In the wake of the Noble Faction's occupation of Heimdallr, civil war has broken out across Erebonia. The provincial armies, loyal to the aristocracy and the Four Great Houses, have claimed many of the nation's great cities in the name of the Noble Alliance. The Imperial Army, called back from the four corners of the Empire, has only just begun sweeping its counterattack.
After Rean managed to escape Trista with Celine and Valimar, he awakens in the mountains near his hometown uncertain what fate befell his friends, who bravely threw themselves in harm's way to buy him time to flee.
Though the road will not be an easy one, Rean decides to take up his sword again, journeying across Erebonia with his Divine Knight, Valimar, in search of his friends from Class VII and a way to end the conflict before its price becomes far too dear
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-04-2019, 12:36 AM - Forum: Lounge
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Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Doesn't Include Zombies Mode
This year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare might be reintroducing a single-player campaign to the mix--and adding in some new co-op features--but it will not feature a Zombies mode. Campaign gameplay director Jacob Minkoff said in a new interview that the "out-there" nature of Zombies modes in previous games doesn't exactly fit with Infinity Ward's ambition of making a gritty, realistic game.
"Because they focus on more of the stylized, graphic novel, super-hero experience, they can have the much more 'out there' different types of gameplay in their games," Minkoff told PlayStation Lifestyle about the games that Zombies creator Treyarch makes. "But for us, we're trying to create an authentic, realistic feeling world. We don't have the flexibility to do something like put zombies in the game."
Minkoff said having a Zombies mode in Modern Warfare would "compromise" the developer's vision for the game. "That would compromise the feeling of playing in a world that feels realistic and authentic and relative to today's conflicts and things we face," he said.
Apart from being tons of fun, the Zombies modes in previous Call of Duty games have provided players a chance to play together in co-op. Thankfully, the new Modern Warfare will offer co-op gameplay opportunities, but Infinity Ward isn't ready to talk about them. "What I will tell you is that the single-player storyline goes directly into the co-op storyline. No stop. The events just continue. So those elements--gameplay, progression, story--they just continue throughout everything that we have on the disc or digital download," Minkoff said.
That is a theme of Modern Warfare. Unlike previous games that have siloed off campaign and multiplayer into their own distinct buckets, Modern Warfare will unite all of its modes. As we reported, Infinity Ward said it's going for "continuity and consistency" across all modes in Modern Warfare. Weapons will feel and handle the same whether you're in single or multiplayer. Progressing your character, unlocking killstreaks, and increasing your levels with different guns will track across all modes, so you won't feel penalized for preferring single player over multiplayer or vice versa.
It is not surprising that the new Modern Warfare doesn't have a Zombies mode, as the previous Modern Warfare titles also did not offer this (though Infinity Ward's Infinite Warfare did). Treyarch created the Zombies mode, and it is a mainstay of the Black Ops series.
While it is now confirmed that Modern Warfare doesn't have a Zombies mode, it's unknown if the game will have its own battle royale mode. Black Ops 4 had Blackout as its battle royale mode. Unlike that game, the new Modern Warfare has a dedicated campaign mode.
In other news, it's been confirmed that the new Modern Warfare supports cross-play and that it will not have a season pass. For lots more, check out the story linked below.
Leaked NBA 2K20 Promotional Materials Confirm Switch Version And Release Date
Annual sports game releases are a staple of every video game system’s library and for the Nintendo Switch, it is no different. It typically means we see slightly improved titles year after year, including new faces, team outfits, commentary and featuring more social and gameplay features than before.
With this in mind, the next entry in 2K’s basketball simulation series has seemingly been confirmed for the Switch, after promotional materials for the “Legend Edition” were leaked online recently. The Nintendo version of NBA 2K20 is expected to be launched alongside the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC release on 6th September.
As already explained, sports series get updated every year, so this isn’t really a spoiler prior to E3. If you do prefer to kick balls rather than throw them, perhaps you would be more interested in the next entry in EA’s FIFA series, which was listed for Switch on Amazon back in May. We’ll presumably get more official announcements for both of these titles very soon.
Do you purchase these annual sports releases? Are you relieved to hear you’ll be able to get another basketball fix on the Switch? Leave your thoughts below.
You may have noticed we’ve got a new face around these parts, especially if you’re a keen follower of our burgeoning YouTube channel. Unfortunately, because we’re horrendously disorganised we haven’t done a proper introduction, so here goes: say hello to Zion, who, practically overnight, has literally doubled our video team.
