When I zoom the camera on Alex’s momentarily untensed face while he’s dozing by the pool, it’s not because I’m a creep. When I pursue Ayo and Dija around the garden, keeping their feet and butts in shot as they belittle each other, it’s not because I’m a busybody and a lech. And when I pan to the lighthouse piercing the sunset beyond the security spikes, it’s not out of any feeling of wonder, or even curiosity about possible escape routes. Please understand: I do not see these people, these objects at all, just the boneless, faceless traces they leave upon my own servitude to the lens.
Woot! (which is owned by Amazon) is offering the best deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Right now you can get a 3 month code for only $36.49. Microsoft recently raised the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $19.99 per month, so now you’re saving 40% off a 3 month membership. Note that you can purchase multiple codes and apply them to your account, up to a maximum of 36 months. According to the Woot! page, this deal expires tonight so don’t hesitate.
Note: There is a coupon code “VIDEOGAMES” that takes $3 off one order. If you purchase multiple gift cards, this code will only work on a single gift card.
3 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $33.49
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to a library of hundreds of Xbox games, including day one releases. You can play them for the entirety of your membership without any restrictions. You do lose access to them once your membership is over, but if you ever decide to renew, all your past achievements and progress will be saved. You’ll also have access to Xbox Game Pass for PC. Although there aren’t nearly as many games as there are on Xbox, there are still plenty of AAA titles to keep you sated. Other perks include exclusive membership discounts, the ability to play your games across multiple devices with cloud gaming, free access to EA Play membership, as well as bonus in-game content and rewards. It is an exceptionally good – almost essential – membership for Xbox gamers. New release games are not cheap, and being able to play them without buying them will save you a lot of money and easily recoup the cost of the membership.
Warhammer über-nerd Matt has finally played a decent chunk of the upcoming third-person shooter Space Marine 2, and from what he’s played it’s far exceeded his expectations. Jesse has been sinking his time into another Warhammer 40K game, Speed Freeks , and, well… you’ll just have to listen to this week’s IGN UK Podcast to find out what he thinks. He also does way too much self-promotion, but thankfully keeps his potty mouth relatively clean for once.
Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.
It’s hard to believe that in a little under two months, we’ll be experiencing yet another brand-new Zelda title on the Nintendo Switch.
It’s seems like only yesterday that we were analysing the third and final trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, yet here we are to take a look at Nintendo’s latest bit of marketing for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. It’s the first mainline entry in the franchise to star the titular princess herself, which means the gameplay is going to be significantly different from what you’re used to with regular hero Link (or Barry, or Keith, or My Dude, or whatever you’ve christened him in the past).
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and with Game Pass. Discover more about these forthcoming titles below and explore their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Let’s dive in!
Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a cozy hidden object game that has you search for hidden objects in hand-drawn, interactive landscapes. Ignite your imagination, unleash your inner artist with the editor and share your masterpieces with the world!
Look out! This pizzeria will soon become the talk of the town! Well… at least that’s the plan. Your customers are already queuing up, so you’ll have to serve them as quickly as possible. However, that’s easier said than done! Everyone’s in a hurry and you’ll have to prepare each order correctly, or else your customers are going to get crossed! Give it your all and you’ll come out on top!
The fantastic detective story about an extraterrestrial cat named Ash and his virtual assistant, living in a metropolis governed by artificial intelligence. One day, their peaceful existence is disrupted by the sudden appearance of a computer virus that threatens all sentient programs. Ash takes on the role of a detective to unravel the mystery of this virus.
The final game in Telltale’s Sam & Max trilogy, beautifully remastered! Explore odd locales, meet eccentric characters, and solve brain-tickling puzzles in this bizarre paranormal adventure with a surprise around every corner. Jump into Max’s brain and use the Toys of Power to see the future, teleport, and read minds.
Thief Simulator 2 will transport you to a world full of valuables, expensive cars, and rustling banknotes. If you find a way to steal them. Know that a thief’s trade is not a piece of cake. To get some practice, you’ll start with petty theft. This is how you’ll gain the experience required to access more and more risky – and most importantly, more profitable – jobs.
Get ready for retro vertical shoot’em up action where you’ll face off against swarms of mythical insect baddies using shuriken, bombs and more in the ultimate fight for survival! Switch between spread and focus shot types, unlock 4 unique hoverbikes, pick up coins and permanently upgrade weapons to stack the deck in your favor for the next exciting run.
In Farewell North you take on the unique role of a border collie restoring color to your human’s world. Explore the hand-crafted, atmospheric islands inspired by the Scottish highlands and embark on a journey of companionship, trust and loss. Solve puzzles based on perspective and coloring to reveal hidden objects and paths in the environment. Find the perfect vantage point to reveal the secrets of the islands.
A new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone — or with friends — against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you.
