Nintendo Reveals The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom OLED Model

Like most installments for The Legend of Zelda, the upcoming ‘Tears of the Kingdom’ acts as a monumental event for Nintendo. Starting with the reveal the official title and the May 12th release date for this spring, fans rejoice in the information on a new entry close to release. Additionally, Nintendo went on to share the game will be the martyr for the $70 price tag on its platform. In terms of other plans for the game, Nintendo did press post-launch content for the game is on the way. Not to mention the firm properly showcasing its new release with a graphical comparison to 2017’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. One eye-opening discovery was leaks for a special edition Nintendo Switch OLED Model for the new release as well in the past. Now at the recent Nintendo Direct for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Japanese firm officially showcases the new OLED Model for the game. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Available at a suggested retail price of $359.99, this sleek new edition bears a design which appears in the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, including the familiar Hylian Crest from the Legend of Zelda series on the front of the dock.” Nintendo also writes it will feature a “special design from the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game” as we might expect like previous editions before it. “Plus, two accessories – a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (MSRP $74.99) and a Nintendo Switch carrying case (MSRP $24.99), both with designs from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – will release separately on May 12, the day the game launches.” The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition is set to release for April 28th.  What has you most excited for yet another Nintendo Switch special edition? The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom arrives to Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023. Source: Nintendo

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core Now Coming In Red & Blue Variants

When reflecting on the options Xbox controllers come in, it can be overwhelming. At least in recent terms, the most noted is the Velocity Green gamepad which released less than a month ago. However, the Xbox firm remains adamant on delivering more controllers to its users. Just this past fall, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core arrived to its consumers without the extra pieces and paddles. Not to mention the same Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is also available for Xbox Design Lab. Although the program was originally for the standard controller, now fans can customize and decorate their own enhanced controller as well. The same Core model is also primed to be shipping in more colors. This week, Microsoft announces that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core will soon be available in both red & blue alongside the standard white as well. “Introducing the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core, now in red and blue. We expanded the core version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 lineup to give gamers more options to play like a pro. Play in style with just the components you need to unleash your best game.  “The new, vibrant red and blue color schemes of the core version of Xbox Elite Series 2 are sure to make a statement amongst your friends while delivering key performance-focused benefits. Turn on a dime with adjustable tension thumbsticks where inches are the difference,” Daniel Ruiz, Xbox accessories senior marketing manager. “Make split seconds count with hair trigger locks and stay on target with wrap-around rubberized grips. Enjoy limitless customization with exclusive button mapping options to find your groove. Perfect your game day prep with assignable custom profiles so you can dominate regardless of playbook or sport.” Which color do you enjoy the most for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2  – Core? Source: Xbox Wire

Crash Team Rumble Launches This June, Closed Beta Slated For April 20 – 24

With the likes of Crash Bandicoot N ‘Sane Trilogy, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, it is evident developer Toys for Bob is fans of the series. However, this was flattened when Activision shared its efforts to further fuel its Call of Duty machine as the team would transition to supporting Call of Duty: Warzone. Howbeit, that would not entirely squander further projects it was found. By summer 2021, it was discovered that Toys for Bob bundled the three aforementioned titles into one to celebrate the 25th anniversary for Crash Bandicoot. And December 2022 further platformed the orange marsupial as well. In that, The Game Awards unveiled new MOBA-like title Crash Team Rumble scheduled to release sometime in 2023. Now a new announcement shared that Crash Team Rumble is prepared to hit store shelves this June with a closed beta slated for the latter of April. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “We’re incredibly excited for fans to get an early hands-on with Crash Team Rumble during April’s Closed Beta,” Toys for Bob co-studio head Paul Yan writes. “We truly value the community’s feedback and will use this input to fine tune the game for an amazing player experience on launch day. See you in the Closed Beta!” Scheduling for the closed beta is said to take place from April 20th to April 24th for those that pre-order ahead. Coco, Crash, Dingodile, Neo Cortex, and Tawna are to be playable in the exclusive playtest across three maps that will be included in the full game. The Standard Edition of the game is to include the full game and premium season 1 battle pass. The Deluxe Edition is to include the same as well as the ‘Digital Proto Pack’ also. What are you interested for the summer launch for Crash Team Rumble? Crash Team Rumble is said to ship on June 20, 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Source: Activision

Pre-orders Go Live For Horizon Forbidden West DLC ‘Burning Shores’ With April 19th Release

