“Touch grass” has become the rallying cry for angry people on the internet, and it’s most often levelled at gamers. It’s shorthand for “go outside”, or simply “oh my god the thing you’re complaining about is SO TERMINALLY ONLINE that you really should go and do something that isn’t sitting at your computer yelling at strangers on the internet”. It’s sort of like saying “calm down”, but much more evocative: We really all should go outside more, shouldn’t we?
Skull and Bones has been delayed yet again, despite already having being delayed for the fifth time last September. It was due for March, but this latest delay pushes it back to “early” in the financial year 2023-24, which begins in July.
At least it’s (sea)faring better than three other unannounced Ubisoft games, which have been cancelled thanks to Ubisoft’s general underperforming sails. Sorry, sales.
Marvel Snap is excellent, and when you first start playing it chucks new cards at you faster than a confused magician. That slows down once you’ve got a few hours under your utility belt, but developers Second Dinner have some changes in the works that should make rarer cards easier to snag. If you’re saving up for a particular card from the Token Shop, it’s worth checking whether it’s one of 9 cards that are about to get cheaper.
The first “Series Drop” is due to land in an update on January 31st, which will also add a mode that lets you battle your buds.
Yesterday, Netflix announced the game’s arrival on mobile with a trailer. According to Netflix’s in-app description, the mobile port still features controller support and online multiplayer gameplay.
Inspired by arcade beat ’em ups of the ’90s (and including quite a few improvements to their combat systems), TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge sees the classic Turtles, along with a few newly playable characters, taking on new foes through a campaign mode and an arcade mode.
IGN gave TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge an 8 in our review, praising its “fun combat, a charming and nostalgic pixel aesthetic, and one of the best soundtracks of the year so far” despite its occasionally tedious level design.
Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they’ve contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.
In a video posted online today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment confirmed that Simon Pegg will be voicing the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Phineas Nigellus Black, in Hogwarts Legacy.
Pegg, who is famous for his roles in Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Mission Impossible, Star Trek, and more, breaks down the character’s personality traits and role within the game, describing him as “just a bit of an idiot”.
Xbox is working to reduce our environmental impact to help us reach Microsoft’s goal of being a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company by 2030 by rethinking how we design, build, distribute, and use our products.
Last March, we shared an update on our sustainability efforts across hardware, software, waste reduction, and collective action. We are constantly looking at the ways in which we can innovate, learn, and improve upon our measures, as well as continue collaborating with industry partners and game developers. We not only hold ourselves accountable to the carbon emissions in the production and distribution of our products, but to the emissions created with the use of our products in the homes of our fans as well. So, the way we design our hardware and software to be more efficient and optimized for renewable energy can have a big impact.
Today we are sharing updates that are rolling out to Xbox Insiders. The upcoming changes will create opportunities for our collective community of gamers to make choices to reduce environmental impact while gaming.
Xbox is now the first gaming console to offer carbon aware game downloads and updates
Being carbon aware means reducing carbon footprint by optimizing updates and downloads to run at a time when the console can use the most renewable energy. Windows Update became carbon aware last year for Windows 11 PCs, and now Xbox consoles are also becoming carbon aware.
When your console is plugged in, connected to the Internet and regional carbon intensity data is available, Xbox will schedule game, app, and OS updates for your console at specific times during the nightly maintenance window that may result in lower carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid. For example, instead of your Xbox waking up during the nightly maintenance window at a random time between 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM, your console will wake up at a time when it can use the most renewable energy in your local energy grid. This decreases fossil fuel dependency and CO2 emissions, and could potentially save you money. While only available to Xbox Insiders that use Shutdown (energy saving) right now, all Xbox gamers will have the chance to update soon so that your Xbox console is carbon aware.
Energy settings that help your Xbox save energy
Starting today, Xbox Insiders will notice that their Xbox Series X|S consoles automatically update to the Shutdown (energy saving) power option. This one-time update to your power settings will reduce your power consumption while your console is off, and will not affect performance, gameplay, or your console’s ability to receive overnight updates to system, games or apps. Remote features are supported while the console is powered-on; however, remote wake is not supported while the console is shut down. You can adjust your settings at any time, choosing what works best for you. Shutdown (energy saving) cuts power use by up to 20X when it’s off compared to Sleep.
As we continue to explore options for all players to reduce their environmental impact, Xbox One consoles will begin to see new power mode options, including shutdown (energy saving) as early as today. Xbox One consoles will be testing multiple messaging options to determine the best way to inform players of the change. This effort is to provide Xbox One gamers an opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.
Shutdown (energy saving) will allow Xbox One consoles to receive system, game or app downloads overnight, just like Xbox Series X|S. With Shutdown (energy saving) selected, Xbox One consoles will experience a slower boot time. Remote features are still supported while the console is powered on.
