Review: Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur

Developer – Gambir Studio Publisher – PQube Platforms –  PS5 , Nintendo Switch , Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur is a captivating and immersive roguelite action RPG that invites players to step into the legendary shoes of King Arthur. Inspired by the tales of the Knights of the Round Table, this game transports you to the mystical Astral Dimension. Here, you’ll embark on a heroic quest to save Camelot from destruction after it’s overrun by giants and plunged into chaos. The game’s storyline is a unique twist on the Arthurian legend, where Merlin’s attempt to banish the Void Giant results in the entire kingdom being transported to the Astral Dimension. As King Arthur, players wield the Broken Excalibur, a powerful relic that channels the unique abilities of the fallen Knights of the Round Table. Your mission is to defeat the three colossal aspects of the Void Giant’s soul, each more formidable than the last, and rescue the kingdom’s scattered citizens. The game’s narrative is both engaging and well-crafted, providing players with a sense of purpose as they strive to restore Camelot to its former glory. One of the game’s standout features is its diverse gameplay. From engaging in intense battles against mischievous monsters to confronting colossal giants, players will find themselves constantly challenged and engaged. The inclusion of procedurally generated dungeons ensures that each playthrough offers a fresh and unpredictable experience, enhancing replayability. Additionally, the game boasts over 100 active and passive abilities that can be acquired as blessings from legendary knights, allowing for extensive customization and strategy. While Knight vs Giant offers a rich variety of abilities and blessings, some players might encounter balancing issues that affect the overall gameplay experience. Certain abilities may make the game feel either too easy or unfairly difficult, potentially requiring a more refined balance system. Additionally, while the game features diverse realms such as the Brochalant Forest and Suidhe Volcano, the environments within these realms can become somewhat repetitive over time, warranting a bit more variety in level design and assets to keep exploration exciting. In conclusion, Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur is a commendable attempt at bringing the Arthurian legend to life in a roguelite action RPG format. With an engaging storyline, diverse gameplay mechanics, and an impressive array of abilities, it offers an enjoyable gaming experience. While there are some minor balancing and environmental concerns, these issues don’t overshadow the overall fun and challenge the game provides. If you’re a fan of Arthurian legends and enjoy action-packed adventures, this game is definitely worth a try.

Microsoft Announces Gold Shadow Special Edition Xbox Controller

Microsoft has been on a roll releasing new Xbox Wireless Controllers with the Astral Purple and Stormcloud Vapor Xbox Controllers being the latest to release. Today, the company announced the Gold Shadow Edition Xbox Controller providing yet another option for those who collect controllers or those in need of a new one. The Gold Shadow Xbox Controller has a gold-to-black finish with rubberized diamond-pattern side grips and textured grip on triggers, bumpers, and back-case. The price for this controller is $69.99 USD and it will be available on October 17, 2023. Pre-orders for the Gold Shadow Special Edition Controller are now available.

New Modern Warfare III Trailer teases gameplay on multiplayer maps

Activision and Sledgehammer Games are getting ready for the official reveal of Modern Warfare III’s multiplayer which will be revealed at Call of Duty NEXT on Thursday, October 5. In preparation for that, Activision put out a brand new Multiplayer Trailer for Modern Warfare III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWb6wCKA_Pk&ab_channel=CallofDuty The Multiplayer Trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III gives a tease of all 16 multiplayer maps that are from Modern Warfare 2 (2009). The video shows certain maps more than others, but you can easily point out maps like Terminal, Estate, and Rust from this trailer. What it also showcases is its fast-paced multiplayer gameplay which these maps have been enhanced for. The Modern Warfare III Beta begins this weekend exclusively for PlayStation while next weekend will invite Xbox and PC players.

Bethesda Abruptly Ships New Fallout Shelter-esque Game, The Elder Scrolls: Castles

Although Bethesda is most known for its expansive RPGs, rich worlds to explore, and lore-heavy universes, the firm has also been slowly entertaining the idea for more mobile releases. Thus far, we’ve seen minor examples of this with titles such as Fallout Shelter as well as The Elder Scrolls: Blades. But, the firm is has also shipped new titles for the platform more recently. In that, developer Alpha Dog Games previously rolled out Mighty Doom for both Google Play Store & iOS. And although Bethesda also rolled out Redfall & Starfield this year, the firm continues with another mobile game and hardly said anything. Over the past week, The Elder Scrolls: Castles arrived abruptly to Google Play Store. Bethesda in a statement to Insider Gaming reads: “The Elder Scrolls: Castles is being developed by our talented mobile team behind Fallout Shelter at Bethesda Game Studios. We’re excited to share an early access version of the game with a limited number of players and listen to feedback as we improve the game over time.” “Tell your story for generations – each day in real life covers the span of an entire year in The Elder Scrolls: Castles. Train your subjects, name heirs, and maintain order to help your kingdom flourish. Will you keep your subjects happy and ensure a long life for their ruler? Or will they grow discontent and plot assassination?” the description on Google Play Store reads. “Customize your castle from the ground up, adding and expanding rooms, placing lavish decorations and inspirational monuments, and even assign subjects to workstations to ensure your castle has the resources to thrive for years to come! […] Make key decisions that impact your legacy. Will you risk a limited supply of food to aid a neighboring kingdom? How should a heated spat between your subjects be settled? Your choices determine if your rule will inspire prosperity or lead your castle to peril.” What has you most interested in The Elder Scrolls: Castles? The Elder Scrolls: Castles is currently in early access for Android.