He sat down with our senior video producer Alex Olney (not in the same room, unfortunately, as they are separated by this big wet wobbly thing called the Atlantic Ocean) to chat about things like games, past employment and (perhaps most importantly) how to pronounce his name. Alex and Zion will be taking our video content to new heights in 2019.
You can watch the video below, and don’t forget to say a massive hello to Zion in the comments section.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-04-2019, 12:36 AM - Forum: Windows
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6 British artists throw the (Surface) Book at life’s everyday problems
According to the old English proverb, “necessity is the mother of invention”. This roughly means that some problems are so big and obvious that people will inevitably create solutions for them – the need to communicate resulted in phones, the desire to stay dry led to umbrellas, shoes prevented feet from getting sore.
But what about those everyday problems that don’t have clear solutions? How do you see over tall people at a concert? How do you know when to add more suntan lotion during those summer trips to the beach? How do you stop bumping into people in a busy street?
With the brightest minds in the world apparently stumped, Microsoft decided to take up the challenge and try to solve these everyday issues for the benefit of people everywhere.
The company enlisted the help of Dominic Wilcox, an inventor, artist and designer, and five creative experts, who were each given a Surface Book 2 and asked to create solutions to common problems.
Hattie Newman, a paper artist, wanted to help people spend time away from their mobile phones. She designed a small dog house for your phone that would block its signal, leaving the owner free to enjoy other hobbies without being disturbed by text messages, phone calls or social media updates.
Twin sisters Eva and Marta Yarza, who run The Yarza Twins design studio, wanted to help people know when to apply more suntan lotion. The answer? Sun cream that changes colour – when it turns blue, it’s time to add more.
Tom O’Meara, an animator, tackled a problem that most people have faced – forgetting to water your plants. His idea was a plant pot with legs, which would run to find water when the plant was thirsty.
Finally, illustrator Gaurab Thakali thought of a unique way of blocking out background noise in the office and helping people to focus – a small privacy pod that sits on your desk and covers you and your laptop.
Speaking from his London workshop, Wilcox, who has been inventing things since he was a teenager and created the world’s first pair of GPS shoes, said having technology at the core of the designing and building stages can be the key to creating something that will change people’s lives.
“Technology is modern-day magic,” he said. “It can transform the everyday into something that can contain a superpower. The GPS shoes can tell you where you are and where to go. I see that as like giving someone a superpower.
“I like to use technology in a subtle way, so it’s hidden in the background. The magic of technology is what it can enable you to do but you don’t necessarily need to see it.
“It’s nice to see the creators using technology to tackle real problems. Putting your phone in a box when you get home is a nice idea, it would be a moment of peace; while remembering to water my plants is definitely a problem for me as I regularly forget.”
As well as guiding and mentoring the five designers, Wilcox also used his Surface Book 2 device while “looking around for the little problems that we all have”. The two-in-one device became his sketchpad, and along with his pen and dial, he shaped his ideas for a coat that contained indicators and a pair of periscope glasses.
“When you’re walking along the pavement and someone’s walking towards you, you often don’t know which side to go to avoid them; and they don’t know which side to go, either. So, you both end up doing this little dance,” said Wilcox, who has a degree in graphic design and studied at the Royal College of Art. “I’ve made a jacket that has left and right indicators built into it, so you can press a button to make an arrow flash. It offers a bit more clarity without having to speak.
“I got another idea after going to a gig. I was standing and watching the music, and when I looked behind me I noticed a very small lady who couldn’t see anything on stage. I went home and created a wearable periscope that uses mirrors to help people see over things. It’s very lightweight and easy to use.”
All the solutions were showcased on the Microsoft stand at the D&AD Festival, one of the leading design events in the world, which was held in London recently. Celebrating the best in craft, creativity and culture, speakers included director Danny Boyle, musician Professor Green and presenter Lauren Laverne, while attendees took part in workshops and masterclasses from the world of advertising, art, design, fashion, film and more.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller, which makes it easier for people with limited mobility to play videogames, was awarded the prestigious Black Pencil in the Product Design category on the final night of the festival.
The groundbreaking controller has been recognised for its ease of use and simple design – the aim of most inventors. Wilcox added that his Surface Book 2 was a great example of this, as well as a huge help during his work over the past few months, as it allowed him to make connection between the words and drawings that he placed on the screen.
