larger audience on additional platforms. 2D Boy and Tomorrow Corporation have announced that the sidescrolling puzzle platforming sequel will launch for PS5 later this month, on April 25. </p> <p><em>World of Goo 2 </em>will also launch for Steam on PC on the same day. Upon its PC release in August last year, the game was available exclusively via the Epic Games Store. In March, 2D Boy and Tomorrow Corporation announced that that exclusivity would end <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/world-of-goo-2-launches-for-steam-this-spring">sometime this spring</a>– now we know exactly when to expect it on Steam, and it’s not too far away. </p> <p>Via a <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3385670/view/591768182357753883" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steam post</a>, the developers also confirm that they’re set to release a new update for <em>World of Goo 2 </em>that will add three new levels that are “designed especially for the most clever, the most hardcore, the most goo-imbued players,” alongside over 30 new achievements, a new options menu, and more. </p> <p><em>World of Goo 2 </em>is currently available on Nintendo Switch and PC via the Epic Games Store.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="World of Goo 2 coming to PlayStation 5 on April 25!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXG2kNLCjkw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure>

Saros Will Receive Extended Gameplay Reveal Later This Year

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:56:53 -0000

Housemarque's rogue-lite shooter launches in 2026 for the PS5 and follows Arjun Devraj as he attempts to break the cycle on Carcosa.

<p>Among Sony’s first-party exclusives, Housemarque’s <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/saros-announced-by-returnal-developer-housemarque-launches-2026"><em>Saros</em></a> is one of the more intriguing despite how far off its launch. The developer promised more details later this year, and thankfully, that’s not all, as an extended gameplay reveal is also on the cards.</p> <p>The set-up for the title will sound very familiar to <em>Returnal</em> fans. As Arjun Devraj (played by Rahul Kohli), you’re trapped in an endless cycle on Carcosa, looking for someone. Each death causes the world to change, but unlike <em>Returnal</em>, you can find resources that carry over and permanently upgrade your loadout.</p> <p>Arjun will thus become stronger and more capable of tackling Carcosa’s mysteries, including the strange multi-armed figure and the eclipse. Housemarque also <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/saros-features-an-evolving-set-of-weapon-and-suit-upgrades-says-creative-director">promises an “evolving set” of weapons and suit upgrades</a>, though we’ve yet to see much beyond the debut trailer.</p> <p><em>Saros</em> launches in 2026 for the PS5, so stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime, check out our <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/returnal-pc-review-helios-abandoned">review for <em>Returnal</em></a> on PC.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="embed-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Expect our first look at extended gameplay later this year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HMQ30?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HMQ30</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAROS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAROS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tpqPlPlzUN">pic.twitter.com/tpqPlPlzUN</a></p>— Housemarque (@Housemarque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Housemarque/status/1912849179933552857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div></figure>

Phantom Blade Zero Takes Inspiration from Souls Games For Exploration and Resident Evil for Vibes – Director

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:09:28 -0000

Director "Soulframe" Liang also spoke about how just about every aspect of the studio's philosophy helps develop the game.

