Everyone is talking aboutBlade Runner 2049. From the early reviews, critics are raving about director Denis Villeneuve's visionary work. As the sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 cult-classic film, it takes place 30 years after the events of the first movie, when a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge the world into chaos.
To bridge the gap between 2019 (when the original Blade Runner took place) and 2049, Villeneuve enlisted the talents of acclaimed Japanese anime director Shinichiro Watanabe--creator of Cowboy Bebop--to create Blade Runner Blackout 2022.
Picture Los Angeles, May 2022. Everything's gone dark. Cars are falling out of the sky, and there are no lights or power. Who's responsible for this? A replicant named Iggy. This citywide blackout is to show humans and the Tyrell corporation that replicants deserve the right to life, and a life free from persecution. Iggy is a Nexus 8, a new type of replicant built with a natural human lifespan--a development that caused natural humans to begin taking their anger and paranoia out on innocent replicants.
Upon hearing Denis Villeneuve wanted an anime set in the Blade Runner universe, Mamoru Oshii, director of Ghost in the Shell, came to mind as the perfect candidate. But no one can argue with Watanabe's expertise. He directed Cowboy Bebop, one of the most celebrated anime series ever. And the man knows his way around the science fiction genre. One hallmark of Watanabe's work is his ability to use different anime styles within the same story without overdoing it. In Blackout, the scenes in black and white show the paranoid state of humanity, while bright colors are used to establish a sense of hope.
The city landscape feels familiar, with images almost mirroring those from Ridley Scott's film. The atmosphere is dark and hopeless. Buildings stand tall and hover over the city. Tensions are high, and there's violence on the ground, replicants fighting to stay alive.
Speaking of fighting, Trixie has an amazing action sequence in which she moves with the same slithering acrobatics as Pris (a replicant played by Daryl Hannah in the original Blade Runner), even down to the blend of gymnastics and martial arts she utilizes. The fight scenes are well choreographed and hyper realistic, as you can hear and feel every bone-crushing kick and punch.
Then there's a quick appearance from Morton Sapper--a significant easter egg for those looking forward to Blade Runner 2049.
In 2049, Sapper is played by Dave Bautista. His appearance in the anime gives the audience some insight into Sapper's character, implying that he's not just a replicant, but also a military deserter. Of course, this raises yet more questions about the upcoming film: Is K is hunting him because Sapper's gone AWOL? Or does Sapper play a larger role in K's mission?
Blade Runner Blackout 2022 is a visually stunning follow-up to Blade Runner, and a welcome refresher before the release of Blade Runner 2049. Shinichiro Watanabe's modern animation techniques manage to capture the spirit of the original while giving the audiences a taste of what to expect next. Animation is also a smart way to connect the material to a new era of sci-fi fans by giving them something easy on the eyes, with a story engaging enough to make them want to see more.
It's been an unusually busy week for Nintendo Switch. Following yesterday's huge batch of Eshop games, another pair of titles is now available for the console, bringing this week's total number of new releases up to 18.
Today's other new release is One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition, an enhanced port of the 2014 title for PS3, Vita, Wii U, and 3DS. Unlimited World Red is an action-adventure game that lets players play as Luffy and other members of the Straw Hat pirates. The game features an original storyline, new and familiar characters, and a variety of quests and bosses to take on. The Deluxe Edition also includes the full slate of DLC that was released for the game. You can download One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition from the Eshop for $40/£55.
These two games follow the 14 titles that arrived in the Eshop yesterday, including the charming golfing RPG Golf Story, the "negative-space" shooter Inversus Deluxe, the fantasy rhythm game Deemo, and many others. Before that, the first in Nintendo's line of classic arcade ports, Arcade Archives: Mario Bros., made its debut, while Grasshopper Manufacture's acclaimed shoot-'em-up Sine Mora EX launched at retail and in the Eshop on September 26. You can find the full list of this week's Switch releases here.
Destiny 2's enigmatic merchant Xur has once again appeared in-game, bringing with him a selection of weapons and armor that Hunters, Warlocks, and Titans can use to marginally improve their performance in the great battle against the almighty power level cap.
This week ya boy Xur has landed on Io, and if you open your map you'll see him lurking in the top left corner of Giant's Scar. Although it's pretty easy to get to his general location, he's actually tucked away inside a little cave, so keep an eye open for the entrance. Here's what he's selling this week:
Transversive Steps (Warlock Class Leg Armor) -- 23 Legendary Shards
Destiny 2's servers will be taken offline next week as part of the deployment of the game's next hotfix update. Servers for PS4 and Xbox One are going offline on Tuesday, October 3 and will be unavailable for around three hours. You can read more about the upcoming Destiny 2 server maintenance here.
In other Destiny 2 news, Bungie has confirmed that Faction Rallies are not going to be a weekly event. Once the event is over players will no longer earn Faction Rallies tokens. However, tokens that are already in a player's inventory can still be redeemed and all engrams from vendors will be auto-decrypted and sent to the player.
For more on Destiny 2, check out our recent stories linked below:
Blade Runner's iconic Voight-Kampff test, originally lifted from Philip K. Dick's source material in the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, doesn't appear in Blade Runner 2049. Master director Denis Villeneuve's new Blade Runner sequel takes place decades after the original, and over those years a lot has changed in Ridley Scott's hard-boiled world of poverty, extinction, and androids.
Likewise, plenty has changed in the real world since the 1982 release of the original Blade Runner. With 2049, a new constant has emerged: Blade Runner remains at the peak of cinematic sci-fi.
To say much of Blade Runner 2049's plot would verge on spoilers, but there's plenty of backstory to discuss. In the 30 years since the original took place, replicants--androids who are nearly indistinguishable from humans--have undergone a resurgence thanks to advancements in their technology. After a major event known as "the blackout," during which all technology (hard drives, the cloud, any data stored anywhere) was wiped clean, replicant maker Tyrell Corp. was bought out by Niander Wallace (Jared Leto). Wallace created a new line of replicants--the Nexus 9--that is allegedly unable to disobey, and can be easily identified by ultraviolet markings on their eyeballs (rendering the Voight-Kampff obsolete).
Replicants are no more readily accepted in society in 2049 than they were in 2019, though, and Blade Runners like Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard in the original film, and Ryan Gosling's character "K" in this one, do the dirty work of "retiring" those who step out of line.
2049 perfectly recreates and expands on the original's dystopian-noir tone and aesthetic. This cyberpunk future Los Angeles is not a place you'd want to live, but it's gorgeous to visit, thanks to expansive practical sets and the unmatched work of iconic cinematographer Roger Deakins. The movie ventures outward from LA, too, from the garbage-strewn wastelands of greater California to abandoned, irradiated Las Vegas.
Carrying much of the weight of decades of legacy and anticipation is Ryan Gosling. The actor is becoming increasingly known for roles in which he says a lot with a little, and his character here is far more Drive than La La Land or The Notebook. Much of the movie's first half follows K as he investigates a mystery he unearths while on the job, a slow burn that mirrors Deckard's search for the renegade replicants in the original. Where Deckard was cocky and jaded, K is quiet and determined; but Gosling carries this movie just as expertly as Ford did the original.
He doesn't do it alone, though. Leto's Wallace appears in just a couple of scenes, but he adeptly portrays the sociopathic, god complex-driven tech CEO of the future, as we can't help but envision that archetype from here in 2017. Ford's entrance comes late in the film, after which point it becomes a very different movie, the long, slow burn replaced with a flurry of meetings and reveals that hurtle toward an emotional, tense resolution.
