Cataclysm Update Now Available For Anthem

For players that have purchased Anthem or witnessed from a safe distance, the BioWare-developed title has been hit with a mass of problems that have pushed plenty of those who anticipated the game away as the issues only prolonged the chances of enjoying the experience that was being given. Both the studio as well as the publisher have confirmed to still being committed to resolving the problems in the coming future through future update whilst coming content is still slated to release. Today, BioWare has officially shipped the Cataclysm Update for the open-world, sci-fi title and all players of any rank will be able to join in on the newest content that is available for Anthem. Entering the Cataclysm introduces a new way to play as players are restricted to 15-minute timeframes to finish the respected arena within the set time limit. Between eight different arenas, players will have to coordinate how they play and strategically plan how to overtake the challenge before time ultimately ends. The objective for the arena is to accumulate as much points as possible for your score; which can be achieved through set challenges, defeating enemies, and leaving the altering time rifts in the sky. However, leaving said rifts will only make your trial even more challenging, so make sure to be prepared if planning to strive for a greater score. As for the score, the total count will reward players with crystals that then can be turned into the Seasonal Store for better loot that is exclusive to the event. BioWare shares that each week following the launch of the update will bring new challenges and rewards to refresh on the current grind for the event. Cataclysm at the start will introduce 9 new weapons, 8 gear items, and a new melee weapon for each Javelin class. Are you hopping back onto Anthem for the new event? Anthem is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Review: Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Developer – MachineGames, Arkane Studios Publisher – Bethesda Release Date – July 27th, 2019 Platforms – PC – Reviewed, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the latest adventure in the alternative Nazi propaganda soaked insanity that BJ Blazkowicz and his fellow allies inhabit. This time poppa BJ has gone missing, and his twin daughters, Soph and Jess take it upon themselves to get him back. As you would expect from a synopsis that straight forward, the game doesn’t really waste any time getting started. After a short story introduction you’re thrust back into the world of Wolfenstein, 20 some odd years later. Trading in the 60’s style Americana for 80’s style synth that’s all the rave these days. Like the title implies, you play as the young bloods in the Blazkowicz family in a leaner, tighter co-op focused experience. That lean approach really effects everything. Story, which was by far the biggest strength of the previous titles is very dialed back. The bulk of the story is given to you right upfront, and a bunch more near the games end. For the majority of the game’s seven hour run-time, the extent of the story will come from loading screen exchanges or random dialogue between the sisters. Extensive audio diaries and tapes can be collected, but once again you can’t listen to any of these while you’re playing and running around the map. On the gameplay front, Youngblood feels like a faster, more combat heavy variant on the previous titles. The biggest change, outside of the co-op, is the inclusion of a character leveling system. Outside of the leveling, the games core structure itself is also radically different. The game operates out of a hub area, where NPC’s and other side missions can be picked up. From this hub you can move into one of three distinct districts. These area’s, although limited in size are fun to explore. They are built much wider, and have a lot more verticality compared to the linear design of The New Colossus’s stages. Despite what some may think about stealth and it’s mechanics in previous Wolfenstein games, it is possible with careful play and your abilities to get through large chunks of the game with proper stealth and silent take downs in Youngblood. When stealth goes wrong, and trust me in co-op it most certainly will, the game becomes very hectic. Reinforcements come pouring in, and the action is fast and frenetic. The co-op really addresses previous issues with Wolfenstein’s combat in regards to how fast you can get killed. Having two characters allows for much needed help, a distraction for the enemies to fight and useful revives when you finally get downed. One aspect of the new structure that isn’t handled too well are the enemies themselves. Enemies are effected by the levels just like the player, and if you dare fight in higher level zone, it’s possible, just not very fun. Enemies scale up and the more heavily armored variants can soak up damage. The game tells you to use certain ammo types to damage them but even with the right weapon they can be a slog to shoot down most of the time. The lack of weight with the core gun play is back and in this game worse than ever before, and the inclusion of level based RPG mechanics only make that problem worse. On top of this, it’s possible to spec your upgrade points into throwing weapons and it only deepens the issue. Here is an example. My fully leveled up shotgun, customized to be damage based barely puts a dents in most enemies. Even if it’s the right damage type against that enemy. It also feels very light and lacks that satisfying boom you want from a shotgun but I digress. Meanwhile, my throwing skill allows me to take a flimsy knife or tomahawk and absolutely devastate heavily armored enemies with ease. This creates a big problem in terms of game balance, as the inexperience of incorporating deeper RPG mechanics into a franchise not known for it really shows its head. The latest game updates have really helped fixed these issues however, and the balance has done wonders for it’s long term enjoyment. Performance wise the game runs great, and I’ve had no issues with the co-op at all. In fact in terms of co-op its extremely easy to hop in with a friend, and the buddy pass is fantastic if you want to have a friend hop in and play with you at no cost. Overall, Wolfenstein: Youngblood is an enjoyable experience and introduces several new mechanics that I wouldn’t mind showing up in the inevitable Wolfenstein 3. Just don’t go in expecting the next big step forward, as the budget price is pretty indicative of what to expect. The fantastic co-op,level design, stealth mechanics and the Blazkowicz twins are great additions to the series, and help keep the game fun despite another round of disappointing combat. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s an easy recommendation.
Initial ESA Data Breach Expands As Recent Reports Shares More Private Information Has Been Leaked