Email Reveals Microsoft’s $8 Billion Deal For Bethesda To Boost Xbox’s Portfolio Exclusively

One of the largest concerns regarding the upcoming Xbox acquisition for Activision Blizzard is accounting for which titles will remain multiplatform and what are to be only for Xbox. Already, Microsoft has issued that the deal will stand to provide Call of Duty similar to how Minecraft is already for Microsoft; a multiplatform venture. Even more, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty did lay out listing major IPs wouldn’t be exclusive, but other properties could. However, that appeared to change after an arrangement was made with Sony Interactive Entertainment. In that, the new agreement between both Xbox & PlayStation establishes only for Call of Duty to ship for all consoles. But, other franchises & series are on a different table entirely. Much of how Microsoft’s deals have been questioned during the ongoing Activision Blizzard deal with even the FTC using the Bethesda purchase as ammo to shoot down the current acquisition.  From a new email that was submitted during the previous Microsoft v. FTC case, it reveals Microsoft’s pursuit for the deal outright. Although there has been conversations of approaching releases “case-by-case”, the deal according to Phil Spencer reveals it is to properly platform Xbox’s ecosystem. You can view the email in the image below: Of course, the email from Spencer comments on the direct approach Microsoft is taking to fully benefit from the $8 billion purchase. In a separate email in the document, corporate vice president Sarah Bond also elaborates on working to make this profitable for Xbox. “Taking an integrated view on how our investments drive revenue is a critical operational muscle that we will need to get laser focused on as we scale.” Furthermore, there is a separate document which shares exchanges between executives in an internal private chat revealing that the intent is for some if not all Xbox-acquired Bethesda titles to go completely exclusive. In that, Xbox senior finance director Jamie Lawver in an exchange with Microsoft CEO confirms that ‘all’ games will be unique to Xbox. As for the current state of Bethesda, this has proven to be the case with releases including Redfall & Starfield so far. And looking ahead, the same appears to be underway for The Elder Scrolls VI as well. In that, the Bethesda RPG appears to not be launching for PlayStation 5. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you think Microsoft’s handling of Bethesda will reflect the same for Activision Blizzard? Source: FTC, (1)

Internal Powerpoint Reveals Metrics For Xbox Game Pass

When looking over the Xbox ecosystem, it is hard to question much of where it would be if without Xbox Game Pass. Previously, ID@Xbox shared that roughly 90 percent of users would tackle a new game they wouldn’t consider outside of the subscription. However, amid the ongoing Microsoft war in the courtroom for Activision Blizzard, the Xbox firm did also acknowledge how the service could also ‘cannibalize’ titles as well. More recently, new perspective on Xbox Game Pass has been reported. In that, the subscription is now accounted for roughly 25 million users – closer to the 30 million mark potentially. Additionally, the overall population is greatly Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members; accounting for roughly 80 percent of the total subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass, it’s revealed. In a powerpoint slideshow that was submitted during the previous Microsoft v. FTC case, it reveals new aspects recorded on behalf of Xbox Game Pass. Some slides illustrate the traction, impression, and longevity Xbox Game Pass has made when originally submitted back in 2021. You can view the slides in the images below: Not only does Microsoft account for aspects including how much more players are engaging with Xbox Game Pass, its titles, and users online, but it also reflects on the number of star-struck releases that also found a spot on the library as well. “Game Pass keeps bringing the Greatest Hits in gaming,” one slide reads. It continues, “Since Launch, Game Pass members have been able to discover, engage, and share some of the most acclaimed games ever launched across console and PC. In a separate slide, the firm also accounts of 40 titles in Steams top sellers with 23 of them on Xbox Game Pass. “23 of the 40 games on Steam’s Platinum + Gold + Silver tiers in 2020 were also top tiers in the last 4 years,” a corresponding slide reads. Another slide says: “Since launch, Game Pass has delivered 60 GOTY winners from over 30 awards. “20 titles in Game Pass for PC among the top 80 most played titles on Steam,” another slide reveals. The subsequent slide then reads: 20 of the 100 Top Selling Games on Steam in 2020 are on Game Pass for PC.” What is your impression from the recorded response of Xbox Game Pass in this powerpoint from 2021? Source: FTC

