Review: Jurassic World Evolution 2

Developer –Frontier Developments Publisher – Frontier Developments Platforms – PC, Xbox, Playstation After a long stay on a hidden tropical island, Jurassic World Evolution 2 has finally escaped. The world is different, but the name of the game remains. Build an park, capture dinosaurs, and try to keep them from eating the neighborhood. In the time since the previous game, the entire park genre pretty much exploded. RTS and Sim games went into a second resurgence as of late and it’s now a crowded genre. The first game was a fun but flawed title, and with the resurgence of the genre, it would need to be more than a fun concept to have any chance in a suddenly crowded genre. Playing through a variety of modes keeps the action fresh. Campaign actually provided the bulk of the game’s variety. Each story mission had a special look, characters, and a multitude of different creatures and areas of expertise that touched and taught the entire span of the game. Alas, despite it’s unique flair and outstanding visual presentation, Jurassic World did have some clunk areas and the two halves of the game, dinosaur management and park creation, lacked a depth needed to truly sink lots of time into the game after a single playthrough. Right away this sequel stand out more in every regard. More unique traits and flair help the game standout. The dino’s that live inside your park. Whether they are eating food or getting beat up by predators, they truly stand out due to the excellent visuals. The entire game essentially follows on the original premise. Park management is akin to the standard park simulators. Expand your island, and capture dinosaurs and devious predators to thwart any damage to park visitors. As you generate research and build up cash, you get to explore and find a much more varied roster of creatures than the original. As your size grows, more frequent attacks and tougher dinosaurs can cause serous issues. It’s a fun mechanic, and it really provides a bridge that make the two different forms of management come together. Every choice in one area will have an effect on the other. Even more than different dinosaurs and environments, those choices are what drive the gameplay variety and already want me to experiment with completely different builds and play styles for subsequent sessions. The end game is a lot of fun, and as the park grows and the visitors gather, I would still enjoy watching dinosaurs get into battles over territory. Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a marked improvement from the original. It’s not perfect, and some bugs did crop up although they never caused an real issues. If you enjoyed the original, despite it’s flaws, then this is a great entry for old fans and newcomers to the thriving park builder genre.

Which Console Should You Get This Christmas?

