Hidden among today's big releases is Nidhogg 2, a sequel to Messhof's excellent sword-dueling game. Like the first title, Nidhogg 2 pits two players against each other, with the object being to stab your opponent and race past them to the next screen. This time around, however, the game boasts a much different art style, and the developers have introduced a number of new mechanics, such as three new weapons, to add a new layer of depth to the game.
Reviews for Nidhogg 2 have begun appearing online. GameSpot critic Oscar Dayus said some of the changes in this sequel "prove to be distractions," though the title is "otherwise an excellent party game." We've collected a sampling of other Nidhogg 2 reviews and their accompanying scores below; for a broader look at the game's critical reception, head over to GameSpot's sister site Metacritic.
"Nidhogg 2...adds a lot without really adding much at all. The new weapons and busy aesthetic can frustrate, making the overall package feel less refined, but the core gameplay still shines through. Despite its problems, Nidhogg 2 is spectacular, engrossing, funny, tragic, and dramatic in equal measure, and it will no doubt become another party game staple. Nidhogg 2 sacrifices simplicity for more options, and it doesn't prove to be a good trade. But when the underlying action is this good, I'll put up with the odd unwelcome dagger." -- Oscar Dayus [Full review]
IGN -- 8/10
"The amount of action that can transpire within a couple of seconds in Nidhogg 2 makes for two-player combat that's both intense and hilarious to play or watch with friends. Nidhogg 2's visual style might not be for everyone, but its sharp, minimalist duelling is still smart and chaotic enough to allow for endless couch competition." -- Chloi Rad [Full review]
Eurogamer -- Recommended
"Nidhogg 2 isn't a drastic evolution from its predecessor, but it is a better game. It's deeper and more diverse with its stage setting and armaments. This sequel was never going to feel as fresh as its predecessor, but it's a smart enough variation on a theme that I can't see myself going back to the original Nidhogg much after this. Nidhogg 2 isn't revolutionary by any stretch, but it's hard to imagine many fans of the first game being disappointed with this robust follow-up." -- Jeffrey Matulef [Full review]
Game Informer -- 8/10
"Though it doesn't add much for players looking to play around with its improvements solo, Nidhogg 2 adds layers of depth to a simple formula without breaking what made it so appealing in the first place. The new weapons and maneuvers blend seamlessly into fights, making them more dynamic and tense. Its single-player offerings may be paper-thin, but for anyone looking to test themselves against their friends, Nidhogg 2 is hard to beat." -- Suriel Vazquez [Full review]
Destructoid -- 9.5/10
"It's easy to suggest Nidhogg 2 on its own merits. It has expanded on the wonderful mechanics of the original and has one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. There isn't much content here for the solo player, but if you've got friends coming over for some friendly competition, the night would not be complete without Nidhogg 2." -- Patrick Hancock [Full review]
Trusted Reviews -- 4/5
"While the new art style is divisive, it brings with it improved combat and animations, making Nidhogg 2 great for multiplayer madness if you can gather together some friends in-person or online. However, as a single-player experience the Arcade mode quickly loses its appeal. Still, if you're looking for your next pick-up-and-play party game, Nidhogg 2 can be a hoot." -- Richard Easton [Full review]
Ubisoft has launched the latest update for The Division, introducing a number of new features and refinements. It has also shared patch notes for update 1.7, offering a complete rundown on everything that's now available.
As announced previously, 1.7 introduces Global Events, which are limited-time events with special rewards and gameplay modifiers. The first of these is now underway and features "new enemy behavior due to the severity of a virus outbreak." Taking part will get you access to Classified gear sets, which are new, higher-end items added in this update.
Fans of customization have reason to celebrate, as the Base of Operations is now home to what we can only assume is a magical mirror. By interacting with it, you're able to customize your character's face. Additionally, face masks have been added as a new cosmetic item type; these can be obtained through Global Events. Patches are also new and can be displayed on your character's arm, though you must first unlock them by completing certain Commendations, which serve as a replacement for Feats. Commendations offer new objectives for players to complete--as well as various rewards for doing so.
