NASCAR Arcade Rush Comes To Consoles & PC on September 15
NASCAR Arcade Rush from GameMill will be releasing on September 15, 2023 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series XlS, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. A new gameplay reveal trailer was released showcasing heart-pumping competition, wildly reimagined spins on iconic, real-world tracks, and high-speed NASCAR excitement. Experience the thrill of NASCAR racing in a completely new way with intense arcade races on iconic NASCAR tracks, totally reengineered with jaw-dropping twists, hair-raising turns, gravity-defying jumps, nitro boosts and other surprises. Customize your car and driver as you compete to take the top position across a variety of game modes, including the Career NASCAR Cup Series plus online and local multiplayer. Key Features Iconic Tracks, Wild Twists: Experience real-world NASCAR tracks like Talladega Superspeedway, Daytona International Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and more in all-new ways that will thrill your imagination and deliver a new level of playability within the vaunted NASCAR video game franchise. Race Your Way: Choose from a full array of vehicles spanning 75 years of stock car racing history and horsepower. Customize your car and driver to suit your style with new paint schemes, rims, spoilers, visual effects, suits, helmets and more, with thousands of combinations to discover. Robust Racing Modes: NASCAR Arcade Rush features expansive single-player modes, including the Career NASCAR Cup Series, Quick Race and Time Attack. Take on your friends in thrilling head-to-head local multiplayer*, or race rivals around the world in 12-player online multiplayer. NASCAR Arcade Rush is now available to pre-order for $49.99 USD. There is also a NASCAR Project-X Bundle that is $59.99 USD. Here’s what’s included: ● A hovercraft car model developed as part of Project-X ● Project-X paint scheme, rims, wheels and spoiler ● Project-X themed drivers suit and helmet ● Project-X team sponsorship option ● Project-X vehicle FX package ● A set of four additional in-game emojis to showcase your style
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III will have Zombies
Activision is prepared to officially reveal Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and today, they put out a message to fans sharing more details about the game. They talked about Carry Forward where players can continue to enjoy player inventory and weapon progression from Modern Warfare II into Modern Warfare III. Something Activision and Sledgehammer Games confirmed was Zombies making a return. While more information will be coming soon, Activision stated that “Modern Warfare Zombies will be the largest Zombies offering to date.” They did not state whether we’d learn more during the worldwide reveal that’ll be taking place in Warzone on Thursday, but it sounds intriguing nonetheless. Recently, Activision confirmed Modern Warfare III is a premium release and will cost $69.99 USD when it releases on November 10, 2023. What do you think of Zombies in Modern Warfare III?
Review: Blasphemous 2
Developer – The Game Kitchen Publisher – Team17 Platforms – PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5 (reviewed) Review copy given by publisher Indie game developer The Game Kitchen took the world by surprise when they announced the sequel to their 2019 side-scrolling Souls-like Metroidvania Blasphemous earlier this year. No one expected the follow-up to come out so fast, especially considering the first game received its meaty and final Wounds of Eventide DLC not so long ago. Well Blasphemous 2 is here and it’s time to once again put on the cone shaped helm of The Penitent One and journey through a realm of religious horrors and macabre mutations. The sequel takes place after the events of the first game, and has The Penitent One waking up from his coffin to a strange land to investigate something known as The Miracle. After playing through the game, I can confidently say that Blasphemous 2 does not disappoint, and is an absolute treat for newcomers and veterans alike. The Penitent One’s arsenal of tools has been greatly expanded in the sequel, as he now has three unique weapons at his disposal: the Praying Blade, Veredicto, and Sarmiento & Ceniella. As a quick reminder, you only had access to one weapon in the first game, the Mea Culpa. You must choose 1 of the aforementioned 3 weapons at the beginning of the game, but rest assured, you gain access to the other 2 eventually while exploring the world. Upgrades to these weapons work like they did in the previous title, where you find another copy of the weapon to unlock the next level of skills. Let’s get a quick look at each of your new toys because you’ll be using all of them equally. The Praying Blade is your all around balanced long sword, and allows for parries and counter attacks. The Veredicto is a slow and methodical spiked flail that can hit enemies multiple times in one swing, but lacks a block or parry. Finally, the Sarmiento & Ceniella are short but fast dual blades that allow you to chain lightning attacks and dash through enemies. I personally prefer to use the Praying Blade but different enemies and