Monthly Archives: January 2024

Dave the Diver is bringing Godzilla with him to PS5 this spring

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Dave the Diver is coming to PS5 and PS4. The 2023 breakout hit won Indie Game of the Year at The Game Awards — stretching the definition of “indie” — and was included in Engadget’s Best Games of 2023. It arrives on Sony’s consoles in April, and a Godzilla crossover DLC (sure, why not!) follows it in May.

The game has you exploring a vast underwater world full of mysteries during the day, and helming a sushi restaurant at night. As Engadget’s Lawrence Bonk wrote, “The daytime adventures are sort of like an underwater Metroidvania while the nighttime restaurant management is a combination of a Kairosoft sim and the arcade classic Tapper.” It doesn’t sound like it would work, but it does.

Dave the Diver launched on PC in June and arrived on Switch in late October.

Sony touts the game’s DualSense support. “The controller’s haptics offer the realistic feeling of a hooked fish tugging the line,” the company wrote in an announcement blog post. “The adaptive triggers respond differently depending on which weapon you’re using, making the combat and fishing experience even more immersive.”

As for the Godzilla DLC, we don’t know much yet other than it will introduce “even more enormous threats lurking in the depths” as you “prepare to meet the King of the Monsters in the Blue Hole.”

You can watch the trailer for Dave the Diver on PlayStation below, including a peek at Godzilla near the end.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dave-the-diver-is-bringing-godzilla-with-him-to-ps5-this-spring-233136441.html?src=rss

Gaggenau’s Essential Induction Cooktops Are Invisible And Integrate Seamlessly Into The Kitchen Platforms Believing In Quite Luxury

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In the dynamic realm of kitchen design, Gaggenau’s latest creation, the Essential Induction, masterfully merges cutting-edge technology with architectural elegance, redefining the very essence of kitchen aesthetics. This platform-breaking cooktop effortlessly fades into the background, offering a perfect union of functionality and minimalist design.

Designer: Gaggenau

Gaggenau’s longstanding commitment to innovation and visually pleasing aesthetics has consistently elevated its status in the world of kitchen appliances. The Essential Induction, part of the 400 series cooktops, presents a range of sizes from 38 cm to one meter, tailored for spacious kitchens, granting architects the freedom to express their creative vision. The solid stainless steel illuminated control knobs can be vertically mounted, and the flexible Vario options empower users to craft a bespoke cooktop that aligns with individual preferences.

At the core of the Essential Induction’s design philosophy lies the concept of quiet luxury. When not in use, the cooking zone seamlessly transforms into a multifunctional stone surface, maintaining a sleek and minimalist appearance. The absence of visible cooking zones or frames enables seamless integration into any living space, erasing the traditional boundaries between living areas and food preparation.

This induction marks a departure from conventional kitchen layouts, encouraging a more fluid and interactive cooking experience. Gaggenau’s design team observed a shift in user behavior, with individuals instinctively arranging ingredients and utensils around the pot, fostering a natural and enjoyable cooking process.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the induction almost vanishes into a Dekton worktop when switched off, leaving only the front-mounted knobs in stainless steel or black as evidence of its presence. When in use, The knobs glow and a discreet LED dot guides users on where to place their pan for optimal heating, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

The seamless integration of Essential Induction into the Dekton worktop is made possible by the remarkable properties of Dekton, a durable material from Cosentino. Composed of ultra-compact mineral particles, Dekton offers resistance to heat, stains, and scratches, making it an ideal choice for architects designing kitchen countertops.

Beneath the Dekton surface, Gaggenau employs high-performance induction modules in two sizes, accommodating pots and pans up to 21 cm or 28 cm. The modules are activated through magnetic surface protectors, ensuring a secure grip on cookware while safeguarding the worktop from scratches and dampening sounds. The control knobs provide users with Gaggenau’s signature precision and speed, offering 12 power levels, a keep-warm function, and a boost for added convenience.

In the realm of kitchen appliances, Gaggenau’s Essential Induction stands as a testament to the philosophy that less is more. By seamlessly integrating into the living space, this cooktop not only enhances the aesthetics of the kitchen but also transforms the cooking experience into a joyous and liberating activity. Gaggenau’s Essential Induction is not just a kitchen appliance; it is a celebration of minimalism, innovation, and the pursuit of culinary perfection.

