The next God of War game is still a long way off, but recently Sony released several images of concept art for the game that are pretty incredible.
They show off the war-torn, desolate world that you'll be exploring in-game, as well as Kratos looking distinctly Scandinavian. They also depict some of the pretty scary-looking Norse enemies that you'll fight. Kratos's son Atreus also appears, holding a dagger that looks insufficient for taking on the hordes of foes. Check out the images below.
E3 2017 marked the last time we saw God of War in action. We were able to sit down with creative director Cory Barlog to discuss the challenges of rebooting the series; you can read our interview here.
In addition, you can watch the E3 2017 demo of God of War in the embed at the top of this article. The game is currently scheduled for release sometime in Q2 2018.
Force Friday was a key day in the lead-up to the release of 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with all the major toy companies releasing a host of toys that tied in with the movie. With The Last Jedi set for release in December, Force Friday II is set to take place starting at midnight tomorrow, September 1. Details of what fans can buy have now been revealed, which includes some new characters from The Last Jedi.
One of the new additions is a droid named BB-9E. Although it seems to be from the same line of Astromechs as BB-8, the black paint job and angular head suggest that it's a First Order droid. The toy comes from Sphero, and you can check it out below, via Techcrunch:
Hasbro is also releasing some new Last Jedi toys, as part of its Black Series line. The latest iteration of the Imperial Guard, know as an Elite Praetorian Guard will be available, alongside a Guardians of Evil set which tracks the evolution of the Imperial Guard design across the franchise.
In related news, a new picture from The Last Jedi was released this week. It shows Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, looking very serious in a new outfit. The Last Jedi arrives in theaters on December 15. It also stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, and Andy Serkis.
Call of Duty: WWII's second beta weekend was scheduled to begin tomorrow, September 1, but it's gone live a day early. You can already jump in and check out the beta, which includes several additions from last weekend.
Players noticed earlier today that the beta had become accessible well before its planned September 1 start date; GameSpot has since confirmed that it's playable now. So, if you've pre-ordered the game on either PS4 or Xbox One and received a code for the beta, you can start playing as soon as it's downloaded.
This is the second beta weekend for Call of Duty: WWII; the first was exclusive to players who pre-ordered on PS4. This current beta test features some content that wasn't in the first weekend. Most notably, the Aachen multiplayer map is now playable. In addition, you can try out the M1A1 Carbine, new Scorestreaks, and a new sniper rifle. Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and the new stage-based War Mode are all available, as well.
The beta ends on Monday, September 4. Call of Duty: WWII launches on November 4 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Along with the news that three new Legendary Pokemon are on the way to Pokemon Go, developer Niantic has announced that it will begin field-testing the game's new Exclusive Raids very soon.
Now dubbed EX Raids, these differ from the standard Raids in a few important ways. Most notably, players will need to receive an invitation in order to participate in one. To get an invite, you will have to had completed a Raid at that location "recently." Niantic says that players will have "advance warning" before an EX Raid Battle begins to give them "ample time to coordinate with other trainers."
Before Niantic rolls the feature out globally, it will test EX Raids at "select Gyms" in order to further refine the experience. "During the field test, we'll be making periodic adjustments to EX Raid eligibility requirements, frequency, times, locations, and durations with the goal of making the EX Raid Battle feature engaging, rewarding, and most importantly, fun for Trainers who regularly participate in Raid Battles," the developer said in a post on the Pokemon Go website.
Niantic will begin distributing EX Raid Passes to select players "as early as September 6." The developer hasn't said how long it plans to field test the feature or when it will launch in full, but we already know of at least one Pokemon that can only be acquired through EX Raids: the Legendary Psychic-type Mewtwo, which was unlocked earlier this month at a special Pokemon Go Stadium event in Japan.
Beginning today, players around the globe will have a chance to encounter Pokemon Gold and Silver's Legendary beasts, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, for a limited time. Unlike the previous batch of Legendaries, each one will be available in a specific part of the world for a month, after which it will move on to a different region. Until September 30, the Electric-type Raikou can be found in the Americas; the Fire-type Entei will appear in Europe and Africa; and the Water-type Suicune is in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon may still be a few months away, but Pokemon fans have a few titles to look forward to soon. On September 22, the Pokemon fighting game Pokken Tournament DX launches for Switch, and alongside it, the classic Gold and Silver versions will arrive in the 3DS Eshop. To commemorate the upcoming releases, Nintendo has announced some new Pokemon-themed rewards for My Nintendo members in the US.
As is typically the case, the rewards come in the form of discounts for select Wii U and 3DS games. On the former console, players can snag a 30% discount off the excellent Game Boy Advance spinoff, Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, and 20% off of the Wii download, PokePark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure. 3DS owners, meanwhile, can save 30% on the series' Game Boy Color puzzle game, Pokemon Puzzle Challenge.
Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
Each reward is available until November 23. The Pokemon Pinball and Pokemon Puzzle Challenge rewards both cost 20 Gold points apiece, while the PokePark Wii discount can be yours for 400 Platinum points. My Nintendo members can also grab a Pokken Tournament DX-themed September calendar for their PC or smartphones for 50 Platinum points, though it will only be available until September 30.
Beyond the Pokemon rewards, My Nintendo members can still snag discounts on a number of other Wii U and 3DS games. You can find the full list of rewards that are currently available here, but some notable ones include:
Nintendo of Europe also has its own Pokemon sale going on right now. For a limited time, 3DS owners in the region can get a discount on Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions. All players can save 20% on the titles, bringing them down to £7.19, while those who've linked their Nintendo Network ID to their Nintendo Account will save a more substantial 36% off instead. The trio will only be on sale until September 4.
Update: An official statement has been released concerning Clausen's reported departure from the show. "We tremendously value Alf Clausen's contributions to the Simpsons and he will continue to have an ongoing role in the show," Fox told GameSpot. "We remain committed to the finest in music for the Simpsons, absolutely including orchestral. This is the part where we would make a joke but neither Alf's work nor the music of the Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us."
Original Story: Here is some pretty big news about The Simpsons, one of TV's longest-running and most beloved shows: veteran composer Alf Clausen is leaving the program. This is according to reports from Entertainment Weekly and Variety, which claim the Emmy-winning composer has "parted ways" with the show, though the circumstances around his supposed departure are unclear. Cost-cutting measures are speculated.
Whatever the case, this is a big loss for The Simpsons. Clausen, 76, joined The Simpsons in 1990, at the beginning of Season 2. He has worked on the series since then, picking up 23 Emmy nominations throughout his run where he scored more than 560 episodes of the series.
Clausen told Variety that producer Richard Sakai called him to let him know that The Simpsons would be pursuing "a different kind of music" going forward, and Clausen would not be needed. Clausen did the music for The Simpsons Season 28 finale back in May. Season 29 premieres on October 1, but we don't know yet who will score it.
According to Variety, the 35-piece orchestra that Clausen uses for every episode can carry a cost of "millions of dollars" per year. The iconic Simpsons theme song from Danny Elfman is not expected to be replaced amidst Clausen's exit.
In addition to The Simpsons, Clausen scored the popular movies The Naked Gun and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Ahead of next week's release of Destiny 2, the Destiny companion app has received a huge overhaul. It's available to download now, and from a first look at the app, it has become a lot more social. In the first Destiny, the companion app was mainly a way to check your gear and your game stats. Destiny 2's app presents a lot more information about Destiny, Bungie, and the community right up front.
For example, upon launching the app, you're now greeted with the Explore section, which is essentially a feed of all the news and posts published to Bungie's website. Explore is laid out a lot like a social news site--there are tabs for "trending" posts, news, creations, community posts, and game updates. It's already a good way to see all of the official news about the game, but the coolest parts of the Explore section are the ones that are tied to the community.
The app also has a much more robust section for interacting with your clan, complementing Destiny 2's revamped Clan system. You can chat with your Clan, post on its forum and see your Clan's progress. Adding Slack-like functionality, such as different chat channels, alongside things like specific Clan forums, will likely be very useful once Clans start growing larger and more active.
According to a post on Bungie's website, you should now expect big changes to the companion functionality to go live first in the mobile app, rather than in the web browser. Bungie's website will receive changes at a slower pace than the app.
It is the last day of August, which means now is your final chance to pick up some of August 2017's free Games With Gold titles before they return to their normal prices. There are three games to claim, two of which will no longer be free after today.
On Xbox One, the adorable-looking first-person game Slime Rancher will end its run as a freebie at midnight. Switching to Xbox 360, the third-persons hooter Red Faction: Armageddon is free until the end of the day. Also worth noting is that another one of August 2017's Xbox One Games With Gold titles, Trials Fusion, will continue to be free until September.
Destiny 2's new live action trailer has quite the director behind it: Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of this year's Kong: Skull Island, not to mention the upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie. For him, he told GameSpot, anything related to video games is a labor of love.
"It really did have to do with my love of video games, and sci-fi, and Destiny," he said. "It was just impossible for me to turn down. It had too many things that I love in it."
The latest in a long line of live action Destiny trailers, this Beastie Boys-scored spot begins with Cayde-6, voiced as ever by Nathan Fillion, introducing a trio of freshly resurrected Guardians to their new life in a world bereft of comforts. Then, they use their big guns and space magic to blow aliens up for a good minute of straight action. They also show off some of Destiny 2's new powers, including each class's new Super ability.