situations call for a good mixture of all of them. I was utterly impressed by how technically different each weapon is, and how pivotal and integral each one is to traversing the world of Cvstodia. Blasphemous 2 truly upholds the Metroidvania genre as every weapon inherits unique abilities that grant you access to certain areas. You need the Praying Blade to do a downward smash to destroy roots. You need the Veredicto to ring bells to activate temporary platforms. And finally you need Sarmiento & Ceniella to zip through magical mirrors. But keep in mind you as a character yourself also gain new skills, known as relics, that allow you to double jump, air dash, or cling onto walls! There are, unfortunately, not a lot of customization options when it comes to decking out The Penitent One, as there is no armor or cosmetic gear to equip. What there is, however, are Rosary Beads that can be equipped to deal more damage of a certain type or earn more of a type of currency. You start off with being able to equip 1 but can equip up to 5 if you find enough Rosary Knots and give them to the right NPC. What’s also new is the Altarpiece of Favours, which are equippable slots for more enhanced passive abilities such as increased elemental resistance, or a longer window to perform a parry. These can be mixed and matched to create some impressive combinations. You probably heard Blasphemous being compared to Dark Souls as it’s often coined as the 2D side scrolling version of it, mostly in part due to its dreary and somber world building and brutally difficult combat. Well this remains true in the sequel as well, because enemies are no joke, and require you to patiently learn their attack patterns and movements if you want to come out alive. Combat is going to be your bread and butter in this game so it’s best if you get acquainted with it fast. Fighting requires precision and timing in order to execute well-timed dodges and parries. Prayers return from the first game and essentially act as spells, but the sequel introduces two types: quick verses and chants, all of which can be found or purchased and then equipped. I always enjoy a good challenge, and for the most part the combat here is enjoyably tough. However, many of the boss or gauntlet style encounters borderline on being unfair due to how you can be chain stunned to death and bounced around infinitely without any chance to recover. This happened on several occasions when specific enemy types that hit me in one direction, then another spawned enemy of the same type in the other direction hit me immediately as I was recovering from the first hit. A few invincibility frames for situations like these would make the overall flow of combat much more fluid and visceral. The main difference between Blasphemous 2 and Dark Souls is that when you die, you don’t drop your currency, but instead a portion of your Fervour, the equivalent of mana in this game, gets permanently reduced unless you pick up your Guilt Fragment, which is dropped at your place of death. If you die too many times, or you are unable to retrieve said fragment, then you can visit a specific NPC to purify you of your sins, thus recovering your entire mana bar. You can heal and save your game at special altars that also respawn enemies, much like how bonfires work in the FromSoft games. The progression system, which includes unlocking new abilities and upgrades, encourages exploration and rewards players for delving deeper into the world. There are two forms of currency here, Marks of Martyrdom, which can be used to unlock new abilities in
Mortal Kombat 1 will receive new trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live
UPDATE: Ed Boon confirmed there will be Two new Fighters and Two new Kameos revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live on Tuesday, August 22 at 2 PM ET. Original: Gamescom Opening Night Live hosted by Geoff Keighley is set to take place on Tuesday, August 22 at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT and it’s going to feature some news on games we know about. Today, Geoff shared that Ed Boon, Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat will join him live on stage for a new trailer reveal for Mortal Kombat 1. Tuesday, @MortalKombat 1 comes to @gamescom Opening Night Live. Join @noobde live on stage for the world premiere of the new trailer reveal 👀 Streaming live Tuesday at 8p CET/7p BST/2p ET/11a PT at https://t.co/AFycLZG9XF pic.twitter.com/IMVRlBcXYb — Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 16, 2023 There hasn’t been much said about what to expect at this live show, but some might assume it would be a trailer for the leaked Invasion Single-Player mode. For all we know it could be more fighters joining Mortal Kombat 1 as well. Most recently, NetherRealm Studios revealed Reptile, Ashrah and Havik joining the roster at EVO 2023. NetherRealm Studios doesn’t have much time left to make announcements for Mortal Kombat 1 as it releases on September 19, 2023 for Xbox Series XlS, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC. Regarding the Gamescom Opening Night Live show, Geoff Keighley stated the presentation will feature updates on upcoming games and “less about announcing brand new projects”.