The post Gaggenau’s Essential Induction Cooktops Are Invisible And Integrate Seamlessly Into The Kitchen Platforms Believing In Quite Luxury first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hideo Kojima teases a new action-espionage game for PlayStation

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Hideo Kojima is a busy, busy man. Not only does he have Death Stranding 2, a movie based on the first game and Xbox horror title OD on his plate, he's developing a brand new game for PlayStation. He'll be going back to his roots, as it's an action-espionage title codenamed PHYSINT.

Head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst said during today's State of Play stream that the project is in a genre he's been encouraging Kojima to "reinvent for years." Kojima, of course, found fame as the creator of the Metal Gear series. This upcoming endeavor won't be a Metal Gear Solid game, however. Kojima says this will be a "brand new, original IP."

According to Kojima Productions, the game will feature "cutting-edge technology and a stellar cast to deliver an experience like no other. Blurring the boundaries between film and games, offering near life-like graphics and a new take on interactive entertainment."

Kojima Productions has started early work on the project, but it won't go into full production until the team finishes Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is set to arrive next year. Kojima noted that Sony makes music and movies, hinting that it could be a transmedia project. He added that he's "confident that this title will be the culmination of my work" after four decades of working in games. 

It'll likely be a few years until we learn exactly what he means by that, but fans will likely have two more games from the auteur to enjoy/be perplexed by in the meantime. (Seriously, the latest Death Stranding 2 trailer is something else.)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hideo-kojima-teases-a-new-action-espionage-game-for-playstation-230846022.html?src=rss

‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’ looks even more baffling than the original game

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As expected, the PlayStation State of Play today featured an in-depth look at the latest from famed developer Hideo Kojima, in the form of an exceedingly creepy and cinematic preview of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Sam, played by Norman Reedus, is back in a trailer that makes very little sense if you haven't played the first game — and even if you did, the contents of this preview might not make a ton of sense. Rest assured, you'll still be running around wildly impressive landscapes with your giant yellow backpack. 

But it sounds like you won't actually have to run around delivering things, because bots are able to do that in this world. The real surprise is when Sam gets captured and runs across his brother, played by the ubiquitous Troy Baker... who pulls out a guitar/gun and starts shredding to take on some enemies? Sure. It'll still be a bit before we see what this all amounts to, as it doesn't arrive until sometime in 2025.

At the end of the stream, though, Kojima teased an all-new project in the works, though it won't be entering full production until after Death Stranding 2 is complete.

Correction, 1/31/24, 6PM ET: This post originally stated this was our first look at Death Stranding 2. We've updated it to say this is our first in-depth look, as the game was first announced in December of 2022.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/death-stranding-2-on-the-beach-looks-even-more-baffling-than-the-original-game-224806034.html?src=rss

Futuristic action RPG Stellar Blade arrives on April 26

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Stellar Blade, Shift Up’s action RPG initially scheduled to launch in 2023, is coming soon. Sony announced at its first State of Play of 2024 that the futuristic game will launch on April 26 as a PS5 exclusive.

The game, developed under the working title “Project Eve,” puts you in the role of Eve, a warrior from the seventh airborne squad. She returns to Earth to battle the Naytibas, humanity’s mysterious (and horrific-looking) enemies. Eve joins with fellow survivors Adam and Lily to try to exterminate the Naytibas and save the last human city, Xion, from ruin.

Xion is connected to a “semi-open world” setting called the Wasteland and the Great Desert. There, you’ll meet new characters, help the citizens of Xion and gather energy cells to sustain the city.

You can pre-order Stellar Blade beginning on February 7 at 10AM ET through the PlayStation Store and retail partners. The standard version costs $70, and a Digital Deluxe variant ($80) adds extra costumes, experience points and in-game currency. It arrives on April 26. You can watch the game’s pre-order trailer below.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/futuristic-action-rpg-stellar-blade-arrives-on-april-26-224619987.html?src=rss

Silent Hill: The Short Message is free, bite-sized and available now for PS5

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Silent Hill is back, and sooner than you might have expected. Sony and Konami teamed up to create a brand new title in the series as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. Best of all, Silent Hill: The Short Message is free and you can play it today.

