Video: Advice for game devs on creating believable heroes
In this 2017 GDC talk, Infinity Ward’s Brian Horton proposes some guidelines and approaches for game developers with a desire to create a hero that will feel real to the player.
It was an intensely practical look at a common task in entertainment, and as you might expect Horton drew deeply on both his own work and common touchpoints like Jospeh Campbell’s oft-cited The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
His talk was a revealing look at how classic storytelling tropes can be used by game developers to create characters which feel believable and familiar. If you didn’t have a chance to see it live, no worries: you can now watch it for free on the official GDC YouTube channel!
In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.
Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page.
The open beta for Nioh 2, the sequel to 2017's Samurai-souls experience Nioh, is now live on the PlayStation Store.
Nioh 2's open beta clocks in at 12.51 GB and runs from November 1-10. It's free for all PlayStation 4 owners to download and can be played either solo or in two- to three-player online co-op. Of course, accessing the game's online features requires an active PS Plus membership.
The open beta gives you the chance to test out Nioh 2's revamped combat system, in addition to new weapons like Switchglaive and an extensive character creator. With the new Yokai powers, you will trek through two levels and face-off against two very tough bosses. Completing Nioh 2's open beta nets you The Mark of the Demon Slayer, a reward which unlocks the Kamaitachi Helmet for use in the full game.
Developer Team Ninja revealed that Nioh 2 launches on March 13, 2020. Pre-orders for the action-adventure RPG are now open on PS4. Picking up the Deluxe Edition scores you the game's season pass, three separate pre-order avatars, a PS4 theme, an armor set, and a charm--all for $80 USD.
Those who missed the original Nioh and have an active PS Plus subscription can pick up the 2017 title for free as part of November's PS Plus lineup. You can begin downloading Nioh on November 5 and the deal lasts all through the month.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-01-2019, 01:52 PM - Forum: Windows
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Microsoft Store unveils over 20 top Black Friday offers
With many people eager to get a jumpstart on the holidays, we’re excited to provide a sneak peek of some of the best Microsoft Store Black Friday deals*. According to the National Retail Federation, four in 10 people have already started their holiday shopping this year and Microsoft Store is here to help. Whether you’re an early bird shopper, a deal planner, or a last-minute buyer, Microsoft Store will have great deals for you all season long with expert advice to help you find the perfect gift.
This holiday season, we are offering our best guarantee ever, so no need to wait until Black Friday to start your shopping. With our new Give Wonder Guarantee, you are promised our best price of the season.** If something you purchase at Microsoft Store is offered at a better price later in the season, you can receive savings back for the difference. With free 2-3-day shipping, free extended holiday returns through Jan. 31, 2020, and buy online, pick up in stores options, we’re making it easier than ever to shop at Microsoft Store.
Most Microsoft Store Black Friday deals start on Thursday, Nov. 28 at midnight at microsoft.com and your local Microsoft Store, unless otherwise noted. See our Microsoft Store Black Friday Deals page for full details. Some local Microsoft Store locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day. See full holiday operating days and hours here.
Save hundreds on the hottest Surface deals of the season, including the new Surface Pro 7 and the new Surface Laptop 3
The widely acclaimed new Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 devices are in high demand. The Microsoft Store is the best place to buy and experience the full Surface lineup and our expert associates are here to help you find the best device. This holiday, you can enjoy some incredible deals on Surface, including;
Surface Pro 7, powered by the latest 10th Generation Intel Core processors, remains the most versatile 2:1 device you can buy with a 12.3” touchscreen with tablet-to-laptop versatility. Starting on Nov. 22, you can enjoy our most popular Surface, for $799 including Type Cover, for the i5/8GB/128GB option (original price $1,029). Or, get more storage and save up to $330 on Surface Pro 7 + Type Cover with i5/8GB/256GB (original price $1,329) as of Nov. 24. Additional Surface Pro 7 offers are available, including the i3/4GB/128GB option, starting at $599 on Nov. 28.
Surface Laptop 3 is slim and stylish. You can choose between 13.5” or new 15” touchscreen and save $300 across all new colors and finishes, starting at $999 starting on Nov. 22 for the 13.5” and Nov. 24 for the 15”.
Surface Go starting at $299, with savings up to $150. Our best deal ever on Surface Go, the smallest, lightest Surface with 10” touchscreen, perfect for students or those on the go. This great offer starts on Nov. 28.
Up to $500 off select Surface Book 2, our most powerful 13.5” or 15” touchscreen laptop. This deal starts on Nov. 28.
Microsoft Store will also offer the hotly anticipated Surface Pro X, beginning Nov. 7. The new Surface Earbuds, offering premium sound, fit and screen-free control, will be coming to Microsoft Stores later this year. A wide range of Surface accessories are also available.
Windows 10 PCs starting at $299
Microsoft Store offers the most diverse lineup of PCs with features and prices for everyone. This holiday, we will offer incredible deals on a range of PCs and accessories, including HP Inc. laptops, featuring 10th Generation Intel chips, starting with the HP 15 Laptop (i3) $299. Need more speed and power? The HP 15 Laptop (i5) will be on sale for $399, and HP 15 Laptop (i7) for $499. Or, check out the Dell XPS 15, a 15.6” laptop with a stunning 4K UHD touchscreen and powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, which will be on sale at $300 off for $1699. These great PC deals start on Nov. 28.
