Author: Game Infliction

‘Fallouts Like That Happen, It’s Just Part of the Deal’ — Mass Effect 1 and 2 Composer Jack Wall Discusses Why He Failed to Return for Mass Effect 3

Composer Jack Wall has discussed why he failed to return for Mass Effect 3 having created the much-loved music for the first two games in the series.

Wall worked with developer BioWare to create the 80s sci-fi music-styled soundtracks for Mass Effect, released in 2007, and its sequel, 2010’s Mass Effect 2. Mass Effect 2 in particular is often cited as one of the greatest action role-playing games ever made, and Wall’s soundtrack, which includes the rousing ‘Suicide Mission,’ is considered a series high-point by fans.

But Wall failed to return for 2012’s Mass Effect 3, which came as a shock to fans. Now, in a new interview with The Guardian, Wall discussed why, pointing to a falling out with then Mass Effect development chief Casey Hudson.

“Casey was not particularly happy with me at the end,” Wall said. “But I’m so proud of that score. It got nominated for a Bafta, and it did really well … [even if] it didn’t go as well as Casey wanted.”

The Guardian suggested a “creative tension” between Wall and Hudson, but Wall remained vague. “Fallouts like that happen, it’s just part of the deal,” he added. “It’s one of the few times in my career that’s happened, and it was a tough time, but it is what it is.”

Wall did, however, go into a bit more detail on the challenges he and BioWare faced getting Mass Effect 2 out the door and Suicide Mission into the finished product, which may provide some insight into Wall and Hudson’s relationship at the end of the project.

“It was the biggest mind-f***ing thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Wall said. “And there was no one available to walk me through it, because they were all freaking out trying to finish the game. I handed it in, and they had to do a lot of massaging on their end in order to get it to work, but they did it… and the result is still one of the best ending sequences to a game that I’ve ever played. It was worth all that effort.”

After Mass Effect 2, Wall went on to make music for Call of Duty games, most recently composing the soundtrack for Black Ops 6. BioWare, meanwhile, is currently working on the next Mass Effect game following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. BioWare is yet to announce the composer.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Ubisoft Announces Siege X, the ‘Biggest Transformation’ in Rainbow Six Siege History

Ubisoft has teased a significant evolution of Rainbow Six Siege, promising to unveil what it calls Siege X in March.

Siege X is described as “the biggest transformation in the game’s history, including new tactical gameplay, graphical and audio upgrades, and more.” This is not Rainbow Six Siege 2, rather a significant change for Rainbow Six Siege designed to set the competitive multiplayer game for its second decade of live service.

Rainbow Six Siege struggled when it launched in December 2015, but Ubisoft’s work to improve the game is seen as one of the most dramatic turnarounds in video game history alongside Final Fantasy 14 and No Man’s Sky.

In the last decade, Rainbow Six Siege has proven a reliable money-spinner even when Ubisoft’s other attempts at live service have fallen by the wayside. In recent years, when Ubisoft has found the going particularly tough, Rainbow Six Siege has helped prop up those financial reports. Now, there’s even more pressure on Siege X, given Ubisoft’s high-profile troubles.

10 years is a long time for any video game to remain relevant and financially stable, and so it makes sense that Ubisoft would want to refresh Rainbow Six Siege with a headline-grabbing evolution. Ubisoft will announce more on March 13 at the Siege X Showcase.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Daily Deals: Rise of the Ronin, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Pikmin 4, and More

The weekend is officially here, and we’ve rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Sunday, February 16, below:

Kirby and the Forgotten Land for $39.99

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is still one of the best Nintendo Switch games. Forgotten Land marks the first full 3D game in the entire series, with a massive amount of new gameplay mechanics and offerings compared to its 2D counterparts. The game also has an amazing soundtrack, which perfectly accompanies the fun and engaging environments. If you’ve yet to play Kirby and the Forgotten Land, pick the game up for a discount this weekend!

Rise of the Ronin for $39.97

Rise of the Ronin is one of the biggest 2024 PlayStation 5 exclusives to release, with the gamecoming from Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo. Set in 1863 Japan, you play as the Ronin and take down those coming from the West. This action epic offers well over 70 hours of content, with an excellent dive into a history somewhat unexplored in modern gaming.

LEGO Roses for $10.79

Who doesn’t need a pair of LEGO Roses in their life? If you’re searching for a late Valentine’s Day gift, this pair of LEGO Roses can be a great option. It’s the perfect gift to build with that special someone.

Preorder Elden Ring: Nightreign at Best Buy, Get $10 Gift Card

Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer game from FromSoftware, is set to release for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on May 30. You can explore the world and take on bosses with two other friends, making for a unique experience that’s sure to stay engaging. Best Buy has opened pre-orders for Elden Ring Nightreign, and you can score a free $10 Best Buy gift card with any pre-order for a limited time.

