Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.59 available today

Ready for more racing? This month’s free update from the Polyphony team comes with four new cars to rip around on your favorite GT7 circuits: the ’17 Ferrari 812 Superfast, ’01 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ’12 Suzuki Carry KC, and ’21 Honda CR-V e:HEV EX Black Edition. In addition, three new events are coming to World Circuits and Sophy, the AI racing agent, has been expanded to support the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Layout.

Update 1.59* for Gran Turismo 7 is available as of today Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00pm PDT / May 25 at 3:00pm JST / 8:00am CEST.


Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.59 available today

New cars

’01 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5)

(Can be purchased from Brand Central / Used Cars)

The peak of the 5th gen Corvette line-up revives the classic Z06 moniker.

In 1999, a hardtop model was added to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 lineup. Though it removed the detachable roof and rear hatch from the coupé, this model utilises the increased rigidity from the new design to improve driving performance. Its dedication to performance is further evident from the fact that selecting the hardtop model included an automatic upgrade to the Z51 handling package and manual transmission.

What’s more is that even with all these features, it was still cheaper than the standard coupé model. It’s no wonder that enthusiast drivers flocked to it despite its somewhat niche appeal.

From 2001, the hardtop Corvette was equipped with a 384.6 BHP LS6 engine, an improved version of the LS1, and was renamed the Z06. The Z06 name was taken from a race package option code that had existed for the C2 Corvette. It featured a full titanium exhaust which is very unusual for a production car, along with reinforced suspension components with a specially tuned wheel alignment, and was only available with a manual transmission.

However, in exchange for this wealth of equipment, there was a significant increase in the price. This made it the most expensive model yet, exceeding even the price of the convertible, which made it less obtainable to the users who had previously been attracted by its sturdy hardtop body and spartan equipment.

Even so, further improvements were made to the Z06, with the maximum output increased to 405.3 BHP in 2002. Achieving over 394.5 BHP in a small block engine was an unprecedented feat, making it one of the fastest mass-production cars in the world.

’17 Ferrari 812 Superfast

(Can be purchased from Brand Central)

Adopting the classic V12 FR layout, this Ferrari achieves blinding speed while retaining usability.

The 812 Superfast was released in 2017 as a successor to Ferrari’s historic tradition of front-engined 12-cylinder models. The 812 name itself refers to the engine’s power and layout, being ‘800 PS, 12 cylinders,’ while the Superfast moniker was carried over from the legendary ‘500 Superfast’ itself produced in 1964.

The body styling was conceived by Ferrari’s own Styling Centre. With a long nose and short deck, the body proportions are typical of a 12-cylinder front-midship layout, however the refined aerodynamics and details give it the elegant aura of modern Ferrari design.

The 788 BHP and 718 Nm (73.3 kgfm) produced by the naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 unit are routed to the rear tyres through a 7-speed DCT transaxle. The car is also notable for being the first Ferrari model to incorporate an electric power steering unit.

Additionally, the running gear features an evolved version of the 4-wheel steering setup found on the previous F12berlinetta model, dubbed the ‘Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0’ system. The prime benefit of this system is it allows the nose to turn in sharply on even the tightest corners, despite the relatively long 2,720 mm wheelbase.

With trunk space behind the seats and a spacious cargo area in the rear end, the 812 Superfast may be the perfect supercar for grand touring.

’21 Honda CR-V e:HEV EX・Black Edition 

(Can be purchased from Brand Central)

The 5th generation model of this popular SUV is the first to feature a hybrid system.

In the 1990s, Honda set their sights on creating cars for leisure activities, dubbing the category ‘Creative Movers’. The first such model was Odyssey which released to widespread commercial success in 1994, and was followed in ’95 by a high ground clearance SUV model. This was the first generation CR-V.

From then, the CR-V became a long-selling hit, especially in the North American market. Eventually reaching the model introduced here, the 2021 model which is based on the 5th generation CR-V originally introduced in 2016.

The model notable feature of the 5th generation is the introduction of a hybrid powerplant, the first ever in the series. This system combines a 2L Atkinson cycle engine with 2 electric motors, able to operate in both series or parallel. This highly efficient system also allows the petrol engine to provide power when cruising at high speeds. The availability of a 4-wheel drive option with this hybrid system further contributed to the CR-V’s popularity.

Aesthetically, many characteristics have been carried over from the previous generation model, but the body has been slightly enlarged to increase leg room for rear passengers, improving their comfort. Additionally, the car is also able to carry a large amount of luggage with over 1,100L of cargo space available just by folding down the back seats. The petrol model also featured a 3-row 7-seater layout.

The fifth generation CR-V is not only a refined SUV, it also features numerous driver assist systems like collision avoidance braking and adaptive cruise control. This makes it a perfect choice not only for leisure but for everyday driving as well.