Phil Spencer Shares Continued Growth Developing For Xbox In Asian Markets

After this past Tokyo Game Show, more on Microsoft’s continued drive to bring a better placement for itself in Japan has been illustrated for those that follow the Xbox firm. One of the biggest steps it is taking is with Sega as more of its new releases come to Xbox Game Pass later this year and into 2024. Even more is the confirmation on new Xbox Series console wraps coming to Japan sometime in 2023 as well, Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed. Additionally, Microsoft is eager to work on more projects that come out of Japan. Already, we saw this with the immense response of Hi-Fi Rush at the start of 2023 and the same energy carried through to Tokyo Game Show. In an interview, Spencer explained more AAA projects are planned to hit Xbox in the near future. So far, it is already confirmed Kojima Productions is working on a new Xbox Cloud Gaming project as of last year. As for the overall response for Microsoft’s ambition to bring more users to Xbox in eastern territories, he reveals that the overall growth in the market has grew immensely. You can watch the segment of the livestream in the video below: “We’ve expanded PC Game Pass to 46 markets globally, and over the past three years the number of PC Game Pass members in Asia has quadrupled. And PC Game Pass has allowed creators to bring amazing new experiences to these players. We’ve also seen strong momentum from PC gaming here in Japan. The Japanese PC gaming market has doubled in size over the last three years, so we understand the importance of making content that will appeal to Japanese PC players. “For example, since the release of our Japan World Update for Microsoft Flight Simulator, nearly 15 million flights have been flown out of the Japanese airports in the game.” Elsewhere in a separate Xbox Wire interview, corporate vice president Sarah Bond also elaborates on the pursuit to establish long-standing roots in Japan via Xbox Game Pass and content coming from developers in that nation. “Relationships in all businesses, especially in gaming – which is a creative art form – are very important. My team and I, in addition to Phil [Spencer]’s team, have invested a lot of time in building a relationship with creators here in Japan and across Asia. Game Pass enables creators to reach players who may otherwise have not known about the game, or been able to afford to buy every single game out there. “To reiterate, the relationships we build are very important, but just as important is investing to make sure our partners have an opportunity to grow their franchises, to reach new players, and to extend their engagement in their games, all the while providing a choice in how to play. This is very important and core to what I and my team invest our time in.” What is your impression so far of Microsoft’s drive to bring Xbox to the forefront in Japan?

Let’s Sing 2024 – Full Song List

Let’s Sing 2024 is an upcoming karaoke game that lets you sing your favorite songs and today, Voxler, the developers behind this game revealed the entire song list the game will feature. The disc of Let’s Sing 2024 will feature 20 songs while an additional 15 songs will be available to download for free. Here is the full tracklist: BTS – Dynamite Lady Gaga – Hold My Hand Billie Eilish – Your Power Queen – Another One Bites The Dust Imagine Dragons – Bones Shawn Mendes – When You’re Gone JVKE – Golden Hour SHAED – Trampoline Ace of Base – The Sign Lost Frequencies ft. Calum Scott – Where Are You Now Marshmello & Jonas Brothers – Leave Before You Love Me Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) John Newman – Love Me Again David Bowie – Life On Mars? LSD (Labrinth, Sia & Diplo) – Thunderclouds Ava Max – Million Dollar Baby Rosa Linn – SNAP Ed Sheeran & Elton John – Merry Christmas Tom Odell – Another Love GAYLE – abc (nicer) Lizzo – About Damn Time Meghan Trainor – Made You Look (Again) Miley Cyrus – Party in the USA Linkin Park – Lost Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere Anne-Marie – Ciao Adios Bebe Rexha – Heart Wants What It Wants P!nk – Never Gonna Not Dance Again Bailey Zimmerman – Rock And A Hard Place Luke Combs – The Kind Of Love We Make Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball David Guetta & Becky Hill & Ella Henderson – Crazy What Love Can Do Pocahontas – Colors Of The Wind Anne-Marie & Niall Horan – Our Song Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed A total of 35 songs will be available for you to sing come November 7, 2023, with Let’s Sing 2024 on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation.

Adidas reveals Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 shoes

Sony and Insomniac Games are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated game, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on October 20, 2023, and they’ve announced another brand partnership for the game. Today, Adidas revealed the Spider-Man 2 shoes they are selling now which are inspired by Peter Parker and Venom. The new Spider-Man 2 shoes are part of Adidas’ Ultra 4D Advanced Collection made up of recycled materials. This special edition sneaker features a lot of red and black with some blue and black which combines the likes of Venom and Peter Parker all in one shoe. The Adidas x Marvel Spider-Man Ultrad 4D Advanced Mens Shoes is now available for $219.99 USD at Tillys. Source: Marvel

Batman: Arkham Trilogy for Nintendo Switch has been delayed until December

Rocksteady Studios announced in June they are bringing the Batman: Arkham Trilogy to the Nintendo Switch and it would be released on October 13, 2023. On Monday, Rocksteady announced they need more time to bring players the best possible experience on Nintendo Switch meaning there is a delay to the trilogy. Batman: Arkham Trilogy will be released on December 1, 2023, for the Nintendo Switch giving a slight delay of just over a month. Rocksteady apologizes to fans who were excited to jump on the game this month. The Batman: Arkham Trilogy comes with Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Batman: Arkham City and will cost $59.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop and you can pre-order at GameStop.