Category: Video Games

Pokémon TCG: Full Release Schedule for 2024

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to thrive in 2024, compelling everyone from kids to adults, and certain individuals in art galleries to “catch ’em all!” maybe a little too enthusiastically. This year’s lineup is packed with thrilling releases, from new mechanics to nostalgic throwbacks. It’s been a good run already, but here’s what’s on the slate for the rest of the year. Plus, keep an eye out on IGN as we watch over the best deals for Pokémon TCG here and on socials via @IGNDeals

Upcoming Pokémon TCG Sets In 2024

Pokémon TCG: Stellar Crown (September 13th)

Stellar Crown is set to launch on September 13, 2024, as the seventh main expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series. This highly anticipated set introduces the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos and a new wave of Stellar-type Tera Pokémon. With over 170 cards, including over a dozen new Pokémon ex and a variety of Trainer and ACE SPEC cards, Stellar Crown is packed with powerful new mechanics and stunning artwork.

Fans can look forward to the first English appearances of Illustration Rare cards for classics like Squirtle and Bulbasaur, alongside chase cards like Special Illustration Rare versions of Hydrapple ex, Galvantual ex, and Terapagos ex. This set also introduces innovative strategies with cards like Briar, Sparkling Crystal, and the ACE SPEC Stadium card Great Tree, which could revolutionize Tera-focused decks.

Pokémon TCG: Surging Sparks (November 3rd)

Releasing on November 8, 2024, Surging Sparks will be the last Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet series main expansion for 2024. Adapted from the Japanese sets Supercharged Breaker and Paradise Dragona, this expansion combines the raw power of electric Pokémon with the majestic strength of Dragon-types like Alolan Exeggutor ex and Latias ex.

With over 250 cards, including new ACE SPEC cards and Stellar Tera ex Pokémon, Surging Sparks has exciting new additions that will shake up the competitive scene and include some epic chase cards for collectors. Beyond the headlining Pikachu ex, Surging Sparks offers a diverse range of powerful cards, including nine regular ex Tera Pokémon, 23 illustration rares, and six golden secret rares, making it a must-have for any serious Pokémon TCG fan.

Honorable Mention: Pokémon TCG Trick or Trade Booster Bundles

If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit a little bit early, Pokémon’s 2024 Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle is officially available to buy for $14.99 (see it at Amazon). This year’s bundle comes with 35 mini packs that each contain 3 cards, so there’s plenty of treats within to enjoy.

The BOOster bundle makes for a fun alternative to candy to give out on Halloween night. And if you were to hold onto a pack or two (or 10) for yourself, who’s to know or care? Check it out at various retailers at the links below.

Pokémon TCG 2024 – Released Sets So Far

Recent Releases: Shrouded Fable (August 2nd, 2024)

Shrouded Fable brings Pokémon from the Mochi Mayhem mission to the TCG. This set features woodcut-style illustration rares and introduces new ex-cards for Pecharunt and The Loyal Three. With unique cards and showcase collections, Shrouded Fable promises to be a visually stunning and strategically rich set.

Recent Releases: Twilight Masquerade (May 24)

Twilight Masquerade is inspired by the Teal Mask DLC from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This set features four different Ogerpon ex cards, each with unique types and abilities based on the mask it wears. New Ace Spec cards are also introduced, adding strategic depth to the game.

Stay tuned for more exciting Pokémon TCG releases throughout 2024. With each set bringing unique themes and mechanics, there’s something for every fan to enjoy. While waiting, why not check out today’s best Pokémon TCG deals? That’s right, we’re that awesome!

Paldean Fates Set (January 26th – February 23rd)

Paldean Fates released in three waves, offering a unique approach with no individual booster packs. Instead, products like the Elite Trainer Box and Premium Collections provided a variety of boosters and exclusive cards. The set’s focus on Shiny and Baby, Shiny Pokémon with vibrant foil treatments, made it a hit among collectors and players alike.

