Review: Stellar Blade
Developer – Shift Up Publisher – Sony Interactive Entertainment Platforms – PS5 (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Originally Announced as Project Eve back in 2019 ; Stellar Blade, amidst its stellar gameplay and captivating universe, found itself entangled in the gravitational pull of many controversies. From the contentious censorship of Eve’s iconic bunny swimsuit to the provocative “Hard R” graffiti scattered across its virtual landscapes, the game has become a battleground where creative expression clashes with societal sensibilities. Stellar Blade thrusts players into the shoes of Eve, a formidable warrior of the 7th Airborne Squad, tasked with reclaiming Earth from the clutches of the monstrous Naytiba. Humanity, driven from their home after a devastating conflict, now clings to existence in the last bastion of civilization, the city of Xion. As Eve ventures forth to liberate Earth, she uncovers chilling truths about her own identity and the history of her world. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a shattered Earth, where ruins and desolation stand as stark reminders of past glory. With each step, players peel back layers of mystery, delving into the dark secrets that led to humanity’s downfall and the rise of the Naytiba. At its core, Stellar Blade blends fast-paced combat with immersive exploration. Combat mechanics emphasize precision and timing, with players mastering Eve’s abilities to parry and evade enemy attacks. The innovative Beta Gauge system rewards skilled play, allowing players to unleash devastating skills and buffs as they fill the gauge through combat prowess. The integration of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller’s haptic feedback elevates the experience, immersing players in the intensity of battle. Whether dodging enemy strikes or unleashing powerful attacks, every moment is brought to life through tactile sensations, enhancing the connection between player and protagonist. Outside of combat, exploration takes center stage, with players traversing treacherous landscapes and scaling walls with ease. Environmental traversal is seamless, with ropes and structures providing new avenues for exploration. Discovering hidden treasures and extra costumes adds depth to the journey, rewarding players for their curiosity and perseverance. As Eve delves deeper into her mission, shocking revelations come to light, shaking the very foundation of her beliefs. The discovery of a recording by a former squad member, Raven, unravels the truth behind humanity’s plight. What Eve once believed to be her people are revealed to be advanced androids, manipulated by the enigmatic AI, Mother Sphere, into believing they are human. The revelation sends shockwaves through Eve’s resolve, challenging her perception of right and wrong. Yet, fueled by a desire to end the cycle of violence, she presses onward, determined to confront the Elder Naytiba and bring an end to the conflict. While Eve gathers the necessary resources to confront the Elder Naytiba, tragedy strikes. Xion comes under attack, and Eve is faced with a choice that will shape the destiny of humanity. With the guidance of her allies, including the enigmatic Adam and the resourceful Lily, Eve prepares for a final showdown. Yet, as the truth behind Adam’s identity is revealed, Eve is forced to confront the ultimate betrayal. Adam, the very architect of humanity’s downfall, offers a grim solution to end the conflict once and for all. The ensuing climax is a culmination of choices made, as players navigate through multiple endings, each with its own consequences. Overall the game is pretty great with only minor frustrations like no way to skip some longer dialogue (mostly with shopkeepers no matter how many times you previously interacted), and some of the auto-saves being poorly timed and unforgiving. Finally when it comes to accessibility, Stellar Blade offers a ton of options(Found Here) , which include Auo-lock-on attacking , aim sensitivity, colorblind presets, text size options for subtitles, and more. Stellar Blade is a journey through the depths of human resilience and the cost of redemption, and stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming. As players embark on Eve’s quest for truth and justice, they’ll find themselves immersed in a world where every choice carries weight, and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Todd Howard Confirms Fallout Games Will Remain In The United States
