We’ve been distracted by Gamescom, several game releases, the rapid dwindling of the British summer. Or I assume we have, for why else would we not have yet posted about the Steam Rhythm Fest, which began on Monday and runs until August 26th at 10am PT/6pm BRDST*.
Update: Now with a release date.
Update :
Following its brand new trailer at yesterday’s Future Games Show @ Gamescom showcase, Caravan SandWitch has now got a firm release date.
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The post Official Xbox Podcast | Deep Dive Into Towerborne appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Nintendo fans are still anxiously awaiting news on the Nintendo Switch 2, which isn’t expected to be out until after April 2025. But Amazon Games CEO Christoph Hartmann says fans should be patient, praising the Switch as a “great device” and saying that the label will support the next-gen Switch whenever it arrives.
“Yeah, we obviously plan to develop games for it and I can’t wait for it to be out. I mean, honestly, I’d rather have them wait a year and get it perfect than rush it to the market and then we all complain about what doesn’t work,” Hartmann says. “Switch has been such a fantastic product, I can wait another year if I have to. And from development, I think most non-Nintendo developers are not exclusively doing titles for the Switch. They’re always part of a portfolio mix of platform mix. Just wait.”
Hartmann’s statement is especially notable given that Amazon Games has not yet released a game on a Nintendo platform. To this point, games like New World and Lost Ark have mainly been PC releases. While Amazon Games will be releasing Throne and Liberty on console this fall, it will be supporting PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Right now we can only speculate about the Switch 2’s specs, but previous rumors have suggested that it’s at least powerful enough to support the Matrix Unreal Engine 5 demo. As for the release date, we can only guess when the Switch 2 will actually be released. We may have a clearer picture of the Switch 2’s progress should it hold its customary Nintendo Direct in September.
In the meantime, Nintendo has several games planned for the fall, including Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Looking further down the line, Nintendo is planning to release Metroid Prime 4 sometime in 2025. You can find our complete list of fall 2024’s biggest releases right here.
As for Hartmann, he talked about a range of topics in his exclusive new interview with IGN, among other things touching on Tomb Raider, the Lord of the Rings MMO, AI, and more. For more, check out all of the biggest announcements from gamescom 2024.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
The bosses in Crimson Desert are powerful. I mean really powerful. As the formidable Staglord grabbed me by the ankle and hurled me into a wall, the bone-crunching impact reminded me of how The Stranger’s blows catapulted Kratos through tree trunks and mountains in God of War. This intense, deity-like physicality lends Crimson Desert’s battles a sense of genuine spectacle – these are the gladiator battles of myths.
During an hour-long hands-on session at gamescom 2024, I was able to go toe-to-toe with three different bosses, each of which showcased a different side of this fantasy action RPG’s approach to battle. The first, the aforementioned Staglord, is perhaps the most simple (although that does the towering, barbarian-like warrior a disservice.) He’s a relentless attacker, charging across the battlefield like a bullet train that can suplex you at its final destination. But, despite his endless strength and capacity to throw you like a baseball, he’s only human. I force distance between us, quickly firing explosive arrows to knock him out of his attack pattern and open up a window to bury my blade into his back.
The Staglord proves a real challenge of a fight. Crimson Desert is not even remotely a soulslike, but it’s not afraid to make you work really hard for victory. I spend much of the lengthy fight learning the complexities of the combat system. There’s no lock-on, so I have to be mindful of where I position my character and where his sword will land. Rolling forward allows me to instantly follow up with a sweep-kick that surprises my foe, and then hitting both the light and heavy attack buttons together unleashes a wide, particle-effects spraying strike that cleaves a chunk out of the Staglord’s health bar. All this is speedy without sacrificing weight. It feels fantastic, but it’s also easy to let things run away from you – I soon realise I need to be chowing down on health-restoring food with addiction-like frequency.
With the Staglord defeated, I take his mighty sword and shield and move on to the next fight. The demo skips ahead in the story, meaning I sadly don’t get to experience any non-boss gameplay, and throws me into snow-coated lands. Here, my gruff protagonist is looking for children who have seemingly been sacrificed to some kind of mountain god. Such a ‘god’ turns out to be the White Horn; a sort of antlered abominable snowdeer that showcases just how different each of Crimson Desert’s bosses can be. This colossal creature moves like a bucking bronco and its galloping charges cause the mountains around us to break out in miniature avalanches that leave me temporarily frozen in place. Thankfully, after striking it so much that its white fur is stained almost completely red, I’m able to clamber onto its back in the fight’s second phase and stab away at its neck. The moment had me recalling my battles with towering monsters in Dragon’s Dogma 2 earlier this year.
