Monthly Archives: March 2024

‘Episode Aigis -The Answer-’ will wrap up Persona 3 Reload’s story in September

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Microsoft and Atlus said today that the Expansion Pass for Persona 3 Reload will be available on March 12. The bundle will include the story’s final chapter DLC, Episode Aigis -The Answer-, which arrives in September. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can get the Expansion Pass for free with their membership.

In the original Persona 3, the epilogue was called The Answer in the English version and Episode Aegis in the Japanese version, leading to the combined title in the remake’s DLC. Like the base game, the DLC will transform the original story with “cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features and all the upgrades that came with Persona 3 Reload.”

The DLC’s story begins in a Groundhog Day-style time loop. “After unravelling the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fighting epic battles through Tartarus, and all the unforgettable events of Persona 3 Reload, the S.E.E.S. members find themselves trapped in a never-ending March 31st,” Xbox communication manager Michael Carven wrote. You’ll play as Aigis, a human-like android with Persona-summoning abilities.

“Persona 3 Reload would not be complete without Episode Aigis –The Answer-,” General Producer Kazuhisa Wada wrote. “The epilogue is sure to satisfy both those who have played the original Persona 3 FES and those who are just starting out.”

The Expansion Pass will also add new music and costumes. The updated tracks will include remixes and “fan-favorite tracks from previous Persona titles.”

Microsoft says Persona 3 Reload is developer Atlus’ fast-selling title, surpassing a million sales in its first week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/episode-aigis--the-answer--will-wrap-up-persona-3-reloads-story-in-september-214804635.html?src=rss

Dodge Charger Daytona electric is a power-packed muscle car that’ll please EV enthusiasts

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The Charger Daytona electric version has been in my crosshair for quite some time now, and Dodge has finally pulled the drapes off. Yes, the production version of an equally potent Daytona with a dual-motor powertrain is finally official. The quiet beast can deliver the same performance as its big brother powered by the Hemi V8 engine.

This highly anticipated electric muscle car is slated to be available for buyers later this year in two variants – R/T and Scat Pack. Both these versions will further have a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan options. Securing the future for such drivetrains, Dodge has already revealed plans for a Banshee performance version of the electric Charger Daytona next year. As and when that one will be released, boy… it’s going to tickle the fancies of the most avid speed demons!

Designer: Dodge

Talking of the technical specifications the electric Charger will be built on the STLA Large platform, the company’s top-of-the-line electric architecture designed for SUVs and heavy cars. There’s a bigger 100.5 kWh battery to provide all the performance-oriented power to the drivetrain. This will be accompanied by the 400V propulsion system for DC fast charging – enabling an 80 percent charge level in just 52 minutes. But we know what all you motorheads are interested in – that’s the acceleration and top speeds. The R/T churns out 456 horsepower, and 404Lb-ft of torque for shooting from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. The Scat Pack has more under its belly with 630 horsepower and 627lb-ft of torque to go from 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

Having a drag race at those speeds requires massive stopping power, hence, the electric Dodge Charger is fitted with huge 16-inch Brembo brakes and red six-piston front/four-piston rear fixed calipers. This is paired with the “Brake by Wire” intelligent braking system that uses a central module to control vehicle deceleration for “optimum braking force and pedal feedback.” Performance in different sets of conditions should also be a cakewalk given the electric Charger is loaded with Auto, Eco, Sport, and Wet / Snow on the R/T version. The Scat Pack variant will get two additional modes – Track and Drag. As clear from the names, the track mode will optimize the car for “maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces; while the Drag mode is tailored for “optimal dragstrip launch and straight-line acceleration.”

Of course, a muscle car should not only look (with a faux exhaust) and perform like a beast but also need to have that heavy grunt to impart an impact on onlookers. Dodge has that sorted with the low-speed hum that turns into a growl as the car accelerates. Coming on to the interiors, the electric muscle car will have pretty much the same cabin build as the recent Charger models. However, there will be a tad more gadgets and technology to match the electric vehicle theme. On the front there are dual free-standing displays, one is a 10.3- or 16-inch gauge cluster and the other is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The steering wheel is more squared-off and the pistol-grip gear shifter is placed on the center console.

The post Dodge Charger Daytona electric is a power-packed muscle car that’ll please EV enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Final Fantasy 14 will finally hit Xbox Series X/S on March 21

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At long last, Square Enix has revealed the proper release date for Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X/S. The MMO, which is currently in open beta on the consoles, will officially arrive on the systems on March 21. PlayStation and PC players have been enjoying Final Fantasy 14 since 2013, so the Xbox release has been a long time coming.