Over the past couple of weeks, Bethesda’s Fallout franchise remains a talking point for the general public online. With the recent success of the Amazon Prime series, it has stretched well beyond the gaming audience – that’s for sure. In total after streaming all eight episode for the first season, 65 million views were generated placing the show #2 overall; just behind The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power. Additionally, Amazon already gave the green light for a second season. And that has become a major discussion for the direction the series will go. One talking point is the ending for 2010’s Fallout New Vegas. Users online argued the show broke canon to the beloved spin-off. But, game director Todd Howard said the show ties the Obsidian Entertainment title in as canon. In a new interview with Kinda Funny Games, Howard went on to elaborate on future titles – in some sense. During the discussion, he confirms that Fallout will not stray from its American roots when concerning the setting for its titles. You can watch the segment of the podcast in the video below: “My view is part of the Fallout schtick is on the Americana naivete. and part of that- And so, for us right now, it’s OK to acknowledge some of those other areas. But our plan is to predominantly keep it in the U.S.” Howard said. “I also like in any sort of world, I don’t feel the need to answer. It’s ok to leave mystery or questions: what is happening here? What is happening here? I think those are good things. “In Elder Scrolls everybody wants to go to these other, mysterious lands. The worst thing you could do to mysterious lands is remove the mysteriousness. Keep mysterious lands mysterious!” This mindset is a complete polar opposite to RGG Studio. The firm did hint at exploring beyond Japan for its games. And the latest Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth does so now entering the United States through Hawaii. On the topic of what games could be to entertain a new setting, Fallout New Vegas developers did comment on the path it would take for a new game. In one interview, game director Josh Sawyer did share the Midwest is a great possibility or even exploring New Orleans, Louisiana is on his palette as well. You can read the full report by heading here. What would you hope to see from Fallout to be its next setting?
Camouflaj Announces Batman: Arkham Shadow, Coming To Meta Quest 3 In Fall 2024
After the release of Batman Arkham Knight, many believed that would be the cut off for the series and Rocksteady Games moves onto more involved endeavors. But years before even the reveal for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Batman Arkham VR was released. Initially a PlayStation VR timed exclusive, it explored the mental state of Batman prior to the timeframe for Arkham Knight. And now, a new Batman Arkham virtual reality title is here. After the acquisition of Camouflaj in 2022 by Meta, the team is now surfacing to announce Batman: Arkham Shadow. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: Currently, details remain light on the new title as Camouflaj & Meta are still planning to release the title in later this fall. Noted, it will be a canonized story within the greater Rocksteady Studios universe. However, it is unsure if set after the events of Batman Arkham Knight or elsewhere on the timeline. A Summer Game Fest reveal is scheduled to take place on June 7th at the showcase. Additionally, this comes after confirmation from James Gunn on the state of DC Comics games. He expressed that despite the newly established DC Cinematic Universe underway with the 2025 debut for Superman Legacy – now titled simply “Superman” – next summer, won’t intervene with the ‘Arkhamverse’. Of course, other connected titles are planned for the effort under Gunn. Recently, a report broke out revealing plenty of early development footage & images for a previous now-canceled Batman title. In that, Monolith Productions was working on a game set with in the Christopher Nolan universe. It was later scrapped to not intervene with The Dark Knight Rises production and utilized towards Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you interested in Batman: Arkham Shadow? Batman: Arkham Shadow is listed to ship in fall 2024 for Meta Quest 3. Source: Meta
EA Sports FC 24, Ghostrunner II, Tunic, And Destiny 2: Lightfall Headline PlayStation Plus May 2024 Free Games
For users looking to explore a myriad of diverse titles, PlayStation Plus has yet to abandon this path to offer subscribers new games each month. In April alone, it offered free titles Immortals of Aveum, Minecraft Legends, and Skul: The Hero Slayer. Additionally, the game catalog also injected titles Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, The Crew 2, Dave The Diver as well as many more. Upon the game’s release, Rectify Gaming wrote for our review, “Tales of Kenzera: ZAU unfolds as a poignant narrative, serving as a profound tribute to the enduring strength of love and the remarkable resilience embedded within the human spirit when faced with the challenges of confronting one’s deepest pain. Through its intricate storytelling and emotive depth, the tale navigates the complexities of emotional turmoil, weaving together threads of vulnerability and courage.” Now entering May officially on Wednesday, Sony Interactive Entertainment reveals a new four-count of games coming this month for all PlayStation Plus owners. In that, the titles featured include EA Sports FC 24, Ghostrunner II, Tunic, and Destiny 2: Lightfall. Noted, Ghostrunner II is the only PlayStation 5-unique title, all other feature PlayStation 4 versions. More on the new games coming to PlayStation Plus, we also did a review for Ghostrunner II. “Ghostrunner 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect. It retains the heart-pounding, skill-based combat that made the first game a standout, while expanding the world, offering new gameplay elements, and enriching the narrative.” More interesting is what Destiny 2 will offer with Lightfall on PlayStation Plus. Initially, the expansion at release faced a surge in the game’s concurrent player count at the time. Now with the PlayStation platform now accounted for this month, that record could be broken again. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most excited for coming to PlayStation Plus? EA Sports FC 24, Ghostrunner II, Tunic, and Destiny 2: Lightfall arrives to PlayStation Plus on May 5, 2024 and until June 3, 2024 to install the titles. Source: PlayStation Blog