Gaming consoles are a pretty popular Christmas present. Back in 2018, Sony revealed that during the 2017 Christmas period, around 5.9 million PS4 units were sold, which is an impressive number indeed. It’s reasonable to assume that each console manufacturer achieves similar numbers every Christmas, although supply and distance from launch will have a significant effect on that number. With this in mind, if you’re thinking about getting yourself a new gaming console this Christmas, you might be wondering which one you should pick up, especially if you’ve been out of the loop for a while. We’re going to break down the relative pros and cons of each console, as well as looking at cost, different models, and software libraries. Here’s our rundown of which console you should get this Christmas. PS5 Sony’s newest console has already proven significantly more popular than Microsoft’s Xbox range. It’s the machine to beat this Christmas, but there are a number of reasons you may want to skip it (and just as many you may want to pick it up!). Cost The PlayStation 5 has two different models: the Digital Edition and the Disc Edition. The only difference between both models is whether or not you can play physical media. As you might imagine, the Digital Edition only plays downloaded games, while the Disc Edition plays physical games and 4K Blu-ray discs (and DVDs, if you’ve still got any left). The Digital Edition retails for £349, while the Disc Edition goes for a more pricey £449. In our opinion, the Disc Edition is the one to plump for; it offers a wider range of choice, and you won’t struggle to manage the storage quite as much. However, both consoles are affordable, even if you need to get a very bad credit loans direct lender involved to help you shoulder the burden. Games It’s undeniable that the PS5 has an amazing lineup of games available. Most every PS4 game is playable on the PS5, so your library won’t go to waste, and that’s in addition to a range of exclusives like Demon’s Souls and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. The PS5 is also getting a bevy of new titles in the coming months, including Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, and more. Availability Unfortunately, the ongoing chip shortage has hit Sony and the PS5 just as much as it has other electronics manufacturers. The shortage means that companies can’t get hold of semiconductors, which are essential components in console manufacture. The PS5’s availability has been hit hard by this issue, as has the availability of other consoles. You might struggle to find a PS5 this holiday season, unless you’re quick on the draw. Xbox Series X|S Microsoft’s current-gen console offers a different experience to the PS5. Where Sony is all about the premium gaming journey – buying first-party exclusives with huge budgets behind them – Microsoft is content to compete in a different lane. Its Xbox Game Pass service offers huge value for money, with over 100 games available to subscribers for a fairly low price. The Series X is a beastly powerhouse, while the Series S is its dinkier cousin, perfect as a second console. Cost This is where Microsoft might have its rivals beat. While the Xbox Series X retails for £449, competing directly with the PS5, the Xbox Series S can be had for just £249 if you buy it without games. When you factor in the month-long Xbox Game Pass trial you’ll receive as a new customer, it’s hard not to think this is worth it. The Xbox Series S may lack raw power, but it’s still capable of playing many modern triple-A games at 60fps if you’re happy to forgo 4K resolution, as many gamers still are. Games Playing on the Xbox Series X and Series S is a pretty great experience if you have an Xbox One, Xbox 360, or Xbox library. Both consoles are fully backwards compatible with all previous Xbox generations, although the Series S lacks a disc drive, so you’ll only be able to play digital games on it. Still, being able to revisit our copy of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night that we bought way back in 2007 is a trip and a half. The Series X lacks a killer app that will sell it to the masses, but it has the advantage of sheer volume. Availability Unfortunately, the Xbox Series X has been hit by the same availability issues as the PS5. The Series S, however, is widely available, and you shouldn’t have any trouble getting hold of it; major retailers like Amazon, Smyths, and other UK platforms have plenty of Series S stock, so if you’re happy to sacrifice power for convenience, the Series S is a great buy this Christmas. Nintendo Switch Finally, we come to Nintendo’s handheld powerhouse, the Switch. Still going strong after over four years in the game, the Switch is hard not to recommend to pretty much every gamer. Cost The Switch is competitive in cost with the Xbox Series S, costing around £280 (although it’s going to cost a little more if you want to buy some games with that as well). The new OLED model is a little more expensive, but it adds a better screen into the bargain, so if you’ve ever struggled to see details on handheld screens, the OLED model is a great buy. There’s also the Switch Lite, which is a handheld-only edition of the console you can buy for much less. Games The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is on Nintendo Switch. So are Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Shin Megami Tensei V, and any number of other excellent titles. If you’re serious about gaming, you need to own a Nintendo Switch yesterday, as the lineup of both triple-A titles and indie options is staggering. Availability The Switch is pretty much available wherever you want to buy it. You might struggle to find

Latest Crossover Welcomes Street Fighter’s Ryu, Chun-Li, And Akuma To Brawlhalla

While many fall in love with Brawlhalla thanks to the unique cast of characters included to the game’s roster over the years from Blue Mammoth Games, the developer goes on to spark up interest every now and then with a crossover for the game. Most recently, the developer welcomed a second helping of The Walking Dead with Negan & Maggie to the game then. Before that, there was even more excitement to witness the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles join the fight. Yes, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello all made it in to the fight. Additionally, another arrangement before that welcomed Po, Tigress, and Tai Lung from the Kung-Fu Panda film series. This week, things get more interesting for fans of classic fighting games. On Monday, Blue Mammoth Games unveiled Street Fighter characters Ryu, Chun-Li, and Akuma are all being given the welcome wagon to the Brawlhalla roster. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Get ready for action as another fight is coming your way! Ryu, Chun-Li, and Akuma battle in the Grand Tournament as new challengers. Ryu, Chun-Li, and Akuma are new Epic Crossovers that feature custom Signature effects that include VO lines, custom lock-in animations, dedicated Roster spots, and two new Weapon Skins each,” the blog post announces. “In Brawlhalla, Ryu, Chun-Li, and Akuma mirror the abilities of Petra, Wu Shang, and Val, respectively, and will stay in Mallhalla after the event ends.” Other niché additions to the game also welcomes a new ‘rematch’ feature which allows you to replay opponents in ranked – either 1v1 or 2v2 for the playset. Are you excited for the newest additions coming to Brawlhalla? Brawlhalla is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS; playable via backwards compatibility Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. Source: Blue Mammoth Games

New Virtual Museum Lets You View Xbox Exhibits Online And Check Your Lifetime Stats