Vogt-Roberts worked mainly with Destiny 2's publisher, Activision, and the ad agency 72andSunny. But he also got to take a trip to Bungie, play an in-progress build of Destiny 2, and pick the developers' brains about what makes their games tick.
"I just can't say enough amazing things about the guys up there, [Destiny 2 Director] Luke Smith and the artists and the animators," he said. "Those guys give a s***."
"I really like the mechanics of games," he continued. "It was amazing to be able to talk to them about why a game feels a certain way, you know?"
Still fresh from directing the enormous Kong: Skull Island, Vogt-Roberts could have opted for something smaller for his next project, like directing more episodes of FX's critically lauded anti-rom-com You're The Worst. But he couldn't resist the challenges the Destiny 2 commercal presented.
"Bungie created a world that is super unique--like, incredibly unlike anything else out there. And it would be very easy to be afraid of that, to lean away from that, or, as you're making a spot like this, to forget about the people who made the first game such a success," he said. "For me, it really was a thing of, from the jump, really being able to talk to [Bungie] and say, look, let's just make sure that as we design all this stuff, as we create a world that, yes, should bring in new players, that we never for a second forget about the core. The actual mega fans of Destiny need to be able to watch this and say 'I'm proud of this. This represents the game that I love. This represents the world that I love. I'm glad this thing exists.'"
Destiny 2 hits Xbox One and PS4 Sept 6., and PC Oct. 24.
If you're eagerly awaiting Total War: Warhammer II on PC, its developer The Creative Assembly has shared some key info. It has revealed the recommended and minimum system requirements for the game, which comes out September 28.
Creative Assembly is also revealing new graphical features it's rolling out for release. Those include improved Screen Space Ambient Occlusion (SSAO), a new volumetric fog system that thickens the air (producing god-ray effects), a new sharpening filter, and impressive wet-look surfaces.
"Continuing the series trend for optimization and performance improvement, the second game in CA's fantasy-strategy trilogy will be playable on a wide range of PC systems," the company said on its website. Alongside the minimum and recommended specs, Creative Assembly have outlined a recommendation for 60 FPS gameplay at 1080p.
PC Recommended Specifications
Expected around 45-55 FPS on campaign map and in a 1v1, 20 units vs. 20 units battle, default graphics preset set to High, running at 1920×1080:
Operating System: Windows 7/8.1/10 64 Bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-4570 3.20 Ghz
RAM: 8 GB
Install Size: 60 GB
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 760 2 GB/AMD Radeon R9 270X 2 GB at 1080P
PC Minimum Specifications
Expected around 25-35 FPS on campaign map and in a 1v1, 20 units vs. 20 units battle, default graphics preset set to Low, running at 1280×720:
Operating System: Windows 7 64 Bit
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 Ghz
RAM: 4 GB/5 GB
Install Size: 60 GB
Video Card: Nvidia GTX 460 1GB/AMD Radeon HD 5770 1 GB/Intel HD4000 at 720p
PC 60 FPS+ Specifications
Expected 60 FPS+ on campaign map and in a 1v1, 20 units vs. 20 units battle, default graphics preset set to Ultra, running at 1920×1080:
Destiny 2 is not even out yet, but we're already getting information about its upcoming DLC. According to a report from Kotaku, the first DLC pack will add a patrol zone on Mercury, a social space, and a storyline centered around Osiris.
Details of the DLC pack, apparently called The Curse of Osiris, were leaked to Kotaku today. According to the report, the pack will focus on parts of Destiny's lore that have only been hinted at up until now. As the title of the expansion suggests, it has to do with Osiris, an exiled Warlock known for his zealous studies of the Darkness. Specifically, players will be tasked with saving Osiris from the Vex.
In the original Destiny, Osiris was only mentioned briefly. For example, in Destiny's lore, the Trials of Osiris competitive multiplayer mode served as a recruiting tool for the Disciples of Osiris, who would presumably seek out the most successful players for their cause. If you won enough in Trials of Osiris, you'd be granted access to the Lighthouse on Mercury to receive rewards.
Although the Lighthouse wasn't used for anything else in the first game, Destiny 2's DLC will apparently feature it much more prominently. It'll be used as a full-fledged social space. In addition, players will descend down to the surface of Mercury to embark on Patrol missions and quests. There's no word yet on if The Curse of Osiris will include a Raid, what it'll cost, or when it'll be released.
