Xbox Game Pass April 2023 Second Update Includes Redfall, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition, And More

Xbox Game Pass in recent weeks is slowly building up for some first-party hitters come this spring. Last month, the service swung big with MLB The Show 23 alongside Infinite Guitars. But entering into April, the new update then featured Loop Hero and GhostWire: Tokyo. But now as we inch closer to May, the latter refresh of games are on the way. What is not normally the case is back-to-back Xbox Game Studios titles hitting the service. This week, Mojang Studios’ Minecraft Legends arrives to the service. Additionally, it is not too far ahead that also Redfall arrives to the subscription as well. So for players in search for a variety in options – now is the best time for Xbox Game Pass. On Tuesday, the Xbox firm revealed the full lineup on the way for the second major April 2023 Xbox Game Pass update. You can read the full roster below: Console Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly – 4/20 Medieval Dynasty [Xbox One] – 4/20 Homestead Arcana [Xbox Series X|S] – 4/21 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition – 4/27 The Last Case of Benedict Fox – 4/27 Redfall [Xbox Series X|S] – 5/2 PC Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly – 4/20 Homestead Arcana – 4/21 Cassette Beasts – 4/26 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition – 4/27 The Last Case of Benedict Fox – 4/27 Redfall – 5/2 Cloud Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly – 4/20 Homestead Arcana – 4/21 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition – 4/27 Redfall – 5/2 As you can expect, there are still a handful of games planning to leave later on April 30th. Those games being Bugsnax (Cloud; Console; PC), Destroy All Humans! (Cloud; Console; PC), Dragon Quest Builders 2 (Cloud; Console; PC), Tetris Effect Connected (Console; PC), and Unsouled (Cloud; Console; PC). Elsewhere recently, Arkane Studios’ Redfall faces scrutiny with the recent development on the Xbox Series X|S exclusive. In that, the new title is confirmed to only ship with a 30hz mode on the new consoles with a 60hz update promised in post-launch. You can read the full report by heading here.  Are you excited for any of the new Xbox Game Pass additions coming? Source: Xbox Wire

Review: Dead Island 2

Developer – Dambuster Studios Publisher – Deep Silver Platforms – PlayStation, Xbox, PC After a near decade long absence, Dead Island 2 comes back from the dead to terrorize a new generation of players, and it modernizes the originals gameplay concepts and ideas. Dead Island 2 is a fun co-op zombie romp, find out what it does right in our spoiler free review. Dead Island is a strange franchise. The original game was the textbook definition of a cult classic. It was technically a mess and not very refined, but it essentially created a genre and its quirks and first-person combat made a strong impression. Add to that the infamous opening cutscene, and Dead Island holds a firm place in many hearts. Since its release, games from that legacy, notably the Dying Light series, have blown up to become mega hits. This leaves Dead Island 2, a sequel created by an all-new development team after years of struggle, to circle back to where it all started. Dead Island 2 takes places in a zombie filled LA, known as Hell-A and its the absolute star of the show. The plot revolves around a handful of survivors in a story filled with dark humor and grisly fates, but told with a confidence and bravado that elevates all of the characters you interact with. At the start of the game, you can select from six characters, each with their personality, skill decks, and play styles. Each character is voiced well, and script lines differ from character to character for scripted moments based on their cultures and heritage. The story is well told, even if it’s unremarkable, but the real star of the show is the characters themselves. Each one, from the player character to NPC, is unique, usually pretty funny, and, most importantly, memorable. They are also brought to life with stunning visuals, as the game ran at a perfect 60 frames per second on PS5 and never gave me trouble at any point. Another staff writer commented on the impact of the sound design, as the vocal performances are fantastic, and the weapons pack an oomph to back up how much they eviscerate the undead hordes of Beverly Hills. Speaking of hills, the location has to be given special notice. Hell-A is one of the best locations to hit any game in quite some time. Each area is broken up into zones, and the tight focus has let them run wild with creative world design and telling stories. Shout out to the Goat Pen, which is excellent and sure to be talked about for a long time. The combat is well done, as the viciousness of each swing of your weapon is detailed to gross effect. Hammers bash jaws in half, spears puncture stomachs and spill guts, and blades main and cut deep. It isn’t all for show, as the damage is visual and lets you know if an attack is working. The only issue I had with itis that after the halfway point, you stop getting new mechanics, and by the time credits rolled, combat didn’t change much from the first moments to the end moments. Guns also are a weak point, as they lack impact and aren’t as fun to use as specialized melee attacks. I loved my time in Dead Island 2, and for the accessibility minded, the online co-op made the game very easy to pick up and play, and I was never frustrated with my time in Hell-A.