<p>While the studio behind <em>Phantom Blade Zero</em> has been clear about designing the upcoming RPG as being closer in gameplay terms to a title like <em>Devil May Cry 5</em> <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/phantom-blade-zero-is-not-a-soulslike-demo-isnt-ready-for-public-launch">than it would be to <em>Dark Souls</em></a>, the studio has mentioned that is taking inspiration from several games, including FromSoftware’s <em>Souls</em> franchise.</p> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/even-if-it-isnt-a-soulslike-phantom-blade-zero-still-wants-to-channel-that-pre-elden-ring-fromsoftware-level-design-with-secrets-and-layers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GamesRadar</a>, developer S-Game spoke about how <em>Phantom Blade Zero</em>‘s various aspects have been inspired by <em>Devil May Cry</em>, <em>Souls,</em> and even <em>Resident Evil</em>. Where <em>Devil May Cry</em> was the inspiration behind combat, the <em>Souls</em> franchise is where the studio is taking its cues from for level design. <em>Resident Evil</em>, on the other hand, will serve as the inspiration for the game’s narrative design and general atmosphere.</p> <p>“On the <em>Souls</em>-lite level design side, we are definitely a fan of and inspired by the pre-<em>Elden Ring</em>, interconnected, tight level design,” said a representative from S-Game. They also mentioned that director “Soulframe” Liang studied architecture at school, “so the level design is something that’s very important for us and we want to have very robust levels, have a lot of depth to them, very dense.”</p> <p>Liang himself spoke about how the various inspirations for <em>Phantom Blade Zero</em> came together in different ways. Taking to GamesRadar, he describes the title as being more like a <em>Resident Evil</em> game with an emphasis on fighting with swords.</p> <p>“Before, everyone thought we’re making a <em>Souls</em>like game,” explained Liang. “So in order to prove we have a totally different combat system for the core gameplay, we’re showcasing these combat demos. But now people have maybe come the other way around, they think it’s a hack-and-slash with no story and you just go kill to the end, but it’s not something like that. It’s more like a <em>Resident Evil</em> but fighting with blades.”</p> <p>Liang also spoke about how exploration will be a core part of the gameplay in <em>Phantom Blade Zero</em> along with its fast-paced action gameplay and character progression. He describes the game’s exploration aspects as coming from a <em>Souls</em> games, while the “vibes” come for <em>Resident Evil</em>.</p> <p>“Anything that is useful and good for us to make our pillar, a playable kung fu movie with exploration and character progression, we’ll make use of it,” he said. “Whether it’s exploration from a <em>Souls</em> game or vibes from <em>Resident Evil</em> or combat from this hack-and-slash game, we’ll take that and bring them together. But the overall experience is still very coherent. It’s not ripped apart from something else.”</p> <p>Ultimately, S-Game wants to bring back classic kung fu action back in its own way. With <em>Phantom Blade Zero</em>, the studio says that its ideologies and principles in game design hold everything together. If one aspect were to fail, it would also bring the rest of the game down with it.</p> <p>“We have deeper ideologies and principles in designing the game,” said Liang. “If we don’t have that, every element we brought from different genres would feel separate and fall apart. One is to bring back the golden age of Chinese kung fu movies, starting from Bruce Lee in the 1970s and into maybe the early 2000s. We want to rekindle this passion for the kung fu movie. The other one, for gaming itself, we want to <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/phantom-blade-zero-director-wants-to-use-development-ideas-from-the-ps2-era-to-manage-scope">rediscover the golden age of PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2</a>.”</p> <p><em>Phantom Blade Zero</em> is currently in development for PC and PS5. While it doesn’t have a release date as of yet, the studio might be targeting a Fall 2026 release window. The studio has also previously revealed that it <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/phantom-blade-zeros-main-story-will-take-players-20-30-hours-to-finish">will take players between 20 and 30 hours to finish</a>.</p>

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Begin on April 24th in the US and Canada, Console Price Unchanged

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:54:40 -0000

Prices for several accessories, including the Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 Pair, have increased due to "changes in market conditions."

<p>After <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/nintendo-switch-2-pre-orders-delayed-still-launching-on-june-5th">delaying the same due to tariffs</a>, Nintendo has <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/nintendo-maintains-nintendo-switch-2-pricing-retail-pre-orders-to-begin-april-24-in-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> that Switch 2 pre-orders begin on April 24th in the United States and <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/whatsnew/nintendo-maintains-nintendo-switch-2-pricing-retail-pre-orders-to-begin-april-24-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada</a>. The console price will remain at $449.99/CAD$629.99, while the <em>Mario Kart World</em> bundle continues to retail for $499.99/<em>CAD</em>$699.99.</p> <p><em>Mario Kart World</em> and <em>Donkey Kong Bananza</em> will also remain at the same prices physically and digitally – $79.99 and $69.99. Unfortunately, “changes in market conditions” have caused price increases for many accessories. Check out the full list of prices for everything, from the controller and Joy-Con 2 Pair to the games:</p> <ul> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99/CAD$629.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99/CAD$699.99</em></li> <li><em>Mario Kart World – $79.99/CAD$109.99</em></li> <li><em>Donkey Kong Bananza – $69.99/CAD$99.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – $84.99/CAD$109.99</em></li> <li><em>Joy-Con 2 Pair – $94.99/CAD$124.99</em></li> <li><em>Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $39.99/CAD$49.99</em></li> <li><em>Joy-Con 2 Strap – $13.99/CAD$19.99</em></li> <li><em>Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set – $24.99/CAD$29.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – $54.99/CAD$69.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set – $119.99/CAD$154.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $39.99/CAD$49.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case – $84.99/CAD$109.99</em></li> <li><em>Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter – $34.99/CAD$39.99</em></li> <li><em>Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2 – $59.99/CAD$84.99</em></li> </ul> <p>It also clarifies that “other adjustments” to the pricing of “any Nintendo product” can occur later due to market conditions. Long story short, prices could increase further if more tariffs are announced.</p> <p>The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th worldwide alongside <em>Mario Kart World</em>. Check out the latest gameplay for the latter <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mario-kart-world-new-courses-rainbow-road-tease-and-more-revealed-in-new-direct">here</a>. You can also learn about new features like <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mario-kart-world-introduces-rewind-time-trials-and-vs-race-also-revealed">Rewind</a>, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mario-kart-world-features-unlockable-character-outfits-and-vehicle-skins">unlockable character outfits</a>, <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/mario-kart-world-battle-mode-free-roam-activities-and-more-detailed">Battle Mode</a>, and more.</p>

The Forever Winter Gets Co-Op-Only Weapon in Latest Update

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:44:46 -0000

The new weapon in The Forever Winter can only be used if there are three players heading out into a region for a mission.