This past December, Horizon Forbidden West fans discovered Guerrilla Games is hacking away at a new story expansion for the 2022 Game of the Year nominee. At The Game Awards, it was revealed new add-on ‘Burning Shores’ is underway with a spring 2023 release window. However, more outside of the DLC is in the pipeline. The developer via Twitter shared its unannounced roadmap for the property. In that, a new mainline installment is said to already be underway. Not to mention a new co-op experience set within the universe is also being worked on as well, the hiring post disclosed. What also grew some attention was some alleged leaked footage of the new cooperative title already surfacing online then too. Recently, Guerrilla Games & Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed pre-orders are now up for Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores and will ship next month in April. You can watch the pre-order trailer in the video below: “Aloy’s journey continues in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores — an expansion which sees the fierce Nora hunter pursue a sinister threat in the untamed wilds of a far-future, volcanic Los Angeles which has been wracked by violent tectonic activity,” Guerrilla Games game director Mathijs de Jonge writes for the DLC’s overview. “The story picks up Aloy’s story right where Horizon Forbidden West left off – so, to enter the Burning Shores, you must complete the main quest (up to and including the final quest Singularity) in Horizon Forbidden West. Following the events of Singularity, she will receive a call over her Focus, beginning the DLC.” How excited are you for Burning Shores releasing so soon? Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores ships April 19, 2023 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Source: PlayStation Blog

Lego 2K Drive Announced For Release Scheduled This May

While developer Traveller’s Tales shipped the long-awaited Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga, the Lego IP has begun morphing into something more with other teams & publishers. Previously, we saw this with the likes of Lego Brawls which shipped nearly a year ago. Additionally, hindsight for more TT Games projects regarding Lego does not appear to be so bright from recent reports. In that, once canceled project regarded The Guardians of the Galaxy as the starring cast in ‘Project Cosmic’ alongside the other shuttered ‘Project Marley’ which bridged more Disney properties including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean, Maleficent, Muppets, and more. Prior to that, word had it that 2K & Lego were arranging a magnitude of sports titles for a later announcement then. Recently, 2K & Visual Concepts announced Lego 2K Drive – a new open-world racing-centric title scheduled to release later this May. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Video games have long been an important way our fans experience the magic of the LEGO System-in-Play, and 2K’s strong track record of delivering quality, innovative titles for a broad range of audiences makes them the perfect partner to create the next iconic AAA LEGO games,” says Lego game head Remi Marcelli. “Beginning with LEGO 2K Drive, we’re excited for fans to experience a fresh new take that builds on the LEGO humor and fun fans have come to expect.” Visual Concepts president Greg Thomas adds: “With the history the LEGO brand holds, we were very conscious of the responsibility we had to both our partners and longtime fans of LEGO play, while still thinking about how we can bring something new and unique to a LEGO title. For LEGO 2K Drive, we assembled a best-in-class team of game makers who poured their hearts into an unforgettable experience we can’t wait to share with fans.” “The LEGO Group is an iconic brand with decades of innovative consumer experiences, and we were thrilled at the opportunity to partner with them as we continue to expand the 2K portfolio to new audiences worldwide,” 2K president & CEO David Ismailer writes. “LEGO 2K Drive is an incredible first step in our multi-title commitment to delivering new, groundbreaking LEGO games.” What has you most excited for Lego 2K Drive? Lego 2K Drive ships on May 19, 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: 2K

Apex Legends ‘Sun Squad Collection Event’ Introduces Heatwave Game Mode And Ash Heirloom

Since the start of Season 16 – Revelry, Respawn Entertainment reflects back on another passing of the calendar for Apex Legends and hones in on its strengths. For instance, the new season introduced remastered Legend classes and the new energy weapon, the Nemesis AR. However, this would be the first no new character was added to the roster. Soon after, the new ‘Mixtape’ playlist also made way integrating Team Deathmatch, Gun Run, and Control in one experience. Additionally, the developer is adamant on long-term support for Apex Legends. One statement from the game studio revealed efforts to keep the game afloat for more than a decade. Further support of this ambition is the recent opening of the third Respawn Entertainment branch in Madison, Wisconsin. The team is to be another Apex Legends division alongside the other Vancouver location as well. This week, Apex Legends is to welcome the new Sun Squad Collection Event which brings a beach party theme to the game alongside its limited-time Heatwave game mode as well alongside the new ‘Strongest Link’ heirloom for Ash. The event is to be live from March 28th to April 11th. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Heatwave is a new limited-time mode that turns up the heat on the Apex Games. All the usual rules of Trio’s apply, but you’ll want to look out for Heatwaves that periodically happen throughout the match. When the heats on, you’ll need to avoid taking damage from the sun by taking cover indoors or under objects. If you’re caught out in the open, only sliding cools you down if you want to avoid Heatwave damage on the move. “Lastly, Heatshields have increased in size and protect you in a large area from the sun for those moments when you’re caught outdoors and need to beat the heat quickly. Take care when using Heatshields though, they will be destroyed quickly when deployed outside the Ring. Keep an eye out for Care Packages. Perhaps there lies another way to mitigate the effects of the sun and look cool while doing it.” What are you most excited for the new collection event coming to Apex Legends? Apex Legends is currently available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. Source: Respawn Entertainment