Microsoft Shares Plans To Revert New UI Plans As It Shares Effort For A New “Refreshed Home Experience”

In the stretch of plans Microsoft has planned for its platform in current times, the most prevalent is the upcoming search revamp for Xbox. In a recently blog post, it is revealed the new update is planned to roll out later this month with fragments of this change to how searches are adjusted to the user and even includes categories as well. Even some energy-saving modes will be included as well in the came client patchwork. Additionally, Microsoft has other plans for the overall Xbox UI as well. Although Microsoft did rework how the Xbox Store operates ahead of the current generation release, the firm did little to the regular dashboard. However, in fall last year the firm told plans for a remodeling is underway. Users part of the Xbox Insider & Alpha Ring Skip-Ahead were welcomed with builds for what is to be the new version of the Xbox UI. Howbeit, many complained with how little of the background can be seen with the on-screen clutter and ads for games & Xbox Game Pass. So in a surprise update on Xbox Wire, it is revealed Microsoft is reverting the initial build with new plans for the future of the Xbox UI. We want to thank everyone who has participated in the multi-month Home console experiments. Today we are pausing the experiments to prepare for bigger updates that we will release soon. This means that Alpha and Alpha-Skip Xbox Insiders who were using the experiment version of Home will revert to the Xbox Home experience that you were originally using. Your previous customized settings and backgrounds from Home will revert to what they were prior to the experiments, and we’ll save your “new Home” settings. Ivy Krislov, Xbox Experiences Senior Product Manager Lead “We heard from you that the changes to the top of Home did not leave enough space for you to enjoy your backgrounds and that it felt crowded. We’re working to balance the experience, accessibility, function, and the needs of our community and bring you a great and refreshed Home experience,” the statement continues. “Thank you for all the feedback you’ve shared. It’s a key part of our process, and our team is working hard to incorporate it into the experience and get it to you to use. We are excited to share even more details with you soon!” What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s efforts to better the UI from its initial plans? Source: Xbox Wire

Niantic, Capcom Announce New Monster Hunter Now Mobile Game

When exploring opportunities to bring beloved universes anywhere, it appears that developer Niantic has perfected the formula for this. Ever since the initial release of Pokémon Go back in 2016, developers & publishers all around strive to explore mobile, augmented reality projects for its treasured IPs. Shortly after, we saw this with Dragon Quest Walk in Japan as well as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite also. Additionally, Niantic is also occupied with other similar experiences as well for other franchises. Last year, another arrangement with Nintendo rolled out Pikmin Bloom with direct cooperation with creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Even more, Niantic also announced a new partnership with Marvel Comic for Marvel World of Heroes as well most recently. Now this week, Niantic & Capcom announce a new collaboration to deliver a Monster Hunter experience – Monster Hunter Now. You can watch the teaser trailer in the video below: “Monster Hunter Now will be the ultimate experience for anyone who has dreamed of facing off against epic monsters and battling them with friends. Filled with fantastical creatures, engrossing hunting and opportunities for teamwork, with the best possible graphics on mobile devices, Monster Hunter Now is the perfect franchise to bring into the real world,” Niantic CEO John Hanke writes. The overview for the game reads: “Monster Hunter Now is designed for everyone to enjoy at their own pace, whether you are a long-time Monster Hunter player, someone who hasn’t played for a while, or even a newcomer to the series. You can also play when and where you want.” Monster Hunter Now is a new and unprecedented Monster Hunter game that entices players to go out with their Palico and encounter incredible monsters in the real world.Niantic’s AR technology delivers a ‘here and right now’ hunting experience, something that can be played casually, while honoring the game play and hunting action that only Monster Hunter can offer. Let’s get out into the real world and enjoy hunting! Ryozo Tsujimoto, Monster Hunter Series Producer “For instance, in Monster Hunter Now, there’s an item called the Paintball. By using a Paintball on a monster that you encounter, you can bring the monster back home and hunt it alone or with someone else. And even when you’re walking around without playing the game, your companion can mark any monsters you pass by with the Paintball, so you can enjoy hunting them even after returning home.” It continues, “Built on Niantic’s Lightship platform, Monster Hunter Now uses industry-leading location-based technology and AR that overlays the real world with fantastical and fierce creatures.” You can sign-up for the closed beta test by heading here. What has you most excited for Monster Hunter Now? Monster Hunter Now is coming sometime in September 2023 to Android & iOS. Source: Niantic

Warner Bros. Games Announces Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, Playtest Sign-Up Available Now