Other changes of note include tweaks to Survival to make its rewards more worthwhile; blueprints, currency, and crafting materials are now shared across characters; and a hard cap on RPM for all weapons that can't be exceeded. Encrypted Caches have also been added and contain unique cosmetic items. They can be opened by purchasing a key with real-world money or through gameplay.
You can check out the full patch notes on The Division's website. The 1.7 update is out now for free on PS4, Xbox One, and PC and is the first of two major patches planned for the game's second year.
PC fans have been made to wait longer for Destiny 2's beta than those on consoles, but they stand to enjoy the best-looking version on any platform. A new 4K trailer has been released that shows just how nice Destiny 2 can look on high-end computers.
The trailer, which you can check out below, runs at 4K and 60 FPS, though you'll obviously need a 4K display in order to fully appreciate it. Destiny 2 on PC supports resolutions up to 4K and unlocked framerates, potentially letting you go above 60 FPS if you have the necessary hardware. (Bungie recently announced Destiny 2's required and recommended specs.) PC players can also fully customize graphics settings and keyboard and mouse controls, and the game supports 21:9 monitor aspect ratios.
You'll be able to see for yourself how well the game does (or doesn't) run on your computer quite soon. The upcoming beta kicks off on August 28 for anyone who pre-orders but will then open up to everyone on August 29. The beta concludes on August 31, pending any extensions like the one we saw on consoles. It will feature some changes and improvements over the console beta but the same basic content: a story mission, a Strike, and limited access to the Crucible.
As with the beta, there will be an extended wait for the full version of Destiny 2 on PC. Whereas it launches on September 6 for PS4 and Xbox One, it doesn't arrive on PC until October 24. It will operate through Battle.net--or Blizzard Battle.net, as it's now called.
Last year, Blizzard announced that it was "transitioning away" from Battle.net as the name for the Overwatch developer's online network. Now, the developer has made a U-turn of sorts, saying the name is staying, but with something new.
Going forward, Blizzard will link "Blizzard" and "Battle.net" into the name, to be henceforth known as "Blizzard Battle.net." In a blog post, Blizzard said it expected the shift away from Battle.net to be "challenging."
"Battle.net is the central nervous system for Blizzard games and the connective tissue that has brought Blizzard players together since 1996," the developer said. "The technology was never going away, but after giving the branding change further consideration and also hearing your feedback, we're in agreement that the name should stay as well. Take it from the developer formerly known as Silicon & Synapse, and Chaos Studios, names are important too."
Blizzard Battle.net will now be seen in the service's logo and anywhere it's printed. In addition to Blizzard's own games, it will soon host the PC version of Destiny 2.
When the shift was first announced in September 2016, Blizzard said there was "occasional confusion and inefficiencies" related to having a single name for something that represents multiple things, thus pushing it toward the change.
While the month's selection of six free games is the main highlight for PlayStation Plus members, they aren't the only thing that subscribers are entitled to right now. An additional freebie has just come online for anyone with a PS Plus membership.
As announced last month, Plus members can now pick up a free DLC pack for Dreadnought, which is currently in open beta for all PS4 owners. The Dreadnought Plus Pack, as it's called, contains exclusive Ravenswood-themed customizations items. As pictured below, this consists of a special emblem, decal, and coating. You can claim the pack here.
Dreadnought is a competitive action game where players take control of huge spaceships. It's a free download on PS4, and everyone--PS Plus member or not--can grab a ship, the Hactar Hero, for free on the PlayStation Store.
We don't know how long the Plus Pack will be available for, so you should grab it now if you're interested. Sony has made a habit of offering DLC for free-to-play games to PS Plus members in recent months. Some older packs, like those for DC Universe Online and War Thunder, remain available on PSN.
Xbox One owners can pick up a handful of new titles from the Xbox Store. Today, four more games have been added to the digital service, with another three set to arrive throughout the rest of the week.