Bungie obviously hasn't said anything official about The Curse of Osiris yet, but game director Luke Smith recently teased something that could support the theory that the Vex will play a greater role in DLC. Fielding community questions, Smith stated, "The Vex don't play specifically a role in the conflict between the Red Legion, but while you're playing through Destiny 2 and while you're playing a bunch of the different content, we are pointing at places we are going to go next. Part of the fun of making and playing games is seeing that intention and knowing that it's all going somewhere."
Destiny 2 launches on September 6 for PS4 and Xbox One, with a PC release coming on October 24. An open beta for the PC version is happening now; here's how to get access.
There's another Call of Duty: WWII beta test coming this weekend, and today we got a look at what's in store. This weekend, players can try out new maps and modes that weren't in the beta test that just wrapped up a couple of days ago.
On a PlayStation livestream, Sledgehammer's COO Michael Condrey and multiplayer system designer Greg Reisdorf revealed that the beta will include new content, including the cool-looking map Aachen. This map is medium-sized, set in a war-torn, Nazi-occupied town. You can see it in action in the video below.
In addition, Reisdorf and Condrey announced that this weekend's beta will have a higher level cap and new weapons. They specifically revealed the M1A1 Carbine, a three-shot, low-recoil weapon. There'll also be new scorestreaks and uniforms, as well as a new game mode.
Finally, Sledgehammer is implementing some gameplay tweaks based on feedback from the first beta weekend. Team Deathmatch will now have a kill cap of 100, while kills in Domination will grant players 100 points. The studio has also fixed some loading and hit marker issues. You can read about more of the changes in the works here.
This weekend's beta begins on Friday, September 1. Although last weekend's beta was exclusive to PS4, this one is available on both PS4 and Xbox One. You can get access by pre-ordering the game.
Entry is open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on Friday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PT. Three (3) winners will be contacted via email.
Enter below (the additional entries are optional to increase your chances of winning):
About this game:
As a man or woman stranded naked, freezing and starving on the shores of a mysterious island called ARK, you must hunt, harvest resources, craft items, grow crops, research technologies, and build shelters to withstand the elements. Use your cunning and resources to kill or tame & breed the leviathan dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the land, and team up with or prey on hundreds of other players to survive, dominate... and escape!
The Division is getting a big free content update this fall, and today we found out what's in store. Ubisoft revealed that the 1.8 update will include two new modes alongside a new area and social space.
The update features a new cooperative mode as well as a competitive gametype. The co-op mode, called Resistance, is a Horde-like mode in which four players team up against increasingly difficult enemies. According to Ubisoft, Resistance is unique in that the enemy factions will, for the first time in the game, team up to try to defeat you.
In the PvP mode, Skirmish, two teams of four face off against each other. It's essentially deathmatch--you compete for the greatest number of kills before time expires, and points are granted when players are fully eliminated.
Players can also check out West Side Pier, a new area that expands on the existing map. "The Division must investigate the area to confirm that factions are indeed forging an alliance and determine the reason of their sudden interest in this location," Ubisoft explained. The new modes will take place in West Side Pier.
Finally, Update 1.8 will add the Camp Clinton social space. As with existing social spaces, you'll be able to team up and change gear without the risk of encountering enemies.
The update also features some significant tweaks, overhauls, and balance changes. Rogue mechanics are being revamped, the Underground DLC is getting some changes, and the gear system will be optimized. Ubisoft will talk more about these changes in the upcoming weeks.
That's right, you can now dress Noctis up in a helmet that looks like a Cup Noodle cup, complete with all the details down to the barcode and nutritional information. Check it out in action:
Wakey wakey Noct, we don't want people thinking you've got noodles for brains! Download the Noodle Helmet for free from the PS/Xbox Store pic.twitter.com/NhuX4Frn8W
It's available on Xbox One and PS4, and the best part is that it's free. You can grab it from the PlayStation Store right now, but it's not up yet on the Xbox Games Store.
The Cup Noodle helmet originally appeared in a Nissin Cup Noodle-created parody video; following requests from the public, Square Enix added it to the game in Japan in February. It was available to Japanese players who actually bought Cup Noodles.
Pokemon Go players in all regions have a new Legendary to catch over the next month, with two more to come after that. Three Pokemon from the Johto region are now available, each in a specific part of the world for a limited time.
The Electric-type Raikou is now available in the Americas, the Fire-type Entei is in Europe and Africa, and the Water-type Suicune is in the Asia-Pacific region. They'll remain here until September 30, giving you a full month to ensure you get your hands on one. On that day, the three will rotate to a different region, and then again on October 31, giving everyone a chance to catch each of the three over the next three months.
The appearance of these Pokemon picks up as soon as the last batch of Legendaries made their way out. If developer Niantic's approach to those is repeated, you can expect to see another opportunity to catch all of these Legendaries at the same time at some point after November. But if you're intent on getting them, you probably shouldn't wait.
