Review: Chants of Sennaar
Developer – RunDisc Publisher – Focus Entertainment Platforms – Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One , PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Holy moly does Chants of Sennaar, stand as an exceptional video game that expertly weaves together elements of ancient myth, stunning visuals, and intricate puzzle mechanics, resulting in an immersive and unforgettable gaming adventure. At its core, the game delves deeply into the timeless myth of Babel, transforming it into a central narrative theme that captivates players from the very start. This mythological backdrop not only sets the stage for a rich and compelling storyline but also serves as the foundation for a series of intellectually stimulating puzzles that seamlessly blend with the narrative, challenging players to think critically and creatively as they ascend the tower. As players progress through the tower’s labyrinthine levels, they encounter a diverse array of challenges that are not only thematically tied to the myth but also escalate in complexity, keeping players engaged and motivated. The game empowers players with a range of tools and abilities that are cleverly used to tackle these puzzles, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they unlock new layers of the narrative. Visually and aurally breathtaking, the game’s meticulously crafted environments and haunting soundtrack elevate the entire experience, immersing players in a world where mythology and puzzle-solving converge to create a truly unique and intellectually stimulating gaming masterpiece. In terms of visual presentation, Chants of Sennaar is a visual masterpiece that captivates players with its sheer splendor. The game meticulously crafts the environments within the Tower of Babel, treating players to exquisitely rendered landscapes on each floor. These diverse settings offer a striking contrast as they mirror various stages of human civilization, ranging from the enchanting allure of ancient ruins to the mechanical wonders of advanced technology. The attention to detail throughout the game is awe-inspiring, immersing players in a world where the visual storytelling is as vital as the gameplay itself. Complementing this visual excellence is the outstanding audio design, featuring a hauntingly evocative soundtrack that weaves seamlessly into the mythic ambiance, enhancing the overall immersive experience. The narrative in Chants of Sennaar is also a journey into the depths of human ambition and the relentless pursuit of the divine. This storyline is expertly driven by a cast of enigmatic characters encountered throughout the game. As players ascend the tower, the narrative unfolds organically, revealing its layers gradually and providing players with rich and captivating lore. The emotional depth of the story is palpable, making each encounter and revelation a rewarding experience. Chants of Sennaar successfully marries its visually stunning world with a narrative that explores profound themes, leaving players not only intellectually engaged but also emotionally invested in the outcome of their ascent. In conclusion, Chants of Sennaar is a game that stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and puzzle-solving in the world of gaming. By skillfully weaving the myth of Babel into its gameplay, the game provides a unique and thought-provoking experience that will leave players both intellectually and emotionally satisfied. With its stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and meticulously crafted puzzles, this is a must-play title for anyone seeking a captivating and intellectually stimulating gaming adventure.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available on PlayStation 5
Potential Game of The Year nominee, Baldur’s Gate 3 has officially released on PlayStation 5 after it being on PC for a month. The RPG had a tremendous start on PC via Steam with over 700,000 concurrent players within the first few days of launch and it was one of the top preordered games on the U.S. PlayStation Store. Baldur’s Gate 3 will support Cross-Saves between PC and PlayStation 5 allowing players to carry their progress with them wherever they go. To access cross-saves, players are required to log into a Larian Account, but no PS Plus subscription or additional purchase is required. For those wondering how Baldur’s Gate III works with a controller, Larian Studios provided an answer for that sharing that the game has been built for PS5 from the start. “Baldur’s Gate 3 has been built for the PS5 from day one, and much work has gone into delivering the game’s complexities in just a few buttons and triggers. Using the PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller, access to actions, spells, long rests and items becomes a matter of muscle memory.” Larian Studios announced that Baldur’s Gate 3 will be available on Xbox Series XlS between September and November, following its release on PlayStation 5. You can read more on the PlayStation Blog.