’12 Suzuki Carry KC 

(Can be purchased from Brand Central)

A quintessential example of the ‘micro-truck’ trend that’s sweeping the globe.

Japan’s micro-car segment, known natively as ‘kei’ cars, has grown into an indispensable tool for everyday life. The kei segment of course features many passenger models, along with SUVs and sports cars too, but there are also a large number of commercial vans and trucks which support infrastructure. The Suzuki Carry is one such microtruck that reflects commercial kei cars as a whole.

The Carry has a long history behind it, which stretches back to its birth in 1961. The 10th generation model was introduced as a full model change in 1999 in order to meet changes to the kei car certification standard introduced in 1998. The model introduced here is the 2012 model, the final model of the 10th generation following several other facelift models.

The body has been enlarged over the previous generation, now measuring 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide. The engine is located under the feet of the occupants in a semi-cabover configuration, and has a displacement of only 658 cc though the initial line-up did also feature turbocharged models.

The Carry is available in a number of different model grades to fit purpose and price, but the KC is the most luxurious, featuring power steering and air conditioning as standard equipment. Along with a rear-wheel drive layout, it was also available with four-wheel drive allowing it to perform to its fullest even in the snow or on uneven mountain roads.

The kei truck’s adorable aesthetics and excellent usability have also earned it attention from overseas. Preowned Carrys have found themselves to be popular for agriculture and farming in the U.S. where right-hand drive models are automatically qualified road-worthy 25 years after their initial release. A small body housing enormous potential, the Carry is yet another example of a uniquely Japanese car finding worldwide appeal.

World Circuits (New Events)

The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’:

  • Lightweight K-Cup: Eiger Nordwand
  • American Clubman Cup 700: Autódromo de Interlagos
  • Ferrari Circuit Challenge: Deep Forest Raceway

​​

Gran Turismo Sophy

The next-generation racing AI agent, ‘Gran Turismo Sophy’ is now available on the following courses. Look for the Sophy icon in ‘Quick Race’ and ‘Custom Race’ on each track to test your skills against Sophy Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Layout.

Scapes

‘Shooting the perfect square’ has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes, enabling square-photos with geometric backgrounds for social media.

*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition Is the Next-Gen Upgrade Fans Have Been Waiting For

GSC Game World has announced S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition, a next-gen upgrade version of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy of games due out across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on May 20.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition includes upgraded versions of Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009). Expect an overhaul for each game with upgraded visuals, next-gen console optimizations, and expanded mod support.

GSC Game World said players who own the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5 already get the Enhanced Edition of the corresponding games for free.

As for PC, “to thank our loyal fans,” GSC Game World said owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games get the Enhanced Editions free, and buyers of the Enhanced Editions receive the original versions included. The trilogy is available as a bundle for $39.99 or individually at $19.99 per title.

Cross-platform saves between PC and consoles are not supported. Your saved data will be specific to the platform you are playing on.

On PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, players will have multiple frame-rate options available for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition. These options include standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS. In addition, there will be specific modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. However, these 40 FPS and 120 FPS options are exclusively available for displays that support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Edition on consoles features different graphical and performance modes, including a Quality Balanced mode, a Performance mode, and an Ultra Performance mode.

  • Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
  • Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).

(Both the Quality Balanced mode and the Ultra Performance mode are exclusively available when using a display that supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.)

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition visual upgrades (all platforms):

  • Enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination for a more immersive atmosphere.
  • Upscaled textures and detailed 3D models for NPCs, weapons, and environments.
  • Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, paired with upgraded skyboxes for a more dynamic world.
  • 4K pre-rendered cinematics for dramatic storytelling and improved weapon FOV for better combat visibility.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition console enhancements and new graphic mods (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S):

  • Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
  • Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).
  • Keyboard & Mouse Support: Available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience.
  • Mod.io Integration: Create and share mods across PC and consoles via mod.io (https://mod.io/).

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition PC features:

  • Steam Deck Optimized: Play the trilogy on the go with full Steam Deck compatibility.
  • Steam Workshop Integration: Access a vast library of user-generated mods.
  • Cloud Saves: Seamless progress backup across devices.
  • Gamepad Support: Full controller compatibility for a console-like experience on PC.

GSC Game World is the Kyiv, Ukraine developer behind last year’s successful sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Read more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has changed everything for the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine here.

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.

FBC: Firebreak is a great time, for a shooter with terrible guns

Objects of power play a crucial role in the fiction of Control, the setting for three-player co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak. In the lore, they’re archetypal artefacts that have gained strange powers. In Firebreak itself, they represent random events that can suddenly make the game’s enemies, the Hiss, more powerful for short bursts – and there’s usually enough of them that a short burst is all they need for things to get frantic quickly.