Pokemon Go's latest update launched just ahead of today's announcement. It involved several Raid-related changes and fixes, including the resolution of a bug that caused Legendaries to always break out of your final Premier Ball. Additionally, you can now see the number of players who are preparing for a Raid before spending a Raid Pass.
Apple has confirmed it will hold its next big conference on September 12 in Cupertino, California, where it is expected to reveal its new iPhone 8. In an invite (via CNET), the company announced the event will happen at 10 AM PT / 1 AM ET / 6 PM BST (3 AM AET on September 13 in Australia).
Although the iPhone is not specifically mentioned in the invite, Apple traditionally unveils its new phone models in September of each year, before releasing them later in the same month. The company is expected to reveal both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7s, as well as an iPhone 7s Plus and other products such as a new Apple Watch model and potentially a new Apple TV.
The iPhone 8 is rumored to feature face-scanning technology and reportedly won't have a home button. This next lineup of iPhones--alongside the release of iOS 11--could be particularly good for gamers, as well. Earlier this year, Apple announced several gaming-related projects, such as ARKit for augmented-reality games on iOS, as well as support for Unity, Unreal Engine, and VR headsets on MacOS. Although most of these announcements have been focused on Apple's desktops, it's not inconceivable that we see greater attention paid to mobile gaming at the iPhone reveal event.
With Sonic Mania out on all platforms--and quite good--next up for the series is Sonic Forces, the new 2D/3D hybrid action game. Sega today announced the details of a special physical edition of the game that comes with some nice bonuses.
The Bonus Edition of Sonic Forces is a limited, physical version of the game that's available for pre-order now for $40/£45. It comes with four art cards and a Forces-themed skin for the DualShock 4, Xbox one controller, or Joy-Cons, depending on which platform you purchase it for.
At least in Europe, a Shadow the Hedgehog costume is also available as an added pre-order incentive for the Bonus Edition at certain retailers. This is not referenced in a press release for North America; we've followed up with Sega to see if that offer stands in other regions.
The action-adventure game will launch on November 7, the publisher revealed today. Pre-orders for the retail release are available now.
While Sonic Mania was specifically attempting to modernize the classic 2D Sonic formula, Sonic Forces is taking a much different approach. The game will switch between 2D and 3D modes, and you'll play as Classic Sonic, Modern Sonic, and a custom character, depending on the level. Some levels will even combine segments of 3D and 2D action.
Following the release of Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle earlier this week, another handful of games has now arrived in the Nintendo Switch Eshop. Today, three more titles have been added to the digital store.
Headlining today's batch of releases is the Gunvolt series compilation, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack. This game combines the original Azure Striker Gunvolt and its sequel into one package, both of which now run at 60 FPS and have higher resolution visuals. In addition to those visual improvements, Striker Pack includes all of the DLC that was released for the two games and features HD Rumble and Switch Pro Controller support. The game is currently only available for Switch digitally for $40/£31.49, but players will have a chance to pick up a physical copy of Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack this October.
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack
Also available today is the requisite ACA Neo Geo game. This week, it's the 2D arcade shoot-'em-up Zed Blade. Players select an aircraft and blast their way through horizontally-scrolling stages on a quest to stop the rogue space fortress Yggdrasil. Like previous ACA Neo Geo titles, Zed Blade retails for $8/£6.29.
The final new Eshop game releasing today is League of Evil, an 8-bit platformer originally released for mobile devices. The game challenges players with jumping and punching their way through over 140 levels spread into four chapters. New to the Switch release is a level editor, allowing players to create their own stages and share them with others online. League of Evil runs for $8/£7.19.
Capcom has announced it is developing a new entry in the Puzzle Fighter series for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Capcom Vancouver, the studio that took the lead on the Dead Rising series following its first entry, is developing the new Puzzle Fighter. The game is scheduled to soft-launch in select countries "soon" and a global release in "late 2017."
Puzzle Fighter is a gem-matching game in which players go head-to-head against each other or against AI. The back and forth in these battles is represented by cutesy versions of Street Fighter characters brawling in the middle of the screen.
In a press release, Capcom said the new Puzzle Fighter will feature fan-favourite characters such as Ryu, Ken, and Chun-li from the Street Fighter series, as well as X from Mega Man, Morrigan from Darkstalkers, and Frank West from Dead Rising, among others. Each of these characters will be brought to life with "[voice over] and cinematic special moves."
The promotional image released alongside the announcement shows the version of Ken featured in the game is from Street Fighter V. On top of that, Dante from the Devil May Cry series and Jill from the Resident Evil series will also be in the game. Screenshots also show Mike Haggar and E. Honda will be included, though they may be support characters.