Blade Runner 2049's female stars carry just as much weight. Robin Wright steals scenes as K's stone cold commander in the police force. Sylvia Hoeks is Wallace's sidekick Luv, an intimidating and striking force of nature whenever she's on the screen. Ana de Armas' character, a companion to K, propels some of the movie's most thought-provoking themes, from what constitutes "human" (a conversation from the original that 2049 adds to and builds on) to how technology isolates us (a uniquely modern debate).
Unlike pretty much any other contemporary big-budget blockbuster, 2049's climactic action set piece involves just three characters in a deadly tussle with hugely personal stakes--no spaceship armadas or collapsing CG skyscrapers in sight. Like the rest of the film, Blade Runner 2049's scant action scenes are driven by atmosphere and story, rather than spectacle. The white-knuckled tension Villeneuve so expertly captured in earlier movies, like Arrival and Sicario, is present here as well, making 2049 a perfect tonal continuation of the original.
At the same time, 2049 adds much to the foundation on which it was built. The story, penned by Michael Green and original Blade Runner co-writer Hampton Fancher, uses the events of the first film as a jumping-off point in a future that's progressed logically in the 30-year-gap, with complex events, history, and cultural shifts having occurred off-screen in the meantime. Some viewers may find it overlong at nearly three full hours, but it's so engrossing that many won't want it to end.
Pounding drums underscore an evocative, synth-heavy score, by composers Jóhann Jóhannsson, Benjamin Wallfisch, and Hans Zimmer, that references the original's iconic soundtrack while forming its own, modern identity. Visually, 2049 is to the original what 2017 is to 1982; gone are the old CRT displays and newspapers of the past, replaced by holograms that live in your apartment or dance through the streets, 10 stories tall, to sell you liquor or other vices. There are some truly spectacular special effects on display here, the blend of practical and CG so believable that 2049 will likely be viewed as a benchmark for years to come.
The original Blade Runner is one of those rare sci-fi films that comes along once in a generation, and there are certainly fans who could never be satisfied by any follow-up, no matter how respectful of the original, nuanced in its advancements, or intelligently crafted it may be. It's natural to be wary when Hollywood sets its sights on yet another classic, given how many of its reboots, reprisals, and re-imaginings come stillborn into the world as limp, lifeless cash-grabs.
But whether it was needed or not, Blade Runner 2049 is as close to a perfect sequel as has ever existed, a phenomenal return to the world created by Philip K. Dick and Ridley Scott, the masterpiece result of a thousand expert minds making every right call as they worked toward a singular goal over the course of many years: simply to do this gargantuan thing justice. Needless to say, they succeeded--and then some.
It's with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that the Wii Shop Channel will be shutting down on January 31, 2019. Users will no longer be able to add Wii Points to their account from March 26, 2018.
Thankfully, it will still be possible to re-download purchased WiiWare and Virtual Console titles, then transfer them to the Wii U using the Wii System Transfer feature, but Nintendo notes that this functionality will also cease to work in 2019, so get it done sooner rather than later. Nintendo has said it will provide exact timing on when redownloads will be disabled in the future.
"In 2019, we will close the Wii Shop Channel used on Wii and Wii U (the Wii Shop Channel is accessible on the Wii U via the Wii backwards compatibility feature), which has been available since December 2006," Nintendo said in a statement. "We would like to thank our loyal customers for supporting the Wii Shop Channel, and would like them to continue to enjoy software downloaded from the shop."
Of course, WiiWare and Virtual console games will be playable on the Wii and Wii U as long as they are on the system's memory. But if they are deleted, there's no guarantee you'll be able to reacquire them after the transfer support ends.
The Wii Shop Channel has given us many wonderful digital and classic games to play over the years. However, arguably its lasting legacy will be the absolutely delightful menu music that plays while using it. This jaunty little ditty is undoubtedly among the best system-level music ever included in a console, and it's sad there will be a time when we won't be able to hear it in its purest form.
Thankfully, the song is available to listen to on YouTube. In fact, let's just take the opportunity to enjoy it now. And while we're getting nostalgic about Wii music, why not check out the brilliant Mii Channel trap remix. And then this superb video of a dude dancing to the shop theme.
Nintendo's latest platform, Switch, uses the Eshop for all its digital game delivery. Fans have been clamoring for news on whether Nintendo will introduce a Virtual Console-like system for classic games, however, the company hasn't provided any concrete details as of yet.
In the US, we know Best Buy stores will have SNES Classic units in stock today, while GameStop and ThinkGeek will apparently have a "limited and varied amount of consoles" on sale. UK consumers can try their luck on the high street, but major online retailers like Game, Amazon, and Argos are all sold out for the time being. Australia, meanwhile, has to wait until tomorrow, September 30 to get their hands on the device. For more, you can check out our SNES Classic buying guide.
In our SNES Classic Edition review, critic Michael Higham said Nintendo has done a "damn fine job" of evoking childhood nostalgia. The console--which costs US $80 / £60 / AU $120--also includes a rewind feature so you can go back and try again if you fail.
The Star Wars Battlefront II beta is starting soon. Now, EA has announced more details about the PC version specifically, revealing its minimum and recommended requirements. Starting off, you'll need 15 GB of hard drive space to install the beta client. As for the rest of the requirements, you can see them below, as posted on EA's website recently.
Minimum PC System requirements:
OS: 64-bit Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
Online Connection Requirements: 512 KBPS or faster Internet connection
Hard-drive space: 15 GB
Given that Battlefront II is only in a beta state, it's possible that the final PC requirements will change for the full release. We'll report back with more details as they become available.
The Battlefront II beta runs October 6-9 on PC, as well as Xbox One and PlayStation 4. People who pre-order can get in two days early, beginning on October 4.
Progress from the beta does not carry forward to the full game. This is often the case with betas--for EA games and others. For Battlefront II specifically, EA said, "We want everyone to start on a level playing field at launch, whether they have been able to take part in the beta or not, so we're resetting all progress after the beta."
A new trailer for Battlefront II released this week showed off how much more content the game has compared to its 2015 predecessor. The video is narrated by Star Wars actor John Boyega, and you can watch it right here.
Rockstar teased some kind of Red Dead Redemption 2 news for today, and now it's delivered. A new trailer for the upcoming open-world game has been released, which begins teasing the game's story, combat, characters, and some notable moments from throughout.
You can watch the trailer above, but be aware that there's no new release date shared. We get a look at protagonist Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, as well as a bow weapon and crocodile, both of which are new. (You can also see our full Red Dead Redemption 2 trailer breakdown for more.) The official description for the video says Red Dead Redemption 2 is the "story of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they rob, fight and steal their way across the vast and rugged heart of America in order to survive."
Rockstar has not yet announced a release date for Red Dead Redemption 2, but we do know it's due out during Spring 2018 (but no sooner than April 1). It's coming to both PS4 and Xbox One; there's no word on a PC version, a possibility that Rockstar parent company Take-Two has declined to address when asked. The previous game was never been released on PC.
EA's FIFA 18 is still a week away from release, but critics have already begun offering their thoughts on the new soccer game. FIFA 18 doesn't differ radically from last year's installment, but EA has made some notable tweaks to the gameplay that make the game an improvement over its predecessor. In GameSpot's FIFA 18 review, critic Oscar Dayus said the game's "on-pitch improvements represent the beginnings of a recovery for the series," though it is "still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football."