Combined Powers Premium Collection (Late February 2024)

This collection brought back exclusive cards from the 2023 Pokémon TCG Classic set, offering a more affordable way to acquire these Legendary Pokémon. With foil variants and multiple booster packs, it was a must-have for collectors and competitive players.

Mabosstiff ex Box (Late February 2024)

This box features the Dark-type Pokémon Mabosstiff ex and its Basic form, Maschiff. It provides powerful cards with efficient energy costs. Including four booster packs, it’s a practical addition for players looking to strengthen their Dark decks.

Houndoom and Melmetal ex-Battle Decks (February 23)

These ex-Battle Decks were perfect for intermediate players. They offered ready-to-play decks focused on specific Pokémon types. The balanced design and included accessories made them great for refining strategies and exploring new deck combinations.

Paldea Adventure Chest (March 1st, 2024)

Though aimed at younger fans, the Paldea Adventure Chest included valuable promo cards and fun accessories. The high price might be a barrier for some, but the unique contents and attractive packaging made it a delightful addition to any collection.

2023 World Championship Decks (March 1)

These decks offered a glimpse into the strategies of world champions, providing excellent value with powerful cards and themed accessories. While not tournament-legal, they were ideal for casual play and honing advanced tactics.

Ninetales and Zapdos Deluxe ex Battle Decks (March 22)

Arriving on March 22nd, the Deluxe ex Battle Decks feature Ninetales ex and Zapdos ex. These decks are designed for experienced players and include a Pokémon coin, themed playmat, damage counters, condition markers, a strategy sheet, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Temporal Forces (March 22)

Temporal Forces, releasing on March 22nd, is the next main set following Paradox Rift. It includes booster packs, boxes, and two Elite Trainer Boxes, each with its exclusive foil promo card and themed accessories. This set continues exploring time-based mechanics, offering exciting new cards and gameplay possibilities.

Iono Premium Tournament Collection (April 5th, 2024)

The Iono Premium Tournament Collection, launching on April 5th, celebrates the popular Supporter Iono with themed accessories, booster packs, and four Iono cards, including a full art variant. This collection is ideal for fans looking to enhance their decks with powerful support cards and stylish accessories.

Grafaiai ex Box (April 5)

Releasing alongside the Iono Premium Tournament Collection, the Grafaiai ex Box includes:

  • A foil Grafaiai ex card.
  • An oversized version.
  • A holographic Shroodle card.
  • Four booster packs.
  • A Pokémon TCG Live code card.

We also have a full preview schedule available for Magic the Gathering, if you’re interested in cracking on with some other collectible card games this year.

Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s First Update Detailed

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 publisher Focus Interactive and developer Saber Interactive have detailed the game’s first update.

The patch, due out this week, “should” make:

  • Multiple crashfix (start of the game, 1st cutscene crash, etc…)
  • Improvement to CPU overheat issue
  • Server improvements
  • Render bug improvements

Since Space Marine 2’s early access launch, players have complained about numerous server problems and crash issues. The server problems in particular, and the dreaded “joining server bug,” have made co-op play difficult for some problems, and even caused lost progression and rewards.

Space Marine 2’s global release date is today, September 9, so it’s early days in the melee shooter’s life. But already its developers have talked about upcoming changes. IGN has reported on the addition of class matching for co-op, after players found themselves locked in a class standoff ahead of Operations mode missions.

Meanwhile, we also have details on what fans can expect from Space Marine 2’s seasonal post-launch content model. Season 2 runs from October until the end of 2024, and includes a new Operations map, a new enemy, a harder difficulty level, a new weapon, and various other improvements.

Generally speaking, Space Marine 2 has enjoyed a huge early access launch and it looks set for increased popularity as it heads into its first full weekend on sale. IGN’s Space Marine 2 review returned an 8/10. We said: “Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 may not break the third-person shooter mold, but it looks amazing, makes good use of its Warhammer lore, and has brutal combat that just feels great.”

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.