EA Sports NHL 24 Releases October 6, 2023 With Brand New Features
EA Sports showcased NHL 24 today and it revealed new features coming to the game this Fall. One of those features mentioned was true cross-play as we shared a few days ago it was coming to the game. This means you can party up with your friend on PlayStation while you’re on Xbox. During today’s trailer we received a deep dive as to what the game will look like and what some of the new mechanics are. NHL 24 features a new Sustained Pressure and Goalie Fatigue systems thanks to the brand-new Exhaust Engine – powered by Frostbite. In the Sustained Pressure System, offensive players who keep pressure on in the attack zone are rewarded and will trigger the Sustained Pressure perk, creating more space by wearing down their opponent. With the Goalie Fatigue System, the more pucks players put on net, the more tired the opponent’s goalie will get. This will impact the goalie’s ability to react to shots and EA has added upwards of 75 goalie animations that will help replicate real life hockey. They also showed off an overhaul to Physics-Based Contact allowing players to break glass, hit opponents into a bench and for the first time you can perform a reverse hit. NHL 24 is more connected than ever with cross-play, but it’s only limited to Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel. Players can now play with and against players across same-generation Sony and Microsoft consoles. That confirms you can’t play with someone on a PlayStation 4 while you are on PlayStation 5. Watch the reveal trailer below: EA Sports NHL 24 releases on Xbox Series XlS and PlayStation 5 for $69.99 USD and $59.99 USD for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on October 6, 2023.
Take-Two CEO Explains No Legacy Support On Nintendo Switch Successor Would ‘Break A Contract’ With Players
After a handful of years, Nintendo Switch continues to tower over its predecessors and even the titan competition that is the Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. Despite its disadvantage in hardware capabilities, it makes up for the software that rolls out each quarter. Looking ahead, there is word on a successor being prepared to launch in late 2024 sometime next year. Additionally, word also broke out on the familiar specs for the new system. In that, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotich said it’s on par with the Xbox One/PlayStation 4 power level. Even more, there is the chance for account linking being included as well – a first for a major Nintendo system. Whilst the same profile can carry over, your purchase history was locked to the respected platform in the past; that is expected to change with the new Switch. According to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, the decision to sever legacy support for the Nintendo Switch successor would be catastrophic to the relationship between Nintendo and its consumers, he told Gamesindustry.biz. You need to give consumers what they want and optimize their experience, and you can’t not deliver a feature you’re able to deliver so as to maximize sales. That isn’t fulfilling your contract with consumers. You have to do the very best you can for them. I suppose it’s possible the lack of backward compatibility could enhance your revenue for a period of time, but at what cost? “We’re not a hardware manufacturer so we don’t get to make those decisions. But I think if you can be compatible technically, then you want to be. However, in certain instances if the leap forward is great enough, that’s not a possibility,” Zelnick added. Ideally though, many believe Zelnick does not have much to say for recent decisions on behalf of Take-Two. Recently, it was announced Red Dead Redemption is coming to Nintendo Switch & PlayStation 4. And whilst it is understood for Switch – being the first for the platform – it is a different story on PlayStation. Mostly due to the lacking improvements aside from upscaled visuals; no multiplayer or sign of enhanced performance does not warrant the nearing retail price tag. You can read the full report by heading here. Does your thoughts align with Zelnick’s? Source: Gamesindustry.biz
Starfield Goes Gold, Preload Begins August 17 for Xbox Series XlS & Windows
Bethesda Game Studios have announced that Starfield has officially gone gold and they revealed when players can preload the game. Players on Xbox Series XlS and Windows PC can preload Starfield starting August 17 and players on Steam can preload the game starting August 30. It was rumored that preloads were already going to be up on August 9 based on an Amazon listing, but that turned out to be false. Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN — Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023 With Starfield going gold that means Bethesda has completed development on the game and it’s ready to release on September 6, 2023 for Xbox Series XlS and PC. Make sure you have space on your Xbox or PC because Starfield will cost you 125GB at release. Bethesda and Microsoft came out with multiple limited edition products to go with Starfield; you can view those here. Starfield will be available on Xbox Game Pass Day One.