The new Puzzle Fighter will have an assist mechanic that allows two extra characters to be picked in order to "further enhance the abilities of the main character."
"We've aimed for simple yet highly addictive puzzle action where you will strategically build up gems and destroy them to unleash epic combos that can knock out their opponent," Capcom says on its blog. "We're especially excited that we've been able to create real-time player-versus-player gameplay on mobile devices, bringing all the action of head-to-head Puzzle Fighter on the go."
Capcom has not yet announced a price for the game or whether it will feature in-game monetization. Check out the promo art and some screenshots from the game below.
Click here to view in full screen
In related news, Capcom has partnered with iam8bit to release a working Street Fighter II SNES cartridge to celebrate the game's 30th anniversary. However, it comes with a somewhat bizarre caveat: the cartridge could cause your SNES console to catch fire.
The 30th anniversary cart costs $100, and only 5,500 are being made. The color of the cart is randomised with your order between Opaque Ryu Headband Red (4,500) and translucent glow-in-the-dark Blanka green (1,000). Shipping starts at the end of November.
Both the Nintendo Switch and pre-orders for the SNES Classic Edition have been extremely hard to come by, selling out almost instantly everywhere. In response, we've seen GameStop and its subsidiary, ThinkGeek, offer bundles that package those systems with things you may or may not want. According to GameStop, it's about making the online shopping experience "more convenient."
GameStop's senior director of merchandising, Eric Bright, recently spoke about the controversial subject with Glixel. "We really try to do a great job of pairing up items with things customers like to buy," he said. "In the case of the Switch, we know the customer is going to want a way to charge the Joy-Con, so we often throw in a charging device. We know the Switch has limited memory and customers like to download games, so we'll add a memory stick. And then you need a game itself, because what good is a piece of hardware without a game to play with it? We make it more convenient."
Not an actual SNES Classic bundle (unless you're buying it off Bob, the scamp!)
As for ThinkGeek's SNES Classic bundles, he said they chose "retro items that would appeal to those buyers." When the $80 system showed up for pre-order on its website recently, it could only be purchased in bundles ranging from $140 to $330. These consisted of extras like a Tetris lamp, Zelda chess set, or Mega Man helmet.
Bright also argued that customers do have choices outside of these bundles. "Customers have the opportunity to come into our stores and choose the accessories that they would like to bundle with their hardware, or buy online the pre-determined bundles we have put together to help make the shopping experience more convenient," he said. "Customers also have the option of coming to into our GameStop stores to purchase non-bundled product."
That hasn't always proven to be the case, however; when we attempted to pre-order a SNES Classic in an LA store last week, bundles were the only choice. Critics would also take issue with the idea that the online bundles are convenient to begin with, given that they provide little choice in what you get. But for as much of an outcry as there has been from some consumers, it hasn't been enough to stop people from buying from GameStop anyway. The retailer frequently boasts about its impressive Switch attach rate (driven by those bundles), and ThinkGeek's expensive SNES packages quickly sold out.
[Update] Apple has confirmed it will host an event on September 12 at 10 AM at the new Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino. It has been speculated that the iPhone 8 will be revealed here, among other things. The original story follows.
September's almost here, which means that it's just about time to get a look at the next iPhone. According to a new report, the reveal event for the iPhone 8 (or whatever Apple will call it) will be held on September 12.
As for what we can expect from the next iPhone lineup, some of the features are already all but confirmed. According to code found in the development kit for Apple's HomePod speaker, the iPhone 8 will feature face-scanning technology and won't have a home button.
Other features, though, are all based on rumor. Some of the more well-substantiated reports assert that Apple will announce three iPhones: two that are similar in size and spec to this year's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and a third that's larger, has an OLED screen, and is bezel-less. It's likely that it will have a limited supply and will run you over $1,000. You can read all of the rumors about the iPhone 8 over at GameSpot sister site CNET.
This next lineup of iPhones--alongside the release of iOS 11--could be particularly good for gamers, as well. Earlier this year, Apple announced several gaming-related projects, such as ARKit for augmented-reality games on iOS, as well as support for Unity, Unreal Engine, and VR headsets on MacOS. Although most of these announcements have been focused on Apple's desktops, it's not inconceivable that we see greater attention paid to mobile gaming at the iPhone reveal event.
We'll report on whatever Apple reveals this September, so keep an eye on GameSpot in the coming weeks.
Update: It turns out the reason that North America and Europe's PlayStation Plus lineups were so different is because the former list included the wrong games. All four games for PS3 and Vita were announced incorrectly; PS3 owners will actually get Truck Racer and Handball 16, while Vita owners receive We Are Doomed and Hatoful Boyfriend. Both Vita games support PS4 Cross-Buy. We've updated the list at the bottom of this post with the correct games. The original story follows.