Save up to $400 off Gaming PCs powered by Windows 10
Gamers love the high-end performance and graphics they can enjoy on Windows 10 PCs. Save up to $400 on select great Gaming PCs powered by Windows 10, including the Lenovo Legion Y540 15 (i7), Asus ROG Strix G GL531GT (i7) and Acer Predator Triton 500 (i7). These laptops offer rich capability like the Lenovo Legion, which offers simple, built-in Mixer streaming for low-latency, interactive moments for viewers and streamers to engage with other gamers, plus the latest in gaming technology from Intel and NVIDIA. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can buy a game once and play it on both your Xbox One and any of these Windows 10 PCs. All these deals start on Nov. 28.
Gamers, stay tuned for the unveiling of incredible Black Friday deals during a special episode of Inside Xbox live from X019, our annual global celebration of all things Xbox on Thursday, Nov. 14. At the hotly anticipated event filled with news, first looks and surprises, we will unveil an extensive set of deals across games, consoles and subscriptions. This will be our biggest Black Friday sale ever, and you won’t want to miss out!
In the meantime, we are unveiling the first wave of Xbox Black Friday discounts now. Head to Xbox Wire to learn about how you can save $20 on select Xbox One controllers starting on Nov. 24 and up to 50% off Sea of Thieves: Anniversary Edition starting on Nov. 21.
Microsoft Store is offering incredible deals on Samsung Galaxy Note10 phones this holiday season. Starting Nov. 21, you can save up to $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Note10 and S10 phones and receive free Samsung Galaxy Buds (a $129.99 value). At your local Microsoft Store, you can save up to $400 and receive up to $650 trade-in credit towards the purchase of your device when you finance your phone with 24 month/0% financing.
This is just a glimpse of some of our amazing deals – we look forward to sharing more great deals throughout the entire holiday season. You can also check out some great suggestions with our Holiday Gift Guide and we invite you to attend a range of activities and festive celebrations all season long at your local Microsoft Store. However you celebrate this holiday season, we invite you to give wonder with Microsoft Store.
To make sure you don’t miss a deal, customers in the United States can text DEALS to 52426 to get a link to our best Black Friday offers or follow @MicrosoftStore on Instagram and Microsoft Store on Facebook.
* Black Friday offers shown are available online and in Microsoft Stores while supplies last. U.S. prices are shown. Offers and content varies by market and may change at any time. Not valid on prior purchases. May not be combinable with other offers. Other exclusions may apply.
** Offer valid from 12 a.m. PT Nov. 1, 2019 to 11:59 p.m. PT Jan. 3, 2020 (“Offer Period”) on qualifying purchases of select physical goods made at Microsoft retail and online stores in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada during the Offer Period. Excludes certified refurbished devices, Surface for Business devices, and all digital services and products. Offer not valid on purchases made at third-party retailers. Customer eligible for price adjustment only if 1) Customer purchases eligible item during the Offer Period, (2) the price of the item is reduced during the Offer Period, and 3) Customer requests a price adjustment while the item’s price is currently reduced and in-stock for purchase. For purchases made at a physical store and online, Customer can go to any physical store and present receipt to get a qualifying price adjustment. For purchases made online, Customer must contact Microsoft Store Sales and Support at 1-877-696-7786 with order number and any other information requested by the Store Sales representative. Refunds will be provided to Customer in same manner as item was purchased (credit card use will be credited to original card). Maximum of one price adjustment per item will be granted during Offer Period. Bulk buys of more than two of the same device, per customer’s Microsoft Account, will not qualify for price adjustments. Price adjustments do not include taxes, or shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Other exclusions and limitations may apply.
Review: Beast Quest – Don’t Be A Hero, Stick With The Books
If you’re of a certain age, the Beast Quest books were likely a staple of your childhood. Having first launched in 2007 with Ferno the FireDragon, the series has been going strong for twelve years and shows no signs of slowing down. Including the first four books scheduled for publication next year, there are currently an astonishing 120 books in the series – this doesn’t include the various spin-offs and companion series (such as Sea Quest, a science fiction variation on Beast Quest’s kid-friendly fantasy formula) – all credited to the pseudonymous Adam Blade, who, in reality, is actually a team of ghostwriters.
With each book containing cards that can be used to play a sort-of Top Trumps-esque game and the general structure of the books even seeing the main character, Tom, level-up within the story (a very video game-like touch, we’re sure you’ll agree), it’s incredibly surprising that it took so long for a console title based on the books to appear – especially given the popularity of the series, with 18 million copies sold to date.
The plot of Beast Quest mirrors that of the first four books in the series, with the player – cast as the hero of the series, Tom – looking to free the kingdom of Avantia’s legendary beasts from the curse they’ve been placed under by the dark wizard Malvel. Aiding him in his quest is companion Elenna and good wizard Aduro, who’s often used for comic relief. If you’re wondering how this epic literary fantasy translates into the realm of interactive entertainment, then wonder no longer; it turns out that Beast Quest (the game) looks almost like a Zelda title at first glance, but it doesn’t take long for the façade to drop.
For starters, Beast Quest suffers from a lack of detail in environments and characters, with the world of Avantia – outside of the towns – feeling extremely lifeless and linear, with a problematic lack of variation, aside from visual differences, within each world. This can lead to confusion when attempting to progress – the in-game map is next to useless and a lack of notable landmarks exacerbates the issue.
Within towns, there’s always a number of side quests to take on, but these are generally of the ‘find and return X number of objects’ – which quickly becomes very tedious indeed. The towns themselves, especially when densely populated, suffer from some frame rate drops too, which is unfortunate – especially when the game isn’t exactly pushing the Switch from a technical point of view (cutscenes, which use the in-game engine, are especially bad, and the voice acting is uniformly terrible throughout).