You might even say power is a major theme of this setting. Power over the control of information. The institutional power of the Federal Bureau Of Control itself, in whose brutalist, labyrinthe HQ the game is set. The power of the archetypal ideas that give the altered objects their strength. One thing you won’t be thinking about power in relation to, however, is the guns. They are, in a word or two, wilting shitlillies.

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Hogwarts Legacy Switch 1 Players Can Upgrade For $10 To Get Better Graphics And No Loading Screens on Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy will include sharper visuals, faster loading times, and make use of those all-new mouse controls, too.

As demonstrated in an all-new comparisons teaser trailer, while players of the original game had to sit through loading screens when players moved in or out of Hogsmeade, the Switch 2 version enables players to transition seamlessly from area to area.

That’s not all, either. Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2 also boosts frame rate, textures, shadows, and even the color saturation of Hogwarts and its surroundings — you can see it for yourself in the trailer below:

As for mouse controls? We’re intrigued, too. For now, though, developer Warner Bros. isn’t ready to expand on that, but we wonder if the new mouse functionality could be used while spell-casting perhaps.

Much like other Switch 1 games, players with Hogwarts Legacy on the OG system will be able to upgrade to the new, improved version for $10.

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, action, open-world role-playing-game set in the 1800s wizarding world. Beginning as a fifth year, players embark on a journey through new and familiar locations, explore and discover magical beasts, craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and customize their character to become the witch or wizard they’ve always wanted to be. It’s coming to Nintendo Switch 2 the same day the console releases, June 5.

We had an amazing time with Hogwarts Legacy, awarding it 9/10 in the IGN Hogwart’s Legacy review, writing: “in almost every way, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter RPG [we’ve] always wanted to play.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Time to change your Steam password? Data from over 89 million accounts has reportedly leaked to the dark web

Details from 89 million Steam accounts have reportedly gone up for sale on the dark web. Since RPS’s dedicated tech team have just informed me that the dark web is not the thing you get when you click ‘incognito tab’ and is actually potentially much scarier than that, you might want to consider changing your password. Or maybe not. As I say, it’s all alleged at this point.

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Helldivers 2 PlayStation Leak Suggests Players Will Fight Against the Illuminate on Super Earth Itself Next Week — and Now Gameplay of Super Earth Mega Cities Has Leaked, Too

Eagle-eyed Helldivers 2 fans have spotted what looks like a leak from PlayStation that suggests players will end up fighting back against the Illuminate on the streets of Super Earth.

This week, developer Arrowhead launched the full Illuminate invasion, adding new enemy types in the process. The in-universe wording of the invasion suggested the Illuminate were heading straight for Super Earth, and now a leak coming out of the official Czech Republic Threads account suggests that the Illuminate will not only make it to our home planet, but we’ll have to fight them off there.

Redditor xTekshi spotted the now-deleted post, which spoke of a “Heart of Democracy” update coming on May 20. While Heart of Democracy is referenced in the official working around this week’s update, neither Sony nor Arrowhead have confirmed it in relation to a May 20 release.

Adding further fuel to the fire is the fact a May 20 release would fit with the timing of the end of the current Major Order.

This all feels pretty much inevitable, and that’s the wording Sony and Arrowhead have used for this update (“High Command believes this Fleet’s ultimate objective to be the invasion of Super Earth itself” and “Battle on Super Earth is inevitable”).

So, fans think the Czech account accidentally leaked Helldivers 2’s next major update, and with it plans to fight on Super Earth itself. If true, this would be a significant upgrade for the explosive third-person action game, which currently includes alien planet maps only. Playing on Super Earth would certainly offer something different.

Warning! Spoilers for Helldivers 2 follow:

Now, in a recent development, gameplay of Super Earth Mega Cities has leaked online, via social media account IronS1ghts and their YouTube channel. The gameplay shows Super Earth as a destination in Helldivers 2. You’re able to choose from a variety of city missions, as you can on other planets (“York Supreme” is a city in North America).

On the surface we see future Earth urban areas, with the Illuminate invasion ongoing. SEAF (the equivalent of the national guard or militia) soldiers are fighting alongside the Helldivers. For me, this reminds me a lot of Halo 3: ODST, with the Covenant invading Earth.

How is this gameplay possible? Apparently the Super Earth content is in the Helldivers 2 game files already, waiting to launch.

While we wait for an official announcement, check out the details of this week’s update.

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.

Wreckfest 2 adds new cars and muddy tracks with more planned next month

Speedy fender-bender ’em up Wreckfest 2 has added two new cars to its roster of smashmobiles alongside two new tracks, including one track from the first game that’s been given a “makeover”. The racing game is still in earliest of access, so this only brings the total number of vehicles up to six, and the selection of tracks is still limited too. But it’s the start of what developers Bugbear see as steady progress, with more cars and courses set to come next month.