Other reviews and impressions have begun appearing online as well, and most seem to agree that FIFA 18 is yet another worthwhile entry in the long-running sports franchise. You can find a sample of reviews and reviews-in-progress below; for a wider look at what critics think of the game, be sure to check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
"It's off the pitch that EA excels. From the variety of game modes on offer and how everything's presented, to the constant updates in FUT's Team of the Week, Daily Objectives, and discussion of real-world happenings in commentary, FIFA 18 captures the world of football and confidently translates it into a video game. On the pitch, however, EA's soccer series is still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football. This year's improvements are welcome, but more needs to be done in the coming years if FIFA is to be a world-beater once again." -- Oscar Dayus " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
IGN -- Review-in-Progress
"Ultimately, FIFA 18 introduces enough new ideas to suggest it's not sitting on the laurels of its success. However, it's a simplified experience, one that fails to embrace the complexity of football at the highest level. Its focus on attack makes for spectacular matches, but they often feel like extravagant offensive training sessions than a proper match with depth and strategy." -- John Robertson " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review-in-progress]
US Gamer -- 4/5
"This series hasn't changed much over the years, and it's certainly not as dynamic and ambitious as it was back in the days of the Xbox 360. But the foundation EA built back in 2010 has held up remarkably well over the years. And with FIFA 18, it goes back to its strengths a little bit after a year that frankly wasn't that much fun to play." -- Kat Bailey " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
GamesRadar+ -- 4.5/5
"Even if you only focus your attentions on The Journey 2 and twice-daily Squad Challenge matches in Ultimate Team (which, by the way, gets a genuinely intuitive web app this year that makes Squad Building Challenges even more addictive), FIFA 18 offers remarkable value. PES fans will steadfastly refuse to let it darken their doors, but that's been the case since the PS2 years. Ultimately, it's a monster season for both big football games. One where, unlike in Manchester, Glasgow or North London, everybody wins." -- Ben Wilson " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
The Telegraph -- Review-in-Progress
"FIFA 18 is a significantly better football game than its predecessor. I was rather fond of FIFA 17, but despite the engine overhaul it was still beholden to some of FIFA's more long-standing issues. Animations taking too long to unfold and delaying your move; wrestling to control unresponsive players; a lack of individuality from player to player. FIFA 18 has addressed these issues quietly but confidently, like a successful team signing a full-back under the radar because the previous one kept picking up daft bookings." -- " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review-in-progress]
Digital Trends -- 4/5
"FIFA 18 relies a little too much on back-patting and the illusion of choice during its story mode, but it's still remarkable how well Electronic Arts managed to tell the tale of Alex Hunter and his family. The soccer on the field more than backs up the writing, with rewarding gameplay that can entertain even those who normally hate the sport. Just make sure that you carve out plenty of time and say farewell to your family members for the foreseeable future, because you're going to need all the extra time you can get." -- Gabe Gurwin " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Polygon -- 9/10
"FIFA 18 is still seductively deep and delivers excitement. It gave me the feeling that there is still so much to learn about what appears to be a rather straightforward sport, and that the game would gladly help me understand. This is always the time of year when I ask myself why I don't just spend all of my time playing FIFA, and FIFA 18 poses the question more forcefully than ever." -- Owen S. Good " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
The Guardian -- 3/5
"This year's footy behemoth offers improved tackling, tactics and goalkeeping intelligence as well as a new story ... Whichever side of the footballing gulf you plant your neon footwear, there's no question that EA's behemoth delivers bang for its megabucks." -- Ben Wilson " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
VideoGamer -- 8/10
"Things are finally starting to click for FIFA on the pitch after a rough couple of years. Problems such as the defensive game feeling less important and the hinderance of set pieces are apparent, but the flashy graphics and sharp commentary are no longer the only reason to boot up EA's football sim for a kick around. At long last, we have two quality football games on the market again." -- Colm Ahern " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Game Informer -- 8.75/10
"FIFA 18 shows Alex Hunter moving into a wider world of football, and while that story experience is absorbing, it also reveals how much work areas like the career mode--which hasn't meaningfully changed in years – need. It's still worth it to play all the modes the title has to offer, but this is a title that caters to its superstar." -- Matthew Kato " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
DualShockers -- 7/10
"FIFA 18 is by no means a perfect game, the lack of customization and emotionless animations from players puts the game back a few steps, but this is not a bad game. Whether you have been on a FIFA hiatus or you are a long-time veteran, you should come back to this series--if only for the single-player content." -- Taylor Lyles " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Unlike its predecessor, Destiny 2 will release on PC. Although players will have to wait longer for it--Destiny 2 doesn't launch on PC until October 24 but is already available on Xbox One and PS4--the PC version does feature a variety of improvements and differences compared with its console counterparts. To help you get an idea of what to expect from the PC release of Bungie's hotly anticipated sequel, we've gathered all of the essential details below.
For more on the game, check out our Destiny 2 review. We also have tons of Destiny 2 guides, tips, and tricks for those who have already begun playing on consoles or are simply looking to get a head start on how things will work on PC.
Destiny 2 PC Release Date and Differences
The PC version is confirmed to release on October 24, while the Xbox One and PS4 versions are already out, having launched on September 6. (Betas on all platforms have also wrapped up.) In terms of actual playable content, everything is the same on PC--with one exception. Sony's timed-exclusive content for Destiny 2 affects not just Xbox One players, but those on PC. The PS4 version comes with an extra Strike, Crucible map, and some items that will not be available on other platforms for at least one year. There's no precise date for it yet, but after PlayStation-exclusive content in Destiny 1 remained exclusive for longer than expected, Bungie has explicitly stated that this Destiny 2 content will be out by the end of 2018.
Destiny 2 PC Minimum Requirements and Recommended Specs
While there may be changes made for the final release, Destiny 2's PC beta brought a list of minimum and recommended system specs. Additionally, Bungie provided a list of hardware for those looking to upgrade their systems, with CPU and GPU minimums and recommendations.
Texture Anisotropy (Anisotropic Filtering, up to 16x)
Texture Quality
Shadow Quality
Depth of Field
Environmental Detail Distance
Character Detail Distance
Foliage Detail Distance
Foliage Shadow Distance
Light Shafts
Motion Blur
Wind Impulse
Render Resolution
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Chromatic Aberration
Film Grain
Destiny 2 PC Control Scheme
The PC version uses a relatively straightforward control scheme, which you can see in the image below. It's worth noting that the controls are completely customizable.
Destiny 2 Doesn't Use Dedicated Servers
Unfortunately, the game will use peer-to-peer servers. However, this doesn't work quite the same as in the previous game; when Bungie explained why Destiny 2 doesn't use dedicated servers, it noted that you'll never run into a host migration situation.
Destiny 2 PC Impressions
During our hands-on time with the game, we found the mouse and keyboard support to be a welcome addition. It enhanced the overall feel of multiplayer, though it did seem to make the single-player portions we played easier than we anticipated. You can check out our analysis of the PC beta for a technical look at the game; for further impressions of the PC version, watch the video below.
Destiny 2 Review
If you're hoping the game is dramatically different from the original Destiny, you may be in for a disappointment, but those seeking a refined version of that game will likely be pleased. You can read our impressions of the full game on console in our Destiny 2 review diary and Destiny 2 review-in-progress.
Destiny 2 Uses Blizzard Battle.net
Destiny 2 uses Blizzard's desktop app. It's the first game not directly developed by Blizzard to appear on the platform. Activision and Blizzard have changed its name several times recently, but moving forward it will be referred to as Blizzard Battle.net.
Destiny Progress Doesn't Transfer to Destiny 2
Unfortunately, Destiny 1 power, possessions, and Eververse-related items and currency will not transfer over. While your character's appearance will not be abandoned in the sequel for console owners, there's no word if it'll support any kind of transfer from console to PC.
We've been looking forward to playing Cuphead, Xbox One's latest console exclusive, ever since its initial reveal in 2014. After a delay, the action-platformer is finally out, and critics' verdicts have started to go live.