We encourage all players to learn more about the power setting options available to you. Every small step we take has larger collective impact – and choosing shutdown (energy saving) can have real, meaningful impact. For example, for every 2 consoles that switch to Shutdown (energy saving) for one year, we will save the equivalent amount of carbon removed by 1 tree planted and grown for a decade. This is based on an average of Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles on Shutdown (energy saving) for 20 hours per day for 1 year; actual energy savings and avoided emissions may vary by console and other factors. Using Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator | US EPA.
Improved sustainability with “Active hours” and Sleep
Another energy setting update that will start to roll out to Xbox Insiders today is the new “Active hours” setting. For those that select the Sleep power option, you can now adjust your console’s active hours. Your Xbox will boot quickly and will be available for remote wake during your selected active hours. When your Xbox’s active hours are done for the day, it will fully shut down and will draw 0.5 W vs. 10-15 W while active.
Xbox Series X|S active hours will be automatically enabled and scheduled based on times when the console was previously used
Xbox One consoles will have the option to configure their active hours, which will default to “always active” unless changed
How you can help
We can’t do this alone. We must work together with our players, developers, studios, and the industry if we’re going to help reduce gaming’s impact on the environment. We’re committed to collaborating with our developers, partnering with organizations, and empowering players to make more informed decisions.
Here are some specific ways you can help:
Choose the settings that help you and your Xbox save energy Choose shutdown (energy saving) as a power option on your Xbox. If you are not part of Xbox Insiders and want to adjust your settings to get the best energy saving option prior to the automatic update go to Settings > General > Power options. It will help conserve power and enable carbon aware updates on your Xbox.
Get carbon aware – Choose automatic updates. When you have configured your Xbox to get automatic updates and you have selected shutdown (energy saving) as a power option, you’ll have a carbon aware Xbox.
Shutdown sooner when inactive – Choose a shorter duration for when your Xbox will turn off when inactive. This will help to reduce the amount of time that your console will remain on when inactive before turning itself off. By default, this is set to 1 hour, but you can choose a time that is less than an hour by going to Settings > General > Power options > Customize power options.
Today we’re happy to reveal the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for January 2023. All games will be available on Tuesday January 17. Let’s dive in.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog
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Back 4 Blood | PS4, PS5
Join the war against the Ridden in a thrilling co-op first-person shooter from the creators of Left 4 Dead. With humanity’s extinction on the line, it’s up to you and your friends to take the fight to the enemy, eradicate the Ridden and reclaim the world. Fight your way through a dynamic, perilous world in a four-player co-op story campaign where you must work together to survive increasingly challenging missions. Play with up to three of your friends online or go solo and lead your team in battle. Choose from eight customizable Cleaners, one of the immune survivors, and a range of lethal weapons and items as you strategize against an ever-evolving enemy bent on your total destruction.
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Dragon Ball FighterZ | PS4
Endless spectacular fights with iconic, all-powerful fighters await in this action game from Arc System Works. Capturing the authentic anime style of the series and combining it with easy to learn but difficult to master gameplay, the game has multiple modes to keep franchise and genre fans happy. Build your dream team and sharpen your skills to master high-speed tag combinations in 3v3 Tag matches, take on all comers in ranked matches (including 6-player Party Match) online. The Story mode includes a never-before-seen scenario with a new character created under the supervision of Akira Toriyama himself.
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Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition | PS5
In Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, blistering speed meets impeccable control for an incredibly tight gameplay experience as you work your way through the thrilling story. This optimized version of the original release represents the pinnacle of stylish action! Several years after the Order of the Sword incident, a new demonic threat has invaded our world. It’s up to the legendary devil hunters Dante and Nero to stop it, with the newcomer V joining forces with them. These three men’s fates are tied together in mysterious and surprising ways. The game introduces next-gen features such as ray tracing technology and enhanced 3D audio, fan-favorite modes including Turbo Mode and Legendary Dark Knight Mode, and the inclusion of Deluxe Edition.
The PS4 version of Devil May Cry 5 will also be available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
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Life is Strange: Before the Storm | PS4
In this choice and consequence driven narrative adventure, Chloe Price, a 16 year-old rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, a beautiful and popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret it takes their new found alliance to give each other the strength to overcome their demons.
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Life is Strange | PS4
This award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. Follow the story of Max Caulfield, a photography senior who discovers she can rewind time while saving her best friend Chloe Price. The pair soon find themselves investigating the mysterious disappearance of fellow student Rachel Amber, uncovering a dark side to life in Arcadia Bay. Meanwhile, Max must quickly learn that changing the past can sometimes lead to a devastating future.
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Sayonara Wild Hearts | PS4
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a dreamy arcade game about riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph. Journey through a custom-written pop soundtrack, chase scores, and set out to find the harmony of the universe, hidden away in the hearts of Little Death and her star-crossed allies: Dancing Devils, Howling Moons, Stereo Lovers and Hermit 64.