In strategy card game Roots Devour you are that tree the villagers warn people away from

I recently moved to a suburban neighbourhood where there is lots of relatively “wild” parkland and a few raggedy patches of woodland. I like to walk in the woods around evening time, after a hard day of writing stupid listicles about Call Of Duty. Forests are a critical preoccupation of mine, actually – check this lumpen thinkypiece I wrote about Alan Wake 2 – but they’re also spaces for retreat and reflection, where I can shrug off the angst and lose myself in the spectacle of sycamores and silverbirch, arching over the path. Except. Except that sooner or later I start thinking about the roots.

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Tears Of The Kingdom’s Master Works Has Some Suggestions On Kass’ Whereabouts

No light to illuminate our paths.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is absolutely stuffed to the brim with characters, mechanics, enemies, and things to do. However, one glaring omission is Kass, Breath of the Wild‘s travelling Rito minstrel. Luckily for fans, the recently released Master Works Book does propose a few scenarios as to where Kass may be in the sequel.

Zelda Lore shared an excerpt of the book on Twitter (thanks to Gaming Reinvented for the tip) which covers the potential whereabouts of Kass in Tears of the Kingdom. The bird isn’t present in Hyrule at all in the game, with no explanation at all given for his absence. He’s not even mentioned. At least, until the Master Works book.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Tune in tomorrow for a PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation hosted by Mark Cerny

Join us for a streamed presentation hosted by Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of the PS5 console. The 9-minute Technical Presentation will focus on PS5 and innovations in gaming technology.

How to watch

The stream will be broadcast in English on the PlayStation YouTube channel September 10 at 8:00am PT / 11:00am ET / 4:00pm BST.

Regarding co-streaming and video-on-demand (VOD)

Please note that this broadcast may include copyrighted content (e.g. licensed music) that PlayStation does not control. We welcome and celebrate our amazing co-streamers and creators, but licensing agreements outside our control could interfere with co-streams or VOD archives of this broadcast. If you’re planning to save this broadcast as a VOD to create recap videos, or to repost clips or segments from the show, we advise omitting any copyrighted music.

Destiny 2 Set for ‘Major Changes’ as Bungie Battles to Win Back Players

Destiny 2 is set for what developer Bungie has called “major changes” as it works to win back players amid troubling times at the studio.

The live service first-person shooter, currently seeing its lowest concurrent player count ever on PC platform Steam, will adopt a new model moving forward that includes the release of two medium-sized expansions and four major free content updates annually, Bungie said.

“This evolution aims to enhance the player experience through a new multi-year saga, introducing a non-linear story, more systemic innovation, and significant improvements to core game activities and rewards,” Bungie said.

This new expansion model kicks off with Codename Apollo, a nonlinear character-driven adventure due out in the summer of 2025. The winter 2025 expansion is Codename Behemoth, with the fourth major update of the 12-month period following the release of Codename Apollo due out spring 2026. Each expansion includes new stories, locations, missions, weapons, gear, raids, and dungeons.

The news arrives following a period of speculation and unrest within the Destiny community about the franchise’s future at Bungie. Uncertainty grew when the Sony-owned studio announced it would cut 220 staff in late July, with an additional 155 workers planned to move from Bungie into Sony Interactive Entertainment in the coming months. That left the developer with around 850 employees.

“I realize all of this is hard news, especially following the success we have seen with The Final Shape,” controversial studio head Pete Parsons said in a statement. “But as we’ve navigated the broader economic realities over the last year, and after exhausting all other mitigation options, this has become a necessary decision to refocus our studio and our business with more realistic goals and viable financials.”

Bloomberg then reported that Bungie would move away from large expansions and instead focus on smaller, potentially free updates for Destiny 2. Bungie reportedly has no plans for Destiny 3 and has canceled a Destiny spinoff project known as Payback. Development on its Marathon revival is said to still be ongoing.

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.