In our Cuphead review, Peter Brown said the game is "relentless," but that "toppling Cuphead's imposing bosses is both a monumental and rewarding task." He praised the game's "endlessly charming" 1930s cartoon aesthetic, which "truly re-creates the look of hand-drawn cel animation." He awarded the game an 8/10; if you want to see the platformer's unique art style in motion, check out some Cuphead gameplay.
For more critics' opinions, you can take a look at our review roundup below, or check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
Game: Cuphead
Developer / Publisher: Studio MDHR
Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Release: Out now
Price: US $20 / £16.74 / AU $30
GameSpot -- 8/10
"Cuphead has been a longtime coming, and it's great to see that it lives up to its initial promises. It's beautiful to look at, and with a pitch-perfect soundtrack, it flawlessly captures the era its developers so clearly revere. It's also an intense action game that pulls no punches. It could benefit from a few tweaks, and two-player co-op doesn't feel like the valuable addition you might imagine, but Cuphead remains a rare, unique game that truly stands out." -- Peter Brown " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Polygon -- 8.5/10
"Cuphead's deal with the devil eventually leads to hell, and so perhaps it's fitting the conclusion should be so torturous. Though, honestly, even the residual headache has been soothed by the sweet, sweet salve of victory. When I think of my time with Cuphead, instead of frustration I'll remember the dozens of tiny breakthroughs, when the impossible became possible, and a game that built an identity around difficulty helped me to feel, however briefly, undefeatable." -- Chris Plante " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
GamesRadar -- 5/5
"Yes, Cuphead was worth the wait. Too often, I find myself thinking "Thank God I never have to do that again" after wrapping up a difficult game--but with Cuphead, I'm mighty excited to further my eight-to-nine-hour Regular run by trouncing those bosses in an Expert encore. If you're partial to a tough-but-fair challenge, and you have even the slightest appreciation for the rich history of animated cartoons, you'll be overjoyed by the wonderfully artistic adventure that is Cuphead. Maybe you'll even get a blistered thumb or two to remember it by." -- Lucas Sullivan " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Destructoid -- 9.5/10
"Cuphead's incredible style belies its magical complexity. It's so much more than a hard-as-hell shoot-'em-up with artistic flair. It's cerebral in a way that these kind of games rarely are. Cuphead's commitment to forcing the player to understand is commendable. Those who don't have the patience to learn won't get far. That's the kind of stand-your-ground moxie that makes this a hallmark of game design. My praise runneth over." -- Brett Makedonski " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
September 22 update: Amazon also now shows itself to be sold out, joining Target. A number of other US retailers are still offering pre-orders, but there's no telling how long they will last. Similarly, we don't know how easy it will be to find one in stores on release day, November 7.
September 21 update: More Xbox One X-enhanced games have now been confirmed, but Target has apparently sold out of its allotment of systems. Other retailers still show stock being available, however. Meanwhile, Walmart has brought its pre-orders online, giving you another potential place to pick one up. Stores may also have a limited selection of Xbox One X systems on its release date, November 7.
September 20 update 2:Xbox One X pre-orders have gone live at multiple retailers in the US. For as long as they remain in stock, you can pre-order through Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, Microsoft Store, and Newegg. The previously announced GameStop bundles range in price from $570 to $800, although the system is also available on its own, too. Keep in mind these are the standard editions, not the Scorpio edition. They offer the same functionality; you'll simply be missing out on a special design and a free vertical base that allows you to stand your console upright.
September 20 update: GameStop's Xbox One X pre-orders go live today, and Microsoft has announced that a number of other retailers will also follow suit. These include the Microsoft Store and Amazon. We'll report back with more specifics as they're available.
September 19 update: GameStop has announced that it will offer pre-orders on the standard edition Xbox One X beginning on September 20 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. Quantities are likely to be limited. The retailer will also offer optional layaway bundles, as well as up to $200 in credit for PowerUp Rewards members who trade in their existing console toward the new system.
August 25 update: If you've had trouble pre-ordering an Xbox One X, this might be why: Microsoft has announced it is the fastest pre-ordered Xbox console ever. The Scorpio Edition appears to be mostly sold out--although, again, you might have luck by continuing to check in at retailers that are currently out of stock. Microsoft says details on pre-orders of the standard edition will be shared at some point in September. We'll report back as we receive more information.
August 23 update: Retailers have sporadically been bringing pre-orders back online over the last day. As of this writing, Target has them back in stock again, although they may not last long. As with the SNES Classics, which have reappeared briefly, it may be worth periodically checking the retailer listings linked below to see if you can get lucky. Keep in mind, the Scorpio Edition will be available by pre-order only, though the system is functionally identical to the standard Xbox One X model.
Original Story: Microsoft's Gamescom livestream today brought with it the expected news: Xbox One X pre-orders are now live. Below, you'll find the basic details on how and where to pre-order the system. We'll continue to update this as more retailers bring their pre-orders online. The Xbox One X launches worldwide on November 7 for $500 / £449 / AU $649. Pre-orders are already available through a number of retailers, which you can visit through the links below.
There are at least two bundles available--GameStop is packaging the Elite controller with the Xbox One X for $600 in the US, a $50 discount over buying them separately. It also has another bundle with a second controller and more for $583.
Microsoft has also announced a Project Scorpio Edition of Xbox One X for the same price as the standard edition. This is available by pre-order only and features a unique design and an exclusive vertical stand. According to a tweet from Microsoft's Albert Penello, any Xbox One X pre-order listing you see is for the Scorpio Edition, whether or not the listing reflects that. There's no word yet on when or if you'll be able to pre-order the non-Scorpio Edition.
September 28: The SNES Classic Edition's release is finally upon us. Fortunately, it looks as if you'll have an opportunity to purchase one on launch day (September 29) even if you weren't able to secure a pre-order. Nintendo has urged fans not to pay more than retail price and announced plans to extend availability into 2018 (it was originally only supposed to ship during 2017). But even on launch day, at least some stores will have them in stock.
Already, we've heard that GameStop and its subsidiary ThinkGeek will have SNES Classic Editions for sale. Best Buy will also have them--albeit only in its physical stores--and Toys R Us will, too. Although they haven't announced specific plans, you can count on Walmart and Target having them as well. Wherever you choose to try picking one up, just be aware that you may need to show up early. Best Buy recommended as much and said it will distribute tickets to those in line if necessary. While your odds of eventually getting one seem good, NES Classic Edition's supply issues may drive up demand for the new system in the short-term.
September 12: While pre-orders themselves may not be any easier to get, Nintendo has provided some encouraging news for those hoping to purchase an SNES Classic Edition. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime recently implored people not to pay more than regular price for the console. Now, the company has announced that the SNES Classic will continue to be sold into 2018, and not just in 2017 as previously planned. (The NES Classic is also coming back.) On launch day in the US specifically, Nintendo said that "more units of Super NES Classic Edition will ship ... than were shipped of NES Classic Edition all last year, with subsequent shipments arriving in stores regularly." This is still no guarantee that you'll easily get one, but things are looking better now than they did.
August 31: Walmart has begun contacting certain customers to notify them of canceled SNES Classic pre-orders. Based on reports from NeoGAF and Reddit, this only appears to affect those who ordered more than one unit, and it seems only the additional orders have been canceled. (We at GameSpot have also received such a cancelation notice, reducing an order for two units down to one.) There's no official word on this yet, but it's possible this move could free up additional units for pre-order.
August 25 update 2: The SNES Classic Edition is back in stock at Walmart right now. It likely won't last long, so be sure to jump on it quickly if you're interested. This may be one of the last opportunities to pre-order the system prior to its launch in late September.
August 25: A number of Amazon pre-order customers have been notified that they may not receive their order on time. It's unclear how long the hold-up will last or what the problem is, but affected users have been sent an email notifying them of the potential delay. The retailer states that everyone who pre-ordered the system will eventually get their hands on one.