CD Projekt Red Confirms Staffing Shift To The Witcher 4 After Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Release
One of the ongoing developments coming out of CD Projekt Red is the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, ‘Phantom Liberty’. Not only will the player return to Night City, but along with Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand also introduces Edris Elba’s addition to the cast as well. Phantom Liberty officially launches later this month. Additionally, CD Projekt Red went ahead to confirm the game will essentially revamp much of the core game come the approaching DLC. Atop of that, creative director Pawel Sasko shared his involvement for the sequel as well. Currently, the developer codenamed the second game as Orion internally. That alongside additional projects including Polaris – the next major installment for The Witcher. So far, it was confirmed the new game will inherit Unreal Engine 5 to retire the current RedEngine used for its titles. In a recent earnings call, CEO Adam Kiciński told that much of the staffing for Phantom Liberty are to migrate to Polaris following the release later in September. You can watch the segment of the call below: “So after releasing Phantom Liberty, We’ll be transferring a big part of the team to Polaris, obviously,” Kiciński said. “Some remaining members will then focus on supporting other ongoing projects like Orion or Haider, but bear in mind that we’ll be supporting Phantom Liberty after launch for some time, that’s obvious.” Kiciński elsewhere in the call elaborated on staffing maxing out for Phantom Liberty despite the recent staff restructuring. “At the end of July, the Phantom Liberty team working on the pre-release phase consisted of 300 people. That’s fewer than the end of 2022, but still it remains our biggest team.” He adds: “On the other hand, the Polaris team has grown to almost 260 developers by the end of July.” He continued by explaining more cuts will be made to the Gwent development as well atop of the growing staffing for Polaris. Which CD Projekt Red game has you most interested to see next?
First Windows 11-powered Gaming Handheld Lenovo Legion Go Revealed
When it comes to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft has pushed extensively for this new, evergrowing platform. Amid integrating mobile devices like smart phones & tablets, the service is extending its reach with dedicated handhelds. Already, many have found the likes of the Logitech G Cloud & Razer Edge 5G to run the service. Competitors is also chiming in on this. Namely the Steam Deck, players can take PC gaming on the go via their Steam library for select, supported titles. Not to mention the upcoming PlayStation Portal as well which is coming later this November. More and more companies are looking to tackle this niché market with respective devices to cut its own slice of the cake. In a new reveal at IFC 2023, Lenovo revealed the first Windows 11-powered handheld with the Lenovo Legion Go. Lenovo introduced several new additions to Windows 11 gaming, including the Lenovo Legion Go – the company’s first Windows 11 handheld device for gamers – and its top-of-the-line Lenovo Legion 9i laptop. Businesses also got fresh options, including a new glasses-free experience with the ThinkVision 27 3D Monitor that is compatible with real-time eye-tracking. The Lenovo Legion Go brings the power of Windows 11 to a new mobile form factor, powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or Z1 processors that bring games to life on the 8.8-inch Lenovo PureSight Gaming Display. The 10-point touch screen enables intuitive control for scrolling, tapping, or swiping. Every Legion Go includes a complimentary three-month Game Pass membership that gives players access to hundreds of high-quality games. “Players will also appreciate the performance and longer gaming sessions that come with up to 16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz) RAM and a 49.2Wh capacity battery.This handheld also has support for Super Rapid Charge, which allows the battery to recharge up to 70% in just half an hour. When plugged in, there’s a power bypass mode that protects the battery from extra degradation while eliminating the heat normally produced while charging.” In terms of the current state of Microsoft’s approach to mobile gaming, the firm views the market as an essential presence for Xbox to succeed. Although there is drive for consoles still, the Xbox firm believes that the truly untapped mobile demographic will deliver results in a post-Activision deal world. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to get the Lenovo Legion Go? The Lenovo Legion Go aims to release sometime in October 2023. Source: Microsoft
Starfield Pre-Launch Tracks More Than One Million Playing On Both Xbox & PC
Wednesday, September 6th, is the official day that Starfield officially arrives. And now with the game available to the masses – both retail & Xbox Game Pass – the game has already surpassed expectations in its pre-launch. Via the Premium Edition, users already flocked to the new NASA punk, space epic from Bethesda Game Studios. In that, Steam accounted for more than 200,000 users in the first 24 hours of the early access release. Additionally, multiple Xbox Stores is several regions also attest to this with the Premium Edition Upgrade for Xbox Game Pass users being #1 in sales at the time. Even more, the game is also facing early success shattering a new milestone over on Twitch. The game swiftly became the most-streamed first-party release ever for the platform. Now according to a new update from PlayTracker, Starfield has met more than 1 million users each on both Xbox as well as Steam during the early access period for the game. As gathered from the early success for Starfield, it is shaping into what Microsoft told recently about the game. In that, it is the “starting gun” for what Xbox Game Studios has primed for its launch portfolio for the next two years. And more achievements are still expected to be made for Xbox moving forward on behalf of Starfield as the game officially launches this week. And to think Starfield almost did plan to hit Xbox originally. A report from prior FTC v. Microsoft case revealed that initial plans for the game was aimed exclusively for PlayStation. But after catching wind, Microsoft decided to outright purchase Zenimax Media altogether. You can read the full report by heading here. Have you played Starfield ahead of release or no? Starfield is out now for Xbox Series X|S & PC.