“Anything that shortens the time from having an idea to visualizing it is better for any creative person,” he said. “I do a lot of drawing, and the fact that you can just draw straight onto the screen is very quick and handy. It means I can keep the flow of creativity going rather than it being stopped and started. The Surface Book is very instinctive, it’s an all-in-one package, which is useful when you just having a quick, convenient idea. You can type something, then draw something, then adjust that. You can get your ideas out of your mind and turn them into something visual very quickly.
“You can also take the Book with you wherever you go, and the screen is detachable, which is nice if you don’t want to take the whole thing with you. It’s also handy that the pen magnetises to the side on the Book, because I’m always losing pens.”
Hattie Newman and her mobile phone dog house invention
As the three-day D&AD Festival drew to a close for another year, Wilcox pondered the future of design, and how technology will play a major part in creativity. After all, the next generation is growing up surrounded by gadgets and digital information.
“One of my projects is working with young inventors,” he said. “When I look through their drawings, there is a lot of technology in there; probably more so than when I was growing up.
“However, I think humans will always want to sense the human touch in something, so I think there’s value in technology and craft coming together. You can see that today with 3D printers. There is this coming together of the two sides in order to help creative people make their ideas become reality.
“That will lead to an increase in the demand for bespoke and customised items. I think technology is going to enable us to have our own versions of things, something unique, and to be able to adapt and customise items in the way that we want to.
“For example, I designed a stained-glass driverless car. That was a combination of a very old tradition and new technology. The idea was that technology will enable us to be very safe, so there will be no vehicle collisions. If that’s the case, then cars can be made from any material; they could even be handcrafted.”
While the reality of wooden cars remains a way off yet, there are other, smaller problems that today’s technology is helping to solve. Wilcox, Newman, O’Meara, Thakali and the Yarza sisters may have just used Surface Book 2 to make many people’s lives a lot easier. Mobile phone dog house, anyone?
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-04-2019, 12:36 AM - Forum: Windows
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See Minecraft Earth in action
Over the years, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference has showcased plenty of creativity and innovative new technology. But has it ever played host to muddy pigs, chickens raining from the sky, or a very tiny Lydia Winters? The answer, of course, is a resounding “muddy-what-now?”, which is why we’re so excited about this year’s WWDC!
So what exactly happened today? We gave you the first-ever look at Minecraft Earth in action! This brand new mobile game, bringing the world of Minecraft into our own universe through the almost-magic of augmented reality, was announced on May 17. Since then, speculation about how it actually works has been running wild in the community. How can you interact with your builds? Will the game feature the fan-favourite, coarse dirt block? And if my real-life out-of-control dog runs right into my beautiful new Minecraft house, will it collapse?
Enter an era of war within the world of Ivalice. The small kingdom of Dalmasca, conquered by the Archadian Empire, is left in ruin and uncertainty. Princess Ashe, the one and only heir to the throne, devotes herself to the resistance to liberate her country. Vaan, a young man who lost his family in the war, dreams of flying freely in the skies. In a fight for freedom and fallen royalty, join these unlikely allies and their companions as they embark on a heroic adventure to free their homeland.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age improves upon the 2006 classic Final Fantasy XII, now more beautiful and easier to play than ever. The high-definition remaster introduces several modern advancements, including reconstructed battle design and a revamped job system. With newly implemented trophies and share functions, as well as stark visual and sound improvements in true HD for the first time, players both returning and new to the game will experience a grand adventure that spans the world of Ivalice in an entirely fresh and improved way.
The kingdom-building simulation title was the first game published by Raw Fury, and has spawned two sequels including a reworked version of the original and a proper follow-up called Kingdom: Two Crowns.
The series has sold over 4 million copies to date, but after spending the best part of a decade working on the franchise van den Berg is looking to step away and explore new frontiers.
With that in mind, the developer has sold the rights to Raw Fury so the series can continue. It’s a deal that works well for both parties, with Raw Fury co-founder Gordon Van Dyke having played a key role in developing the series, initially helping out with design and balancing, before taking on the mantle of game director and designer on Kingdom: Two Crowns.
“The first pixels of Kingdom I put on digital paper around 2011, it’s been a long and interesting time working on something so dear to me,” commented van den Berg. “But now, I’d like to continue challenging myself and explore different kinds of projects.