Astro Bot End Credits Spark Cameo DLC Speculation

Astro Bot’s end credits thank the various third-party developers and publishers who licensed their characters for use as cameo bots — including those currently not in the game.

The PlayStation 5 exclusive 3D platformer features 173 bot cameos from PlayStation games past and present (check out IGN’s feature, Astro Bot: Every PlayStation Character – Easter Eggs, for more).

But, as VGC spotted, Astro Bot’s end credits thank various companies whose characters have so far failed to show up, prompting speculation that the credits point to upcoming DLC.

Warning! Potential Astro Bot spoilers ahead:

The credits thank Ubisoft, for example, for the inclusion of Assassin’s Creed, Beyond Good & Evil, and Rayman, even though characters from those franchises are not in the game yet.

There’s also a mention of the recently revived Croc, Worms, and the more recently released Stellar Blade and Rise of the Ronin (both of which are currently PS5 exclusives). There is no mention, however, of Square Enix, whose iconic Final Fantasy characters are conspicuous by their absence in Astro Bot — an omission fans have picked up on in the context of Final Fantasy’s long-standing association with PlayStation.

Astro Bot developer Team Asobi is yet to confirm the exact nature of any DLC, although has said it’s working on adding new challenge levels at some point, and these will feature new cameo bots to unlock. In our 9/10 review of Astro Bot, IGN said: “A fantastically inventive platformer in its own right, Astro Bot is particularly special for anyone with a place in their heart for PlayStation.”

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.

Amazon tried to buy part of Valve in the days before Steam, according to former exec who says she’s been “erased” from Valve’s history

Monica Harrington isn’t one of Valve’s official co-founders, but she was heavily involved in its formation and initial success – working by day as a marketing manager at Microsoft with responsibility for the games division, while helping her partner, Mike Harrington, and Gabe Newell get the Half-Life studio off the ground. In a lengthy post on Medium – which Nic has already covered in the most recent Sunday Papers, but which I think deserves a piece of its own – Harrington takes us through those heady early days.

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Yooka-Replaylee Art Team Highlight Laylee’s New Fluffiness In Remaster

“She is a fan favourite already”.

Yooka-Replaylee was a bit of a welcome surprise when it was announced back in June. It looks utterly gorgeous and promises plenty of tweaks, changes, and accessibility features when it eventually launches. But one thing that many fans spotted was Laylee, Yooka’s purple bat companion, and her new, incredibly fluffy design.

In a Q&A published on the Playtonic YouTube Channel, community manager Steve James sat down with members of the Yooka-Replaylee art team — Ed Bryan, Nikita De Ruysscher, and Steve Mayles — to talk about the game’s brand new look. And one section focuses on the wisecracking bat.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Astro Bot: How Team Asobi created a unified vision for fun

Astro Bot made his anticipated return to PS5 with last week’s release of the titular game. Team Asobi, the PlayStation Studio behind Astro’s Playroom, infused the little bot’s big new adventure with enough stages, power-ups, secrets, and fun to make any 3D platforming fan grin.

With the game’s launch fresh in our minds, I visited Team Asobi’s studio to interview the development team about the studio’s history, development style, and tribute to 30 years of PlayStation. Let’s delve right into it.

Art & Animation: Everything begins with gameplay ideas

Left: Jamie Smith, Principal Animation Director, Team Asobi
Middle: Sebastian Brueckner, Principal Art Director, Team Asobi
Right: Maki Murakami Senior Animator, Team Asobi

PlayStation Blog: What do you prioritize the most when creating characters?

Jamie Smith: I pay close attention to “playfulness.” When creating animations, we model how children express joy, like jumping up and down with excitement, to elicit jubilant feelings among players. Children are packed with actions and emotions, and we strive to imbue all these essences in our character designs.

How do you decide which of these ideas make it into the game?