Microsoft To Implement New ‘Enforcement Strike System’ For Xbox
Recently, updates over at Xbox continues to bring new life to the platform. The most engrossing is the next dashboard upgrade. After issues of the over cluttered and background-occupying UI, the Xbox firm went ahead to address plenty of these issues plus more. Not to mention the Xbox Insiders rings now welcomed to game streaming via the Discord app on console too. One feature that players are surprised to see be implemented is voice reporting. After years of unfiltered chatter across game lobbies & party chats, users are soon to be greeted with new way to combat hostility online. The new feature will allow up to 30-second audio recordings to be used when filing a report for unjustly conversations. Similarly, Microsoft is to roll out an all new ‘Enforcement Strike System’ for Xbox according to a new Xbox Wire blog post this week. The new system will “educates players about enforcement severity, cumulative effect of multiple enforcements, and the total impact on their standing;” now eight strikes will be handed – each lasting six months. The new system attaches strikes to every enforcement, ranging in severity based on inappropriate activity. Each player will now have a view of their enforcement history including strikes and the overall impact these have on their player record. This revised system gives players a better understanding of enforcement severity and the cumulative effect of multiple enforcements. Enforcement transparency is about giving players clarity into how their behavior impacts their experience. Our content moderation efforts are not changing as a result of the new enforcement strike system. As always, when a player believes they have witnessed a violation of Xbox’s Community Standards, we encourage them to report. All reports are evaluated, there are no automated enforcement actions based solely on the fact that a report was made. No volume of inaccurate reports results in an enforcement. Only reports that have been reviewed by the Xbox Safety Team and determined to be accurate result in an enforcement. Dave McCarthy, Xbox Player Services Corporate Vice President “With the new system, enforcements will also include strikes based on the severity of their actions. The system is similar to demerit strikes used in driver’s license systems in many countries. For example, a player that has received two strikes will be suspended from the platform for one day, whereas a player that receives four strikes will be suspended for seven days. “Players have a total of eight strikes and, once reached, will be suspended from Xbox’s social features like messaging, parties and party chat, multiplayer and others for one year from the enforcement date. All strikes received stay on a player’s record for six months. Today, players will all begin with a blank slate, or zero strikes. Any previous enforcements, such as suspensions, must still be completed; new enforcements as of today will result in strikes. “With these changes, Xbox is evolving enforcement to focus on protecting players. This is why even suspended accounts remain functional for single-player experiences and players do not lose access to purchased content. However, for the most serious violations – including illegal activity – Xbox retains the ability to permanently suspend all functionality of an account including access to purchases.” What surprised you most of the new ‘Enforcement Strike System? Source: Xbox Wire
Geoff Keighley Clarifies Gamescom Opening Night Live To Feature Updates On Upcoming Games And “Less About Announcing Brand New Projects”
As many are aware earlier this summer, the annual Summer Game Fest already took place with host Geoff Keighley delivering yet another jam-packed show featuring some of the most anticipated titles underway. Additionally, Keighley continues to remain busy with the next Gamescom Opening Night Live show later this month to introduce the event this year. Unlike prior Gamescom shows, this will mark the first official return to Cologne, Germany since the massive blow from the 2020 pandemic. In terms of what is expected to be at Gamescom, it was confirmed that Alan Wake II will be present ahead of its October release coming this fall. Sega also reveals to be attending with a slew of its upcoming releases on the way as well. During an interview with Video Game Chronicles this week, Keighley explains that the 2023 Gamescom Opening Night Live will be shined in a different light. Rather than being an announcement blowout this year, it will instead feature new announcements & updates on already revealed projects underway for the coming year. “It’s