“And whereas most Kingdoms don’t last long, the Kingdom series deserves to go on. For that, it’s great that Raw Fury has been so deeply involved in the game for so long, enabling them to take the series somewhere I never could.”
Moving forward, Raw Fury intends to release “updates, expansions, new platforms, and new games,” and already has a detailed roadmap in place.
Former Gearbox VP joins Nintendo to lead developer and publisher relations
Former Gearbox vice president John Vignocchi has joined Nintendo of America to take charge of the company’s developer and publisher relations team.
Vignocchi spent just seven months at Gearbox, having joined the Borderlands developer as an executive producer back in October 2018 to work on a new franchise.
Prior to that, he worked at Disney Interactive studios for seven years, starting out as a development director before being named vice president of production in 2012.
“I plan to help continue the tradition of building memories through Nintendo that will last a lifetime. I certainly have a lifetime of them already and can’t wait to make more,” said Vignocchi. “I’m humbled by this dream opportunity and will work tirelessly to bring you the best that I can.”
We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox!
ID@Xbox Game Fest Super Sale Starts Today Thank you for following ID@Xbox Game Fest, hopefully along the way you have had some fun discovering new content, creators, and ways to game. To close out the last week of Game Fest we’re excited to kick off the ID@Xbox Super Sale… Read more
A Tourist Guide to American Fugitive’s Redrock Country Hey, city slickers. If Gordon Gekko is getting you down with absured sales targets, jump on a Greyhound and visit the beautiful Redrock County, winner of 1981’s Most Active Home Defense and Speediest Police Response awards. Aside from being home to the largest… Read more
The Biggest Backward Compatibility Sale Ever Begins Today The Xbox Backward Compatibility Sale is back again this year, and this time we’re celebrating by discounting more games in the catalog than ever. Starting today through May 27, Xbox gamers around the world can take advantage of awesome discounts… Read more
Dauntless Hits Xbox One Today with 10 Tips to Slaying with Style The team here at Phoenix Labs is excited to welcome the Xbox One community into Dauntless, our co-op action RPG launching today! Dauntless is all about teaming up with your friends to take down larger-than-life behemoths, crafting epic gear… Read more
How to Customize Your Car’s Stats in Team Sonic Racing, Available Now on Xbox One Team Sonic Racing is a colorful and competitive style kart racer where racers can go online and compete with players around the world – the competition is going to be fierce on day one. You’ll find that there’s a few ways to victory including improving your driving skills…. Read more
Introducing the New Xbox Game Bar At Xbox, we put gamers at the center of our vision – enabling them to play the games they want, with the people they want, and on the devices they want. As part of our efforts and commitment to improve the gaming experience on Windows 10, we want to bring PC players… Read more
Gaming Must Promote and Protect the Safety of All Today, in an opinion article I published on the Official Microsoft Blog, I shared my views on gaming as one of our society’s great unifying forces. We are a 2.6 billion-person strong community of parents playing with our kids, adventurers exploring worlds together… Read more
Project xCloud: More for Gamers and Developers Last fall, we pulled back the curtain on Project xCloud – our game-streaming technology. Our vision for Xbox is that you can play the games you want, with the people you want, on the devices you want. Project xCloud brings us closer to fully realizing that vision… Read more
Warface Adds Battle Pass and New Themed Content The Blackwood corporation has been quiet as of late… too quiet. In the latest big Warface update, out on Xbox One today, you’ll take the fight to them in our reimagining of Japan and find out exactly what they’re up to! The Sunrise update also introduces the first ever Battle Pass…. Read more
Gears of War 2019 Funko Pop! Collection Available May 23 The next wave of Gears of War Funko Pop! figures are about to hit store shelves this Thursday, May 23! As we announced earlier this month, the mainline collection includes Kait Diaz in her winter gear from last year’s Gears 5 trailer, Marcus Fenix in his classic gear… Read more
Tower Attack Card Game Minion Masters is Now Available on Xbox One It’s been a long journey through development, full of many twists and turns, but we’re super excited to bring Minion Masters to Xbox One. We’ve poured blood, coffee, and countless hours into making (at least what we think is) the best tower attack card game out there… Read more
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 28 to 31 Welcome to Next Week on Xbox, where we cover all the new games coming soon to Xbox One! Every week the team at Xbox aims to deliver quality gaming content for you to enjoy on your favorite gaming console. To find out what’s coming soon to Xbox One… Read more