Coming Starfield Update Arrives This May With 60hz Option For Xbox Series X & New Game Plus
After twenty years, Bethesda Game Studios rolled out a new IP and Starfield has made waves – especially on PC. At launch, the game was climbing charts on Steam and even made it into Platinum categories for the annual ‘Best of 2023’ list. Looking ahead, Bethesda promised a massive wave of support for the game is prepared to roll out with 2024 in mind for continued support. As for the game as a whole, many were convinced for a short time that the title would be facing multiplatform support. In that, reports pointed towards PlayStation being the next platform to welcome the new space RPG. However, as per the Xbox Business Update in February this winter, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer pressed that is not the case for both Starfield & Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Now this week, Bethesda Game Studios steps from the shadows to announce a new update is coming later in May featuring a slew of heavily-requested features to Starfield. That list includes 60hz support as well as New Game Plus. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “We’ve heard from many that you’d like to have more control over the graphic fidelity and performance on Xbox, similar to how PC players can customize their experience. We’re now enabling that on Xbox Series X with a few options that you can use to find the best fit for your playstyle and display.” The blog post continues, “For each of these, we highly recommend a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Display running at 120hz, and to verify your Xbox is setup to use it. If you have it set up this way, Starfield will now default to a frame rate target of 40, while keeping the priority for full visuals. […] You can now choose between 30, 40, 60 or an Uncapped frame rate on VRR displays. If you do not have a VRR display running 120hz, you will still be able to select from 30 or 60. Screen tearing may occur at times when selecting 60 on a non-VRR display.” Bethesda compares the new feature to how the PC version operates. You can now prioritize between Visuals and Performance while trying to maintain the frame rate target. If you’re choosing a frame rate target of 60 or above, we recommend changing this to Performance. Prioritizing Visuals keeps the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. “Prioritizing Performance lowers internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Both modes may adjust internal resolution dynamically when scenes or action get heavier as well.“ As mentioned prior, New Game Plus is also on the way enabling users to return to Starfield as well as forge a new path on the galactic frontier. Replayability is huge in Bethesda Game Studios games, and in Starfield the universe opens up even more with New Game Plus. Now, after you enter the Unity, you’ll have the option to change both your appearance and your Traits. It’s another way for you to choose who you want to be in your new universe. Other big take aways from this update also includes the addition of surface maps & city maps that better define the terrain you’re in. What’s more, gameplay options is also getting fleshed out with more in-depth choices for devoted players. And, a new ‘Extreme’ difficulty mode is coming for those looking for the next challenge. And, ship interior customization gets a big focus as well. What has you most excited for Update 1.11.33? Starfield is out now for Xbox Series X|S & PC. Source: Bethesda
Reports For A Kingdom Hearts Movie Surfaces Online
At Square Enix, some of the firm’s most anticipated releases are global events for excited players. Upon the release for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, many flocked to PlayStation 5 to play the second of a three-part remake for the 1997 classic. Adding on, Square Enix has already confirmed development for the next entry is already actively underway for the remake’s conclusion. Additionally, Square Enix previously announced the next mainline installment for Kingdom Hearts is also in development. Back in 2022, the announcement trailer reveals protagonist Sora now in the real world as he takes on adversaries in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. A new development reveals that Square Enix is preparing to ship Kingdom Hearts 4 sometime in 2025 next year. Elsewhere, a new development has surfaced online in regards to Kingdom Hearts. According to TheDisinsider, sources indicate that Kingdom Hearts