Today's batch of games is headlined by Sonic Mania, the new 2D Sonic adventure from Sega and Sonic fan game creators Headcannon and PagodaWest Games. Like the hedgehog's classic Genesis outings, Mania features 16-bit visuals and stars the series' original three heroes, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Along with a handful of new stages, the game also features remixed versions of classic Sonic levels. GameSpot's Sonic Mania review awarded it a 9/10. The game retails for $20/£16 and is also available on PS4 and Switch, with the PC release now coming on August 29.
Agents of Mayhem
Also available today is Agents of Mayhem, the newest game from Saints Row developer Volition. Like the aforementioned title, Agents of Mayhem is an open-world action game. The game puts players in the role of a group of super agents, each of whom has their own unique play styles and abilities. As the super agents, players will have to stop the evil organization LEGION. Critics are divided over Agents of Mayhem; GameSpot awarded the game a 4/10 in our Agents of Mayhem review and said of it, "There's little to Agents of Mayhem beyond its foul-mouthed and bombastic attitude, which push the game into grating and obnoxious territory." Agents of Mayhem is available for $60/£50 and is also out today for PS4 and PC.
Rounding out today's titles are Observer and The Pillars of the Earth. The former is a disturbing "cyberpunk horror game" that has players hacking into suspects' minds in order to gather evidence. The game earned a 9/10 in GameSpot's review and was called "a haunting and remarkable achievement." The latter, meanwhile, is a three-part interactive novel based on the fantasy series of the same name. Observer retails for $30/£24, while Pillars of the Earth runs for $40/£32.
Three other games are also slated to arrive on Xbox One this week. Tomorrow, August 16, sees the release of Conan Exiles and Circuit Breakers. Following that, the critically acclaimed rhythm-action game Thumper launches on August 18. You can see the full list of this week's new games below.
After the huge success of Wonder Woman, expectations are high for Marvel's first female-led superhero movie, Captain Marvel. Brie Larson is set to play the title character, and it has now been reported that the movie has found a writer.
According to Deadline, Geneva Robertson-Dworet will work on the script for the 2019 film. Robertson-Dworet is making a name for herself as a key writer of high-profile superhero and action movies. She wrote the script for next year's much-anticipated Tomb Raider reboot and worked on the DC supervillain team-up Gotham City Sirens, which is currently in development. She has also been attached to a movie version of the classic toyline MASK, as well as a new Dungeons & Dragons film.
Robertson-Dworet replaces Meg LeFauve and Nicole Perlman, who were originally hired for Captain Marvel. LeFauve is now co-directing Disney's animated film Gigantic instead.
In April, it was announced that Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck will direct Captain Marvel. The pair previously made the acclaimed gambling drama Mississippi Grind and have directed episodes of hit TV shows The Affair and Billions.
Earlier this year, Larson spoke about the importance of taking on this iconic role. "The fact that she can be a bridge between two worlds, that she can go between Earth and space and that her own personal place is in this little area between where Earth ends and space begins and that's only hers, is so moving to me," she said. "I'm just inspired. I've been so inspired going through the comics and reading them right now."
Captain Marvel has been the name of various heroes over the years. The current incarnation is the alter ego of Carol Danvers. Danvers previously used the name of Ms. Marvel and first appeared in her own comic book in 1977, before taking the identity of Captain Marvel in 2012.
Once again, Microsoft has expanded the Xbox One's backwards compatibility library. The company today announced the addition to two more Xbox 360 games to the list of those that can be played on Xbox One.
Today's other new backwards compatible game is ScreamRide. This is the rare instance of a gaming being added that also has a native Xbox One version; ScreamRide released for both platforms at the same time back in early 2015. While the Xbox One version is the ideal one to play, at least you're now able to play your Xbox 360 copy on the system if you happen to have one lying around.
If you own a physical copy of either game, you can simply pop it into the disc drive, while digital-copy owners will find it waiting in their Ready to Download list. Alternatively, either game can be purchased from the Xbox Store.
The Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature, introduced in November 2015, lets you play Xbox 360 games on the new console. But what games are available? We've now rounded them all up--and we'll continue to update this post as new games are made available.