Chests are dotted around the environment and are colour-coded, needing specific keys to be opened. Key locations can be seen on the far-too-small section of map that’s shown on-screen as the player explores and are just floating within the game world – though the number of keys you have of each type is hidden away in a pause menu. Generally, all that can be found in chests are coins, though you’ll occasionally come across side quest items in chests, too.
Combat is an awkward combination of turn-based and real-time, with encounters triggered by wandering too close to creatures as you explore the rather limited levels. Once in combat, creatures take turns to attack Tom, with the player’s aim being to settle into a rhythm of dodging enemy attacks and striking back themselves. There are extra powers, potions and even a special meter that fills up, at which point Elenna can assist with combat from afar with her bow. It isn’t quite as in-depth or interesting as it may sound, however, and quickly becomes a chore.
There’s some appeal in learning the speed at which enemies attack and responding accordingly with dodges and shield blocks, but in many cases, it’s just as easy to hammer away at the attack button regardless – and the controls aren’t particularly responsive, which can be pretty frustrating.
Experience from combat is doled out at a snail’s pace, with little incentive to aim for flawless victories or perfect dodges – though bonuses for each are on offer. Enemy types become more interesting and a little more varied as further progress into the game is made, but combat remains an unfortunately tedious and drawn-out affair throughout.
The main bosses of the game – the four eponymous Beasts – need to be tamed; this takes the form of a series of boss fights in each of the four main areas of the world. The final fight of each Beast encounter is much more interesting than the rest of the game’s combat, making use of advanced mechanics such as strafing – mechanics that, in the main game, are pointless when used against standard antagonists. These fights also see Tom attempting to remove the collar that’s controlling each Beast, with a cinematic sequence requiring you to carry out a series of on-screen button prompts in order to succeed.
The Beast fights are much more interesting than the standard combat that becomes so tedious in the main areas of the game, and the Beasts themselves are suitably large and colourful; another relief after having to deal with so many generic enemies. Defeating each Beast gives Tom a new permanent power and changes his visual appearance somewhat, levelling him up as he does in the books.
Progression is relatively straightforward and it’s likely to take around six hours to finish the main quest of freeing the four Beasts, though this play time can be easily extended by taking on side quests – but whether or not you’ll want to spend any more time than is necessary in the world of Beast Quest is another matter.
Conclusion
With incredibly linear and sometimes confusing levels, painfully tedious combat and bland, dated-looking visual design, Beast Quest is a crushing disappointment when you consider the rich source of inspiration that the famous book series supplies. Speaking of the books, this game was only ever going to appeal to those who have love for the kingdom of Avantia, and it’s a real shame that after such a long wait for a video game adaptation of the series, those same dedicated fans have to endure this unflattering and lifeless adaptation. Put aside your affection for Adam Blade’s novels and just play one of the many other amazing RPGs on Switch instead.
Expect some changes to the Destiny 2 endgame in Bungie's next update for the game. In particular, the developer is changing how players work through the very top of the game's Power grind in the new Shadowkeep expansion. The tweaks should make it easier to hit the peak of your abilities in Destiny 2 as you take on its toughest activities.
The latest This Week At Bungie blog post details the changes that players can expect to see coming next week. In short, Bungie is going to increase the speed of its toughest gear climb, toward the "hard" Power cap of 960. Right now, you need Pinnacle drops to reach 960 once you hit 950, and those will only drop at 1 Power point above the gear you already own--meaning for the hardest-core Destiny players, reaching the top of the climb is a slog. Bungie is changing Pinnacle drops to come in at +2 Power for each slot starting on Thursday, November 7, and adjusting how it calculates your average Power over 950 to help players climb faster.
Right now, Destiny 2 carries several "soft" Power level caps that change your progression as you work to gain the game's best gear and increase your overall stats. From 750 to 900, any gear you earn from any activity will increase your overall Power stat, which is an average of all your gear's Power numbers. Over 900, however, you need to complete weekly activities to earn Powerful drops. These include running through a certain number of competitive Crucible matches, completing Strikes and Nightfalls, handing in bounties to specific vendors, and more. The Powerful climb isn't too difficult, but it does require more effort than hitting 900.
Things change again when you reach the soft cap of 950. At this point, Powerful drops no longer advance you to the final gear cap of 960, and you need to switch to "Pinnacle" activities to get more boosts to your gear stats. Pinnacles include earning 100,000 points on Nightfall Strikes, completing the Garden of Salvation raid, and running through the new Pit of Heresy dungeon. There are a lot fewer Pinnacle opportunities than Powerful ones, because the Pinnacle Power climb is meant to represent the toughest, most elite activities Destiny 2 has to offer.
Right now, Pinnacle gear drops only give you one additional Power point for their gear slot, and in order to raise your total average Power, you need one Pinnacle for each of your eight equipment slots. That means that the journey from 950 to 960 is a slow one, especially because there are generally a lot fewer opportunities to earn Pinnacles each week. Players have also complained about getting multiple Pinnacle drops in the same slot each week, further slowing their progression.
Pinnacle drops going to +2 instead of +1 should make progression go a little quicker and easier. Bungie is also changing how it calculates your total Power level once you're in the Pinnacle band--instead of needing all eight gear slots to hit 951 before your total Power is 951, as it is now, you'll only need four gear slots at 951 to advance. That should mean that drops for your other slots will start to come in at 951 once you've achieved four Pinnacle drops, allowing you to catch up your other gear more quickly. That way, Pinnacle drops for slots that are lagging behind won't slow your progression as much. Once all your gear is 960, you can still advance your total Power by leveling up your Seasonal Artifact by gaining experience points.