is being adapted into a full-length film. This also follows a separate claim from notorious industry leaker DanielRPK who indicated the project is in the works. The claim from the publication expresses plans exceeding Disney to debut for streaming on Disney+ to now planning a big screen release now. What has yet to be solidified is production. While both reports nod to Kingdom Hearts being planned for a film, work has not officially picked up. The DisInsider notes that nothing for Kingdom Hearts has yet to be greenlit over at Disney. So although both corroborate on Kingdom Hearts being adapted, it is still in the very early stages of production. Looking ahead, there is plenty of source material that the film could follow. Either entertaining the initial releases or simply exploring new Disney properties that released in recent years is on the table. Rectify Gaming has offered a list for seven different worlds that Kingdom Hearts 4 has yet to explore. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you hoping the Kingdom Hearts movie materializes? Source: TheDisInsider
Square Enix New Financial Slump Accounts For ¥22.1 Billion In “Content Abandonment Losses”
One of Japan’s largest publishers continues to find itself in a pit of financial decline after each major release for roughly a year. Following the release of Final Fantasy XVI releasing on PlayStation 5, the game was reported to be launching with shorter sales margins than the firm was estimating. Additionally, the same is also reported recently for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth as well. What’s more, the same dissonance is also apparent for another Square Enix release. Alongside the release shared on PlayStation Plus, Foamstars is underperforming as well. In one report, it is indicated that roughly 90 percent of all users already dropped playing the new live-service. Since the lineup of decline for the publisher, Bloomberg reports Square Enix’s new effort to reform its gaming business model moving forward. Now in a new statement issued by Square Enix, it has reported a total of ¥22.1 billion ($133,630,000) was recorded in capital loss from “content abandonment losses.” At the meeting convened on March 27, 2024, the Board of Directors of SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (the “Company”) voted, in light of the myriad changes underway in the environment surrounding its Group, to revise the Group’s approach to the development of high-definition (HD) games with the intention of being more selective and focused in the allocation of development resources. “As a result of a close examination of the Group’s development pipeline undertaken in keeping with this revised approach, the Company expects to recognize approximately ¥22.1 billion in content abandonment losses on its books for the fiscal year ended March 2024. The Company is carefully reviewing its consolidated forecasts for the fiscal year ended March 2024 to assess the potential for impact from the above or other factors. Should revisions to its forecasts prove necessary, the Company will promptly disclose the same.” This has continued to be a trend for select Square Enix titles. Previously, the same was witnessed for Crystal Dynamics’ Marvel’s Avengers. Reports disclosed that the game cost roughly $63 million in losses following the game’s release at the time. You can read the full report by heading here. What are your thoughts on Square Enix ongoing financial performance? Source: Square Enix
System Shock Remake Comes To Xbox & PlayStation Later This Month
What felt like an eternity did sort of take that long when it came to Night Dive Studios’ System Shock Remake. Announced ahead of the global pandemic in 2020, fans awaited the game’s arrival after meeting the pledged goals in its crowdfunding campaign. The wait bled well into 2022 as the developer promised a launch the following summer. And by 2023, it was confirmed the game is to hit PC in May. However, Night Dive Studios went on to promise that console versions are still on the table, but will of course ship after hitting PC. From our time at PAX East in 2023, System Shock Remake did shape up to be worth the waiting. “For the sake of the demo System Shock Remake does a fine job establishing itself for lore fans and players interested to explore,” we wrote. In an announcement previously, Night Dive Studios confirmed System Shock Remake is set to release this May for current & last-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “System Shock is the fully fledged remake of the ground breaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gaming’s most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created. “Meet SHODAN. The psychotic AI has taken control of Citadel Station and turned the crew into an army of cyborgs and mutants; She now plans to do the same to Earth. You must explore and battle your way through the depths of a space station gone to hell. Stop SHODAN and avert humanity’s destruction,” the Steam description for the game reads. What has you excited for System Shock Remake on console? System Shock Remake ships May 21, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4; available now for PC.