Each boss has three health bars, with each one eliminated increasing the intensity of the fight. But where the Staglord and White Horn scraps seemed to escalate much like many other action RPG boss battles – the enemy gets angrier and starts using more devastating attacks – my final battle, against the Queen Stoneback Crab, demonstrated Crimson Desert’s ambition to create memorable moments through very different mechanics.
The Queen Stoneback Crab is colossally big. It fills the screen. And, smartly, you can’t fight it by just hacking away at its shins. Instead, the battle is a puzzle set piece that’s clearly inspired by Shadow of the Colossus. I clamber onto the Crab’s stony shell and grab onto the grass and flora that forms its ‘fur’, holding on for dear life while pulling myself up towards a trio of rock formations. Using a special punch skill I shatter each of the rocks to expose a weak point that I plunge my blade into. Each opened wound causes a geyser of water to blast out, which not only provides a visual spectacle but also throws me high into the air. From above I’m able to float down, almost Zelda paraglider-style, and plan how to tackle the next stage. Now I’m tasked with destroying the pottery-like crown at the peak of the Crab’s mountain-like shell – a task a Pearl Abyss employee explained to me is completed by swinging Spider-Man-style from a web and colliding with the pottery at full speed. Seriously. I’m not sure how I’d have figured that out on my own, but I’m pleased such a mechanic exists. It’s all delightfully bonkers.
My hour-long session isn’t quite long enough to try all four bosses the demo has to offer, but a video presentation provided a quick insight into the only one I missed: the Reed Devil, a weird little guy who creates copies of himself that can only be defeated by destroying totems that are built during the battle. Along with the three I fought, all four bosses make a promise that Crimson Desert features an array of creative, unique centrepiece battles. If they’re all like this, then Pearl Abyss really could have something special on its hands.
I’m similarly impressed by the combat system’s fundamentals. Yes, it’s all quite fantasy RPG 101 – bows, swords, shields, parries – but it’s delightfully aggressive and properly impactful. There’s a seemingly deep combo system, too, and it’s because of that I wished the demo had a section that was a little more relaxed for me to sample. The heat of a relentless boss battle isn’t quite the space to learn and perfect button sequences, but I’ve got a good feeling you can pull off some cool stuff based on the combos I did learn.
Of course, I also wish I’d seen more so I could say if Crimson Desert’s adventure chops are as strong as its boss battles. What little dialogue and story there was to introduce each boss didn’t suggest anything remotely close to, say, The Witcher 3. But, even if its writing proves lacking, a strong approach to exploration and world design could carry it far. Hopefully Pearl Abyss will showcase that soon, because so far Crimson Desert’s mix of God of War’s weighty impact and Dragon’s Dogma’s creative spectacle has me very excited indeed.
Matt Purslow is IGN’s Senior Features Editor.
Ubisoft have announced Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, a fresh instalment in the exceedingly olden turn-based strategy RPG series, which began life under New World Computing in 1984. The new game will “return to the world of Enroth and the origins of the legendary saga”, inviting “both veterans and new players” to go on a quest to Jadame, “a mysterious continent in turmoil”. Expect new factions, biomes and creatures, together with such M&M standbys as castle management, army clashes, hex-based maps, and, who knows, maybe some heroes.
Launching 2025.
Publisher Thunderful has revealed Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, a roguelite action game that serves as a sequel to the well-regard action-adventure title, Lost in Random.
Currently slated to release in 2025, it sees you take on the role of Aleksandra, formerly the Queen of Random, as she traverses a randomly-generated gauntlet in order to escape the ‘Eternal Die’. You’ll face off against a host of montrous pawns and giant board games in your quest, and you must collect a wide range of treasure that will increase your chances of survival.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
In the world of Loregok, where flocks of local dragons hunger for fame, neighborhood trolls crave funds to pay rent, and global corporate commercialism thirsts to quench its bottom line, comes a fresh source of raw entertainment — you.
Get famous or die trying when King of Meat, the most-watched, sometimes controversial, but always talked-about survival gameshow comes to Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Glowmade and published by Amazon Games, King of Meat is a hacking & slashing online co-op spectacle for one to four players, who step into the role of fearless contenders battling through ridiculous dungeons.