Xbox One Backwards Compatibility Lineup (As of August 15, 2017):
New titles are bolded
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
A Kingdom for Keflings
A World of Keflings
Aegis Wing
Age of Booty
Alan Wake
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
Alice: Madness Returns
Alien Hominid HD
Altered Beast
Anomaly Warzone Earth
Arkanoid Live
Army of Two
Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (added June 27)
Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed Revelations
Assassin's Creed Rogue
Assault Heroes 2
Asteroids & Deluxe
AstroPop
Aqua
Babel Rising
Band of Bugs
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts n Bolts
Banjo Tooie
Banjo Kazooie
Batman: Arkham Origins (disc only -- added August 8)
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield 3
BattleBlock Theater
Battlestations: Midway
Bayonetta
Beat'n Groovy
Bejeweled 2
Bejeweled 3
Bellator: MMA Onslaught
Beyond Good & Evil HD
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
BioShock
BioShock 2
BioShock Infinite
Bloodforge
Blood Knights
Blood of the Werewolf
BloodRayne: Betrayal
Blue Dragon
Bomberman Live: Battlefest
Boom Boom Rocket
Borderlands
Borderlands 2
Bound by Flame
Braid
Brain Challenge
Bullet Soul
Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Burnout Paradise
Cabela's Alaskan Adventures
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2013
Cabela's Hunting Expeditions
Cabela's Survival: Shadows of Katmai
Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Call of Duty: Ghosts (added June 29)
Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Juarez Gunslinger
Capcom Arcade Cabinet
Carcassonne
Cars 2
Castle Crashers
Castlestorm
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Catherine
The Cave
Centipede & Millipede
Civilization: Revolution
Clannad
Commanders: Attack of the Genos
Comic Jumper
Comix Zone
Condemned
Contra
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Crazy Taxi
Crystal Quest
Crystal Defenders
Dark Souls
Dark Void
Darksiders
Darksiders II
Daytona USA
de Blob 2
Dead Rising 2: Case West
Dead Rising 2: Case Zero
Dead Space
Dead Space 2
Dead Space 3
Dead Space Ignition
Deadliest Warrior: Legends
Deadliest Warrior: The Game (added August 8)
Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue
Defense Grid
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut
Dig Dug
Dirt 3
Dirt Showdown
Discs of Tron
Disney Bolt (added August 8)
Disney Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (added August 3)
Domino Master
Doom
Doom II
Doom 3: BFG Edition
Doritos Crash Course
Double Dragon: Neon
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon's Lair
DuckTales Remastered
Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
Dungeon Siege III
E4: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Earthworm Jim HD
Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon (added July 12)
Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Encleverment Experiment
Escape Dead Island
F1 2014 (added July 12)
Fable II
Fable III
Faery: Legends of Avalon
Fallout 3
Fallout: New Vegas
Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon
Feeding Frenzy
Feeding Frenzy 2
Fighting Vipers (added August 8)
Final Fight: Double Impact
Flashback
Flock
Forza Horizon
Fret Nice
Frogger
Frogger 2
FunTown Mahjong
Galaga
Galaga Legions
Galaga Legions DX
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Gatling Gears
Gears of War
Gears of War 2
Gears of War 3
Gears of War: Judgment
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
Gin Rummy
Golden Axe
Go! Go! Break Steady
Golf: Tee It Up
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grid 2
Gripshift
Guardian Heroes
Gunstar Heroes
Guwange
Gyromancer
Gyruss (added July 25)
Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax
Halo: Reach
Halo: Spartan Assault
Halo Wars
Hard Corps: Uprising
Hardwood Backgammon
Hardwood Hearts
Hardwood Spades
Harms Way
Haunted House
Heavy Weapon
Hexic 2
Hexic HD
Hitman: Absolution
Hydro Thunder
I Am Alive
Ikaruga
Ilomilo
Injustice: Gods Among Us + disc-only Ultimate Edition
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos
Iron Brigade
Jeremy McGrath's Offroad
Jet Set Radio
Jetpac Refuelled
Joe Danger Special Edition
Joe Danger 2: The Movie
Joust
Joy Ride Turbo
Juju
Jurassic Park: The Game
Just Cause 2
Kameo
Kane & Lynch 2
Killer Is Dead
The King of Fighters '98
The King of Fighters 2002
Lazy Raiders
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead 2
Lego Batman
Lego Indiana Jones
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Limbo
Lode Runner
Lost Odyssey
Lumines Live!