You’re a little crow trying to prove herself to the world. Make new animal friends, poop on unsuspecting hoomans, and steal all the shiny trinkets! Each level is a little sandbox full of fun items to discover and puzzles to solve, while leaving a bit of chaos behind. Why? Just caws!
Build the most powerful and dangerous land in all of Arcadia! Stake forests, swamps, graveyards, and volcanoes, recruit monsters and create the best combinations to collect the most points to become the Overboss. Be careful – each terrain type is scored differently, and your minions must be arranged on them strategically to maximize their value!
Phantom Spark is an exhilarating high-speed racing game that will test your limits. Push for your best time in precision time-trial races across three domains full of otherworldly architecture. Take on challenges, hone your skills, and master the pathways to surpass the champions.
You are Officer Nick Cordell Jr. As a rookie beat cop fresh out of the Academy, you’re on the front line of defense for Averno’s citizens. Dive into a world of thrilling car chases, procedurally generated crimes, and a healthy dose of 1980s noir as you protect the populace and solve the mystery of your father’s murder in the line of duty.
White Day 2: The Flower That Tells Lies – Complete Edition
On the night of March 14th 2001, exactly one day after the incident at Yeondu High, four individuals return to the school in search of answers to the unsolved mysteries that haunt them. White Day 2: The Flower That Tells Lies – Complete Edition brings together the interlocking stories of all three episodes along with every released DLC into one definitive package.
Dive into the depths of darkness in this heart-pounding, visceral experience designed for those who crave fast-paced and macabre gameplay. Crush the cult of Astaroth and vanquish her hellspawn, make them squeal and hide where they came from. Enjoy this arcade horror FPS game inspired by the legends of the 90s.
Embark on an action-packed adventure in Castaway, diving players into a pixelated and retro universe. Assume the role of Martin, whose spaceship crash-landed on an uncharted island where his faithful pet was taken by hostile creatures. Retrieve your weapons and venture out to rescue your kidnapped companion in this endearing and unexpectedly dynamic world.
Hit like you mean it with FieldSense powered by Boom Tech on Xbox Series X|S. Experience how the new physics-informed dynamic tackling system unlocks realistic collisions & new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball. Evolve your strategy with a brand-new set of featured plays, from some of the game’s most inventive team playbooks. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with EA Play can try Madden NFL 25 with a 10-hour Early Access Trial starting on August 12, 2024.
Embark on an unforgettable golfing adventure with House of Golf 2 – not just a game, but an invitation to create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the virtual greens, dive into a world brimming with challenges and excitement.
An action-packed precision-platformer where you guide Ninja on his quest to climb up walls, slice through bad guys and overcome great evils! Monsters have attacked the city, and only Ninja can stop them! Grab your sword and double jump, wall-climb and otherwise precision platform your way from your home, all the way to the dark depths where the source of this evil resides…
You are a space mining apprentice with a bright future ahead. However, your superior Commander Neek would rather watch a movie than teach you anything. Can you collect crystals and survive on your own? Take control of your seeker and become the space miner you always wanted to be. Turn grid squares to destroy enemy drones before they destroy you.
Looking for some epic Dungeons and Dragons Heroes or Monsters to make your gameplay for you? Are you all in on D&D and want to fill your shelves with some collectibles? The good news is the world’s most popular tabletop game is packed with cool merch and add-ons for your game nights.
We’ve got stuck to official miniatures and action figures for this tier list because we want to make sure readers are getting great value on any purchases. Yes, you can buy products from other companies that make them for use in D&D, but these are the most lore-accurate with quality you can bet your coin purse on. There are some quality products in the unlicensed and proxy market, but these are the real McCoy!
Top 10 Dungeons & Dragons Miniatures and Action Figures
10. D&D Icons of The Realms: Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica Companion Starter Set One
This set continues the adventures of Set 10 Companion Starter One includes five fantasy miniatures for use with the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game Starter Set. Each miniature has a brilliant paint job and can be used with set two of Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica!
9. Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Snowbound Booster Brick
Each Icons of the Realms series standard booster pack contains four high-detail, acrylic-painted miniatures: one large figure and three medium or small figures. The variety and craftsmanship of these miniatures are surprisingly well done, so buying 8 packs in one is well worth it, especially for the savings.
8. Icons of The Realms: Dragonlance Booster (Set 25)
Each standard booster contains four pre-painted and pre-assembled miniatures, configured as either one large figure with three medium/small miniatures or four medium/small miniatures. There’s 49 unique miniatures to collect in total too!
This is a highly detailed, customizable D&D miniature. Pre-primed and ready to paint, it features removable eye stalks too, making it perfect for tabletop gaming, hobby painting, or as a display piece.
6. Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures: Animated Acid Breath Mini
Animated Acid Breath is a detailed, pre-primed, unpainted figure depicting a creature mid-acid attack. It looks epic on the tabletop paint or just for display, whilst sporting dynamic motion and intricate sculpting for D&D enthusiasts.
5. Icons of the Realms – Waterdeep, Dragon Heist Box Set 1
The WizKids Dungeons and Dragons Icons of the Realms – Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Box Set 1 includes detailed, pre-painted miniatures of key NPCs and creatures from the Waterdeep: Dragon Heist campaign.
4. Icons of the Realms, Monster Menagerie Booster Brick (8)
The Icons of the Realms: Monster Menagerie Booster Brick contains eight packs, each with four random pre-painted miniatures, including one large or huge figure and three medium or small figures, featuring detailed iconic monsters and characters.
3. Icons of the Realms, Juiblex, Demon Lord of Slime and Ooze
Juiblex, the Faceless Lord is a D&D demon lord of slime and ooze. A noxious creature, it exists only to consume, transforming living matter into itself. This bubbling mass with red eyes lashes out with pseudopods, obliterating its victims
2. Icons of the Realms – Adult Green Dragon Figure
The Adult Green Dragon is a huge, highly detailed figure, finished with premium paints. Recognized by its curved jawline and spiked neck plates, this iconic chromatic dragon is perfect for your miniatures collection or display shelf.
1. Icons of the Realms – Adult Red Dragon Figure
Adult Red Dragon is an epic looking detailed miniature with crimson scales and outstretched wings, making it a standout addition to any collection. Finished with a proper paint job, this iconic figure brings D&D adventures to life.
Now you’ve got all of your D&D miniatures and action figures, how do you play Dungeons and Dragons? It can be tough looking for a starting point but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
D&D: What You Need To Know
Getting into Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be overwhelming; there are so many campaigns and thousands with an encyclopedic mind about all things D&D. We’ve got you; here’s a simple guide to help you get started on your epic journey.
Begin by grasping the game’s fundamental concepts and gathering the essential materials. Once you understand the core mechanics, you can dive into character creation and start playing with a group of friends. Here’s how to get started:
Understand the Basics: D&D is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) in which players create characters and embark on adventures in a fantasy world. The game is typically played with a Dungeon Master (DM) who narrates the story and controls the non-player characters (NPCs) and monsters.
Join a Group: Find a group of friends who are interested in playing or joining an existing group. If you need help finding a local group, online platforms like Roll20 and Discord can help you connect with other players.
Create Your Character: Use the Player’s Handbook to create your first character. Think of the Player’s race, class, background, and personality. This is your chance to get creative and make someone you’d enjoy playing.
Start With a Simple Adventure: Beginners should start with a pre-written adventure. Lost Mine of Phandelver is an excellent choice for new players and DMs. It offers a balanced introduction to D&D gameplay and storytelling.
Choosing the Right Miniatures
Miniatures add a visual and tactile element to D&D, making battles and encounters more immersive. Selecting the right miniatures enhances the gameplay experience, offering a tangible representation of characters, monsters, and environments. Once you’ve got to grips, you can even considering 3D printing your very own D&D miniatures as well. Here’s a guide on what to buy to get the most out of your D&D sessions:
Player Characters (PCs): Invest in a miniature representing your character. Companies like WizKids and Reaper Miniatures offer a wide range of detailed minis for various races and classes. Look for miniatures that match your character’s description.
Monsters and NPCs: Start with basic monsters commonly encountered in early levels, such as goblins, skeletons, and wolves.
Special Sets: Consider themed sets that correspond with your campaign. For instance, if your adventure takes place in an Underdark setting, look for miniatures of drow, mind flayers, and other underworld creatures.
Terrain and Accessories: Enhance your game with terrain pieces like trees, buildings, and dungeon tiles. Companies like Dwarven Forge offer modular terrain sets that can create dynamic battlefields.
Excellent Action Figures for Collectors
For those who appreciate high-quality collectibles, D&D offers a variety of action figures that are fun to display and play with. These figures capture the essence of the game’s rich lore and are perfect for any fan, whether you want to enhance your game sessions or enjoy having them on your shelf. Here are some top picks for collectors:
WizKids Icons of the Realms Figures: These highly detailed, pre-painted figures include iconic characters and monsters from D&D lore. Figures like Drizzt Do’Urden, Beholder, and TDo’Urdene are standout pieces for any collection.
Hasbro’s D&D Icons Premium Figures offer superior articulation and intricate detailing. Characters like the Archlich Acererak and the Dragonborn Paladin are perfect for display and game use.
Funko Pop! D&D Series: Funko Pop! offers a series of D&D figures featuring characters like Minsc and Boo and monsters like the Demogorgon. These stylized figures are a fun way to show off your love for the game.