Fantasian Neo Dimension for $39.99

Fantasian Neo Dimension is on sale for the first time since launch! Both the PS5 and Switch versions are available for $39.99, and this is one of the best turn-based RPGs you can buy right now. With a story by Hironobu Sakaguchi and music by Nobuo Uematsu, this is one experience any RPG fan does not want to miss.

LEGO Infinity Gauntlet for $51.19

The Infinity Gauntlet is one of the most recognizable items from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and you can take it home in LEGO form at a discount this weekend! This 590 piece set includes a stand to hold up and display the Infinity Gauntlet, with each of the six Infinity Stones on display. Don’t miss out on your chance to save on this LEGO set!

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection for $39.99

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has hit a new all-time low at Woot, priced at just $39.99. The first six Final Fantasy games paved the way for the series as we see it today. Many fans still regard both Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy VI as some of the best that Final Fantasy has to offer, with gripping narratives and engaging gameplay. This package includes all six Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, which feature updated graphics, soundtracks, font, and more.

Pikmin 4 for $39.99

This weekend at Best Buy, you can save on Pikmin 4, with copies available for just $39.99. As the latest game in the Pikmin series, Pikmin 4 brings loads of new features for fans, new and old alike, to discover. In our 9/10 review, we stated, “Pikmin 4 adds variety to the series’ traditional gameplay by offering options other than the grab-and-throw formula of the past, and brings an extra helping of top-tier levels after the credits roll.”

LEGO Star Wars Mos ESPA Podrace Set for $54.39

The Mos Espa Podrace scene in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is one of the most iconic in all of Star Wars, and we’ve seen it recreated in multiple LEGO Star Wars games ever since. As part of the 25th Anniversary celebration for The Phantom Menace, LEGO released this diorama set of the Mos Espa Podrace scene. This set includes both Anakin Skywalker’s Podracer and Sebulba’s Podracer.

Apple AirPods 4 for $99.99

Amazon has the Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $99.99 today. These earbuds feature Spatial Audio, up to five hours of listening time per charge, and so much more. Apple AirPods 5 likely won’t be out for a good bit, so now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of new AirPods if your old ones are giving out.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven for $39.99

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is arguably the best entry point into the SaGa series at this time, and you can score a PS5 copy for $39.99. Acting as a full 3D remake of the 1993 release, this game features English and Japanese voiceovers, rearranged music, retooled gameplay, and more. If you’re still unsure about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, you can check out the free demo across all platforms!

Splatoon 3 for $39.99

Splatoon 3 is one of the best multiplayer games available on Nintendo Switch, with all kinds of content available across single player and multiplayer modes. It’s no secret that Splatoon is incredibly popular, and this game is no exception. At $39.99, you’ll be challenged to find a better multiplayer game at this price.

Tributes Paid After Death of Half-Life 2 and Dishonored Artist Viktor Antonov Aged 52

Viktor Antonov, visionary art director of games such as Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, has died aged 52.

Half-Life writer Marc Laidlaw confirmed the news in an automatically deleted Instagram Stories post. “Brilliant and original,” Laidlaw said of Antonov. “Made everything better.”

Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios and current president and creative director of WolfEye Studios, tweeted to say “You were instrumental to the success of Arkane Studios and an inspiration to many of us, also a friend with whom I have many fond memories.”

Antonov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and moved to Paris before entering the world of video game development in the mid-90s at Xatrix Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based studio that became Gray Matter Studios. He went on to become one of the chief creatives behind the world of Half-Life 2 for Valve, where he most famously designed Half-Life 2’s iconic City 17.

Later, Antonov worked on the influential Dishonored as visual design director at Arkane Studios, co-creating Dunwall. Outside of video games, Antonov was co-author on animated movies Renaissance and The Prodigies, and worked at an indie production company called Darewise Entertainment.

In a Reddit AMA held eight years ago, Antonov discussed his early career leading into video game development.

I was formed and started my career as a transportation designer. Then I worked in advertisement, but both of those industries were very established and didn’t offer me much choice for creative risk taking. As a designer, I was very lucky to find a brand new industry that could use my skills. At this time, the video game industry did not have clearly define positions and an artist could create entire worlds. So I joined the gaming industry relatively early: my first game was Redneck Rampage, a crazy funny experience in which I was able to create a big part of the art & world, before moving to more “serious” projects.

Antonov based the Orwellian City 17 on his childhood city of Sofia, mixing elements from Belgrade and St. Petersburg. “I wanted to capture this specific atmosphere of Eastern and Northern Europe,” Antonov said.

Most recently, Antonov appeared in Valve’s 20th anniversary documentary for Half-Life 2, where he discussed the inspiration behind his work on the project and its visual design.