It seems like this is a change that should address a lot of player complaints about the top-tier endgame of Destiny 2 as it stands right now. You'll still have to work hard to get all your gear up to 960 and participate in Destiny 2's toughest activities, which was Bungie's overall goal for the system. But hopefully, these tweaks will make that climb less prohibitive, so that players who are trying to reach the absolute peak of their abilities in Destiny 2 will be able to show off their commitment a little more easily.
Swedish developers Pixelbite Games have a long and enviable history of producing high-quality premium games. Alongside a convoy of Reckless Racing games sit the impressive Space Marshals top-down tactical shooters and the original Xenowerk dual-stick blaster. Their latest release is an amalgamation of the latter two, with a pinch of XCOM thrown in for good measure.
In a plot that seems heavily inspired by John Carpenter’s The Thing, you take on the role of commander of an emergency response team that has been sent to the Arctic to investigate troubling reports from a secret lab that is owned by the Xenowerk Corporation. It soon becomes clear that mutated lifeforms are running amok, killing anyone unfortunate enough to cross their slimy path. In true disaster film-style, conflicting interests soon bubble to the surface.
The world may need saving, but Xenowerk is more intent on maximising profits and minimising bad publicity.
Commencement of the game will see Joyce Grendel, your chief of staff, introducing you to base camp. Your new home may only be a cluster of grey, non-descript temporary structures, but it is essential to familiarise yourself with their various functions. You could drop off at the recruitment vehicle to enlist some new fodd- er, ‘heroes’. Your recruits will usually be billeted at the nearby barracks, excluding those unfortunate enough to be injured, who can be sent to the field hospital to recover. Those lucky souls who earn enough experience to be promoted can pop along to the spa for some extra-curricular activities.
The armoury is the place to go to equip your team with the latest gadgets. At the command centre, you can check your messages, which will include news updates, requests for assistance and new missions. Initially, there will not be many updates, but as the game progresses various individuals and organisations will be clamouring for your attention. You may consider going against your employers’ back to make some quick cash on the black market, or even leak some valuable data to more socially aware organisations.
After accepting a mission, you will need to load your squad and equipment into the awaiting helicopter. There are three basic classes of recruit; rangers, marines and scientists. Each character will have decks of cards, representing their skills, traits and equipment. A ranger can use his recon skill to pinpoint enemies, whilst scientists can scan for the locations of mission objectives. Marines tend to take a more direct approach, using frag grenades to cut through the enemy ranks. Before take-off, you have one last opportunity to purchase some extra equipment such as explosives, ropes and machetes, which may be needed to reach some mission objectives.
Your helicopter will land in a previously secured safe zone, from where you will have to continue on foot. On your way to your target, random encounters pop up, these could involve being ambushed by mutants or suffering a drop in morale as one of your operatives tells a really bad joke. Luckily, some characters will have traits that can negate a detrimental event, for instance, a natural leader can rally the party even after a particularly awful pun. Encounters are not always bad, you may unearth some vital data, or come across a short cut. The map is divided into regions with different threat levels, and all of the available missions will be displayed, alongside any essential equipment.
Mission locations are varied, ranging from jungles and swamps to laboratories and factories. Upon reaching your destination the view switches to a forced overhead 3D perspective, with the surroundings gradually revealing as you explore. Controls are really simple; you can select and drag an individual character to a location, or tap the screen to rally your squad to a particular point. As soon as the enemy comes within range your operatives will immediately open fire. Ammunition is unlimited, so combat is largely a case of finding a position from which you can take down the enemy before your squad gets overwhelmed. If the action becomes too manic you can invoke a tactical pause that will freeze the action, giving you time to gather your wits.
Missions present an opportunity to earn cash, biological samples, research data and new prototype technology. All of which can be used to complete further missions and to update your base. Developing your base is, unfortunately, the most disappointing aspect of Xenowerks. Building development is rather straightforward and linear. Some buildings cannot be developed until others have reached a specified level, so you are never really able to branch out and experiment. The buildings themselves are visually unexciting and do not feel meaningful.
Thankfully, the rest of the graphics are much more atmospheric. They have a 1990’s sensibility, with an army of suitably H.R Giger-style slimy mutants stalking murky corridors, lit by the eerie glow of your team’s torches. You will encounter passageways decorated with trails of blood and dismembered bodies and rooms furnished with grotesquely organic mutant-spewing generators. Weapons are enjoyably powerful, with enemies exploding in a gooey mess of appendages. The music is also excellent, again paying homage to John Carpenter’s work. The tension is palpable and is further exacerbated by the fact that if you do not have the extra equipment required to give immediate medical care or evacuation, seriously injured squad members have to be left behind.
Overall, Xenowerks Tactics is excellent, if battery guzzling fun. A single very reasonable upfront payment gets you the whole game, with no constant internet connection required. Battles are hectic and satisfying, although the almost arcade-like action may put off those who appreciate a more considered approach. The bleakness is lifted by some nice humorous moments, like when your squad begin arguing over pizza toppings. It may at times feel like a shoot-em-up, but there is still plenty to consider. Your chief strategy will involve securing strategic safe zones before venturing deeper into the infected area. This involves carefully managing your squad and time.
Knowing how far to push your guys and when to swap them out for weaker but healthier alternatives is key. Equipment is strictly limited by carrying capacity, so planning is necessary and may mean that you will not always be returning to HQ with all of your squad members present. Your operatives have a diverse range of individual traits, which certainly gives them character and makes losing a favourite operative a sad affair. The base building feels undeveloped and tacked on, but when the rest of the game is so entertaining, it is an issue that can be forgiven.