August 23: GameStop is officially sold out of SNES Classic Editions online, and it appears to be gone at most (if not all) of its physical stores, too. The retailer has said it will have more SNES Classics available for walk-ins at its stores on launch day, although it's unclear how easy it will be to get one. Meanwhile, SNES Classic prices have skyrocketed on Ebay. Some people had success ordering systems from Target after it looked as if they were all gone, so it's not inconceivable that routinely checking out the US retailer links below will be fruitful. We'll continue to update this story as more pre-order opportunities become available, but there's no guarantee that there will be many more chances to buy one in advance of launch--at least at retail price.
August 22 update 6: Toys R Us has announced on Twitter that it will not offer pre-orders. Instead, it will be available in stores beginning on launch day, September 29. This comes as a surprise, as Toys R Us was among the retailers that Nintendo listed on its official website as offering pre-orders.
August 22 update 5: Amazingly, the expensive bundles at ThinkGeek have sold out. GameStop's website returned online this afternoon with the SNES Classic and bundles available, but heavy traffic brought it offline. As was the case earlier, it's again redirecting visitors to ThinkGeek.
August 22 update 4: Just as GameStop is offering some pricey bundles in stores, its subsidiary, ThinkGeek, is now selling the system online. Its website offers seven different bundles, ranging from $140 to a whopping $330.
August 22 update 3: Walmart and Target pre-orders are indeed gone, at least for now. GameStop's website has been taken offline, but it's taking pre-orders in its physical stores. There's still no word on Toys R Us pre-orders.
August 22 update 2: Walmart pre-orders have gone live and seemingly sold out almost right away. Target pre-orders are live but the site seems to be having trouble, and it may also be gone. Likewise, GameStop's website is slow to load, but you might be able to get an order in. Separately, GameStop announced on Twitter that it's offering in-store pre-orders right now.
August 22 update: Amazon and Best Buy both briefly offered SNES Classic units in the very early US morning hours today. It came in and out of stock at Best Buy for a period of time, but for now, it appears both retailers are sold out. That said, it looks as if more stores will soon launch SNES Classic pre-orders.
Those in Canada will soon be able to pre-order a SNES Classic from Best Buy. The store has announced that pre-orders go live at approximately 10 AM PT today, so you'll want to start mashing F5 on its website around then. It will not be available in Quebec.
Update: Those in the UK may have missed at least their first chance to pre-order from certain retailers, but Nintendo's online store has the SNES Classic available as of this writing.
Original Story: Nintendo announced the SNES Classic today. A miniature version of the classic Nintendo console, the $80 system that comes with 21 games and two controllers launches in the US in September. Given that last year's NES Classic sold out basically instantly everywhere it was sold, fans might be wondering how they can secure the SNES Classic right away.
US retailers are not yet widely accepting pre-orders, but in Australia, you can secure a pre-order right now through JB Hi Fi and EB Games. The console sells for $120 in Australia and it looks a little different than the North American edition.
In the US, Amazon has a page up for the SNES Classic, as does Best Buy, but you cannot actually pre-order the system there as of yet. We will update this post as more retailers open pre-orders for the SNES Classic. Keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest.
As with the NES Classic Edition, the SNES Classic features HDMI output and resembles the look of the system it's based on but in a smaller form factor. But unlike that system, it comes with two controllers in the box.
On the subject of supply, while Nintendo isn't sharing specific numbers, it did say it will deliver "significantly more" units than it did with the NES Classic Edition. That said, it only plans to ship the system between September and the end of 2017.
After a long summer still playing last year's football games, you'll be pleased to hear FIFA 18 is almost here. With that in mind, we thought we'd round up everything you need to know about EA's soccer game here, including its release date, some gameplay, our review, and more.
FIFA 18 Release Date And How To Play Right Now
FIFA 18's release date for the UK, US, Europe, and Australia is set for Friday, September 29, 2017. However, some people already have their hands on this year's title, as it was released on EA Access last week and for some pre-order customers earlier this week. If you want to play early, you can buy the Ronaldo or Icon Edition from the PlayStation Store or Xbox Live. The Ronaldo Edition costs US $80 / £80 / AU $120, while the Icon Edition will set you back US $100 / £90 / AU $130. For reference, that's a little more expensive than the standard version, which is currently US $60 / £60 / AU $100.
FIFA 18 Review
In our FIFA 18 review, we awarded the game a 7/10. "It's off the pitch that EA excels," we said. "From the variety of game modes on offer and how everything's presented, to the constant updates in FUT's Team of the Week, Daily Objectives, and discussion of real-world happenings in commentary, FIFA 18 captures the world of football and confidently translates it into a video game. On the pitch, however, EA's soccer series is still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football. This year's improvements are welcome, but more needs to be done in the coming years if FIFA is to be a world-beater once again." For more critical opinion, check out our FIFA 18 review roundup.
FIFA 18 Gameplay
Check out some FIFA 18 gameplay at the links below.
FIFA 18's playable demo is out now on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live. It includes 12 teams--including top clubs Manchester United and Bayern Munich--and two modes: Kick Off and The Journey.
FIFA 18 Player Ratings
With the game out in the wild, all of FIFA 18's player ratings have been revealed. Top of the pile is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 94 rated. Rounding out the top five highest-rated FIFA 18 players are Lionel Messi (93), Neymar (92), Luis Suarez (92), and Manuel Neuer (92).
FIFA 18 Web App
The FUT 18 Web App is EA's online portal for accessing FIFA 18 Ultimate Team. Check it out here--for a limited time you can even get free rewards just for logging in each day.
FIFA 18 Career Mode's New Features
Career Mode hasn't changed a huge amount since FIFA 17, though there are a few welcome new features in FIFA 18, including interactive transfer negotiations. Rather than submitting an offer for a player and then waiting for an email response, FIFA 18 allows you to conduct transfer negotiations in real-time as part of an interactive cutscene. This involves first meeting with a representative of the selling club and agreeing to a fee for the player in question, before then negotiating personal terms with the star's agent.
The only other new features are "dynamic news clips," imitating those seen in real-world sports coverage when a player or manager gives a press conference. These clips are shown when a player wins a Player of the Month award or when you win a competition, among other events.
FIFA 18 Ultimate Team New Features
FUT 18 also has a number of new features. Squad Battles are new, weekly weekly single-player competitions where you compete against AI-controlled teams built by other human players, before being ranked against other real-world players for the amount of games you win. EA says these offer the best rewards for those who choose not to play online.
Elsewhere, Ultimate Team Legends are no longer exclusive to Xbox and have been renamed Icons. In addition, some Icons will receive Stories cards, in which the player in question actually has three versions available, each corresponding to a different stage in the player's career. As an example, Ronaldinho has one card for his time at PSG in 2002, one for when he played for AC Milan in 2010, and one "prime" card, which highlights his peak in 2004, when he won World Player of the Year while playing for Barcelona. Two of these three cards will be available to obtain in packs and Squad-Building Challenges, though prime Icons will only available on select Thursdays that EA is calling Throwback Thursdays. You'll only be able to get these in limited time packs and Squad-Building Challenges.
FIFA 18 Soundtrack
The full FIFA 18 soundtrack has been revealed, featuring acts like alt-J, The Amazons, and Weezer. Check it out in the Spotify embed below.
Destiny 2's Faction Rallies are now live, bringing with them exclusive rewards packages including weapons, armor, and shaders. We can also see the in-game location of Destiny 2's Faction Rally leaders Arach Jalaal (who represents Dead Orbit), Lakshmi-2 (Future War Cult), and Executor Hideo (New Monarchy).