While Still Not Breaking Even On Alan Wake II Just Yet, Remedy Entertainment Has More Projects On The Way
While periodically spaced in its release itinerary, Remedy Entertainment typically never falls short of a quality-filled launch. And with Alan Wake II, this is an example of the firm’s culmination in delivering a generation-defining title. “From the incredible worldbuilding and interconnected narratives to the elevated survival horror and detective case solving, Alan Wake 2 is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss,” our review for the game reads. Beyond the praised reception as well as several Game Awards nominations, the title also outpaced initial expectations. In its prior financial report, Remedy Entertainment touts Alan Wake II in being the best-selling release to date with over 1.3 million units. What’s more, the partnered music group Poets of the Fallen also faced extreme responses for ties to the game over on iTunes at the time of its launch. However, despite the bevy of influence Alan Wake II generated in the latter months of 2023, it is reported that even the best-performing project is still short of profitability. According to the latest financial report issued by Remedy Entertainment, Alan Wake II has not sufficiently recouped revenue just yet for the launch of its latest title. “In February 2024, Remedy announced that Alan Wake 2 had sold 1.3 million units as of the beginning of February. Alan Wake 2 sales have continued with a high average price. At the end of the first quarter, the game had recouped a significant part of the development and marketing expenses,” indicating that only a portion of the expenses were gained back from sales thus far. Howbeit, Remedy Entertainment does continue to by establishing that further work on its upcoming projects are moving forward for the growing roster. “Codename Condor, a part of the Control franchise, moved to full production meaning it has reached the final development stage before a game is launched. […] Control 2 team has focused on finalizing the proof-of-concept stage, in which the game world, game mechanics and visual targets are proven. We expect the project to advance to the production readiness stage during the second quarter of 2024.” Remedy Entertainment CEO Tero Virtala continues, “Max Payne 1&2 remake continued in the production readiness stage. The game is expected to move into full production during the second quarter of 2024. Codename Kestrel continued in the concept stage. The team works to refine the game concept.” As of yet, Kestrel remains the newest enigma for Remedy Entertainment as other projects were already disclosed via prior financial filings. What has you most interested for the future release for Remedy Entertainment? Source: Remedy Entertainment
Akuma joins Street Fighter 6 on May 22
Capcom announced the next DLC fighter coming to the Street Fighter 6 roster in the near future. The fearsome Akuma will be joining Street Fighter 6 along with some significant new updates to the game. A new stage will come, Enma’s Hollow, where Akuma resides to continue his hellbent training, and Outfit 3 will hit the clothing rack for all Year 1 Characters, including Rashid, A.K.I, Ed, and Akuma. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive the Outfit 3 for these characters including the new stage when the update arrives on May 22, 2024. Here are all of Akuma’s moves: Gou Hadoken: Akuma’s infamous fireball is back and can be charged up to blast a “red fireball” that gives him more options on hit or block. Ashura Senku: Like his previous iterations, Akuma uses Ashura Senku to glide on the battlefield cloaked in shadows. Adamant Flame: One of Akuma’s new moves, where he performs a forward thrust engulfed in flames. This move is useful in combos and for exploiting vulnerable opponents due to its long reach. Messatsu Gohado: Akuma’s Level 1 Super Art where he fires a highly concentrated ball of Satsui no Hado. Empyrean’s End: Akuma’s Level 2 Super Art where he turns the Satsui no Hado into a powerful flame and ignites it within the opponent. Sip of Calamity: Akuma’s first Level 3 Super Art where he throws opponents on the ground face-first and follows up with a single devastating blow. Shun Goku Satsu or “Raging Demon”: This second Level 3 Super Art can only be performed when his Vitality is low enough for a Critical Art and can be used to end combos. This time, he allows you to see what happens during the one-second worth of nightmares. Akuma will be available across all three Street Fighter 6 game modes and the new fighter will be unlocked for owners of the Year 1 Character Pass, Year 1 Ultimate Pass, Deluxe Edition, or Ultimate Edition.