Essential Items for a D&D Game
You’ll need some essential items to set up your first game of Dungeons & Dragons. These will help ensure your sessions run smoothly and are enjoyable for everyone involved. Here’s what we recommend:
Core Rulebooks: The Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Player’s Guide, and MonstMaster’sl are the fundamental texts you’ll need.
Character Sheets: You’ll print or use physical sheets to track character stats, abilities, and progress.
Dice Set: A polyhedral dice set, including d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. Consider getting a dice tower or tray to keep the rolls contained.
Miniatures: As mentioned, invest in miniatures for player characters and commonly encountered monsters.
Battle Map and Markers: A grid-based map (often erasable) and markers to visualize combat and positioning.
Adventure Modules: Pre-written adventures for easy setup and play, or create your own!
Different Types of D&D Game Modes
D&D can be played in various modes, each offering a different style of play and experience. Understanding these modes can help you decide which type suits your group best. Here are some standard game modes:
Campaign Play is the traditional mode in which players embark on a long-term adventure, progressing their characters over many sessions. It requires a consistent group and a dedicated DM to manage the story and progression.
One-Shots: These are single-session adventures that can be completed in a few hours. They are great for introducing new players to the game or playing when a regular campaign session is impossible.
Skirmishes: These combat-focused sessions emphasize tactical battles rather than stories. Players can quickly set up scenarios and engage in fighting, making them a good choice for those who enjoy the combat mechanics of D&D.
West Marches is a style of play in which multiple DMs and a large pool of players participate in a shared world. Sessions are player-driven, and the world evolves based on the actions and discoveries of different groups.
Solo Play: While D&D is typically a group game, solo adventures and modules are available for players who want to experience the game independently.
Final Tips
Getting into D&D is more than just the game; it’s about spending time with the community, sharing stories, and having fun. Start small, engage with others, and most importantly, enjoy the process. The journey is as much about the experiences and memories you create along the way as about the adventures your character embarks on. Here are some final tips to help you along:
Start Small: You don’t need to buy anything all at once. Begin with the essentials and gradually expand your collection.
Join Online Communities: Engage with other D&D enthusiasts on forums such as Myth Weavers, social media, and websites like D&D Beyond. These communities are great for tips, inspiration, and support.
Have Fun: Remember, D&D is about storytelling, creativity, and having fun with friends. Don’t stress too much about the rules or perfection—just enjoy the adventure!
Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.
PlayStation has revealed the PC requirements for the highly anticipated God of War Ragnarok ahead of its September 19 release date.
A breakdown on the PlayStation Blog revealed God of War: Ragnarok will require a hefty 190GB of SSD storage. Running the game on recommended settings will otherwise require an Nvidia RTX 2060 Super or AMD RX 5700 equivalent GPU, an Intel i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 equivalent CPY, and 16GB of RAM.
Minimum settings, high settings, performance settings, and ultra settings were also revealed. Running God of War: Ragnarok at the bare minimum (1080p resolution and 30 frames per second on average) requires an Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD RX 5500 XT equivalent GPU and an Intel i5-4670k or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 equivalent CPU alongside 8GB of RAM.
Ultra settings demand quite a bit more, with players needing an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti or AMD RX 7900 XT equivalent GPU, and an Intel i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X equivalent CPU alongside 16GB of RAM. Running the game at all requires a PSN account too.
God of War: Ragnarok supports all major graphics card manufacturer technologies including Nvidia DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 1.3, and frame generation for all technologies utilizing that feature.
The first Splitgate was a cracker mash-up of Halo multiplayer gunfights and Portal‘s nifty spacetime windows. It was a gimmick that made flanking fun again, at least until you died to a distant rifle that was right next to you all along. Its sequel, Splitgate 2 is continuing that gimmick but is also sprucing up the free-to-play arena shooter with a few modern additions, like bum-sliding around corners and big deployable bubbles called “time domes” that slow down your enemies yet speed up your allies. All this and more comes from a gameplay trailer that went up yesterday.
The very first Legend of Zelda LEGO set is just weeks away from release, with the Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 shipping from 1st September. After initially selling out rather quickly, pre-orders are once again available with some new options appearing courtesy of the My Nintendo Store UK & Ireland.
The set – which contains 2,500 pieces and four brand-new Minifigures – can be bought on its own from the My Nintendo Store at its regular retail price of £259.99 / $299.99. However, should you also want a copy of the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which we imagine most Zelda fans probably do, you can order both to take 10% off the Great Deku Tree’s cost.
The new God Of War duology has my favourite snow in gaming. I can take or leave about 60% of everything else in them, but lawdy, that snow! In God Of War Ragnarok, the action kicks off a during the apocalyptic fimbulwinter, which is probably bad for some characters I don’t care about, but it is good for me personally, because there’s a lot of snow to play with.
Madden NFL 25 Standard Edition