going to be an exciting show with new looks at many announced upcoming games like Alan Wake 2, and Black Myth Wukong. This year’s ONL is less about announcing brand new projects, and more about giving fans updates on some of the biggest games due out over the next year,” Keighley explained. In terms of how Gamescom Opening Night Live acts to The Game Awards, he goes on to elaborate on the challenges that skew how the show is executed. “First, there are the logistical challenges for our LA-based team to produce a big-scale show in Cologne, Germany. Thankfully Gamescom and Kolnemesse are great partners. The other challenge – but also opportunity – is that this show is directly tied to the partners and games that will be exhibiting at Gamescom. We’re always trying to find ways to create synergy between what’s happening on the floor and inside ONL.” Keighley continues by discussing the attitude for Gamescom Opening Night Live more so as a global event despite it being his only strict European show. “The sense of community at Gamescom is so unique and powerful – there really is nothing else like it in the world. Even before I was involved in ONL, I loved coming to Gamescom because it has such a focus on the players and community.” What are you expecting to be revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live? Gamescom Opening Night Live is happening on August 22, 2023 at 8 PM CET / 2 PM EST / 11 AM PST. Source: Video Game Chronicles
Wargaming partners with Megadeth for musical in-game event for World of Tanks and Warships
Wargaming announced a collaboration with iconic metal band Megadeth. A multi-product musical in-game event named Metal Fest is set to bring the power of meta to for popular games: World of Tanks Modern Armor; World of Tanks Blitz; World of Warships; and World of Warships: Legends. This event is scheduled to kick off on August 28, Metal Fest will be a celebration of the genre, featuring exclusive voiceovers by Dave Mustaine, the frontman of Megadeth ; James Lomenzo; Dirk Verbeuren; and Kiko Loureiro. Along with that there will be Megadeth-branded in-game items such as tanks and warships, in-game missions and quests, integrated songs and more. The collaboration between Wargaming and Megadeth introduces the band’s iconic mascot, Vic Rattlehead, who will be making his debut appearance in video games with stunning 3D representation and voiceover. This event will last for a few weeks for each game so you won’t have to worry about missing out on this neat collaboration. Here’s all the information for each games event provided by Wargaming: World of Tanks Modern Armor August 29 – September 25, 2023 Players will be able to complete Challenges to unlock various Megadeth-themed rewards. Two new tanks inspired by the albums “Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying?” and “The Sick, The Dying… and the Dead!” will make their debut in the Store. Vic Rattlehead will appear as an exclusive 3D Commander, while Dave Mustaine, James Lomenzo, Dirk Verbeuren, and Kiko Loureiro will be added as 2D Commanders, all with their own unique voiceovers. Tankers will enjoy two Megadeth songs (“Soldier On!” and “Peace Sells”) in the Garage if they own the Megadeth tanks, fueling the adrenaline of battles with pure rock power. World of Tanks Blitz August 29 – September 3, 2023 World of Tanks Blitz players can join in the action with a dedicated Megadeth quest, offering exclusive prizes such as static and animated camos inspired by various Megadeth album covers; a unique tank skin inspired by the “Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying?” album for the Chieftain Mk. 6; avatars; and collectible items. An exact replica of Dave Mustaine’s guitar will create a special atmosphere in the Hangar, as players dive into thrilling metal-infused battles. World of Warships PC August 28 – September 13, 2023 World of Warships players will be engaged in special missions to obtain exclusive Commanders! Dave Mustaine will be immortalized as a ship Commander with an original voiceover, and Vic Rattlehead will also join the fray, issuing orders with a menacing voice. As the final reward, the powerful Death Ray patch will be granted, marking conquerors of the seas with true metal prestige. World of Warships Legends August 28 – October 2, 2023 In World of Warships: Legends, players will be rewarded with cruiser Rattlehead, and while helming her, Captains can also embrace guises for both Dave and Vic as rewards. Moreover, players can also obtain a themed patch and flag featuring the band’s logo and Vic’s head, displaying their loyalty to the metal legends. Learn more about the Wargaming Metal Fest here.