The latest Nintendo Download update for Europe has arrived, and it’s bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region.As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!
Switch Retail – New Releases
Luigi’s Mansion 3(Nintendo, 31st Oct, £49.99) – Luigi embarks on a dream vacation with Mario and friends upon receiving an invitation to a luxurious hotel. However, his dream quickly becomes a nightmare when King Boo reveals everything had been a ploy to capture Mario and friends. Wield the upgraded Poltergust G-00 to slam and blow away the ghosts’ defences, or summon Gooigi, an all-green doppelganger that can help Luigi overcome obstacles he can’t get past alone. – Read our Luigi’s Mansion 3 review
Close to the Sun(Wired Productions, 29th Oct, £24.99) – It’s 1897. Deep in international waters, the Helios stands still. Dark clouds loom overhead as unforgiving waves crash against the hull. Colossal effigies of gold, decorated with magnificent finery, stretch as far as the eye can see. Born of Nikola Tesla’s vision, the Helios serves as a haven for the greatest scientific minds. An unbound utopia for research, independent from state and isolated from the gaze of society. Free to push the boundaries of matter and time. – Read our Close to the Sun review
Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King(Disney Interactive, 29th Oct, £31.49) – Join Aladdin and his sidekick, Abu, as they race through the marketplace toward their date with destiny. Relive Aladdin’s classic adventure as you travel through Agrabah, the Cave of Wonders and more to defeat Jafar and rescue Jasmine. Jump, fight, dodge and carpet-ride your way through this adventure, collecting gems along the way. The Lion King brings to life the majesty and mystery of Africa through the tale of Simba, a lion cub faced with the challenging transition to maturity. – Read our Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King review
Disgaea 4 Complete+(NIS America, 29th Oct, £35.99) – When the ruling powers of Hades are revealed to be corrupt, Valvatorez must spark a rebellion to bring them down! Armed to the teeth with dynamic, over-the-top gameplay and a horde of special features, this is the ultimate Disgaea! – Read our Disgaea 4 Complete+ review
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD(SEGA, 29th Oct, £34.99) – Hold onto your bananas, because Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD is rolling your way! Experience the magic of one of the most beloved titles in the series, now remastered in HD! Head back into the fantastical world of Super Monkey Ball and take back your bananas from the space alien pirate king, Captain Crabuchin. Race through over 100 colourful stages and challenge your friends and family to 10 fan-favourite Party Games! – Read our Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD review
VAMPYR(Focus Home Interactive, 29th Oct, £44.99) – London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal. Will you embrace the monster within? Survive and fight against Vampyr hunters, undead skals, and other supernatural creatures. Use your unholy powers to manipulate and delve into the lives of those around you, to decide who will be your next victim. Struggle to live with your decisions… your actions will save or doom London. – Read our VAMPYR review
Mountain Rescue Simulator(United Independent Entertainment, 28th Oct, £35.99) – The danger hides behind a beautiful mask; nature entices all of us to venture in her mountains. The hikers and winter sports enthusiasts sometimes travel beyond their means and find themselves in precarious situations in which life often hangs by a thread. Nature holds out a welcome hand, then at the last minute pulls it away.
Harvest Moon: Mad Dash(Rising Star Games, 29th Oct, £23.99) – Harvest, fish, milk, and more as you fulfil orders to complete each level, but watch out for molten lava, raging boars, and other obstacles! Can you and your friends try to clear all the levels to restore the broken lighthouse?
Ghost Parade(Numskull Games, 31st Oct, £34.99) – Your walk home takes an other-worldly turn as you become lost in a dark, mysterious forest. Join a mystical battle to protect the supernatural inhabitants from those who are trying to level their home for profit. Team up with 30 ghostly companions – each one lending its unique magical ability to help you on your way. Explore beautifully realized environments in this spine-tingling scrolling action adventure brimming with surprises and original character designs. Working together, everyone has a ghost of a chance to safely make it home.
Race with Ryan(Outright Games, 1st Nov, £34.99) – This is no ordinary championship! Ryan’s famous Mystery Eggs are scattered across each track, and they’re full of surprises that help you power through the pack – like Burger Shields, Sticky Slime, Trick Surprise Eggs and many more. A huge cast of Ryan’s World characters are here to race, including Policeman Ryan in his Patrol Car, Red Titan, Gus the Gummy Gator, Pirate Combo Panda, plus many more you’ll unlock as you race your way to the top. From the miniature toy world of Fantasy Park, to the pirate kingdom of Treasure Island and beyond, each world is full of secret pathways, slippery slides and kids’ imagination!
Switch eShop – New Releases
Resident Evil 5(CAPCOM, 29th Oct, £29.99) – One of the most popular Resident Evil titles can now be played on the go, featuring Chris Redfield and his partner Sheva Alomar, as they venture to the heart of Africa to investigate an outbreak. Featuring single-player and co-op modes, this fully-loaded package includes all previously released DLC (Lost in Nightmares and Desperate Escape story expansions, Versus mode, extra figures and 4 costumes), No Mercy mode, as well as the new mode “The Mercenaries United” which combines the two fan-favourite modes, The Mercenaries and The Mercenaries Reunion for an even more intense experience. – Read our Resident Evil 5 review
Resident Evil 6(CAPCOM, 29th Oct, £29.99) – Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 is a dramatic horror experience that cannot be forgotten. The game spans various areas across the globe starring multiple playable characters, including fan favourites and new faces. Jump into the fray either solo or up to 4-player co-op in 4 dramatic chapters of the campaign, or head into one of the extra modes such as Survivor – which pits up to 6-players head-to-head in a heated battle. This edition includes all DLC, along with two costumes per main character that were originally Residentevil.net exclusives, but are now unlockable through the game itself.