The Xbox open beta is available only to new Square Enix accounts. It includes everything that's available in the free trial (more on that in a second) and progress will roll over into the full game.

Microsoft is offering Game Pass Ultimate subscribers the option to claim the game's Starter Edition at no extra cost between March 21 and April 19. That too has the same content as the free trial. You'll get the base game and the first two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood.

There are some limits for both options, though. The free trial caps out when you reach level 70, though you can continue playing indefinitely. Other limitations include the amount of in-game currency you can carry and not being able to trade items with other players.

Opt for the Starter Edition and you can exceed the free trial's level cap and other restrictions, but you'll have to start paying the game's subscription fee after 30 days (that's on top of the Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription you'll need to pay to play the game on Xbox). If you prefer not to rush through the base game and first two expansions, it might be better to stick with the trial until you've finished those.

It's worth bearing those quirks in mind as you prepare to set foot in Eorzea for the first time (or you're perhaps starting over after playing Final Fantasy 14 on another platform). In any case, given its capacity to bring people closer together, it might be worth checking out the game with your friends and family if you haven't already done so.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/final-fantasy-14-will-finally-hit-xbox-series-xs-on-march-21-205030097.html?src=rss

Final Fantasy 14 will finally hit Xbox Series X/S on March 21

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At long last, Square Enix has revealed the proper release date for Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X/S. The MMO, which is currently in open beta on the consoles, will officially arrive on the systems on March 21. PlayStation and PC players have been enjoying Final Fantasy 14 since 2013, so the Xbox release has been a long time coming.

The Xbox open beta is available only to new Square Enix accounts. It includes everything that's available in the free trial (more on that in a second) and progress will roll over into the full game.

Microsoft is offering Game Pass Ultimate subscribers the option to claim the game's Starter Edition at no extra cost between March 21 and April 19. That too has the same content as the free trial. You'll get the base game and the first two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood.

There are some limits for both options, though. The free trial caps out when you reach level 70, though you can continue playing indefinitely. Other limitations include the amount of in-game currency you can carry and not being able to trade items with other players.

Opt for the Starter Edition and you can exceed the free trial's level cap and other restrictions, but you'll have to start paying the game's subscription fee after 30 days (that's on top of the Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription you'll need to pay to play the game on Xbox). If you prefer not to rush through the base game and first two expansions, it might be better to stick with the trial until you've finished those.

It's worth bearing those quirks in mind as you prepare to set foot in Eorzea for the first time (or you're perhaps starting over after playing Final Fantasy 14 on another platform). In any case, given its capacity to bring people closer together, it might be worth checking out the game with your friends and family if you haven't already done so.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/final-fantasy-14-will-finally-hit-xbox-series-xs-on-march-21-205030097.html?src=rss

LEGO Godzilla might be smaller than its living counterpart, but it’s just as ferocious

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It’s strange that we’ve got probably around ten or more Godzilla movies, but no Godzilla LEGO set yet. Hoping to change that, LEGO Builder Matthew Esposito decided to make a small-scale brick version of everyone’s favorite city-smashing reptile. Modeled after the ‘King of Monsters’ Godzilla (from the 2019 movie), this tiny terror stands merely a few inches tall, but encapsulates every inch of its original form’s grandeur, with its hefty body, incredibly long tail, and the ability to blow blue flames in any direction, razing cities down in mere minutes with zero regret.

Designer: Matthew Esposito

“I was really blown away by the new look of the Godzilla in these newer movies. I was fascinated by how this new iteration of Godzilla was designed, and I thought that this new look would translate incredibly well into LEGO,” says LEGO builder Matthew Esposito. “This model would make a great LEGO set because I believe that, with the new movie coming soon into theaters and onto streaming services, I believe that many people would be hyped and excited to watch this new movie, as well as have their own buildable Godzilla at hand to play with.”

Esposito doesn’t mention how many bricks his build uses, but it’s probably in the ~500 ballpark (I could be completely wrong). The Godzilla features multiple moving parts, including opposable hands and fingers, a moving jaw, adjustable legs, and even an adjustable tail (which does need its own separate support given the Godzilla’s strange CG). Esposito employs the use of grey bricks, which lends itself well to the iconic monster, and even uses bricks with cracks at certain intervals, highlighting Godzilla’s imperfect skin. The LEGO brick bumps are visible across the body too, almost acting like scales!

This build also comes with its own rich blue fireball that fits right in Godzilla’s mouth, making it look like it’s shooting flames at a building or a nearby helicopter.