Luxor 2
Mad Tracks
Magic: The Gathering 2012
Mars: War Logs
Mass Effect
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 3
Matt Hazard: Blood, Bath, and Beyond
The Maw
Medal of Honor: Airborne
Meet the Robinsons
Mega Man 9
Mega Man 10
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (added August 15)
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug XX
Midway Arcade Origins
Might & Magic Clash of Heroes
Military Madness
Mirror's Edge
Missile Command
Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine
Monday Night Combat
Monkey Island: SE
Monkey Island 2: SE
Moon Diver
Motocross Madness
Ms. Splosion Man
Ms Pac-Man
Mutant Blobs Attack
Mutant Storm Empire
MX vs. ATV Reflex
N+
NBA Jam: On Fire Edition
Neogeo Battle Coliseum
Nights Into Dreams
Of Orcs and Men
Omega Five
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Operation Flashpoint: Red River
The Orange Box
Outland
Pac-Man
Pac-Man C.E
Pac-Man CE DX+
Pac-Man Museum
Peggle
Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark Zero
Phantasy Star II
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds
Pinball FX
Planets Under Attack
Plants vs. Zombies
Poker Smash
Portal: Still Alive
Portal 2
Prince of Persia
Pure
Putty Squad
Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest 2
Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
QIX++ Puzzlegeddon
Rage
Raiden IV (added July 25)
Raskulls
Rayman 3 HD
Rayman Legends
Rayman Origins
Red Dead Redemption
Red Faction: Armageddon (added July 25)
Red Faction: Battlegrounds
RoboBlitz
Rocket Knight
R-Type Dimensions
Runner 2
Sacred 3
Sacred Citadel
Saints Row IV
Sam & Max: Beyond Time & Space
Sam & Max Save the World
Samurai Shodown II
Scarygirl
Scrap Metal
ScreamRide (added August 15)
Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.
Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World
Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage
Sega Vintage Collection: ToeJam & Earl (added August 3)
Shadow Assault/Tenchu
Shadow Complex
Shadowrun
Shadows of the Damned
Shank 2
Shinobi
Shred Nebula
Shotest Shogi
Silent Hill: Downpour
Skate 3
Skullgirls
Skydive
Small Arms
Soltrio Solitaire
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic CD
Sonic The Fighters
Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II
Soulcalibur
Soulcalibur II
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Space Ark
Space Giraffe
Space Invaders Infinity Gene
Spelunky
The Splatters
Splosion Man
SSX
Stacking
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Steins; Gate 比翼恋理のだーりん (Japan only)
Steins; Gate (オリジナル版) (Japan only)
Steins; Gate 線形拘束のフェノグラム (Japan-only, requires game disc)
Strania
Street Fighter IV
Stuntman: Ignition
Super Meat Boy
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition (added July 13)
H1Z1: Just Survive, the MMO zombie game, is changing its name and adding a bunch of new content as part of a big new update. Going forward the game will simply be called Just Survive, with publisher Daybreak saying it wants to separate the title from the H1Z1 universe.
The update, which is out now, introduces a new world map called Badwater Canyon "designed with multiple styles of gameplay in mind." It will feature "targeted loot distribution, strategic verticality, [and] exploration opportunities." Badwater Canyon replaces the game's original map, and will be rolled out in phases worldwide.
Daybreak says the map will focus on a new feature coming in today's update: Strongholds. These are a form of base where players can "build robust structures and fortify them with an array of defenses and traps to fend off coordinated attacks." They're customizable, too, so you can feel right at home.