With August drawing to a close, it's nearly time for the next batch of free games for PlayStation Plus subscribers to arrive. Sony today announced what titles will be offered in North America next month, and it includes another six spread across PS4, PS3, and Vita.
On PS4, Plus members get Strike Vector EX and Infamous: Second Son. The former is a first-person air combat game, while Second Son is the third game in the Infamous series, and the first released on PS4. It stars a new character and isn't to be confused with its spin-off, First Light, which was free through Plus back in January 2015. Additionally, from September 5 through November 7, PSVR owners will get Rigs for free.
Both of Vita's games, Hue and Sky Force Anniversary support PS4 Cross-Buy, getting players on that platform a total of five games in September. PS3 gets three games: Monster Jam Battlegrounds and Hustle Kings, as well as Sky Force Anniversary (which also features PS3 Cross-Buy).
As an added bonus on PS4, Plus members will be able to play Dead by Daylight for free from September 15-18. It will also be on sale for 30% from then until September 22. A free Neverwinter Plus pack will be available from September 16 through October 16.
Notably, this is the first month in a while that the PS Plus list for Europe differs from the one for North America; you can see Europe's free PS Plus games for September here.
The new batch of freebies arrives next Tuesday, September 5. August's free PS Plus games remain available until then; if you haven't already, you can still claim them. There are some really fun games included, such as Just Cause 3 and Downwell.
Although Stephen King is one of the most adapted authors of all time, most fans would agree that many movies and TV shows based on his books have not lived up to the source material. For every Shawshank Redemption or Misery, there's a Lawnmower Man, Firestarter, or Running Man; even when the films themselves are enjoyable, they often deviate wildly from the novels.
It has now been reported that King is in the process of regaining the movie rights to several of his key works, suggesting that we could see new, more faithful versions. The news was first revealed by Zerner Law, who reported that King has started to regain the copyrights to The Dead Zone, Cujo, Creepshow, Children of the Corn, Cat's Eye, and Firestarter.
As the site notes, this process will stop the rights to adapt these works from passing to another copyright holder, and will ensure that they are returned to King. In order to do so, an author must "send a notice two years before the termination will take place and that the termination must occur within five years of the end of the 35 year period."
King began this process in August 2016, meaning that by August 2018, he will once more hold the rights to adapt these works. If a studio wished to, say, remake Children of the Corn, they must now negotiate with the author.
However, as Bloody Disgusting reports, there are already new versions of Firestarter and Cujo in works, which could be released if produced before King regains their rights. In addition, the arrangement only applies to the US, meaning that technically a remake of these stories could still be made and distributed outside the States.
In related news, the much anticipated movie adaptation of King's classic It hits theaters next week. In a recent interview with GameSpot, producer Seth Grahame-Smith explained that production on the sequel could start very soon. "We are locked and loaded and ready to jump in the minute they say 'go,'" he said. "The script is not done, but the script is being worked on. Obviously we, all the filmmakers, are just champing at the bit to get started, and we have a very exciting shape."
We've put together a roundup of all the trailers from today's presentation below. You can find a full list of the game's announced during the broadcast here.
This month's patch marks the start of the Assassin's Festival, a limited-time in-game event that introduces new mini-games, items, and "gameplay elements" based on Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series. Among the items players can acquire during the festival are Medjay's Assassin's Robes; all four members of the party can wear them to resemble Assassins. Noctis can also get Master Assassin's Robes from the Dream Egg, which can be obtained from the Moogle Chocobo Carnival going on until the end of September.
Beyond the Assassin's Festival, the update also adds chapter select and bestiary functions to the game. The former is available after players complete the main quest, while the latter can be accessed from the game's main menu.
The Assassin's Festival runs until January 31, 2018. Square Enix hasn't announced if the event will return in the future or if PC players will have a chance to take part in it when Final Fantasy XV launches on computers early next year. You can find the full patch notes for today's update, taken from the Final Fantasy XV subreddit, below:
Final Fantasy XV Patch Notes
Version 1.4
Implementation of a chapter select (available after completion of the main game)
Addition of a bestiary (accessible from the Archives in the Main Menu)
Master Assassin's Robes for players with a Dream Egg (unlocks upon loading a save)
Opening of the Assassin's Festival (until January 31, 2018)
Announcement of winning snapshots from third photo contest (viewable at Mother of Pearl in Galdin Quay)
Worms W.M.D. will be available for Nintendo Switch "later this year," developer and publisher Team17 has announced. The game originally launched for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC in August 2016 and the upcoming Switch version includes the updates made available post-launch.