Discord Game Streaming, Voice Reporting, Improved Pairing Feature, And More In September 2023 Xbox System Update
Among the waves of features rolling out for Xbox, Microsoft continues to find new innovations to deliver to the Xbox consoles. Previously, it was revealed that a new voice reporting feature would be coming. Part of the Xbox Insider Ring, users can sample a 30-second recording and use it to submit for harassment or other malicious intent. Additionally, the platform is to also evolve with a new feature from Discord. In that, alike on PC users can game stream directly from Xbox to a respected Discord server. And on the topic of PC, OneDrive is also facing a new update. In that, users can soon auto-upload capture content to OneDrive without manually transferring select videos or images. Now this week, the update officially rolls out for mentioned features and even more. The most exciting is Discord Game Streaming so you can share your experience with users via console and voice reporting tool. This update is bringing you the highly requested ability to stream your Xbox gameplay to your Discord friends! Additionally, we are updating the variable refresh rate for Xbox Series X|S consoles, giving you new places to view and redeem Rewards, and providing new wish list notifications to track your games. We’re continuing our commitment to safety on our platform by rolling out Xbox voice reporting, which allows you to report inappropriate in-game voice chat. Kristen Mann, Xbox Experiences Principal Group Product Manager Among the meaty update, some features are pretty convenient to say the least. In that, users can set wish list notifications when a new release arrives, goes on sale, or hits Xbox Game Pass. Even more, there is a new Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) update that enable more options to chose which content you want the featured utilized on supported displays. Another neat addition is sending a request to join a friends game. “Your friend will receive a notification of your request to join, and they can respond back to you with a game invite, a party invite, or a message.” Not only that, there is a new pair override feature so players can connect devices without needing to physically press the button on the console too. What feature has you most excited for on Xbox? Source: Xbox Wire
New Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk Features Three-Month Subscription For Minecraft Realms Plus
Over the course of a few weeks, Xbox Game Pass continues to roll out new releases for its service. In late August, subscribers saw the addition of Sea of Stars & Texas Chain Saw Massacre then. And this week confirmed three more with Solar Ash, Lies Of P, and Starfield as well. But that is not all. Over on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate side of things, a new perk is rolling out as well. In that, Minecraft Realms Plus will be offering a three-month subscription to the those past of Game Pass Ultimate. “Game Pass Ultimate members can get access to a 3-month subscription to Minecraft Realms Plus! Share your world, build with friends, and play across all of your devices with your own personal server.” In the past, we’ve seen other tempting offerings from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks. The most recent happens to be a character unlock for Overwatch 2. With the launch of the new Invasion mode for the game, it opened up a new segment for players to access Sojourn, Junker Queen, Kiriko, Ramattra, Lifeweaver, and Illari. But, that is not the only perk worth going out of your way for. Another similar perk previously for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included a buffet of unlocks for a handful of Riot Games titles. This included unlocking characters for League of Legends, Valorant, and TeamFight Tactics. Of course, there is other subscriptions that stretch beyond just games as well. Probably the most rewarding perk was with a surprising deal through Apple. That being a packaged perk for both Apple Music & Apple TV which offered free trials for both services. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to capitalize on the latest Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perk? Source: Xbox Wire
Nintendo Switch Online September 2023 Lineup Adds Four New Games
Over the course of the summer, Nintendo Switch Online has yet to cease on offering a bigger library to its subscribers. In June, Fire Emblem for Game Boy Advanced officially arrived. That same month, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack also headlined a Sega Genesis feature including Crusader of Centy, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Landstalker, and The Revenge of Shinobi then. Additionally, the same tier continued said momentum with more games from every ones childhood. In that, both The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons released for Game Boy Advanced virtual library. The same also rolled out most recently with Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Stadium 2 as well. This week, a new wave of Nintendo Switch Online titles are coming. The lineup features Kirby’s Star Stacker, Quest for Camelot, Downtown Nekketsu March, and Joy Mech Fight which arrives on September 6th. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: What makes this new lineup more unique is the amount of titles that are being introduced to western players. In that, three of the four games featured for this new wave was originally available for only Japan. The list includes Kirby’s Star Stacker, Downtown Nekketsu March, and Joy Mech Fight. On the topic of online service for Nintendo Switch, the platform in August officially introduced Irdeto Denuvo. The new anti-cheat countermeasure is told to be a middleware kit for developers to tackle the issue. However, many are scared to believe how much good it can do seeing its performance affecting other platforms currently. You can read the full report by heading here. Which of the four has you most excited coming to Nintendo Switch Online? Kirby’s Star Stacker, Quest for Camelot, Downtown Nekketsu March, and Joy Mech Fight is available on September 6, 2023 for Nintendo Switch.
