Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus And How Multiplayer Lessens Its Story
In an interview by gameindustry.biz, they go into detail with the Wolfenstein II’s Narrative Designer on why they chose to keep multiplayer out of the game. As weird as it might seem, AAA games has multiplayer present one way or another. Standard matchmaking in Halo to full on multiplayer-only integration like Overwatch, it feels almost an necessity to have online features present in these game. And it works; for some better or worse. But to Tommy Tordsson Björk of Machine Games, it feels to “dilute” the story of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. Quoted from the interview, Björk states: The only way we can create these super immersive narrative experiences is if we can solely focus on the single-player,” he says. “Having a multiplayer component in this work process would just dilute it all. That’s the danger if you try to do two things at once. Unlike the recent interview with Rockstar Games’ Design Director Imran Sarwar on how Grand Theft Auto V’s focus was more on multiplayer and story expansion was not needed, which you can view here, Björk feels that multiplayer for the game would take value away from the game. “We just keep our heads together, and focus on making a really good single-player game… Doing our thing is what makes the game great.” Seeing how multiplayer added to games draws the player’s attention more to violence like in similar games, it takes away from a more treasured element, story. Then following up saying that Machine Games sees their titles more than just a first-person shooter. “We feel there’s so much more to them than just shooting”. And after clearing up on the bad attention that the sequel has brought up recently. Along with violence in the game, there’s an abundance of humor as you progress in the story as well just like in the first game. Creating a fictional setting like this is not what they intended when first starting on the game. “It’s horrible seeing Nazis in America, but we started writing this story back in 2014,” he said. “We couldn’t possibly know what was going to happen by 2017” In the attempt to create a more timeless world, resulted in a more controversial subject. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will be available October 27, 2017 for Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC. Then later available for Nintendo Switch in 2018. Source: gameindustry.biz
Metal Gear Survival Release Date Announced
Most recently with Hideo Kojima leaving Konami, it didn’t seem likely that Konami would bring fans back to the Metal Gear franchise with how they took the series with Kojima’s absence. Especially when we found out that they were making Metal Gear-themed pachinko machines shortly after Hideo left. But with this follow-up title in the franchise getting an official release date, it might help Konami gain faith back from the fans. The game continues after Ground Zeros with the objective to survive. Instead of Big Boss’ members dying from the ambush in The Phantom Pain, the four survivors are warped into another dimension to fend against zombie-like creatures. Preordering the game will include new gestures, weapons and cosmetics for the game in the Bonus Survival Pack: 4 gold plated weapons: Bat, Sledgehammer, Survival Machete and Survival Spear 4 metallic coloured survival scarves: Green, Blue, Pink and Silver 2 gestures: “Thumbs Up” and “Happy” Mother Base nameplate “BOXMAN [THE ORANGE]” accessory “Kabuki” face paint Metal Gear Survival will be available for Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC February 20 in US, and later in Europe on February 22 2018 for $39.99. Source: Konami
Payday 2 Coming to Nintendo Switch This Winter, Premiere Gameplay Revealed
Overkill has provided an update on the status of Payday 2 coming to Nintendo Switch. It appears the game is much farther along than anticipated, as it will be releasing this Winter on the platform. No exact date was given, but some gameplay was shown in order to display how the game will function. There wasn’t any mention of Switch specific features that may be added to the game, so we’ll have to wait to find out more as we get closer to release. There will be a physical version and 4 player co-op, which is normal due to being able to take parts in heists on the go. The game’s interface has also been updated to allow for better mobile play as well. Check out the video below.
Sonic Mania Physical Release Coming Soon
Sonic Mania, the new 2D Sonic adventure, launched earlier this year but it was strictly a digital-only title. Even those who purchased a physical collector’s edition received a download code for the game with all of their physical goodies. While the Sonic Team and Sega haven’t announced anything about a physical version, the ESRB Twitter page actually spilled the beans. The ESRB tweeted yesterday that Sonic Mania for the Switch was rated “E for Everyone” which caused one curious fan to ask why this was just now being tweeted. The ESRB confirmed that the new rating was indeed for a physical release. Physical release, friend. — ESRB (@ESRBRatings) October 24, 2017 It has been thought of that Sonic Mania was going to be digital only and with this news you’d assume some of the biggest Sonic fans would buy the physical version for collecting purposes. While the ESRB has just confirmed a Nintendo Switch physical copy, it’d be a little weird to not see Xbox One and PS4 follow in its footsteps. It seems like it is becoming a trend lately with digital-only titles later receiving physical releases. Stardew Valley, Sonic Mania, Undertale and Friday the 13th: The Game all come to mind as recent games that once were deemed digital-only but managed to find their way to store shelves. No price or release date has been given for a physical release of Sonic Mania so stay tuned for that. The digital version costs $15 so we’re going to have to assume it’ll cost a little more than that for a physical release.