Contender versus Dungeon Creator is more than just the mystical world of Loregok’s greatest pastime. Beyond the glitz, glamour, and celebrity media infatuation lies the true Loregokish dream: lights, camera, carnage! How will you impress bloodthirsty, desensitised crowds of middle-class monsters in this economy? Persevere through colorful deathtraps, build your own fiendish dungeons, or outclass everyone with your distinct, soon-to-be trademark style. Contenders have the lowest life expectancy of all legal occupations, so there’s always room at the top for gory, gory glory.
Sign up now for alerts on future playtests, become a Contender in the most exciting show in the universe, and begin your road to stardom.
Some of you yearn for the spotlight as Contenders. Others may have taken a wrong turn on their way to the restroom. Those desperately seeking fame and fortune can enter joyfully unhinged dungeons built by both the developers and the community. From outrageous enemy gauntlets to methodical puzzles, nothing is off the table in King of Meat.
Conquer the seemingly endless catalogue of devious dungeons to unlock new leagues, challenges, and more. However, completion alone isn’t enough. Whether you are crowned victorious or perish anonymously, you’ll need to impress your audience with stylish weapons, outfits, combos, and over-the-top Glory Moves. Fully customize your Contender to enter the stage your way.
Do not become a Contender if you’re prone to flowing lava, spinning blades, interdimensional black holes, exploding ducks, ice physics, giant hammers, psychotic imps, or hardcore fans. Possible side effects include discomfort, loss of limbs, and of course, death. Ask your coroner if King of Meat is right for you.
Take dungeon creation into your own hands in Create Mode, where you are given the tools to create the dungeons of your dreams — and someone else’s nightmares. All of the dungeons in King of Meat have been made with the same tools that you will use to create your own fiendish playgrounds. If you can play it, you can build it.
Do you like explosive barrels? Create a room with slopes and enough explosive barrels to challenge any Contenders determined to finish your dungeon with as few jumps as possible. How about precise jumps? Add bottomless pits with rotating spikes, lava-spitting skulls, and swinging platforms that lead to multiple switches. Shh! One switch triggers even more lava-spitting skulls, while another reverses the direction of the rotating spikes.
As the company whose job it is to empower Dungeon Creators to build unpredictable dungeons, Komstruct takes everything about King of Meat very seriously. Top performers often work themselves to the bone, which has proven to be one of the greatest conservation efforts for endangered skeleton populations. How far will you go to become the most celebrated Dungeon Creator in Loregok?
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die, especially in Ironlaw Plaza where you can buy all of your favourite Contender merchandise. Develop your own style to stand out on the shelves and up at Komstruct Koliseum. Ironlaw Plaza features all of the latest trends in customization – like edible sausage hammers. You never know when you’ll grumble during a rumble.
Embrace chaotic customization across outfits, accessories, emotes, weapons, and Glory Moves. As you progress, you’ll unlock even more cosmetics. Picture your signature look advertised on video streaming platforms everywhere. A look that took you days to earn, hours to perfect, and minutes to share, will now be skipped in seconds. Which of your looks will make those seconds last a lifetime?
We cannot wait to see how Loregok will become even more ridiculous through your stylish actions, wondrous creativity, and silly contributions. King of Meat is available to wishlist now. Check out the King of Meat website for more information and to sign up for future playtests.
The post Battle Through and Build Ridiculous Dungeons for Gory, Gory Glory in King of Meat appeared first on Xbox Wire.
I recently had the opportunity to play Monster Hunter Wilds, the next installment in the hunting action series Monster Hunter, and take on a single-player quest to hunt the fanged beast Doshaguma.
Seamless, load-free traversal
Handler Alma gives players a quest to hunt down Doshaguma in the Windward Plains. Players can now take two weapons into a quest, so I selected a Switch Axe and a Light Bowgun, securing a versatile tactic of both close and long-range combat.
Once prepared, I embarked on a journey to the Windward Plains on my very own ridable Seikret. Expecting a familiar loading screen, I was instead greeted by a seamless transition into the field. That’s right, base camp is now seamlessly integrated into the game’s vast world.
Riding the nimble, invaluable Seikret
The Seikret boasts an autopilot option, which gave me a hands-free ride to the location Alma marked on my map. The beast of burden’s ability to traverse rough terrain reminded me of the Jagras and Kestodon companions from Monster Hunter World.
Even in autopilot mode, players retain control over the Seikret with the left analog stick, allowing them to deviate from the path if they spot something that piques their interest. Once done exploring, the Seikret will resume its automated journey to the Doshaguma’s locale. I was pleasantly surprised that I could still collect items and wield weapons while riding my mount..