Additionally, combat and weaponry have been completely reworked, according to the developer. It says "all weapons have been rebuilt from scratch," introducing tiers to each one "while fine-tuning them to look and feel unique." It's unclear what these tiers currently entail, however.
Finally, the update introduces a new in-game currency called Golden Eagle Coins, which can be obtained by trading in valuable items found within the world. You can use them to buy Stronghold locations, and Daybreak says the currency's usage "will continue to be expanded in the future." A bunch more tweaks have been made in the update, with full details available in the patch notes, which should be available shortly
Sega has announced when you'll be able to get your hands on Football Manager 2018. The management sim will launch for PC, Mac, and Linux on November 10. For the first time, the mobile and tablet versions--Football Manager Mobile 2018 and Football Manager Touch 2018--will launch simultaneously with the desktop version, as they also arrive on November 10.
In addition, the publisher says those who pre-order the PC edition through a "Sega-approved retailer" will be able to play two weeks early through a fully-featured beta version, from which single-player progress can be continued when the full game launches. Finally, anyone who pre-orders via Steam or the Sega Store before October 9 and has Football Manager 2017 in their Steam library will receive a 25% discount.
Little else is currently known about this year's Football Manager; Sega says more details will be revealed in late September. New editions of the soccer game typically include updated squads and kits, and improvements to the match engine, among other features.
In our review of last year's edition, critic Richard Wakeling called Football Manager 2017 "not a game of revolution, but one of refinement."
He continued: "Transfers are smarter and more involved, and the faster player development and the aforementioned streamlining of information are welcome. The perennial strengths of Football Manager are stronger than ever, yet it's the furtive improvements to the match engine that really set Football Manager 2017 apart from its immediate predecessor. Sure, I still have gripes with the tactical interface, and there isn't anything new there worth writing about. But if your rear end has ever been entrenched in the virtual dugout or you're just a fresh-faced hopeful looking to begin your journey, Football Manager 2017 is easy to recommend to the budding manager." Read more in our full Football Manager 2017 review.
A new expansion pack is on the way for Eve: Valkyrie, the space dogfighting game from Eve Online developer CCP. It's described as a "complete overhaul" that makes sweeping changes to portions of the game for free. But more notable than any of those adjustments is the decision to make VR headsets--previously required to play the game--optional.
Warzone, as the expansion is called, will allow players to play Valkyrie in its entirety on standard 2D screens or in VR. And just as the game supports cross-platform multiplayer between PC and PS4, players will be able to compete with and against each other whether or not they're in VR.
Whatever type of screen you play on, you'll benefit from Warzone's other changes and improvements. All ships will be unlocked early on, and each one should now have a clearer, most distinct role. New weapons and abilities are being introduced, with the most significant being Ultra abilities that "can turn the course of battle."
Also new is Extraction mode, which is compared to capture the flag, and two new maps, Fleet and Outpost. The rewards system has been changed dramatically, as Gold is now gone and Silver should be less common. As you use a ship, you'll earn XP that then serves as the sole currency for obtaining mods for it. Salvage now functions as the resource used to unleash the aforementioned Ultra abilities during a match. And Spoils of War now provide Reward Capsules, which serve as the game's Loot Box equivalent; they can be opened to unlock customization options for ships and pilots.
Warzone will be released for free to Valkyrie owners on September 26. Those who have not yet purchased the game will be able to pick up the updated version at a newly discounted price of $30/€30/£23.
The game takes place in a distant future in which the only hope for governments and global corporations are a group of corporately funded super agents--the Agents of Mayhem. Take a look at a bunch of videos below:
After playing it pre-release, we had our doubts, and now final reviews have started to go live. In our verdict, critic Brett Todd said there's "little to Agents of Mayhem beyond its foul-mouthed and bombastic attitude." He went on to say it has "loads of mayhem, but not much else." Read more in our full Agents of Mayhem review.
For a selection of other critics' opinions, check out the roundup below. Alternatively you can take a look at GameSpot sister site Metacritic for a wider view of Agents of Mayhem's critical reception.