<p>Developer Fun Dog Studios has <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2828860/view/547858640693887236?l=english" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a major update for its PvE co-op extraction shooter <em>The Forever Winter</em>. The update, dubbed Nosebleeds, is out now, and features a host of new content, including a new weapon specially designed to be used while playing co-op. Along with this, there is also a new quest giver that will allow players to acquire parts to make the new weapon.</p> <p>The weapon is a Railgun, which can only be carried into missions in parts. Players then have to work together to assemble the Railgun in the field, after which the gun can no longer be disassembled. Once placed, a player will have to man the weapon to aim and fire. It is stated to be powerful enough to take out a tank in a single hit, and can even stun some of the largest enemies in the game.</p> <p>It is worth noting that the Railgun can only be used when a party of three players are heading into a mission together. A single player cannot carry all of the parts required to assemble it in the field. Check out the trailer showcasing the new weapon below.</p> <p>Along with this, <em>The Forever Winter</em> also got a host of other improvements and bug fixes. This includes a new Weapon-part crafting terminal in the Innards, a clean up of collision data in various maps, fixes to the patrol logic of the Medium Mech, improvements to kill-quest enemies, and improvements to drones and choppers. Check out the full patch notes below.</p> <p>The last major update for <em>The Forever Winter</em> was <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/the-forever-winter-march-update-brings-revamp-to-water-mechanic-gunplay-and-new-region">released back in March</a>. Along with bug fixes, the update brought with it a complete revamp to the game’s unique water mechanics. Dubbed Water 3.0, the mechanic was changed into no longer being a constantly-draining resource. Rather, the update turned it into a currency that could be spent to get access to various entry points across different regions.</p> <p>For more details about <em>The Forever Winter</em>, check out <a href="https://gamingbolt.com/the-forever-winter-early-access-review-a-flawed-but-decent-extraction-shooter">our review from back in December</a>.</p> <p><em>The Forever Winter</em> Nosebleeds Update patch notes:</p> <ul> <li><em>New-skin cinema in the Innards</em></li> <li><em>Stairway Night Mode (selected when entering region in the same RNG system as other night mode region variants)</em></li> <li><em>Heavy weapons 1st (Beta) pass (Usable Railgun weapon system)</em></li> <li><em>Bunco as an unlockable quest giver (see if you can discover what he is looking for you to do!)</em></li> <li><em>Bunco quests to earn components to build Railgun parts (once he is unlocked as a quest giver)</em></li> <li><em>Weapon-part crafting terminal (in the Innards)</em></li> <li><em>3-player cooperative Railgun weapon assembly</em></li> <li><em>Boss stunning / Boss Codex Loot</em></li> <li><em>Improved animations for Bagman and Maskman</em></li> <li><em>Map Collision Cleanup (fixing numerous issues where collision and / or geo can prevent smooth movement)</em></li> <li><em>Recruit AI improvements Mk. 1 (improved response to orders, mule recruit no longer obeys attack order as it cannot attack)</em></li> <li><em>Improved Mother Courage AI (better response to its target’s behavior)</em></li> <li><em>Fixes to Medium Mech patrol logic</em></li> <li><em>Improved 3rd person camera alignment</em></li> <li><em>Enhanced music system improvements (more awareness / stealth / tension layers)</em></li> <li><em>Specific kill-quest enemies improvements (better chance to survive against AI foes so players can find them)</em></li> <li><em>Drone and Chopper improvements (can spawn from below and rise into the combat space in height-based regions)</em></li> <li><em>Better logic for faction score increases when AI notice you damaging / killing their foes</em></li> <li><em>Loot containers now have a larger range of potential items (type and count) to drop</em></li> <li><em>Various hand-positioning and animation improvements to player character weapon poses</em></li> <li><em>Fixed sync-kill distance bug that would sometimes allow enemies such as the Grabber to sync kill foes from too far away</em></li> </ul> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Forever Winter - April Update: "Nosebleed"" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kR3JgG5kWmY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>

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