Sebastian Brueckner: First and foremost, everyone must agree that these ideas will enhance the gameplay. We don’t choose ideas solely from the art aspects, but everything begins with the gameplay ideas. As a team, we collectively envision a series of gameplay scenarios and make decisions on the world and its details. For instance, if the gameplay involves ice, we further collaborate on the idea and may suggest the sea as the world setting. Once the details are finalized, the art comes in to refine the world.

Maki Murakami: This brainstorming process is particularly palpable in Astro’s new power-ups and enhancement designs. Handy-D is one example. The idea behind this long-armed monkey was to assist Astro in climbing. Then we explored the ideas on how we could make it cuter and agreed on the design for it to be carried on Astro’s back. We create prototypes, then playtest them and refine them together to take the level of fun to eleven.

Tech & Programming: New features stem from the passion for delivering new experiences

Left: Toshimasa Aoki, Sr Principal Product Manager
Right: Masayuki Yamada, Principal Gameplay Programming Lead, Team Asobi

Tell us about Team Asobi’s unique modeling techniques.

Masayuki Yamada: Gameplay programmers start by creating primitive models based on the specifications provided by the designers and test the gameplay with them. Once we verify the models are indeed fun, the artists step in to elevate the experience. Our team process is different from others in the sense that we first define what makes the gameplay fun and then amplify that aspect of the game even further.

As a hardware developer, how do you feel about the DualSense controller transforming into a character and featuring in the game as the Dual Speeder?

Toshimasa Aoki: I was genuinely thrilled to see the controller I helped create featured in the game. Before Astro Bot, the controllers received a spotlight only in the User’s Guide. But look at them now, flying around in the game as 3D characters, responding to every move and action. What better way to showcase the hardware than this?

Team Asobi’s work is also a great platform to highlight new PlayStation technologies, like PlayStation VR and the DualSense controller. To deliver these new, unique features to players, is there anything your team focuses on?

Toshimasa: We introduce new features because we want to create new experiences for our players. Our close collaboration with Team Asobi allows us to test prototypes early in their development. When we see smiles or hear chuckles from the team, it’s a sign that we’ve successfully created something new, and those reactions are a testament to the motivation in our work.

A game packed with fun action and 30 years of PlayStation history

Nicolas Doucet, Studio Head, Team Asobi

What do you think is Team Asobi’s unique strength that sets the studio apart from others?

Nicolas Doucet: Our strengths are ideas and speed. Innovation is a key aspect of Sony’s DNA, and achieving innovation requires testing numerous ideas. Ideas and speed are inseparable when it comes to promptly identifying what works. And that’s what Team Asobi excels in. Everyone on the team is always eager, inspired, and motivated to create something new.

What kind of experiences do you want players to have when they play Astro Bot?

Doucet: For veteran gamers, we hope to bring them the fun of platform action games and a sense of nostalgia, as the title is packed with tributes to PlayStation’s 30 years of history. With cameos like PaRappa, I hope players feel a wave of joy and nostalgia when encountering these familiar faces.

I also feel a profound sense of responsibility towards novice players, especially very young gamers about to embark on their first gaming adventure. I vividly remember the first time I played a video game- it was incredibly fun and left a lasting impression on me. If Astro Bot is someone’s first video game and sparks the same joy and excitement that I felt, I would be personally delighted.

What are some unique advantages that come with being part of PlayStation Studios? And how do you collaborate with other PlayStation Studios?

Doucet: Since this title packs in much of PlayStation history, we worked closely with all the PlayStation Studios. When we shared our concept with the studio directors and game creators, their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Initially, I thought we could only feature around 50 characters out of the 150 characters we wanted to feature. But to our greatest surprise, the studios unanimously agreed to the cameo of all 150 characters. Apart from our PlayStation Studios, we were also lucky to collaborate with third-party publishers.

What message do you have for the players who are waiting eagerly for the Astro Bot’s release?Doucet: We’ve spent three years creating Astro Bot for both long-time PlayStation fans and new players, so please take your time and enjoy every nook and cranny of the game. We’ve also hidden many secrets and surprises, so have fun exploring and discovering them all!