The game brings the series bang up to date. For one thing, we see protagonist Anita using a smartphone. She ventures inside a crumbling apartment block after receiving messages from her friend. But this is no ordinary building. There have been rumors of suicides there, and it won't be long until Anita discovers "bizarre, otherworldly spaces, haunted by a twisted monster."

This is the first of several new Silent Hill games that are in the pipeline. Producer Motoi Okamoto wrote on the PlayStation Blog that The Short Message started as an experimental project that helped newer developers who are Silent Hill fans get some hands-on experience with the franchise. The team also wanted to explore how social media could fit into a psychological horror game. Konami and Sony decided to release it for free to help newcomers to the series get a sense of what it's all about (hint: scary stuff).

Meanwhile, Sony and Konami also offered a fresh look at the Silent Hill 2 remake Bloober Team is developing. There's still no timeline for that project's arrival just yet, unfortunately. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/silent-hill-the-short-message-is-free-bite-sized-and-available-now-for-ps5-224022321.html?src=rss

Microsoft says Palworld is the biggest ever third-party Game Pass launch

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Palworld, the viral “Pokémon with guns” game that launched in Early Access to mixed reviews, has already sold 19 million copies. Developer Pocketpair says it’s sold 12 million copies on Steam and seven million on Xbox since its January 19 launch (after selling over a million in its first eight hours). Microsoft says the tongue-in-cheek Pokémon satire is the biggest third-party launch on Game Pass.

“The response from fans has been tremendous and it’s incredible to see the millions of players around the world enjoying Palworld,” Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe told Xbox Wire. “This is just the beginning for us and Palworld, and the feedback we’re gathering while in Game Preview will allow us to continue to improve the experience for Pal Tamers across all platforms.”

In addition to being the biggest third-party Game Pass launch ever, Palworld had the largest third-party day-one launch on Xbox Cloud Gaming (included with Game Pass Ultimate). The game’s highest peak since launch was nearly three million daily active users on Xbox. Microsoft says it was the most-played game on Xbox platforms during that period.

A screen from the game Palworld, showing pink creatures carrying raw materials in an orderly line. Flaming machines sit behind them.
Pocketpair

Palworld uses Pokémon-esque characters and themes — enough to catch the attention of Nintendo’s lawyers. It has battles with monsters similar to those in the creature-collecting series, including the ability to capture them inside a sphere after winning.

But Palworld also includes biting social commentary and incorporates themes you’d never see in Pokémon — like labor exploitation. “Don’t worry, there are no labor laws for Pals,” a game FAQ reads. One of the title’s trailers showed a player circling hard-at-work Pals with an assault rifle. “Creating a productive base like this is the secret to living a comfortable life in Palworld,” the narration reads.

Microsoft emphasized that the developer is still hard at work on the Early Access title. “There’s much more to come as Pocketpair refine the experience ahead of a full 1.0 release,” Xbox Wire’s Joe Skrebels wrote. He says Pocketpair is listening to player feedback and applying what they’ve learned. He added that cross-play, one of the most requested features, is coming.

Even if early impressions of the game’s fun and polish are hit-or-miss (at best), having Microsoft in its corner could help the developer tighten up Palworld significantly. The Windows maker says it’s supporting the game by enabling dedicated servers and offering engineering resources to help optimize GPU and memory workload. Palworld posted on X it will “continue to prioritize fixing bugs.”

Palworld is available in Early Access for $30 (and included in Game Pass) on Xbox and PC (including Steam).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-says-palworld-is-the-biggest-ever-third-party-game-pass-launch-212835294.html?src=rss

Vintage-looking desk clock is handmade with brass and copper materials

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Time-telling has become one of those things we take for granted since we only have to look at our computer or our smartphones or our smartwatches to find out the current time. Sure there are still some places that have actual wall clocks or desk clocks but even those have become few and far between. It’s also rare now for people to collect unique-looking clocks but for those who actually do it, there is a “rare find” clock that you can find on Etsy if you can spare around $900.

Designer: Sergey

If you’re very much into hand crafted stuff that looks pretty unique and classic, the Nixei tube vintage clock may interest you. It looks like something that would have fit in during the Victorian era in a 19th century home. Its design is basically a hydro-mechanical column with manual drive and is made from brass, copper, bronze, and glass. They are soldered and threaded together and all these parts are connected by hand.

It can tell time in either the 12 and 24 hour format and has seven different colors as indicators. You can turn off the glow of these indicators if it proves to be too distracting at night. There are three buttons to control the different functions of the clock and you don’t need to be connected to a network to make it function. It is powered by a 5V adaptor and has a 24 x 29 x 11 cm dimension.

Oh and aside from telling time, it can also serve as a phone stand as there’s a cylinder shape on the side of the clock that can hold your smartphone. Of course it destroys the illusion of being a vintage piece if you put a modern device there but if you’re going for a contrast, then that’s the perfect thing to add to this desk clock.

The post Vintage-looking desk clock is handmade with brass and copper materials first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s Vision Pro will have Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel and other 365 apps at launch

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Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro AR/VR headset will have a bunch of dedicated Microsoft 365 apps at launch on February 2, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Loop. Apple has long described the Vision Pro as primarily a productivity device, so the addition of Microsoft products should make users, well, more productive.

These aren’t just slapdash remakes of correlating iPads apps, as many have built-in tools that take advantage of the headset. For instance, PowerPoint features a custom immersive environment that allows users to practice delivering a presentation to an actual audience. Excel will let users quickly move documents to other apps by using the headset’s pinch and drag functionality.

An image of Excel on Vision Pro.
Microsoft

Microsoft Word will include a focus mode that blocks distractions so you can actually finish that novel you’ve been talking about for 15 years. Teams will take advantage of the headset’s persona feature, so your digital avatar can attend work meetings and creep everyone else out via the magic of the uncanny valley. The Zoom app on Apple Vision Pro will also include this feature.

Headset owners will also be able to access Microsoft’s AI-powered Copilot service. In other words, you’ll be able to use natural conversation to instruct the digital assistant to create drafts, summarize documents and even generate PowerPoint presentations.

Each of these apps will be available via the official App Store as soon as you unbox your expensive new gadget. There has been plenty of chatter about what software won’t be available at launch, like Netflix and YouTube, so it’s good to see that early adopters won’t be forced to exclusively use Apple-branded apps.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-vision-pro-will-have-microsoft-teams-word-excel-and-other-365-apps-at-launch-195237957.html?src=rss

The latest Xbox controllers feature a nifty bowling ball aesthetic

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The Xbox Design Lab is neat in that you can customize the colors of your controller pretty much however you like. Microsoft is offering players more customization options for their Xbox controller with the Vapor series. These six top case options have swirling color patterns that will provide your peripheral with your ideal look if you're aiming for that bowling ball aesthetic.

The variants include Nocturnal Vapor, which blends dark green and grey; the bold pink and purple Cyber Vapor; and the red and orange Fire Vapor. You'll still be able to customize the button colors and swap in metallic triggers and D-pads, and rubberized side and back grips. Players can add a personalized engraving to the case too.

Xbox Dream Vapor controller with pink and purple swirls and buttons.
Xbox

Those who don't feel like fiddling around in the Design Lab but still want a controller with this kind of vibe can pick up the latest Xbox special edition controller, the Dream Vapor. While it uses the pink and purple top case from the Vapor collection, Xbox has included unique, matching purple rubberized side grips and soft pink ABXY buttons with purple accents. Snap up the $70 controller and you'll also get an exclusive dynamic background for your Xbox Series X/S.

It's not exactly the first time Xbox has embraced this vibe. The Stormcloud Vapor controller has been around for a while. But the fact Microsoft is wading further into these swirly waters has us suspecting there's perhaps a really big Pete Weber fan on the Xbox team.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-latest-xbox-controllers-feature-a-nifty-bowling-ball-aesthetic-194233908.html?src=rss