PAX East: Trinity Fusion Delivers A Unique Experience With A Familiar Genre

Roguelite metroidvanias are on the rise and to diversify the gene pool, developers must bring unique approaches. For games like Dead Cells which pioneered this subgenre, it succeeded with its linear, quick wit combat and easy-on-the-eye visuals. For other projects falling in the same category, taking this to another level is a must. From Angry Mob Games, this is precisely what the team does with Trinity Fusion. Already establishing its aimed genre, where does this stray away from the competition? For starters, the game happens to be a byproduct of sprouting ambitions of another title. Previously, the Romanian-based developer shipped Brawl Out – a platform fighting game oriented for the Nintendo Switch. However, Angry Mob Games soon aspired to delve in a new direction with what became Trinity Fusion. Already responsible for 27 characters in its former, the game studio believed three could be manageable for a new roguelite. The twist is the three playable characters: Altara, Kera, and Naira. These new heroines are actually the same person, Maya, from different cuts of the multiverse that is continuously collapsing. From the overview of the game: “The various branches of the multiverse are always changing. Fight through a combination of procedurally-generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test. Levels with 3D graphics are seamlessly constructed out of hundreds of custom-made rooms.” And that’s what made Trinity Fusion so eye-opening is the decision to build the universe with a 3D environment. Speaking with lead designer Craig Hauser at PAX East this weekend, he revealed that the game originally planned to center around a 2-dimensional landscape while the protagonists will be 3D. Howbeit, the studio’s strong suit remained to be modeling in the latter and decided to hone in its talent in fully realizing the game in 3D ultimately. As for the combat, each character proves to be essential for the respected biomes they face throughout the story. Angry Mob Games shared its structured early access release is to include fully playable campaigns for each character with three biomes per campaign. In the later full release scheduled to ship sometime this December, full fusion is to take place as all three playstyles merge into one. Independently, all playstyles are unique approaches that excel in their own right. Altara’s gadget-based kit; Kera’s combat-driven build; Naira’s range-equipped class; all bring engaging experiences that further diversify this new title. Not to mention the team is also working on console ports for the game in-house which is exciting to know is on the way. Even more, Trinity Fusion is Steam Deck ready – the demo I played was on the PC-handheld hybrid. And I’m not the only one that is eager to see more of the new title. Throughout my demo, attendees on the show floor walked up to Hauser sharing their thrill for the game and even thanking the team for creating trinity Fusion. You can wishlist Trinity Fusion on the official Steam page by heading here. Trinity Fusion releases on PC via Early Access on April 12, 2023.

Review: Terra Nil

Developer – Free Lives Publisher – Devolver Digital Platforms – PC Terra Nil is a unique strategy game developed by Free Lives, which presents players with the task of restoring a barren, lifeless world to its former glory. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where all civilization has been destroyed, and the planet is now a dead, desert wasteland. Players must use all the resources they can find to rebuild the planet, including water, soil, and other natural elements. The game is divided into four stages, each with unique challenges and objectives that must be completed to progress. In the first stage of Terra Nil, players must locate and activate the four energy nodes scattered throughout the map. The challenge of creating life can be difficult, as the map is large and the nodes are well-hidden. Once all four nodes have been activated, players can move on to the next stage. The second stage of the game challenges players to restore the water cycle. Players must locate and repair the various water sources throughout the map, such as rivers and lakes, and then construct water pumps and generators to harvest and distribute the water. This stage can be challenging, as players must carefully manage their water resources to ensure they have enough to sustain their growing civilization. In the third stage of Terra Nil, players must restore the land by planting fields, forests, and other vegetation. This stage requires careful planning and management, as players must balance their resources to ensure they have enough water, soil, and sunlight to grow their crops. The game’s final stage challenges players to build a self-sustaining civilization by constructing a city and infrastructure. This includes buildings such as housing, schools, hospitals, factories, roads, and transportation systems. Players must carefully manage their resources and balance their needs and wants to create a thriving civilization. Terra Nil also benefits from a fantastic audio and visual presentation that matches the barren world and the life it is given at any moment. The high-resolution art style opts for a more realistic approach rather than a typical pixel-based look. It comes together with the stunning OST to create a harmonic and pleasing aesthetic to the strategy underneath the surface. Overall, Terra Nil is an engaging and challenging strategy game that challenges players to restore a lifeless world to its former glory. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

MultiVersus Open Beta closes June 25 with full launch coming in 2024

Player First Games announced on Monday that the Open Beta for MultiVersus that has been around for about a year will close on June 25, 2023. They stated that they will be preparing for a full launch sometime in early 2024. “MultiVersus will be back better than ever with new content, features, modes & more when we return.” Starting on April 4 MultiVersus will be temporarily removed from digital storefronts and unavailable for download. So if you want to have it installed on your console or PC you should probably do now so you can get some games in before it closes. The reason of the Beta closing is so the team can re-work on the progression system, the content cadence of new characters, maps and modes to provide more ways to enjoy the game, along with netcode and matchmaking improvements. If you made any purchases on MultiVersus already it will carry over to the full release in early 2024. You can read more about the Open Beta for MultiVersus closing here.