Door Kickers: Action Squad(Killhouse Games, 28th Oct, £13.49) – Door Kickers: Action Squad is a crazy old school side scroller action game that puts you in the role of a SWAT trooper and sends you to deal with the bad guys in Nowhere City USA. Choose your gear, then kick the doors down and face the action. Adapt and react by the seat of your pants, and if needed – restart without a care and rethink. Master weapons recoil and time your reloads, use distance and cover to your advantage and use the in-game Strategic Abilities to decide for yourself when healthpacks or gear refills are needed, or if that team-mate of yours is worth saving. Or just save up the Points earned and unleash your Ultimate to waltz through that tricky final room. And when it gets too hard, bring over a friend to help.
Xeno Crisis(Bitmap Bureau, 28th Oct, £15.99) – Xeno Crisis is an arena shooter in which one or two players take control of battle-hardened marines embarking on a deadly mission to confront an alien menace and get home alive! Run and gun your way through thousands of adversaries as you explore the devastated research outpost, searching for survivors, and ultimately facing the origin of the outpost’s demise.
Earthfall: Alien Horde(Nimble, 29th Oct, £17.99) – Earthfall is a 4-player co-op shooter where you team up with friends or play alone to save the world from invading aliens. Search for over 20 different kinds of weapons, or use 3D printers to print your own! Automatic turrets, deployable barricades, or mounted guns let you set up defences to channel the enemy into kill zones. Battle your way through 16 epic levels that tell the continuing story of humanity’s struggle to survive. Every playthrough is a unique experience, with dynamic spawns and reactive enemies for maximum replay value.
Spaceland(Ellada Games, 29th Oct, £13.99) – It is probably the most dynamic turn-based strategy in the spirit of the old school. Fewer shelters, more work to do. Land on a lost planet and show the mutants what you are made of. Shoot, kick, blow up and destroy. You will put together the most reckless team of fighters and unravel the mysteries of the mystical planet following the best traditions of science fiction.
64.0(indienova, 31st Oct, £1.92) – Beware! This game is really hard! If you like challenges or you don’t mind losing A LOT, this game is for you.
Agony(Forever Entertainment, 31st Oct, £16.19) – Agony throws you in the midst of hell where you strive to stay alive and solve the riddle behind the mysterious Red Goddess; architect of this place of sorrow and pain, and the sole entity with knowledge of how escape… but there is more to the story than it seems. Haunted by nightmare creatures, You will gain the ability to possess demons and other souls to find a way out of hell.
Desktop Dodgeball(SAT-BOX, 31st Oct) – You can play dodgeball at your desk at school! Easy-to-use controls will have you absorbed in the thrilling gameplay in no time! In addition to the standard rules, there are a variety of different modes for you to choose from, including “King Dodge,” where you have to protect the “king” from being hit, and “Wall Dodge,” where you’re trapped on all sides by four walls! Acquire new formations and uniforms as you work to bring your school’s team up as champions!
Flan(AnelaGamesStudio, 31st Oct, £8.99) – Operate two people at the same time! When the girl woke up, a dark and cold place spread out. As the girl advances, she meets a frozen black knight. Together, you can come to the truth! A fantastic view of the world like a picture book and beautiful 3D graphics, and please enjoy the beautiful sound that stirs your imagination.
Otokomizu(BIG BOYS STUDIO, 31st Oct) – Hovering in the sky over Edo City with a loincloth! This jet pack firefighting 3D action game has the most mysterious operation feeling ever!
Polyroll(HOF Studios, 31st Oct) – Kaiser Kiwi has kidnapped your roly-poly friends and taken them to his Frigid Castle. Only Polyroll can save them! Features 4 to 10 hours of playtime Explore the 11 worlds and 36 levels of Polyroland Execute platforming challenges to collect gems 11 unique bosses to battle
The Big Journey(Nestor Yavorskyy, 31st Oct, £2.69) – The Big Journey is a beautiful, casual jump ‘n’ roll adventure. Tilt the world to roll around and explore a beautiful world with Mr. Whiskers. Mr. Whiskers loves all types of food, but when the maker of his favourite dumplings goes missing, our pudgy feline hero has no choice but to acquire a taste for adventure.
Yuri(Fingerlab, 31st Oct, £10.99) – Yuri is a platform game with a unique atmosphere. You’ll need dexterity, curiosity and the ability to go with the flow to help Yuri overcome all the obstacles and reach the goal of his mysterious journey. Explore an exuberant and sensitive world, full of secret passages and buried memories. Yuri is a real indie gem, lovingly developed over six long years by the Potier brothers, Ange and Aurélien.
Spirit Roots(Drageus Games, 1st Nov) – Your destination is on the outskirts of the stellar system, where a hundred years conflict created a unique situation: the small remaining parts of the two fighting planets had to be stitched together to create a surviving larger one. Welcome to the Stitched-Together Planet! Both populations agreed on one condition that should never be broken: nobody can cross the border that separates them. But what exactly happens if someone breaks the rule?
Windmill Kings(Bigosaur, 1st Nov) – The evil black wizard has installed a clone on your throne and exiled you from the kingdom. Come, Exile. The time has come to take your kingdom back! Or challenge your friends in custom 2-player battles ranging from skirmish to all-out war.