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Square Enix Details Plan To ‘Reboot And Awaken’ Its Business

With a focus on quality over quantity.

Square Enix has released its financial results for FY2025, detailing a rather middling performance for the company with a distinct lack of major releases.

The good news is that its HD Digital Entertainment sub-segment (i.e. the big games we’re all interested in) turned a profit, but only because a combination of lower development and marketing costs mixed with higher-than-expected sales of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake effectively outweighed the higher net sales from the previous year. So, in short, Dragon Quest saved the day.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Hideo Kojima Has an Amazing Idea for a ‘Forgetting Game’ Where the Main Character Gradually Forgets Important Information and Abilities if You Take Too Long a Break From Playing

Hideo Kojima’s Japanese radio podcast KOJI10 has been giving listeners insight into how the Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding creator thinks. In the most recent broadcast (Episode 17), Kojima shared his thoughts on how time passing in real life can be used in video games. Not only did Kojima comment on time-related mechanics he has implemented in past games, but he also revealed concepts that he hasn’t used yet. This includes an idea that he scrapped from the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Kojima is no stranger to gameplay mechanics that make use of your console or PC’s internal clock as a timer.

He starts out by mentioning two examples from 2004’s Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on the PS2. To add to the realism of surviving in the jungle, the fresh food you had acquired would go off after a few days had passed in real life. Eating rotten food could make Snake violently sick, or you could turn spoiled food into a novel weapon by throwing it at hungry enemy soldiers.

Kojima also made use of the system clock for MGS3’s cat-and-mouse boss battle against elderly sniper The End. “Although he is a really tough boss, if the player waits a week, The End will die of old age,” recalls Kojima. Indeed, if the player loads their in-battle save at least one week later, they will be treated to a cutscene in which Snake discovers that The End is dead.

“I’ve thought about having characters’ hair grow in games,” Kojima reveals. “Originally in Death Stranding 2, I was going to have Sam’s beard gradually grow out over time, and the player would have to shave it. If they didn’t, Sam would end up looking unkempt,” he explains. “However, as Norman Reedus is a big star, I didn’t want to make him look uncool!” Despite this, the director says it is still something he might add to another game one day.

Kojima also comes up with three game concepts that have the passing of time in real life as a major mechanic. The first is a kind of game of life: “It starts out with the player being born, you’re a child and then gradually over time you become an adult. In the game, you fight various enemies. Like with the previous example (MGS3’s The End), if you keep playing the game, you will become a 70 or 80 year old man. However, at this age you will be weaker, your eyesight will worsen. When you are a teenager you’ll be able to run faster but by the time you reach 60 you’ll slow down a bit,” Kojima explains, revealing that although your character will be in better physical condition when they are younger, they will have more knowledge and experience when they are older. This aging will affect your strategy as to how you deal with enemies. “But no-one would buy it!” Kojima adds, however the other people on the podcast expressed enthusiasm about playing such a “Kojima-like game.”

Another idea he mentions is a game where you are creating something that takes time to mature, such as wine or cheese. This requires the player to continue gradually playing it over a long period of time, and sounds like it would work as a background/idle game.

On the flip side, Kojima also proposes a “forgetting game” that the player would have to “play through quickly.” In this concept, the main character gradually forgets important information and abilities if you take too long a break from the game. For example, if you don’t play every day, the main character will gradually forget things such as “how to fire their gun or what their job is.” This forgetfulness builds up until finally the player is unable to move. “Players would have to take a week off work or school to play it,” Kojima laughs.

Speaking of taking time off, doubtless many Kojima fans will be doing just that when Death Stranding 2 releases on June 26. For more about the upcoming game, check out our interview with Kojima, and our impressions after playing through the first 30 hours.

Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images.

Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.

Anoxia Station review

So there’s a passage in biographical novel The Moon & Sixpence where art connoisseur Dirk Stroeve spends months helping painter Charles Strickland recover from a life-threatening illness. Once well, Strickland returns the favour by promptly nicking Dirk’s wife Blanche. Strickland eventually leaves her, Blanche gargles acid and dies, and a hangdog Dirk returns to the apartment to find Strickland’s nude painting of Blanche, mocking his heartbreak. Manic and inconsolable, Dirk grabs a paint scraper and flings himself at the painting ready to destroy it, but can’t. He’s overcome by an appreciation for the work; in awe of the object that mocks him.

I get it, really I do. I’m standing before horrible strategy game Anoxia Station, with my paint scraper, ready to gouge a hole in it for making me feel like shit. Stressed. Anxious. Irritated. Exhausted. When Anoxia Station wants to tell you that temperature has dropped to dangerous levels, it shoves a steamy, cracked-ice overlay on screen that’s so opaque it makes interacting with the game a chore. I should be furious.

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