Large Dung Pods repel packs of monsters
Upon arriving at the destination, I was met by a pack of Doshaguma, the largest of these being the quest target. After I landed a hit on the boss, the rest of the pack instantly stampeded me. Dealing with multiple monsters and the boss simultaneously added to the challenge of this hunt.
To break up the pack, the newly introduced Large Dung Pods are deemed highly effective. Firing the stinky pod at the pack causes a noxious explosion that breaks the group up. After a quick chuckle at the humorous sight of the repulsed monsters, it was time to give chase.. With a whistle I called my feathered mount – who remains nearby during my clash – back to my side. Back in the saddle, I resumed my hunt.
SOS flare summons NPC support hunters
While on my hunt for Doshaguma with Palico, an SOS Flare tutorial popped up on the screen. Existing Monster Hunter players know an SOS Flare allows players to recruit other players during quests for multiplayer play. However, in Wilds, you can enjoy the same feature and also summon NPC hunters. I’m sure Wild players will find this unique feature—allowing them to enjoy a four-player multiplayer challenge, even when playing solo—quite refreshing.
New Wound System and Focus Mode elevate the hunt
When attacking the Doshaguma with the Slash Axe, I noticed glowing red spots began to form at the impact points and quickly learned that targeting these weakpoints dealt significantly more damage. Holding the L2 trigger to activate the Focus Mode effectively maximizes the damage. In Focus Mode, a targeting reticle on the screen and a red highlight on the monster’s wounds make it easier to aim, and players can also wield a special Focus Strike for extensive damage.
Switching between weapons made easy
I didn’t forget to test my other weapon, the Light Bowgun. In Wilds, weapons can be switched even while riding the Seikret. As mentioned, the Seikret can be summoned with a whistle amid combat, and players can switch weapons with the right directional-button while riding on its back. In addition to these remarkable features, players can now use healing items or a whetstone while riding this reliable companion.
The L2 trigger, which previously activated the Aiming Mode for ranged weapons like the Light Bowgun in Monster Hunter World, now also functions as the new Focus Mode in the upcoming title. Players familiar with the Light Bowgun will likely adapt to this new Focus Mode rather quickly. When aiming a monster’s wound, landing a significant hit triggers a notification for wound destruction, creating an exemplary chance for additional attacks on the incapacitated monster.
Dramatic hunting in sandstorms
As I pursued my Doshaguma target, the weather took an unexpected turn, plunging me into a sandstorm. While it’s unclear if the hunting progress had anything to do with this change, the darkening skies and rumbling thunder heightened the thrill of the hunt’s impending climax.Lightning striking the ground nearby also caught me completely off guard. I assume that the ability to adapt to weather changes is a key factor in successful hunts.
Although my time hunting down and ultimately defeating the Doshaguma was short, I was able to experience pleasant and seamless traversal, break up packs, play with support hunters, test out the new Wound System and Focus Mode, switch weapons, and witness drastic weather changes during the playtime. I’m excited to see what other Monster Hunter Wilds information Capcom is planning to share ahead of its 2025 release.
Infinity Nikki, an open-world dress up role-playing game from former The Legend of Zelda director Kentaro Tominaga, has hit 12 million pre-registrations before a release date has even been announced.
The game’s official X/Twitter account announced the huge milestone, thanking everyone who’s signed up already and encouraging more to sign up. A total of 12,206,661 players have signed up for the game so far, but developer PaperGames’ next target is 20 million, followed by 25 and 30 million.
“Look, some airborne friends are carrying Nikki across the vast sky with their blessings,” the post said. “Thank you to all the stylists for your support and enthusiasm. There will be more surprises ahead. Let’s aim for the next goal together.”
Reaching each milestone unlocks certain bonuses for everyone who signs up, with players so far having earned 50,000 Bling, 300 Threads of Purity, and thanks to the latest milestone, three Resonite crystals.
The 20 million milestone unlocks the Far and Away 4-Star Outfit, the 25 million milestone unlocks seven more Resonite Crystals, and the 30 million milestone unlocks another 10.
“Join Momo and Nikki as they embark on a new adventure collecting various pieces of clothing, solving puzzles, and uncovering secret areas in the world,” the official synopsis reads. “Dress for the occasion and equip different outfits to gain access to abilities such as fishing, insect-catching, and floating.”
Our own preview of Infinity Nikki had positive things to say. “[We never knew dressing up could be so much fun. [Our] time with Infinity Nikki left [us] eager to try on the finished game when it eventually arrives.”
Infinity Nikki is planned for launch on PlayStation 5, PC, Android, and iOS.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