For Harry Potter fans in 2023 alone, it is safe to say that players are already eating fairly well with the recent release of Hogwarts Legacy. Although the new IP launched a century ahead of the timeline set in the film/book universe, fragments of the shared world still offer magic for any fan of the series. Already, it has proven to be a big success – and that was before the game officially hit store shelves this past winter. Additionally, plans are already reported to be evolving the series with a potential show based on the video game series at HBO Max allegedly. From our review of the game: “Overall, I can’t recommend Hogwarts Legacy enough to players looking for a great adventure game with an excellent combat system. Even if you aren’t a fan of Harry Potter in general, but like magical high adventure stories and RPGs, you will definitely find something to like about this game.” This week, Warner Bros. Games, Unbroken Studios, and Portkey Games announces a new entry connected to the Harry Potter universe – Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. You can watch the trailer in the video below (thanks Gematsu): From the official FAQ for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, it reveals the new title “is a fast-paced, competitive multiplayer game featuring the world’s most iconic magical sport.” Even more, developer Unbroken Studios has said to be working on the game for “several years” already as promises for a playtest are also given with the announcement. Portkey Games also offers a statement on where the game stands in the Harry Potter universe: “While Portkey Games are not direct adaptations of the books and films, the games are firmly rooted in the magical universe of the Wizarding World. While remaining true to J.K. Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World.” You can sign-up for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions playtests by heading here. Are you excited for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions? Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is listed for consoles and PC.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Continues To Shatter Records As It Projects To Be The First Video Game Film To Hit $1 Billion Globally

When it comes to video game adaptations in the movie theater, there is a long-standing consensus that these films never tap into the potential of the box office – and the records show to be align with that statement. However, Sonic the Hedgehog has already proven that to not be the case anymore in recent years. While influential that was the release of Detective Pikachu, Sonic the Hedgehog in 2020 swiftly outnumbered that film in the box office very quickly. Additionally, the sequel – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – later on outperformed its the first film and even labeled the “#1 Movie in America” last year. It also happened to be the best opening ever for actor Jim Carrey for his career. Elsewhere, we saw success on streaming service with content like Mortal Kombat & The Last of Us on HBO Max & Halo Television Series on Paramount+ also amount greatly to the response from the general audience as well. Now following the release of Universal Pictures Nintendo, and Illumunation’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie earlier in April, it is projected to be one of the largest if not already the most profitable video game adaptation. In its three-day opening weekend alone, the film grossed $146 million and currently stands at $353 million despite the film facing a 37 percent decline at the theaters already. More recently, returns on the film according to Universal is said to be the second-highest for any animated film with $92 million. And that’s just in the United States alone. Globally, The Super Mario Bros film is said to be roughly over $700 million in just under two weeks since release. As noted by Universal, this ranks the second highest animated film milestone behind Illumination’s previous release – Minions: The Rise of Gru. However, Variety reports that this momentum is potential for The Super Mario Bros Movie to trek past $1 billion – a first for any video game adaptation. In our review for the film, we wrote: “a love letter to the fans that were starving for a great Mario film. To the ‘secular’ filmgoer, it may not be much to see, but as the general audience gets older, people will realize what big of a deal Mario was to the world.” You can read the full piece by heading here. Are you surprised by the box office response for The Super Mario Bros Movie? Source: Variety

Filming Kicks Off For Upcoming Paramount+ Knuckles Show

Shortly after the surprising success of Paramount Studios’ first Sonic the Hedgehog film, it was revealed that James Marsden signed on for a multi-film agreement regarding the franchise. However, after the second film which hit theaters just over a year ago, it was revealed that the series will be expanding beyond just the movie theater. In that, a spin-off show starring Knuckles is on the way. Alongside confirming that the third film is certainly on the way, more on the live-action universe for Sonic the Hedgehog is promised. Paramount Studios went on to confirm the trilogy is to be complete by December 2024 for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hitting the box office. Additionally, producer Toby Ascher explained that plans for Sonic the Hedgehog include cultivating an entire universe ultimately with the Sega property. In a new report from Variety, there is new information on the upcoming Knuckles Paramount+ show. Director Jeff Fowler also reveals via Twitter that filming has commenced for the spin-off show as well on Monday. From the outlet, it reveals that  Adam Pally (Happy Endings, The Mindy Project) who plays Wade Whipple in the films is to reprise his role as the leading star for the TV series. According to the brief synopsis for the new series reveals that the junior deputy “agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.” Furthermore, Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Julian Barratt (Mindhorn), Scott Mescudi (Don’t Look Up), Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso), and Rory McCann (Game of Thrones) are said to star throughout the first season as filming kicks off in London. Tika Sumpter who portrays Maddie in the film series is also said to make an appearance as well. Most exciting is Edris Elba returning to voice Knuckles the Echidna also. Behind the scenes reveals Jeff Fowler to direct the pilot and continue as an executive producer. Producers Ascher & Neal H. Moritz is to also receive the same role alongside Sega executive Toru Nakahara. Lead star Elba, Ged Wright (Man of Steel, Attack The Block), Brandon Trost (Bros, This is the End), Jorma Taccone (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, The Lego Movie), and Carol Banker is said to direct respected episodes. What has you most excited for the upcoming Knuckles show? Source: Variety