Solar Ash, Lies Of P, Starfield Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass September 2023 Lineup
Over the past month, Xbox Game Pass amid the height of the fall coming has still managed to roll out fresh & exciting releases for its library. In early August, Limbo, Bro Force Forever, and Everspace 2 were some of the featured titles then. The latter half of the month continued this with the likes of Sea of Stars, Gris, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Firewatch then as well. Among that time, new information on the service also surfaced. In that, the notorious $1 deal for Xbox Game Pass did return, but it was reduced to a mere 14-day trial for the subscription. Even more, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer told that the ongoing Activision deal does not cement instant new additions to the service if the acquisition sufficiently passes. This week, the first lineup of the fall has been announced. But for September 2023, it is fairly brief. You can read the full list below: Console Starfield [Xbox Series X|S] – 9/6 Solar Ash – 9/14 Lies of P – 9/19 PC Starfield – 9/6 Solar Ash – 9/14 Lies of P – 9/19 Cloud Starfield – 9/6 Solar Ash – 9/14 Lies of P – 9/19 One of the surprises from this new featured lineup is the addition for Solar Ash. Not only is the game coming to Xbox Game Pass, it will also debut the title for the platform overall. As for other featured additions, Starfield continues to shatter records with the launch kicking off on September 6th. That includes the Premium Edition Upgrade for Game Pass users being the #1 seller across Xbox Stores in multiple regions. Like most Game Pass updates, September 15th features leaving games; being Amazing Cultivation Simulator (PC), Aragami 2 (Cloud; Console; PC), Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition (Cloud; Console; PC), DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventure of Krypto and Ace (Cloud; Console; PC), Fuga: Melodies of Steel (Cloud; Console; PC), Metal Hellsinger (Cloud; Console; PC), Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 (Cloud; Console; PC), Tainted Grail: Conquest (Cloud; Console; PC), and Train Sim World 3 (Cloud; Console; PC). Which game has you most excited for this month? Source: Xbox Wire
There are no plans for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom DLC says the producer
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released for the Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023, allowing players to explore even more of Hyrule from the Sky, land, and the underground. Recently in an interview with Famitsu, Producer, Eiji Aonuma talked about a lot of different areas of the game from story to gameplay and the question about post-launch content. When asked about plans for the “next fun experience” from Fujibayashi at Famitsu, Aonuma said there are no plans for additional content because he feels like he’s done everything to create games in that world. “There are no plans to release additional content this time, but that’s because I feel like I’ve done everything I can to create games in that world. In the first place, the reason why we chose this time as a sequel to the previous game is because we thought there would be value in experiencing a new kind of play in that place in Hyrule. Then, if such a reason is newly born, it may return to the same world again. Whether it’s a sequel or a new work, I think it will be a completely new way to play, so I’d be happy if you could look forward to it.” If you were expecting to see DLC for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom you might find this to be disappointing for now, but you never know what might come up in the future. It’s safe to assume in the next Nintendo Direct supposedly planned for September 2023 that there won’t be news for a Zelda TOTK DLC. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has done well for Nintendo selling over 18.5 million copies as of June 30, 2023. You can read the entire interview between Aonuma and Famitsu here. Thanks to @Genki_JPN for pointing this out.