Those three characters are now available to talk to in Destiny 2's Tower. Arach Jalaal and Lakshmi-2 are situated in the Hangar, while Executor Hideo is currently in the Bazaar. We had some trouble finding them at our first attempt, but if you quit to orbit and reload the location, then the trio should appear. Additionally, in order to unlock access to Faction Rallies, you'll need to complete the campaign and reach level 20.
Faction Rallies see you pledge your allegiance to one of three factions. You can then fight for your faction by simply playing the game. In the process you'll earn Rewards Tokens, which you can trade for exclusive weapons and emblems, among other items. An in-game description reads: "To earn tokens for Level 20 rewards, destroy supplies in Lost Sectors and do Public Events, Crucible matches, Strikes, and the Leviathan Raid."
Each faction has a "powerful weapon" that is specific to it--Dead Orbit has a scout rifle, Future War Cult a pulse rifle, and New Monarchy a sidearm. At the end of the event, the faction that collected the most packages is named the winner, and its weapon will be sold to all players for 50,000 glimmer. Members of the winning faction will be able to purchase it for only 1,000 glimmer. The winner will be named at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST on October 3 (3 AM AEST on October 4 in Australia).
Ahead of the main game's release next month, a version of Middle-earth: Shadow of War for iOS and Android devices launched today. The free-to-play strategy RPG challenges you to the task of taking down Orcs and ultimately the evil dark lord himself, Sauron.
Some of the playable characters include Shadow of War protagonists Talion and Celebrimbor, along with Gandalf, Gimli, and the new version of Shelob, among others.
In the mobile game, Celebrimbor made new Rings of Power and it's your job to collect as many as possible to improve your skills on your journey to ridding evil from the world. The gameplay takes the form of real-time battles with squads you assemble.
Shadow of War's mobile version also makes use of the franchise's trademark Nemesis system. As in the mainline games, this means that Orcs will remember you. Also, you can choose to kill them for rewards or recruit them to do your bidding. You can get a glimpse at the gameplay and more in the trailer embedded above.
Shadow of War's mobile version was developed by IUGO, in partnership with WB Games San Francisco and Monolith Productions.
"We're thrilled to have collaborated with the incredible team at IUGO whose passion and innovation were paramount in creating an authentic Middle-earth adventure on mobile that lives up to players' expectations," WB Games SF boss Jonathan Knight said in a statement. "Together we've brought to life Middle-earth's greatest Champions and combined that with the award-winning Nemesis System, setting the stage for an epic battle against Sauron and his armies to take back Middle-earth."
As with other free-to-play games, Shadow of War lets you pay real-money for extra items, though these are optional. You can download the game now using the links below.
It sounds like Destiny 2 is getting its first big time weapon balance update in the near future. In its latest weekly blog post, Bungie said it's been monitoring the current weapon balance situation across the entire game and is planning some changes for the future.
Senior designer Jon Weisnewski said Bungie recently got its hands on the "first real batch of player data" from its analytics team. In addition to that data, he said Bungie has been "playing the every-loving crud" out of Destiny 2. It's too soon for Bungie to announce the specific weapon balance changes that are coming, but they are coming, apparently.
"We're not ready to go into detail about any weapon or ability tuning at this point, but there is an ongoing process in play, so we did want to drop a quick line and say…We have heard your feedback. Thank you!" Weisnewski said.
One thing that Weisnewski did confirm is that it's looking "very closely" at the MIDA Multi-Tool. A lot of people are using it, he said, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's over-powered. "There are options out there that match or exceed its effectiveness in all activities," he said about the weapon.
He went on to tease that there are still "a handful of guns" that aren't yet released. "We're excited to see how things evolve. As always, thanks for playing, and keep the feedback rolling in," Weisnewski explained.
You can submit feedback to Bungie about Destiny 2's weapon balance and other subjects here in the game's Feedback forum.
For more on Destiny 2, check out our recent stories linked below:
Destiny 2's servers will be taken offline next week as part of the deployment of the game's next hotfix update. Here's what you need to know about the downtime:
Servers for PS4 and Xbox One are going offline on Tuesday, October 3.
At 8 AM PT, you won't be able to sign in.
At 9 AM PT, all players will be removed from the game--even if you're in the middle of an activity--so plan accordingly.
Maintenance is expected to end at 12 PM PT.
Bungie also warned players that it may bring back the server queue after the maintenance period, presumably because a flood of players will be trying to log in at the same time.
This maintenance period and downtime is for hotfix 1.0.3.1. This update fixes a range of problems, one of which is pretty serious: players could get stuck in a loop when they were continuously killed and/or unable to respawn in some conditions. Check out GameSpot's additional coverage here to see the full update 1.0.3.1. patch notes.
Ubisoft has announced Far Cry 5's composer--and it's a big name in the music world. Dan Romer, whose credits include Beasts of the Southern Wild and Beasts of No Nation, will compose the score for Far Cry 5 and write original songs for the game.
In addition to his work on those movies, Romer produced songs you have definitely heard: "Say Something" by A Great Big World and Shawn Mendes' chart-topper "Treat You Better."
Dan Romer / Image credit: Ubisoft
Far Cry 5 is set in a fictional American town, Hope County, Montana. Romer's score will use instruments like banjos, fiddles, and dobros. Additionally, each region in the game has music specific to it. As for the songs he wrote, these include hymns performed by the Bobby Shin Nashville Choir and produced by Bobby Shin.
One of the main story elements of Far Cry 5 is that a quasi-religious doomsday cult has taken over, and the lyrics of the hymns will "reflect the inspirations of the leadership and members of the cult while also hiding more sinister messages toward the Resistance. Each of these hymns will mix into the existing music that players experience as they explore the world or engage in combat."
GameStop has been a supporter of the Make-A-Wish charity for a long time now, and this continues this year with the retailer's fourth annual donation campaign. It began on August 30 and runs through October 31, so it's coming up on around one month to go.
Here's how it works: visit any GameStop, ThinkGeek, or EB Games store in the US or Canada and you'll have the opportunity to donate $1, $5, or $10 to the campaign; you can also "round up" your bill at checkout and donate that amount to Make-A-Wish. Additionally, donations can be made through GameStop's website. 100 percent of proceeds go to Make-A-Wish.
GameStop subsidiaries Spring Mobile and Simply Mac will run their own Make-A-Wish donation campaigns November 1 through December 31.
"It has been our company's distinct pleasure to help grant shopping spree wishes in our stores nearly every day," GameStop CFO Rob Lloyd said in a statement. "Together with our guests, we are committed to raising even more donations for Make-A-Wish so that they can continue to provide a lifetime of happy memories for kids fighting big illnesses."
Lloyd is also a board member of Make-A-Wish's North Texas branch.
GameStop shoppers who donate to the Make-A-Wish campaign will receive 3X PowerUp Rewards points, while EB Games Edge Rewards subscribers can earn 100 extra Edge Rewards points for the same time.
Big-time professional gaming team NRG Esports is closing $15 million in venture capital funding from a group of investors that includes singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. Others in the Series B financing round include sports standouts like Marshawn Lynch (active) and Michael Strahan (retired) of the NFL and retired New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, according to ESPN.
Rodriguez already invested in NRG, and now he's upping his stake and getting a seat on NRG's board of directors.
Other investors in the round include Cleveland Indians outfielder Marlon Byrd, Twitter chief operating officer Anthony Noto, Sacramento Kings owner Kevin Nagle, and others. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal invested in an earlier round of funding.
One of the defining elements of long-running TV show The Simpsons are its Treehouse of Horror episodes, which have treated fans to some wonderfully absurd and grotesque moments over the years. That continues this year with Treehouse of Horror XXVIII, which airs on October 22 on Fox. Now, the first details about the episode have come online via an Entertainment Weekly story.