Middle Earth: Shadow of War Expansion Pass Details and Release Dates Announced
All of the details and release dates were announced for the Middle Earth: Shadow of War expansion pass today, and the first pack will launch next month. We’ll be able to get our hands on the first two Tribe packs with Slaughter and Outlaw this year. The story expansions will come our way next year in February and May. You can see that they aren’t just skins and weapons, as each pack provides a lot of time worth of content. The Slaughter and Outlaw tribes each have their own fortresses to take over with Overlord, Warchiefs and Captain. We’ll also get our hands on some new weapons along with a lot of free content released throughout the year. Take a look at the full content below, and the first Slaughter Tribe expansion comes our way next month. Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion The gruesome Slaughter tribe invades Mordor introducing new missions, Epic and Legendary Orcs, tribal showdowns and fierce battles, brought to life through the Nemesis System. New Slaughter tribe fortress with Overlord throne room, monuments and outposts. Players can hunt down Legendary Slaughter tribe Orcs for a new Legendary gear set with additional upgrade challenges. Slaughter Orcs are the most bloodthirsty in Mordor, capable of ambushing players at any point, creating a deadly new challenge for players. Available November 2017. Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion The proud Outlaw tribe arise within Mordor introducing new missions, Epic and Legendary Orcs, tribal showdowns and intense battles, brought to life through the Nemesis System. New Outlaw tribe fortress with Overlord throne room, monuments and outposts. Players can hunt down Legendary Outlaw tribe Orcs for a new Legendary gear set with additional upgrade challenges. The Outlaw tribe is home to the most rebellious warriors in Orc society, outcasts who have a deep contempt of all those who would rule them, be they foreign invaders or Lords of Mordor (whether Dark or Bright). Available December 2017. Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Play as Eltariel, an elite assassin known as the Blade of Galadriel, and go head-to-head with the newest addition to the ranks of the Nazgûl. Wield Eltariel’s dual Elven blades and harness the Light of Galadriel with a host of deadly new combat abilities, skills and gear. Encounter memorable new Nemesis characters, such as Flint and Tinder and the Slayer of the Dead, while battling the Nazgûl and learning more mysteries of their past. Gain eight unique Legendary Orcs who can return to join your forces in the main story campaign with new abilities added to the Nemesis System. Unlockable Eltariel character skin for the main story campaign. Available February 2018. Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion Play as Baranor, the Captain of Minas Ithil and survivor of the city’s demise, in a new story expansion where players will command the forces of Man against a new Orc threat to the East. Unite with Torvin, the Dwarven Hunter, to craft powerful new combat gear, including the shield, gauntlet, chain and glider. Hire mercenaries to create a human army and conquer the all new desert region of Lithlad. Fight to survive in Mordor as a human without the power of a Ring or a wraith to cheat death in a new rogue-like campaign mode. Unlockable Baranor character skin for the main story campaign. Available May 2018.
Microsoft has ended Production of its Kinect Sensors
It looks like Microsoft is really killing off the Kinect. After years of debate over whether Kinect is truly dead or not, the software giant has now stopped manufacturing the accessory. Fast Co Design reports that the depth camera and microphone accessory has sold around 35 million units since its debut in November, 2010. Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360 even became the fastest-selling consumer device back in 2011, winning recognition from Guinness World Records at the time. The Kinect was a unique approach for Microsoft to explore interacting with computers without the need for a keyboard and mouse. In my opinion it was a device that brought uniqueness to the Xbox console even with the 360. There was no other device across Microsoft’s competitors that were like it. The Kinect was the only device where you can say “Xbox Record That” or “Xbox Take A Screenshot” and of course there were a lot of other gestures and voice commands you can use across the console. Lately it has been clear that Microsoft wanted to kill off the Kinect as they took it out of the bundle when Phil Spencer took over Don Mattrick’s spot as Head of Xbox and with the latest Dashboard updates there were less gestures to do across the console. With the end of Kinect comes the end of another cycle in Microsoft’s pursuit of exploring new ways to interact with technology. There were people who didn’t see the potential of the device and there were others that did see potential. Source
Super Mario Odyssey Pre-load and Pre-purchase is now available
Super Mario Odyssey is releasing this Friday and time has passed by fast. You will be pleased to know that you can now pre-purchase and pre-load Mario’s latest 3D adventure on the Nintendo Switch eShop. The game’s file-size is 5.2GB. This year has been a crazy year for Nintendo with the release of the Switch and games like Zelda: Breath of The Wild, Mario Kart 8, ARMS, Splatoon 2, and now Odyssey. Keep in mind DOOM is coming in November as well as Skyrim for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has a couple Game Of The Year contenders this year. Stay tuned for more Nintendo news.