Release: Out now (US), August 18 (Europe, Australia)
Price: US $60 / £43 / AU $100
GameSpot -- 4/10
"Personality can only take a broken and repetitive game so far. The attitude behind Agents of Mayhem has potential, at least if it's executed properly. But there's little to Agents of Mayhem beyond its foul-mouthed and bombastic attitude, which push the game into grating and obnoxious territory. Throw in the poor mission design and bugs, and you've got a game with loads of mayhem, but not much else." -- Brett Todd [Full review]
IGN -- 7.1/10
"Agents of Mayhem does a good job paying homage to the cartoon and live-action TV heroes of the '80s and '90s, and revels in the absurd tropes and idiosyncrasies of those inspirations. A broad and goofy arsenal of unique weapons and gadgets and the ability to switch characters on the fly to access complementary abilities offers some solid combat and good mindless fun, but due to some unpolished writing and repetitive environments and enemy types, it doesn't fully live up to its heroic potential." -- Jon Ryan [Full review]
Game Informer -- 8.0/10
"Agents of Mayhem is cheesy, rarely funny, and generally ridiculous, but I was eager to play for long periods of time. The action is frenetic and fun, with room for strategy using all the characters' assorted abilities. Even if Seoul ends up being a bland backdrop, I enjoyed being in the world and causing explosions in [it] at every opportunity." -- Kyle Hilliard [Full review]
Polygon -- 5.5/10
"This has likely started to feel like a litany of sins rather than cogent critique, but it's the best way I have of illustrating Agent of Mayhem's failings. It is not felled by any one thing, but is rather undone by a thousand little cuts. Agents of Mayhem heaps theoretical fun on you. Characters, powers, upgrades, tons of missions--it's desperate to for the player to just have fun. It's a noble impulse, but one that it's depressingly incapable of consistently delivering on." -- Justin McElroy [Full review]
GamesRadar+ -- 4/5
"Variety is something that Agents of Mayhem otherwise has in abundance, thankfully. Whether you're in the mood for action-packed battles on crowded concert stages, upgrading your agents and home base, or going for some breezy, triple-jumping platforming between skyscrapers, new fun is never far off. Then you can return to base, slot in a different trio of heroes, and drop back into Seoul with an all-new team. Mayhem is flawed, but it's also a strong start for an enjoyable and funny series. Would it be presumptuous to say I'm ready for season two?" -- Connor Sheridan [Full review]
Trusted Reviews -- 2.5/5
"Agents of Mayhem would have been a great rental in days gone by, but today it's an experience that's great for a a short while, but doesn't offer enough to keep players invested for the duration of the campaign. I hope Volition does something with these heroes, though, as they're truly great. I just hope they're wrapped up in a more fulfilling experience on par with rivals in the genre on their next outing." -- Brett Phipps [Full review]
Rockstar continues to support Grand Theft Auto V, and this week is no different. GTA Online's latest update is now live, introducing a new car, discounts on lots of items, and more.
In terms of new content, this week's big addition is the Ocelot XA-21 Supercar, which you can see below and can buy from Legendary Motorsport in-game. Other than that, the update brings with it discounts on the Vom Feuer Anti-Aircraft Trailer, Mammoth Hydra aeroplane, Buckingham Valkyrie chopper, JoBuilt Phantom Wedge truck, and the HVY APC vehicle, as well as the Route 68 bunker. These are all available for 25% off until August 21.
Also available during that period are double GTA$ and RP rewards during Gunrunning Sell Missions and the Sumo and Slasher modes. As an added bonus, Rockstar is offering the Black Coil Tee (above), free for anyone who completes a Sell Mission between now and August 21.
Finally, this week's Premium Race is a stunt race called Plummet II, and it's locked to Super vehicles. The Time Trial, meanwhile, is Tongva Valley. Premium Races pay out triple RP to everyone and big GTA$ rewards to those who finish in the top three, while the Time Trial offers GTA$ and RP rewards for those who beat the target time.
Sonic Mania returns Sonic to 2D and its time to find out if its any good.
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