As you can recall from last Monday, Microsoft celebrated the birthday for Xbox. On November 15th, the video game division turns 20 years-old and the firm reflects on the impact the Xbox has made on the industry since its inception. Much so that Microsoft is planning to launch a six-part documentary ‘Power On: The Story of Xbox’ next month in December. During the showcase too, we also witnessed more than 70+ Xbox backwards compatible titles come to the program. But, that is the last promised update for the initiative. Despite that, these is a plus side – at least for Xbox Series owners. The Xbox company went on to feature FPS Boost for Xbox 360 games then. xCloud also witnessed a parallel update for a selection of titles then too. This week, Microsoft launched the Xbox Museum online: through the magic of the internet and some ingenuity, Xbox fans across the globe can visit a virtualized museum of Xbox’s history. In that, you can review each generation of the Xbox bloodline and more. As you might expect, there is an exhibit for each console: Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. However, there are two separate categories to visit as well: Halo & your own personal showroom. The first comes as no surprise since Halo is the most influential IP that launched with Xbox more than two decades ago now. But, the most intriguing is how much you learn about yourself from the separate exhibit. By signing-in with your Microsoft account, users can review legacy statistics based on how early you joined Xbox. You can read your most played games, how many achievements you unlock alongside the rare variant and ultimately your most played game. For those interested in taking part in the experience can do so by heading here. Are you interested in visiting the virtual Xbox Museum?

Epic Games Acquires Rock Band, Fuser Developer Harmonix

In the lineage of things that come from publisher Epic Games, the firm continues to leave surprises in terms of its coming plans. Previously in 2020 with the acquisition of Rocket League developer Psyonix at the time left players surprised with the notion to bring the game to the reality that is free-to-play now. But, that is not the only plan it was conjuring internally. According to a new press release on Tuesday, Epic Games announced it will be buying out Harmonix. While the amount for the arrangement was not disclosed in the writing, it is likely the firm paid a heavy sum to put the wheels in motion. Harmonix has always aspired to create the world’s most beloved interactive music experiences, and by joining Epic we will be able to do this at scale. Together we will push the creative boundaries of what’s possible and invent new ways for our players to make, perform and share music. Alex Rigopulos, Harmonix Co-Founder and Chairman “Music is already bringing millions of people together in Fortnite, from our emotes to global concerts and events,” Alain Tascan, Epic Games Vice President of Game Development told. “Together with the Harmonix team we will transform how players experience music, going from passive listeners to active participants.” Elsewhere in the blog post from Harmonix, the firm discloses plans following the deal. Namely, its current plans for Rock Band & Fuser will be left unaltered. The firm does disclose plans for more instruments is not in its playbook currently. But, it also tells what is next for the team: “Our team will work with Epic to create musical journeys and gameplay for Fortnite. While we’re not ready to share any specifics, the whole team is incredibly excited to get started.” Previously, Harmonix in an arrangement with Stadia Games and Entertainment worked on an exclusive experience for the platform before the internal division shut down. However, the team did comment the project was nearly done and will likely bring it to other platforms. So, there is the possibility Epic Games will reap those fruits now. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised with Epic Games new acquisition? Source: Epic Games, Harmonix

Xbox Games With Gold For December 2021 Features Tropico 5, The Escapists 2, And More

In terms of how Xbox Games with Gold performed this year, there are plenty of variables in what players might determine to be beneficial. But now as the year is on the verge from welcoming December for 2021, the list is to come to a conclusion once more for this year and is hoping to leave a greater impact upon entering 2022. Back in October, we witnessed legacy hits such as Resident Evil Code: Veronica X alongside Castlevania: Harmony of Despair at the time. Atop of that, November the following month introduced family classics such as Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes and the more recent Moving Out. For December, it seems to be holding back truly pressing releases. Next month, there are a total of four games as per usual, which are: The Escapists 2, Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition, Orcs Must Die!, and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet. You can watch the new showcase trailer in the video below: On December 1st, both The Escapists 2 for Xbox One & Orcs Must Die! for Xbox 360 arrives to the program. The first is to stay until December 31 while the latter is only available until December 15. As December 16th comes, Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition hits Xbox one players until January 15 whilst the remaining Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet comes to Xbox 360 until December 31. Recently, Microsoft drastically expanded the Xbox 360 backwards compatibility library. However, the company went on to verify that this will be the last addition planned for the program for the foreseeable future. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for any of the Xbox Games with Gold titles for December 2021? The Escapists 2 will be available from December 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021; Orcs Must Die!will be available from December 1, 2021 to December 15, 2021; Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition will be available from December 16, 2021 until January 15, 2022; Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be available from December 16, 2021 until December 31, 2021. Source: Xbox Wire