EarthNight(Cleaversoft) – EarthNight is a painting brought to life and a love letter to classic arcade games. Dragons have taken over the Earth, and humanity has fled to space. You must help Stanley and Sydney skydive back to Earth while careening across the backs of massive, snake-like dragons as they soar high above the planet, all while an original chiptune soundtrack pounds away in the background. Every moment is intense and layered with intricacy.
Two great pieces of news for Unreal Engine developers today. First off, Epic Games have announced they are continuing the monthly Unreal Engine asset giveaway that they have been running for the previous year. This means on the first Tuesday of each month, you have the opportunity to “buy” 5+ assets from the Unreal Engine Marketplace for free. Once “purchased” they are yours to keep forever.
The second news is that Unreal Engine are giving away $4 Million worth of assets from the game series Infinity Blade. Details from the Unreal Engine blog:
In addition to renewing the program for another year, we’re celebrating this milestone with the release of five new asset packs from the award-winning Infinity Blade franchise, valued at $4 million in development investment. Along with seven previously released Infinity Blade packs, these free Infinity Blade assets are now available for use in Unreal Engine projects, for free, permanently.
Going forward, new featured free Marketplace content will be released on the first Tuesday of every month, and the catalog of permanently free assets will also continue to grow.
Lastly, mark your calendars for the Creator Appreciation Event, a special sale launching on Tuesday, November 5 in recognition of alumni who have contributed to the free content program in its first year.
It is not entirely clear if there will be free content on November the 5th, or if the Infinity Blade content is considered this months entry. Regardless, stay tuned to GameFromScratch for ongoing coverage of Unreal Engine marketplace giveaways! To learn more and see the new assets, check out the video below.
EDIT: In the official media release, it was clarified that there will in fact be a release on November 5th!
Epic Games today announced a year-long extension of featured free content via the Unreal Engine Marketplace, providing assets, tools, and plugins to accelerate the production of high-quality 3D games and experiences, at no cost to creators. New featured content will be released on the first Tuesday of every month beginning on November 5.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of the next year of UE4 content!
Tips, tricks, and customizations for your new AirPods Pro
Here’s how to get the most out of your new AirPods Pro with AppleInsider’s extensive list of tips, tricks, and customizations.
AirPods Pro in wireless battery case
Apple’s new AirPods Pro are packed with new features, and it can be a bit overwhelming to make sure you take advantage of everything it has to offer.
The basics
Let’s talk about the basics of AirPods Pro use.
First, is controlling playback. Apple ditched the tapping gesture for the Pro and replaced it with force sensors in the stems. A simple short squeeze is all that’s needed to control your music or video.
A single squeeze plays/pauses the current content. Two squeezes will jump to the next track and a triple squeeze goes backward.
The force sensors in AirPods Pro stem
The highlight feature —active noise cancellation (ANC) —can be toggled by squeezing either of the AirPods Pro stems and holding for a long moment until an audio chime confirms the mode switching.
“Hey Siri” support is here, allowing you to summon the virtual assistant with the keyphrase.
AirPods Pro in iPhone battery widget
Battery life can be ascertained by opening the case near your iPhone, as well as from the battery widget in the Today view. If you have an Apple Watch, tapping on the battery icon in Control Center will also give you your AirPods Pro battery life. Siri too can chime in on this if you choose to go hands-free.
Make them your own
AirPods Pro can be customized and personalized extensively. Adjustments range from the fit, to the controls, to using them on all your devices.
AirPods Pro fit test results
Customizing the fit is crucial. With an improper fit, the audio quality will suffer. Instead of relying on your initial perception, a quick test will give you a better idea of the headphones seal using the internal microphone.
Head to Settings, Bluetooth, and find your AirPods Pro. Tap the i next to them while connected. Then just tap on the fit test. Apple recommends trying all three sizes and trying different sizes on different ears. When swapping the silicone tips, pay attention to orientation because they aren’t a circle, but rather an oval.
Multiple sizes may test fine, so it is then up to you to decide which is most comfortable.
AirPods Pro Settings menu
In that same settings menu, you can do a lot more. For example, you can change the name of your AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro settings menu
You can also adjust the controls for each of the AirPods Pro earpieces. You can choose between either Siri or noise control and if you choose noise control, it will cycle between transparency, ANC, and off —or any combination of those three. These can be set up differently for each ear. So maybe the right toggles ANC and the left toggles transparency or perhaps the right is set up for noise control and the left is set up for Siri.
Lastly, in those settings is also where you can choose which microphone to prefer. AirPods Pro automatically choose the mic it thinks is best, but you can always have it default to one or the other.
Announce Messages with Siri
Speaking of Siri, AirPods Pro can automatically announce messages with Siri as they come in making for far easier communication using only the headphones.
AirPods Pro uses Apple’s H1 chip and work seamlessly with all of your other Apple devices. It can be connected straight to Apple Watch for when you leave your phone behind, transferred to your Mac or iPad, and even can be great for watching content on your Apple TV.
Get more out of AirPods Pro
Now let’s look at how you can get even more from your AirPods Pro.
Charging AirPods Pro from iPad Pro
In the box, Apple includes a USB-C Lightning cable to charge the headphones. Using that cable, you can charge AirPods Pro direct from the latest iPad Pro which has a USB-C port on the bottom. You can also ditch the cables altogether and charge the case with any Qi charger.
Looking again at noise canceling, there are many ways that it can be controlled. You can ask Siri to turn audio transparency or noise cancelation on and off. Or you can jump into Control Center and dive into the audio slider to go between all three modes.