There will be three main stories in the 28th Treehouse of Horror, the first of which sees baby Maggie getting possessed by the devil. A priest voiced by Ben Daniels, who is on the Fox TV show The Exorcist, comes to the Simpson home to exorcise the demon. William Friedkin, who directed the 1973 classic Exorcist movie, will have a cameo as an addiction therapist.
The episode will also feature a parody of Coraline. Like in the Neil Gaiman novel and movie, Lisa finds a world she thinks she has everything she wants. Except in that world, your eyes are sewn shut with buttons and Marge is some kind of knife-wielding insect of your nightmares.
The third chapter in Treehouse of Horror XXVIII is titled "Mmm...Homer." It features celebrity chef Mario Batali cooking Homer as one of his delicious meals. Go to Entertainment Weekly to learn more about Treehouse of Horror XXVIII and see some images from it.
The 29th season of The Simpsons premieres this Sunday, October 1.
There is a problem with Destiny 2's raid system whereby raid keys for the Leviathan challenge are getting removed from players' inventories. That's a problem. Bungie is aware of this and has now explained what's caused the issue and what can be done to avoid it.
There are two situations that Bungie has found to cause this problem, the first is that you'll lose your raid keys when signing in with an alternate character if that character previously had not been signed in since the latest weekly reset. The other instance where you can lose your raid keys is if you earn a raid key and then create a new character.
To prevent the issue, Bungie advises players to sign in with each of their characters in the game or inspect all of them through the Destiny companion app before clearing checkpoints in the Leviathan raid after the reset. Obviously, this is not ideal. So you may be happy to learn that Bungie is working on a more permanent solution for this issue.
Another thing to note is that all of your Leviathan raid progress gets reset every week alongside the weekly reset that impacts the entire game.
Destiny 2's new event, Faction Rallies, kicked off this week and runs until the weekly reset on October 3. Now, Bungie has come forward to say Faction Rallies are not necessarily going to be a weekly event (not that the studio ever said they would be).
In its latest weekly blog post, Bungie said Faction Rallies is a "new ritual" for Destiny 2 that will come to the Tower only "periodically." After this first Faction Rallies event ends next week, it might be a little while before the next one takes place. All Bungie said is that Faction Rallies will return in the "near future."
Bungie also confirmed the following about this first Faction Rallies event:
After the event ends, you can no longer earn Faction Rallies tokens.
You can, however, redeem any tokens you still have.
All engrams from a faction vendor will be automatically decrypted and sent to your inventory when the rest takes place.
One element of Faction Rallies is a contest of sorts where the three factions--Dead Orbit, Future War Cult, and New Monarchy--are competing to collect the most packages before the reset. In the blog post, Bungie declined to say which faction is in the lead, but the winning faction will be announced on October 3.
There are faction-specific weapons up for grabs at the conclusion of the event. Dead Orbit has a scout rifle, FWC a pulse rifle, and New Monarchy a sidearm. If you're in the winning faction, you'll be able to buy your faction's "powerful weapon" for 1,000 glimmer. If not, you can purchase your faction's weapon for 50,000 glimmer. What we don't know, however, is the Power Level of the weapons, though that should become clear soon.
The weapons will be available to buy during what Bungie is called "Victory Week," which will stretch from October 3-9.
For more on Destiny 2, check out our recent stories linked below:
Since Destiny 2's launch, players have been left in the dark regarding the way chest cooldowns work. Much like in the first game, players seemingly hit a temporary cap where they no longer obtain anything by rapidly opening chests in a short span of time, but this is not communicated clearly in-game. Worse, it seemingly affects the chests located in Lost Sectors and those you earn by purchasing Cayde's Stash maps, which can be downright frustrating--those maps cost money, and players are sometimes getting nothing for tracking down the corresponding chest. After a period of silence, Bungie has finally discussed the matter and confirmed an apparent bug with the way chests currently operate.
In a blog post today, Bungie confirmed that this cooldown is intended--but only for standard chests. "It is expected that if too many planetary chests are opened within a short amount of time, players may not receive items," Bungie said. "Cayde's Stash and Lost Sector chests should not follow this functionality. We will provide updates on our investigation when available."
Unfortunately, it did not provide any further details; instead, it's requesting that affected players head to Bungie's forums and describe the issue. Specifically, the developer wants to know what type of chest didn't provide rewards and if the player had interacted with chests or planetary materials before opening it. Bungie doesn't explicitly recommend this, but you may want to ensure you haven't done either of those things before attempting a Lost Sector or opening a Cayde's Stash chest to lessen the likelihood of missing out on rewards.
A new hotfix update is slated to arrive next Tuesday, October 3. We've only gotten a preview of the patch notes for update 1.0.3.1, but they include fixes for bugs with the Raid Milestone and His Highness's Seal quest step. The update will be rolled out alongside another Destiny 2 maintenance period.
Another hotfix will soon be released for Destiny 2. Bungie has announced plans to launch an update next week to coincide with the weekly reset, and it's provided the patch notes that highlight "some" of what it will do.
As is to be expected from a hotfix numbered version 1.0.3.1, this update is largely concerned with bug fixes. With this new update, players should no longer be missing the Raid Milestone. Bungie had already assured players that the absence of this Milestone didn't impact their ability to earn rewards, but it was still a worrying thing to not see if you were making the effort to complete the Raid.
Also fixed is the High Highness's Seal quest step, which is part of the Raid quest that earns you an Exotic weapon. This has not been counting Seals correctly; following the update, it will continue to increment by one, but you'll only be asked to collect 10 in total.
The full patch notes preview follow at the bottom of this post. The update is due out on Tuesday, October 3, when Bungie has scheduled another maintenance period for PS4 and Xbox One. We'll report back once it shares the full patch notes list.
Separate from this update, Bungie announced that it's aware of an issue where Cayde's Stash and Lost Sector chests have not been handing out rewards properly. It's working to fix that issue, and it's also continuing to look into PS4 crashes that result in error CE-34878-0, which have persisted since launch. Finally, it announced that it is possible to lose Leviathan Raid Keys through a bug. This can happen if you create a new character after earning Raid Keys, or by signing into alternate characters who have not signed in following the weekly reset. More details on avoiding that issue are outlined here.
Destiny 2 Hotfix Update 1.0.3.1 Patch Notes
Fixed an issue in which players could lose access to the Veteran's Transmat Effect by deleting characters
Fixed an issue in which clan engrams would grant Trials of the Nine and raid rewards at only 10 Power
Fixed an issue in which progress for the Exotic Quest Step "His Highness's Seal" was not incrementing properly
Quest progress will still increment by 1, but the Quest Step now only requires 10 Seals to be collected
Fixed an issue in which raid milestones would not show for some players after the weekly reset (This didn't affect any raid rewards)
Fixed issues in which players could enter a state where they are continuously killed or unable to resurrect if encounter complete and failure events occurred simultaneously
The next installment in the Total War series, Total War: Warhammer II, is now available for PC, and reviews for the real-time strategy game have begun appearing online. Judging by its early reception, it looks like Creative Assembly's newest title is yet another worthwhile game in a year filled with acclaimed releases.
With Warhammer II, Creative Assembly has made a wide range of improvements to the series, all of which help elevate it above its predecessor. "Battles are bigger and more expressively animated, and scores of soldiers of all different types--be they ghastly undead or blood-thirsty dinosaurs--sound impeccable, but the improvements run well beyond the aesthetic and into the fineries of tactical and strategic play," said critic Daniel Starkey in GameSpot's Total War: Warhammer II review.