Esposito originally built this LEGO version of Godzilla back in 2021, gaining massive support from the LEGO Ideas community who rushed to give him the 10,000 votes he needed to enter the review stage of the LEGO Ideas process. Sadly, the internal team at LEGO rejected the submission at the time, but Esposito resubmitted his MOC (My Own Creation) to the forum again this year, already garnering over 3,400 votes. If you want to see the LEGO Godzilla turn into a retail box set, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and give Esposito your vote!

The post LEGO Godzilla might be smaller than its living counterpart, but it’s just as ferocious first appeared on Yanko Design.

Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is officially arriving this year

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Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is coming out this year, according to today’s Xbox Partner Showcase. Capcom and Xbox dropped a new trailer today, which shows off more gameplay and more of the title’s unique Japanese folklore-inspired aesthetic. The game looks cool as heck.

Though there’s no concrete release date, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be a day one Game Pass title for Xbox Series X|S and Windows. It’s also coming to PS5 and the Steam store.

This is a single-player action RPG with some time and resource management flourishes. During the day, you rescue and recruit villagers to your cause. Once the sun sets, you must juggle real-time action with strategic elements, as you decide how each villager will help you fight against a villainous horde called The Seethe.

Lead director Shuichi Kawata was also behind the well-reviewed Metroidvania Shinsekai: Into the Depths. Kawata says his team has been working on Kunitsu-Gami for four years and that they are excited “and maybe a little nervous” to have everyone finally get their hands on the game.

Capcom has compared Kunitsu-Gami’s aesthetic to previous titles with traditional Japanese themes, like the universally beloved Okami. The game was developed using its RE Engine, which was originally designed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess wasn’t the only news to come out of today’s Xbox Partner Showcase event. Final Fantasy XIV finally hits Xbox consoles on March 21 and an expansion pass for Persona 3: Reload will bring new missions to the JRPG later this year. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/capcoms-kunitsu-gami-path-of-the-goddess-is-officially-arriving-this-year-200624878.html?src=rss

Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is officially arriving this year

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Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is coming out this year, according to today’s Xbox Partner Showcase. Capcom and Xbox dropped a new trailer today, which shows off more gameplay and more of the title’s unique Japanese folklore-inspired aesthetic. The game looks cool as heck.

Though there’s no concrete release date, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be a day one Game Pass title for Xbox Series X|S and Windows. It’s also coming to PS5 and the Steam store.

This is a single-player action RPG with some time and resource management flourishes. During the day, you rescue and recruit villagers to your cause. Once the sun sets, you must juggle real-time action with strategic elements, as you decide how each villager will help you fight against a villainous horde called The Seethe.

Lead director Shuichi Kawata was also behind the well-reviewed Metroidvania Shinsekai: Into the Depths. Kawata says his team has been working on Kunitsu-Gami for four years and that they are excited “and maybe a little nervous” to have everyone finally get their hands on the game.

Capcom has compared Kunitsu-Gami’s aesthetic to previous titles with traditional Japanese themes, like the universally beloved Okami. The game was developed using its RE Engine, which was originally designed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess wasn’t the only news to come out of today’s Xbox Partner Showcase event. Final Fantasy XIV finally hits Xbox consoles on March 21 and an expansion pass for Persona 3: Reload will bring new missions to the JRPG later this year. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/capcoms-kunitsu-gami-path-of-the-goddess-is-officially-arriving-this-year-200624878.html?src=rss

Twitch will overhaul its mobile app for the first time since 2019

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Twitch is redesigning its mobile app for the first time since 2019. The company’s CEO, Dan Clancy, wrote in an open letter on Wednesday that the discovery feed will be the app’s new landing page. The update, expected later this year, will also make it easier to share quick updates, including uploading short video stories from the mobile app.

“We’re redesigning the mobile app (the first major update since 2019) to bring you a more modern, immersive viewing experience by making the discovery feed available to all Twitch users as the new landing experience in the app,” Clancy wrote. The discovery feed, currently only available as an “experiment” in the mobile app, shows real-time updates blending streams from people you follow with recommended content.

Clancy says the mobile app will also add new features that encourage quick updates for your followers, including the ability to create and upload short video stories from your phone. Other additions will include pinch-to-zoom in photos (better late than never?) and the ability to share portrait videos to stories.

Twitch moderators with iPhones have something to look forward to, as the mobile app will include mod tools for the first time. Previously desktop-only, the mobile tools will be “flexible, easy to use, and move with you,” according to Clancy. The company says the mod tools will roll out to iOS later this year; it hasn’t yet addressed Android availability.

Looking beyond the mobile app, other 2024 Twitch updates will include updated community guidelines. Clancy says the new rules include “clearer, updated harm definitions, and more severe penalties for some types of harassment.” The platform also plans to roll out tools to help users better identify harassment, including some that Clancy claims “would block more harassment before it shows up in your chat.”