If you have an Apple Watch, tapping the AirPlay icon with AirPods Pro connected is yet another way to toggle ANC on/off.
Knowing what the lights on your AirPods mean can be helpful. For example, when you remove your AirPods and the light goes amber, this means there is less than one full charge in the case remaining. When you remove AirPods and the light is green, it means there is at least one full charge left in the tank.
The light is also used when pairing AirPods to other devices. Just hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for a few seconds until the light flashes white. This means it is in pairing mode and can be paired to any non-Apple device such as a Samsung Galaxy phone, a Windows PC, and more.
Live Listen using AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro also has a feature called Live Listen that allows you to use a single AirPod as a listening device. It is designed for accessibility, focused on users who need help hearing —but a single earbud could also be used for listening in on a room, or as a baby monitor in a pinch.
Place an earbud where you want to listen, place the other in your ear, move away, and toggle the feature on in Control Center. Enable it by going to Settings, Control Center, Customize Controls, and tap on the Hearing control.
Finding misplaced AirPods Pro in the Find My app
If you ever misplace your AirPods Pro, the last known location will show in the Find My app. Furthermore, if you misplace an individual earbud —or both —you can see if they are nearby and even play a noise to help locate them. You can play the noise on both, or choose one specifically.
Audio sharing with AirPods
Finally, new in iOS 13.2, is audio sharing. While listening to music, bring another device or the device it is connected to near yours to open the Share Audio modal. Or simply open the AirPlay menu and choose “Share Audio…”
This allows the audio to go to two sets of AirPods at the same time so a pair of people can jointly listen to music, watch a movie, or even play a game together.
AirPods Pro
Available now
Apple AirPods Pro retail for $249 and are carried by these top retailers:
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 10-31-2019, 09:09 PM - Forum: Windows
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Xbox unveils lineup of bundles for the holiday season
It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are quickly approaching, and if you’re in search of the perfect gift, look no further than our lineup of Xbox One bundles that pair consoles with the season’s hottest games, and new and customizable controllers. By gifting an Xbox One to friends or family, they’ll have access to more than 3,000 games, as well as must-have services and features that can’t found anywhere else, like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox One Backward Compatibility. Every Xbox One X and Xbox One S bundle includes a built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, 4K streaming with High Dynamic Range and Dolby Vision, and premium audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Xbox is the best place to play, and this holiday season, we have something for everyone on your list, at every price point.
We recently unveiled now includes an all-new upgrade option for the next Xbox console, Project Scarlett once it’s available in Holiday 2020. Xbox All Access is available
Additionally, if you enjoy gaming with your children, every Xbox One console comes equipped with industry-leading family settings. The more than 20 customizable settings empower parents to set spending limits, install content filters based on the age of each child, and apply the newly announced app and game limits as you see fit.
See below for an overview of all the Xbox offerings available this holiday, and make sure to check with participating retailers – including your local Microsoft Store near you or online – for more information on availability and pricing.
Xbox Game Pass
Give the gamer in your life the ultimate gift of unlimited access to over 100 great games with Xbox Game Pass – it’s the perfect way to discover your next favorite game.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99 per month). The ultimate gift this holiday season, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, as well as access to a curated library of over 100 high-quality console and PC games with new games added all the time. You can get your first month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1 right now.
Xbox Game Pass for Console ($9.99 per month). With Xbox Game Pass for Console, gamers get access to a highly-curated library of over 100 great games on Xbox One. You can join the fun in new games or catch up on a recent hit because with Xbox Game Pass, you always have something new to play.
Xbox One X Bundles
This holiday is the perfect time to gift the world’s most powerful console to a friend or family member. We’re offering seven Xbox One X bundles this holiday featuring the season’s hottest games plus Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Live Gold. Xbox One X bundles available this holiday include:
Xbox One X NBA 2K20 Special Edition Bundle ($499.00). Features a 1TB Hyperspace console, Xbox Wireless Controller, a copy of NBA 2K20, a one-month membership of Xbox Game Pass for Console and a one-month membership of Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox One X NBA 2K20 Bundle ($499.00). Features a 1TB console, Xbox Wireless Controller, a copy of NBA 2K20, a one-month membership of Xbox Game Pass for Console and a one-month membership of Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox One S Bundles:
The Xbox One S offers the best value in gaming, and this holiday, we have six bundles available that come packed with games like Gears 5, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Fortnite Battle Royale plus Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Live Gold. If you’re looking to gift the newest member of the Xbox One family, check out the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. Xbox One S bundles available this holiday include:
Xbox One S NBA 2K20 Bundle ($299.00). Features a 1TB console, Xbox Wireless Controller, NBA 2K20, a one-month membership of Xbox Game Pass for Console and a one-month membership of Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox Wireless Controllers:
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the world’s most advanced controller designed with the most passionate gamers in mind. This highly anticipated controller is now available, in addition to a variety of special edition controllers.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99). Designed to meet the needs of today’s most passionate gamers, the all-new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 new ways to play like a pro. Enhance your aim with new adjustable-tension thumbsticks, fire even faster with shorter hair trigger locks, and stay on target with a wrap-around rubberized grip. The controller is available starting November 4.
Xbox Design Lab (Starting at $69.99). With Xbox Design Lab, fans have more than a billion design combinations to choose from to personalize the controller, including new colors, metallic finishes for D-pads and triggers, and rubberized grips. Or, players in the U.S. can choose a design featuring their favorite NFL Xbox Design Lab is available to residents in Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and more than 20 additional European countries.
No matter who you are shopping for this year, we’re excited to offer a variety of options to help you gift the perfect gaming experience.