The Switch release will also include the existing Forts Mode, as well as a new space theme, mushroom and tree forts. There will also be three new outfits and gravestones, among other fresh customisation options. According to Team17, Worms W.M.D. on Switch will support single Joy-Con play, local, and online multiplayer.
"Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves," said critic Ed Tran. "It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle's unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with.
"Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming."
We finally know when Battlefield 1's new expansion is coming out. In the Name of the Tsar's release date has been revealed as September 19, though Premium Pass members will get two weeks' early access starting September 5.
Publisher EA is calling In the Name of the Tsar Battlefield 1's "most extensive expansion yet." It costs US $15 / £12 / AU $25 (or US $50 / £40 / AU $70 as part of the Premium Pass) and includes six maps, a new mode, and more.
One of the maps, Lupkow Pass, is already out for people who own the Premium Pass. The others are: Albion, Galicia, Brusilov Keep, Tsaritsyn (which you can see the first gameplay of in the video above), and Volga River. Developer DICE's descriptions, courtesy of the PlayStation Blog, can be found at the bottom of this article.
The new mode, meanwhile, is called Supply Drop. It's set on the Eastern Front and sees teams compete to recover airdrops that provide them with additional weaponry. New Operations are also included with the expansion, such as the Brusilov Offensive, while more medals, dog tags, and service stars will be added, too.
Following In the Name of the Tsar's release, an Operations update will follow in October, with a standard update coming after that in November. December brings the third expansion, the "amphibious warfare"-centric Turning Tides. The fourth DLC pack, Apocalypse, focuses on "the most infamous battles" of World War I and launches in early 2018. If you haven't already purchased the game, EA recently announced and released Battlefield 1's Revolution edition, which packages the game together with its Premium Pass for US $60 / £55 / AU $90. Alternatively, the shooter is now available for free with EA/Origin Access on Xbox One/PC.
Battlefield 1 In the Name of the Tsar Maps
Lupkow Pass: The vertical fights are as bitter as the cold as you fight amid snow-covered ravines and treacherous mountains. The first map of Battlefield 1 In the Name of the Tsar, Lupkow Pass pits the Austro-Hungarian forces against the dug-in troops of the Russian Imperial Army. With narrow passes and gorges constantly limiting your sightlines, adapting your tactics is key. You'll want to gain altitude and get a vantage point on the enemy to help secure the win – but an Armored Train may just change the outcome of the battle.
Albion: Partake in the skirmishes of the Albion assault in this massive invasion of the Baltic peninsula, as the German Empire enacts a brutal coastal bombardment against the heavy gun batteries of the Russian forces. While expert vehicle and artillery use is crucial, sharp-eyed infantry that are able to stay ahead of the mayhem can make a serious impact with each capture point.
Galicia: Set during the epic Brusilov Offensive, you'll find the Russian Empire committed to pushing back the Austro-Hungarian forces from within the Russian countryside. It's an open map focused on infantry, cavalry, and light vehicles. With plenty of open space to traverse, it's a great opportunity to make use of the cavalry charge as both lightning-fast transport and a serious threat to enemies on foot.
Brusilov Keep: The Russians have pushed the Austro-Hungarians back into a secluded mountain town along a critical trade route of the Eastern Front, but the opposition is making a strong stand on this infantry-focused map. Set in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, there's a big emphasis on close-range soldier combat here. Your best bet? Top-notch teamwork with your squad.
Tsaritsyn: The Bolsheviks and the Imperials enter the fray among barricaded streets as the old and new regimes fight for the soul of Russia. This up-close and personal infantry fight is as ruthless as they come. Use the house-to-house fighting to your advantage by setting up ambushes for overextending enemies.
Volga River: A ruined rural battleground sets the stage for a tank fight between the Bolsheviks in red and the Imperial Army in white. Makeshift shelters provide cover from the freezing cold and the constant exchange of heavy firepower. As you trade salvos with enemy tanks, remember to keep yourself from being outnumbered. A strategic retreat can give you time to regroup and prevent losing vehicle resources.
Call of Duty: WWII's second beta weekend kicks off on Friday, and we now know the exact start and end times. In a blog post, developer Sledgehammer Games stated the trial will begin on September 1 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST (3 AM AET on September 2 in Australia). It will then end on Monday, September 4 at the same time.
The trial period follows an initial private beta that was held last weekend. The upcoming second phase is coming to both PS4 and Xbox One, and will include a new map, Aachen. In addition, Sledgehammer is adding a new mode and new weapons, and has tweaked a number of details according to fan feedback. Team Deathmatch will now have a kill cap of 100, while kills in Domination will grant players 100 points. The studio has also fixed some loading and hit marker issues. You can read about more of the changes in the works here.
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