We've collected a sample of other reviews and their scores below. For a broader look at what critics think of Total War: Warhammer II, be sure to check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic. If you're planning on jumping into the game, we've rounded up everything you need to know about Total War: Warhammer II.
Game: Total War: Warhammer II
Developer: Creative Assembly
Platform: PC
Release Date: September 28
Price: $60/£40
GameSpot -- 9/10
"With Warhammer II, Total War doesn't reinvent anything so much as it iterates on the ideas that made the first so special. At its heart there's still the marriage of Total War's big-scale strategy and Warhammer's precise tactical play. But, through a thousand tiny tweaks, they've refined the experience into one of the most intriguing and exciting strategy games ever." -- Daniel Starkey " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Polygon -- 8/10
"Pairing the tactical brilliance of the Total War series with the rich lore of the Warhammer universe is a natural fit, and Total War: Warhammer 2 fulfills the promise of that combination. It is a deep and challenging experience with an epic story to tell. It is also one of the most overwrought games of the year, a game where complexity seems to be piled on for complexity's sake. That is a feature, however, and not a bug. The tone and pace of Total War: Warhammer 2 matches its lore. The density of the whole package can make it all feel like a chore at times, but that's also what makes it such a satisfying strategy experience." -- Charlie Hall " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
IGN -- 9.1/10
"I feel like a broken record saying this is the best Total War game so far, since I've felt that way about each major release since Attila. But it really is true: Creative Assembly's designers are honing their campaign and faction design consistently from game to game, and that progression is clearly on display in Total War Warhammer 2. There's not as much progress as I'd have liked to see in the politics and diplomacy systems, which show only modest improvements. But each of the four factions is a distinct and fun-to-play addition to the growing roster. The story and objective-driven campaign is a league above anything we've seen in the entire Total War series before in both design and presentation. I'm anxious to see how it all fits together when the combined Moral Empires campaign is released to owners of both games later this year." -- TJ Hafer " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Eurogamer -- Recommended
"Warhammer 2 may be Total War evolved to near perfection, but for now the epic PC translation of Warhammer Fantasy Battle is incomplete. Like the halflings from a parallel universe being lead away from Osgiliath towards Mordor, much about the future is uncertain and the final Warhammer episode could just as easily be a fitting climax as a painfully over-extended epilogue. Maybe it doesn't really matter, because right here, right now - and, yes, even without upgrade or add-on--Total War has never looked or played better." -- Richie Shoemaker " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
PC Gamer -- 9.2/10
"There are so many tiny improvements in Warhammer 2 it's hard to list them all. The notifications when you press end turn without doing something the computer expects you to do aren't as obnoxious; heroes are less essential and the AI relies on them less; the map seamlessly zooms up into the tactical level (though I'll have to wait for an equivalent of the mod that let me zoom in for close-ups in the first game); rogue armies made of mixes of different factions roam around to add variety to battles. Instead of constructing buildings that unlock another building's ability to produce a specific elite troop, you are often constructing buildings that unlock parts of the tech tree. These are all individually small tweaks but definite improvements nonetheless." -- Joey Macgregor " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Trusted Reviews -- 4/5
"Think of it less as a sequel to Total War: Warhammer, more a second chapter with a different pace and style. This one makes even more of the hybrid gameplay that made the original so exciting, with new races and additional mechanics that freshen up the campaign even for those who played through the first campaign with several different factions. Despite more work on accessibility, this is a dauntingly vast and complex strategy game, but it's one with an equally huge sense of fun." -- Stuart Andrews " style="word-wrap: break-word;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #6DC6DD;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;">Full review]
Creators Matt and Ross spoke to EW and explained that the show was going to be officially titled Stranger Things 2, despite some initial resistance from Netflix. "When we started describing it as a sequel, Netflix was like, 'Don't do that, because sequels are known to be bad,'" said Matt. "I was like, 'Yes, but what about T2 and Aliens and Toy Story 2 and Godfather II?'"
Image credit: EW
Shaun Levy, who has directed episodes in both seasons, also said that Netflix were also dealing with the new season like it was a big movie. "Everything the way Netflix is approaching the marketing, the publicity, the licensing, the merchandising, those are all closer to a feature film tentpole franchise model than a second season of a television series," he said. "It's definitely daunting. The love for this show is so rabid."
In terms of the content, unsurprisingly the Duffers are giving little away. However, they did reveal that the new monster would be name the "shadow monster." Ross said: "It's all connected to this singular threat, which is tied into this shape that Will sees in the sky. Each episode is building on the last one. It gets much crazier than it ever got in Season 1."
Nintendo has added a handful of new rewards to the My Nintendo program. For the first time, the company is offering a selection of indie games for 3DS and Wii U as rewards, giving members with enough Gold points in their accounts a chance to snag them effectively for free.
My Nintendo members also still have time to redeem their points for discounts on a number other great Wii U and 3DS games, including The Wonderful 101, EarthBound Beginnings, and Star Fox 64 3D. You can find the full list of the rewards that are currently available here.
Much like the NES Classic console from last year, the SNES Classic is a bit of a hot commodity. With an assortment of retro games from the SNES library, there are many games getting a second chance in the spotlight, along with others that have stood the test of time and still hold up as some of Nintendo's finest games.
We at GameSpot are here to give you everything you need to know about Nintendo's throwback console; such as good places to keep an eye out for ordering your console, what games are available on the system, and what sort additions have been added to make the experience of replaying these games feel a bit more unique. Be sure to check back with us for more info about our hands-on time with the console, along with our official review coming soon.
When Is The Release Date For The SNES Classic?
Set for release on September 29 for $80 USD/60 GBP/7,980 Yen, the SNES Classic will be available in most markets. Much like the NES Classic, Japan will have a Famicom version known as the Super Famicom Classic the following week on Oct 5, along with some games unique to their market such as Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyūshutsu Emaki (Legend of the Mystical Ninja). Though the Western release of the Classic console will be missing some titles from its Eastern counterpart, there's still plenty of great games to enjoy.
Where Are The Reviews Of The SNES Classic?
The first reviews of the SNES Classic are now in, and they've largely been positive, praising both the system's game selection and overall performance. For specifics, you can check out our SNES Classic Edition review and SNES Classic Edition review roundup.
Aside from Earthbound, Super Mario RPG, and Super Metroid, there's one game that's been getting a lot of attention, and that's Star Fox 2. Unlocked after completing the first stage in the original Star Fox, Star Fox 2 introduced a number of interesting gameplay innovations, new characters, and brand new vehicles to control. However, for a variety of reasons, it was shelved around the time of its completion. Though unofficial copies have made the rounds over the years, this marks the first time that Nintendo will be releasing the game in an official capacity. To mark this occasion, GameSpot will be publishing a review for the newly released Star Fox 2, which will be our first SNES review in two decades.
What Is The Set-Up And User-Interface Like?
While the original Super Nintendo was designed for standard definition TVs, the SNES Classic features an updated setup including HDMI cables, and a home menu where you can access all the games. Much like the NES Classic, the Super Nintendo mini-console will give players access to all the games from the menu, where they can jump around between each game. Each game allows for four different save slots, allowing you to save your game on the internal system. Though unlike the NES Classic, the SNES will be a bit more comfortable to play this time around, featuring longer control cables at around 5 feet. Moreover, the UI will also feature a number of tweaks and customization options for players, such as a set of custom borders you can apply to the 4:3 games, CRT filters, and also a rewind option--allowing you to as rollback a bad move in a game and try again.
Keep checking back with GameSpot during the lead up and after the release of the SNES Classic for more information as it comes. Check out some of coverage with our hands-on time below, along with updates from Nintendo, and along with our full-review.
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