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Jett: The Far Shore | PS4, PS5
Take an interstellar trip to carve out a future for a people haunted by oblivion in this cinematic action-adventure. As scout Mei, be the first to deploy to a mythic ocean planet. Take the helm of a ‘jett’ and explore a vast unknown – skim low over waves, roar up pristine coastlines and carve through otherworldly woods. Adapt to an intricate, systemic open world and persevere through adversity alongside an intimate ensemble cast. Embark on an exploratory single-player adventure presented in five captivating acts encompassing monumental moments, laid-back exploration, occasional white-knuckle action, moments of heartfelt companionship, and a helping of existential dread.
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Just Cause 4: Reloaded | PS4, PS5
Jump into an action-packed open-world sandbox experience and cause chaos with a wide selection of weaponry, vehicles and gear. Just Cause 4 Reloaded delivers an expansive and explosive gameplay experience in an all-new package and includes additional premium content as well as all previously released improvements and additions to the game. Strap into your wingsuit, equip your fully customizable grappling hook, and get ready to bring the thunder!
Just Cause 4 will also be available alongside the download-only Just Cause 4: Reloaded in streaming regions.
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Omno | PS4
A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders. Full of puzzles, secrets and obstacles to overcome, where the power of a lost civilisation will carry you through forests, deserts and tundras – even to the clouds. On your way you’ll discover a vibrant world full of strange and wonderful lifeforms, from cute little critters to enigmatic giants, and everything in between.
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Erica | PS4
In this innovative live-action interactive thriller, your decisions shape the narrative. Become Erica, a young lady plagued with nightmares of her father’s murder. With the traumatic events of her childhood dragged back into the light via grisly new clues, it’s up to you to unearth the shocking truth. Every choice you make influences how the game develops, with multiple endings awaiting you at the finale of the gripping branching narrative.
PlayStation Premium | Classics
Syphon Filter 3 | PS1
Special agents Gabe Logan and Lian Xing stand accused of conspiring to spread the fatal Syphon Filter virus around the world. However, the trail of treason leads straight to their former employers – The Agency, and only Gabe and Lian can uncover the covert conspiracy and stop the virus in its tracks. Missions include stealth, assassination and all-out combat, plus a wide range of mini-games including evasion, retrieval and demolition. A host of secret bonus missions and the new extended two-player deathmatch mode deliver maximum longevity and replay value. This version of Syphon Filter 3 is enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Star Wars Demolition | PS1
Choose from over 10 iconic Star Wars vehicles and battle it out across eight intense arenas and four game modes. Blast your way to victory with an arsenal that includes laser cannons, proton torpedoes and concussion missiles.
This version of Star Wars Demolition is enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Hot Shots Golf 2 | PS1
Dust down your clubs – the game for every keen golfer has just returned to the top of the leaderboard. Combining addictive gameplay and stunning visuals, Hot Shots Golf 2 delivers a comprehensive golfing experience, with a wacky sense of humor. This version is enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Ubisoft has announced that it has, for the sixth time, delayed Skull & Bones, as well as canceled three more unannounced games amid “major challenges” in the industry, the underperformance of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023, and an upcoming “restructuring.”
In a press release today, Ubisoft outlined a new strategy for the remainder of its fiscal year, as well as lowered expectations for the last fiscal quarter. Ubisoft explains the move as a result of the company “facing major challenges as the industry continues to shift towards mega-brands and long-lasting titles than [sic] can reach players across the globe, across platforms and business models.”
While Ubisoft notes its goal has been to build large, overarching, global brands, the release adds that “games from this investment phase have yet to be released, while our recent launches have not performed as well as expected.” Specifically, the press release later calls out Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope as underperforming in the final weeks of 2022 and early January despite “an ambitious marketing plan.” Just Dance 2023 underperformed as well.
Katana Zero. You know when something wriggles its way into your brain and sort of just stays there? Considering it’s been three years since Katana Zero launched, I guess it’s gotten to the point where its toothbrush is next to mine. It’s not even for the reasons you might expect, either. Yes, its side-scrolling action is so buttery smooth it should come with a cholesterol warning. Its soundtrack is sublime. It looks gorgeous. But for me, the chewiest bit is the story.
Skull and Bones has been delayed yet again, despite already having being delayed for the fifth time 
Marvel Snap is excellent, and when you first start playing it chucks new cards at you faster than a confused magician. That slows down once you’ve got a few hours under your utility belt, but developers Second Dinner have some changes in the works that should make rarer cards easier to snag. If you’re saving up for a particular card from the Token Shop, it’s worth checking whether it’s one of 9 cards that are about to get cheaper.
Katana Zero. You know when something wriggles its way into your brain and sort of just stays there? Considering it’s been three years since Katana Zero launched, I guess it’s gotten to the point where its toothbrush is next to mine. It’s not even for the reasons you might expect, either. Yes, its side-scrolling action is so buttery smooth it should come with a cholesterol warning. Its soundtrack is sublime. It looks gorgeous. But for me, the chewiest bit is the story.
Chicken Police, making this a pleasing pivot from grizzled chickens to grizzly chic ions.