This past weekend it was revealed that a data breach for the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) occurred which following the incident released information for over 2,000 participants that attended E3 2019. Specifically, this extends to analyst, content creators, and journalists who attended the event earlier this year. The recent leak also applies to events under the ESA in 2004 & 2006. But now it was revealed today that the data breach affected not only those who attended this year, but also people that registered for the event in the same categories for the year prior in 2018. According to GameDaily.biz, their source that was affected from the initial leak shares that those who attended last year’s E3 show has also been leaked. The unanimous source discloses to have discovered the list almost a year ago after searching their email through search engine Google. This then brought the directed to the full media list for E3 2018, similar to the leak including 2019 as well as 2004 and 2006. “I was absolutely infuriated when the ESA released their statement saying it had never happened before,” our source said. “They lied, knowing what they did, and that’s why I decided to bring the evidence to you today,” the source told GameDaily.biz. The source shares that upon discovering last year’s media list, which could easily be downloaded if someone was lucky enough to stumble upon it, was left with a few options as told from their attorney: “wait for the possibility of actual damages to press charges against the ESA, get everyone riled up and bring attention to it—which would put people at risk, and that was my biggest fear,” the source explains,” or tell the ESA to take it down. Telling the ESA about it and having them take it down would mean they wouldn’t have to face any consequences, and could brush it under the rug. I didn’t want that.” Ultimately, this leaves the ESA to answer for why the breach happened in the first place. Seeing that there is literally no encrypted protocol towards protecting the information of those who attend these events, it only leaves the question of what else might be lingering out there as well. Source: GameDaily.biz
Halo Showtime Series Casting Revealed, Airs Scheduled For Q1 2021

The discussion surrounding the Halo television series could have been passed off as a joke a few years back seeing that literally no visible progress has been made for the show since its debut alongside the Xbox One back in mid-2013. But following the announcement of the project being part of the Showtime network, things began to look more structurally sound for the prolonged show. Now in a recent report, the casting for the upcoming series has been revealed detailing who will be casted alongside Pablo Schrieber who has already taken the role as Spartan 117. Answering the burning question of who will be playing Master Chief’s accompanying AI, is has been announced that Natasha McElhone (Californiacation, Solaris) will be playing the part as Cortana. Regarding the remaining actors for main cast, the report lists Shabana Azim, Natasha Culzac, Bentley Kalu ,Kate Kennedy, and Bokeem Woodbine. Azim casted to play the role as Margaret Prangosky, the head of ONI, while Woodbine takes the role for Soren-066 who is an “old friend” of John-117. As for the remaining Culzac, Kalu, and Kennedy, the actors will be given new roles created unique for the upcoming show. Each of the new characters alike Master Chief will be augmented supersoldiers who were destined to follow in the showdown of the protagonist: Culzac to play Spartan Riz-028, Kalu as Spartan Vannak- 134, and Kennedy for the role of Spartan Kai-125. The report nears it end by disclosing that production is slated to begin at a later time in 2019. With ten episodes scheduled to release for the video game-adapted series, the estimated air time for the show is said to be sometime in Q1 2021. Translating from beginning of the fiscal year, the soonest we could see the Halo series will be in March and the latest is May of 2021. Are you excited for the new Halo Showtime series? Source: Variety
Apex Legends Getting Solos Matchmaking For A Limited Time