Image credit: Half-Life 2: 20th Anniversary Documentary / Valve.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Guide: Best Wario Games Of All Time

Every Wario platformer, ranked.

Ahh, Wario, everyone’s favourite garlic-loving, chaos-breeding antihero. A mirror to Mario — whom he frequently competes against — Wario has been gracing the Mario franchise since 1992 when he was the main villain in the game Boy classic Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Since then, Wario has gone from strength to strength, branching out to puzzlers, golf, tennis, soccer, parties, and even getting two of his own series: Wario Land, and WarioWare.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact Brings The Fight To Switch This July

First DLC fighter revealed, physical release confirmed.

The fighting game tournament EVO hosted its awards show this weekend and also shared some special announcements.

One update, in particular, was a release date for the tag-team manga and anime fighter Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact. It will be launching for the Switch and multiple other platforms on 17th July 2025.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog First Issue Cover Art Officially Revealed

This super collab starts next month.

As part of the Batman Day celebrations last year, Sega announced a special collaboration with DC Comics, where the blue blur and friends would be teaming up with the Dark Knight and other legendary superheroes from the DC universe.

Now, in a new update, we’ve got a look at the cover of the very first issue of this unique crossover including a variant cover. As you can see, both feature Sonic’s gang and the DC crew including characters like Wonder Woman and The Flash. The first issue will be launching on 19th March 2025 with the main cover art by Pablo M. Collar (DC, Marvel) and the variant ‘B’ cover by Ethan Young (Marvel, Transformers, TMNT).

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Daily Deals: Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, LEGO Roses, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and More

The weekend is officially here, and we’ve rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, February 15, below:

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven for $38.23

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is arguably the best entry point into the SaGa series at this time, and you can score a PS5 copy for a new all-time low of $38.23. Acting as a full 3D remake of the 1993 release, this game features English and Japanese voiceovers, rearranged music, retooled gameplay, and more. If you’re still unsure about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, you can check out the free demo across all platforms!

LEGO Roses for $10.79

Who doesn’t need a pair of LEGO Roses in their life? If you’re searching for a late Valentine’s Day gift, this pair of LEGO Roses can be a great option. It’s the perfect gift to build with that special someone.

Preorder Elden Ring: Nightreign at Best Buy, Get $10 Gift Card

Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer game from FromSoftware, is set to release for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on May 30. You can explore the world and take on bosses with two other friends, making for a unique experience that’s sure to stay engaging. Best Buy has opened pre-orders for Elden Ring Nightreign, and you can score a free $10 Best Buy gift card with any pre-order for a limited time.

Fantasian Neo Dimension for $39.99

Fantasian Neo Dimension is on sale for the first time since launch! Both the PS5 and Switch versions are available for $39.99, and this is one of the best turn-based RPGs you can buy right now. With a story by Hironobu Sakaguchi and music by Nobuo Uematsu, this is one experience any RPG fan does not want to miss.

LEGO Infinity Gauntlet for $51.19

The Infinity Gauntlet is one of the most recognizable items from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and you can take it home in LEGO form at a discount this weekend! This 590 piece set includes a stand to hold up and display the Infinity Gauntlet, with each of the six Infinity Stones on display. Don’t miss out on your chance to save on this LEGO set!

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection for $39.99

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has hit a new all-time low at Woot, priced at just $39.99. The first six Final Fantasy titles paved the way for the series as we see it today. Many fans still regard both Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy VI as some of the best that Final Fantasy has to offer, with gripping narratives and engaging gameplay. This package includes all six Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, which feature updated graphics, soundtracks, font, and more.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble for $19.99

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is the return to form many Monkey Ball fans have waited years for. You’ve got over 200 courses, tons of guest characters, and all sorts of modes—what’s not to love? In our 8/10 review, we wrote, “Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a brilliant return to form. Monkey Ball has finally found its way home again with a set of 200 fantastic courses that range from delightfully charming to devilishly challenging, backed up by tight mechanics and predictable physics that put me in total control of my monkey’s fate.”

LEGO Star Wars Mos ESPA Podrace Set for $54.39

The Mos Espa Podrace scene in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is one of the most iconic in all of Star Wars, and we’ve seen it recreated in multiple LEGO Star Wars games ever since. As part of the 25th Anniversary celebration for The Phantom Menace, LEGO released this diorama set of the Mos Espa Podrace scene. This set includes both Anakin Skywalker’s Podracer and Sebulba’s Podracer.

Apple AirPods 4 for $99.99

Amazon has the Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $99.99 today. These earbuds feature Spatial Audio, up to five hours of listening time per charge, and so much more. Apple AirPods 5 likely won’t be out for a good bit, so now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of new AirPods if your old ones are giving out.