Finally, Twitch’s clip editor (which reportedly helped enable child exploitation on the platform) will soon make it easier to share content. Clancy says the feature will make it easier for creators and viewers to share clips to social channels, including an option to export directly to Instagram. In addition, the mobile app’s big update will add the clip editor when it arrives later this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitch-will-overhaul-its-mobile-app-for-the-first-time-since-2019-195811175.html?src=rss

Twitch will overhaul its mobile app for the first time since 2019

Posted on by

Twitch is redesigning its mobile app for the first time since 2019. The company’s CEO, Dan Clancy, wrote in an open letter on Wednesday that the discovery feed will be the app’s new landing page. The update, expected later this year, will also make it easier to share quick updates, including uploading short video stories from the mobile app.

“We’re redesigning the mobile app (the first major update since 2019) to bring you a more modern, immersive viewing experience by making the discovery feed available to all Twitch users as the new landing experience in the app,” Clancy wrote. The discovery feed, currently only available as an “experiment” in the mobile app, shows real-time updates blending streams from people you follow with recommended content.

Clancy says the mobile app will also add new features that encourage quick updates for your followers, including the ability to create and upload short video stories from your phone. Other additions will include pinch-to-zoom in photos (better late than never?) and the ability to share portrait videos to stories.

Twitch moderators with iPhones have something to look forward to, as the mobile app will include mod tools for the first time. Previously desktop-only, the mobile tools will be “flexible, easy to use, and move with you,” according to Clancy. The company says the mod tools will roll out to iOS later this year; it hasn’t yet addressed Android availability.

Looking beyond the mobile app, other 2024 Twitch updates will include updated community guidelines. Clancy says the new rules include “clearer, updated harm definitions, and more severe penalties for some types of harassment.” The platform also plans to roll out tools to help users better identify harassment, including some that Clancy claims “would block more harassment before it shows up in your chat.”

Finally, Twitch’s clip editor (which reportedly helped enable child exploitation on the platform) will soon make it easier to share content. Clancy says the feature will make it easier for creators and viewers to share clips to social channels, including an option to export directly to Instagram. In addition, the mobile app’s big update will add the clip editor when it arrives later this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitch-will-overhaul-its-mobile-app-for-the-first-time-since-2019-195811175.html?src=rss

Meta explains how third-party apps will hook into Messenger and WhatsApp

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Meta has revealed more details about how third-party messaging apps can be interoperable with WhatsApp and Messenger. The company is being required to open up its apps to a certain extent to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new European Union law that comes into effect this week.

"We think the best way to deliver interoperability is through a solution which builds on Meta’s existing client/server architecture," Meta wrote in a blog post. "The approach we have taken in terms of implementing interoperability is the best way of meeting DMA requirements, whilst also creating a viable approach for the third-party providers interested in becoming interoperable with Meta and maximizing user security and privacy."

Meta says it has been working on interoperability with the European Commission for nearly two years. To begin with, interoperability will need to support text-based messages and the ability to share images, voice notes, videos and other files. In the future, Meta will need to enable group chats and calling between WhatsApp and Messenger and third-party apps.

For the time being, third-party developers will likely have to use the Signal protocol to hook into Messenger and WhatsApp. Meta uses that protocol for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on both apps, "as it represents the current gold standard for E2EE chats." Developers will have the option of using a compatible protocol, but only "if they are able to demonstrate it offers the same security guarantees as Signal."

Meta notes that when it comes to messaging entirely within the WhatsApp and Messenger ecosystems, it controls both the sending and receiving clients. In such cases, it can affirm that only the sender and intended recipients will be able to see messages. 

However, it added that "while we have built a secure solution for interop that uses the Signal protocol encryption to protect messages in transit, without ownership of both clients (endpoints) we cannot guarantee what a third-party provider does with sent or received messages, and we therefore cannot make the same promise." As such, Meta is indicating that messages that originate from or are sent to a third-party app may not be as secure as those that stay completely within its own ecosystem.

Developers who connect their apps to WhatsApp and Messenger will have to host media files that they send to Meta's platforms on their own servers. WhatsApp or Messenger will then download the media from the media via a Meta proxy service.

To enable interoperability, makers of third-party messaging apps will need to sign an agreement with Meta. The company notes that it needs to be ready to turn on interoperability with another service within three months of receiving a request, though "it may take longer before the functionality is ready for public use."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-explains-how-third-party-apps-will-hook-into-messenger-and-whatsapp-192532065.html?src=rss