Though Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends is in the middle of its second season, Battle Charge, the developer still has plenty of content set to distribute for its battle royale as the current event is a month in now. Earlier today the studio announced that the highly-requested solos matchmaking mode will be coming to King’s Canyon, but only for a limited time. Introduced on Twitter as the ‘Iron Crown Collection Event,’ legends will be able to drop as a single party and fight their way to the #1 player in the new event. Next week, only one can reign. 👑 The Iron Crown Collection Event featuring an all-new Solos limited time mode begins 8/13. pic.twitter.com/8tG4EhIqQf — Apex Legends (@PlayApex) August 6, 2019 The upcoming event will kick off in a week from today on August 13th and runs for two weeks until August 27th later in the month. In similar suit to the Ranked game mode, solo mode could potentially see a permanent placement in Apex following this month’s event. Prior to Season 2, ranked was introduced during the Bloodhound event in June, so the chances currently stand pretty tall for a lasting release following next week event. Last week, Respawn Entertainment revealed that the first officially hosted Apex Legends tournament will be hosted later this September in Poland. Just this past weekend, the paired EXP Invitational just passed with TSM taking the 1st place spot. What are your thoughts on solos making an appearance in Apex Legends? Let us know in the comments below. Apex Legends is available now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Over 15 Different Publishers Will Be Revealing New Games At Gamescom 2019

This year’s annual Gamescom event hosted in Cologne, Germany is just a couple weeks away and word on what to expect from the four-day conference has been teased through Geoff Keighley who will be hosting the Gamescom Opening Night Livestream for the event. Keighley revealing that there will be more than 15 different titles that will be showcased from its respected publisher. „gamescom: Opening Night Live“ is going to be spectacular with more than 15 publishers & world premiere content! Host @geoffkeighley welcomes @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN who will give exclusive previews into Death Stranding. Be part of it: 19.08., 8:00 p.m. CEST! https://t.co/ariMZ1NGyc pic.twitter.com/i0GTBJ5a6J — gamescom (@gamescom) August 6, 2019 In the tweet, the Game Awards hosts posted an image stating that unannounced titles from over a handful of AAA publishers will be presenting a new game during the livestream: the image listing 2K, Activision, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Bungie, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Google Stadia Games and Entertainment, Koch Media/Deep Silver, Private Division, Sega, Square Enix, Sony Interactive Entertainment, THQ Nordic, Ubisoft, Xbox Game Studios, “and more!” However, we already know of one title that is planned to be fully revealed at the upcoming event later this August. Just last month, Geoff Keighley teased Private Division’s Disintegration followed by a teaser trailer which the game’s studio uploaded the same day. THQ Nordic though not entirely revealing what the publisher will showcase in Cologne did instead disclosed the lineup of titles that will be at the event: one unnamed title will be on the show floor while three other projects will be shown through behind closed door demos. Keighley atop of the massive teaser for the upcoming show also detailed that Hideo Kojima will also be present during the livestream, so expect more details regarding this November’s Death Stranding to be announced as well. The Gamescom Opening Night Livestream will be taking place on August 19th at 8 PM CEST / 2 PM EST / 11 AM PST. What are your predictions for some of the other titles that will be shown at the forthcoming broadcast? Source: Geoff Keighley via Twitter
More Stadia-Related News To Be Revealed With Second Stadia Connect Later This Month

Tech giant Google has already showcased quite a bit for the upcoming Stadia streaming platform that is scheduled to release later this November for those who pre-order the Founder’s Pack for the service, but the company still has plenty to share for the new competitor in the gaming market as the second Stadia Connect has been announced to be presented later this month. For those who might be unfamiliar with what a Stadia Connect is; alike the Nintendo Direct, instead Google livestreams its own presentation to relay upcoming news surrounding the platform regarding adjustments to the platform, new additions to the game library, or more supported products. https://twitter.com/GoogleStadia/status/1158754601543319561 Previously at the debut Stadia Connect back in June, Google disclosed the pricing for the approaching streaming subscription, games that will be available, and other specific details revolving around how streaming without a physical hardware unit will work based on your account status. Interesting enough, though Google says the service is free, sign-ups for the platform will not be available until the following months in 2020. As for what will be shared in the upcoming presentation, guesses is that Google will share more upon the lineup of platform-exclusive titles as there is only one title, Tequila Works Gylt. Another prediction points towards additional games from AAA publishers as Capcom, Electronic Arts, and Rockstar Games are listed to have titles ready for the platform in the coming months. One thing I feel many would hope for is for more supported mobile devices to be available as Google previously revealed in the service’s FAQ that only the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A will be supported at launch. Which disregards other brands and even tablets which is already advertised to play games with Stadia. What do you feel might be shown at the upcoming Stadia Connect? The second Stadia Connect will be going live on Monday August 19th at 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST.