Tag Archives: Video Games

You can try Monster Hunter Wilds next week, months before its February 28 release date

Posted on by

One of the biggest games on the not-too-distant horizon is Monster Hunter Wilds. While the next edition of Capcom's blockbuster series has a February 28 release date, you'll be able to get a taste of it in an open beta test that's taking place next week.

PlayStation Plus subscribers will be the first to check out this beta starting at 11PM ET on Monday, October 28. That test will run for 48 hours. Capcom will then open up the servers to all PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC players on Halloween, also at 11PM. The open beta will end at 9:59PM on Sunday. November 3.

You can create both your character and your cat-like Palico companion in the beta. Along with being able to transfer your character creation data over to the full game, you'll get a virtual pendant and a few other goodies for taking part in the beta. The beta's story trial includes two hunts, one with basic tutorials and the other offering the chance to explore the environment on a Seikret animal mount. You can take on both quests in online multiplayer (Monster Hunter Wilds supports cross-play) or get some assistance from computer-controlled support hunters.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/you-can-try-monster-hunter-wilds-next-week-months-before-its-february-28-release-date-154421037.html?src=rss

Metal Slug Tactics finally arrives on November 5

Posted on by

The return of Metal Slug is almost upon us. It's been three years since spin-off Metal Slug Tactics was unveiled. After some delays, the game finally has a firm release date of November 5.

Rather than the classic run-and-gun gameplay of the original games, Metal Slug Tactics takes a more methodical approach to the action. As the name suggests, it's a tactical RPG. It does retain the pixel art look of the old games, though. Metal Slug Tactics is billed as both an homage to its predecessors and a new spin on the series, with some roguelite elements designed to boost replayability.

In their latest trailer, developer Leikir Studio and publisher Dotemu provide a fresh look at the game. It reveals three additional characters who appeared in earlier games from original publisher SNK in Clark Still, Ralf Jones and Leona Heidern.

The last new mainline game, Metal Slug 7, debuted in 2008. Since Metal Slug Tactics was announced, a couple of other spin-offs have arrived in the form of mobile titles Metal Slug: Commander and Metal Slug: Awakening, which later came to PC. However, this one is bound for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/metal-slug-tactics-finally-arrives-on-november-5-171012984.html?src=rss

Star Citizen spinoff Squadron 42 has been delayed again until 2026

Posted on by

The single-player Squadron 42, set in the Star Citizen universe, has been delayed all the way to 2026. This is interesting because the developers said the game was “feature complete” last year. Squadron 42 was first announced in 2014 and has experienced numerous delays throughout the past decade.

The stated reason for the delay is to apply more polish. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) boss Chris Roberts said at this weekend’s CitizenCon that he’s “confident” the title will make its 2026 release window. To sate eager fans, the developer dropped an hour-long gameplay video that chronicles the opening segments, seen below.

Roberts also told convention-goers that Squadron 42 would feature “30 to 40 hours of gameplay.” He went on to note that there’s still some work left to “bring the quality of the game up to” the level shown in the gameplay video.

Squadron 42 is a first-person action game that features on-foot exploration and combat, ship piloting and more. It has an absolutely stacked voice and mocap cast, many of whom are featured in the above gameplay video. The cast includes Gary Oldman, Henry Cavill, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Andy Serkis and Sophie Wu, among many others.

There’s also the matter of the parent game Star Citizen. It’s still not ready for a full release, after being a huge Kickstarter success story in 2012. However, the game has an active alpha community and is still racking up impressive crowdfunding numbers. All told, CIG has raised over $729 million for the title in the past 12 years.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/star-citizen-spinoff-squadron-42-has-been-delayed-again-until-2026-180946358.html?src=rss

Alan Wake 2’s upcoming PS5 Pro update will add a 4K ray-tracing mode

Posted on by

Today marks five days before Alan Wake 2’s first anniversary, and the developers at Remedy Entertainment have some great news for players. Firstly, those who plan to get the game on PS5 Pro will get to enjoy improved Quality and Performance modes. There will also be a free anniversary update promising many improvements and “cheats.”

The team at Remedy dove deep into Alan Wake 2’s PS5 Pro improvements, but we’ll keep things brief here. Both quality and performance modes depend on Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling method. This allows quality mode to reach an output resolution of 4K while the render resolution is 2,176 x 1,224. Ray-traced reflections are on, but only at 30FPS On the other hand, the performance mode also outputs at 4K, but the render resolution is only 1,536 x 864, and there’s no ray-tracing. However, the FPS counter will reach 60.

Remedy also claims that Pro performance mode has improved fog, volumetric lighting, shadow accuracy and image stability. The company further explains that performance mode for the PS5 Pro is superior to the base PS5’s quality mode in terms of output resolution and visual detail. The render detail isn’t exactly the same, but it’s close.

Moving on to the anniversary update, Alan Wake 2 players (all of you, not just PS5 Pro owners) will be able to enjoy improvements like an inverted X axis on mouse and keyboard, DualSense gyro aiming support, haptics support for more items and the Gameplay Assist menu. The menu contains some “features” including invulnerability to damage, immortality, unlimited ammo, flashlight batteries not running out and more.

We aren’t sure about you, but it sounds like a recipe for disaster and chaos, but that’s what some players want. Remedy Entertainment is improving the game’s accessibility first and foremost, and it’s a welcome sight for those who struggle with the currently available control schemes. The anniversary update will be available tomorrow on October 22, while the PS5 Pro enhancements don’t have a release date yet.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/alan-wake-2s-upcoming-ps5-pro-update-will-add-a-4k-ray-tracing-mode-170403388.html?src=rss

The critically acclaimed Neva will get a physical release next year

Posted on by

The indie platformer Neva, from the same developer that made the beloved Gris, is getting a physical edition. It comes out on March 14, 2025 for both the Nintendo Switch and the PS5. Preorders are available now in both standard and deluxe editions.

The standard edition will get you the game and a box. The deluxe edition, however, also ships with a collector’s box, the original soundtrack on CD and an 88-page artbook. Neva has absolutely stunning art design, so that artbook is likely going to be something special.

For the uninitiated, Neva is an indie platformer that came out last week to near-universal rave reviews. We called it “perfect” and a “faultless game” in our official review. That’s high praise, but well-deserved. The graphics and art design are top-tier and the narrative is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The platforming is also pretty darn great, with “light and responsive” controls.

As for the story, the less said the better. It involves a woman and her wolf as they rely on each other to traverse a dangerous world. Yes, you can pet the wolf. There’s actually an achievement for that. Neva was developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. It’s also available for PC, macOS and Xbox Series X/S, but those platforms aren’t getting a physical edition.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-critically-acclaimed-neva-will-get-a-physical-release-next-year-162247507.html?src=rss

Spider-Man 2 will crawl onto PCs in January

Posted on by

It’s been over a year since Peter Parker and Miles Morales joined forces for their epic crossover adventure game on the Sony PlayStation 5. Now they are swinging their way to PCs early next year.

Sony announced at New York Comic Con today that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is getting a PC release on January 30, 2025 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The fans who got to hear the news first also witnessed the new trailer for the game’s PC remake.

The new release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will come in two different versions and both have plenty of extra features and perks for those very patient PC players. The “Standard Edition” comes with the full game and all the PS5 updates such as 14 new suits, “Ultimate Levels,” new styles of symbiote suits and an action figure mode in photo mode. The “Digital Deluxe Edition” also comes with five exclusive new suits for Peter and Miles each, early unlocks for Peter’s Arachknight suit, Miles, Shadow-Spirit suit and the web grabber gadget and additional items for photo mode.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 features the two most famous names from the Spider-Verse (not counting Stan Lee) in an expanded version of the Big Apple taking on one of the longest lists of villains in just about any comic book based game. The two take on bad guys like Kraven, Black Cat and Scorpion without giving away too many appearances. Of course, the one most of the fans looked forward to seeing is that deep voiced, slimy symbiote Venom.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/spider-man-2-will-crawl-onto-pcs-in-january-223143137.html?src=rss

Unity mounts a comeback with launch of Unity 6 game engine

Posted on by

Unity has released the latest version of its engine for developing games and interactive experiences. Unity 6 has new workflows for creating online multiplayer games and more tools for projects intended for mobile platforms, including mobile web support for Android and iOS browsers. The engine promises improved performance, particularly in graphics rendering, and adds several features for creating more realistic environments via global lighting and other VFX. And it wouldn't be a tech announcement without some AI component; the company has also released the latest version of its Sentis neural network inference library for using AI models within the Unity engine.

The company took a real hit to its public perception when it attempted to revise its pricing structure last September. The proposed payment model would charge devs a fee whenever a player downloaded their creation. The move led to outcry among game developers, particularly the indie scene. After a leadership shakeup and a massive workforce reduction, the company walked back most of the changes it had announced. This September, the controversial fee was dropped entirely.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/unity-mounts-a-comeback-with-launch-of-unity-6-game-engine-205332034.html?src=rss

Remedy’s new game is FBC: Firebreak, a co-op shooter in the Control universe

Posted on by

After a long and winding road, Remedy Entertainment has unveiled its multiplayer follow-up to Control. FBC: Firebreak is for teams of three, and the trios will face down waves of enemies with an intriguing arsenal of weapons. For instance, the trailer shows a gatling gun of gloopy poison and a gun with a launching piston attached to the front for aerial attacks.

Since FBC: Firebreak is set in the same world as Control (and Alan Wake II), there will be more for players to explore about this surreal place. The trailer showed off gunfights in the Federal Bureau of Control and the Oldest House, familiar settings to those who have played Control and its DLC. But with the different approach to gameplay, FBC: Firebreak isn't intended to be a direct sequel to the psychological hit game. "I guess you could say that it’s a spin-off, but in the most positive sense of the word," Game Director Mike Kayatta said. "It’s not designed to be some kind of lesser, bite-sized Control. FBC: Firebreak is its own, fully formed thing."

A co-op project from the studio was first teased all the way back in 2021. Firebreak has clearly gone through some refinements from the original concept Remedy announced with 505 Games. At the time, it was also working on a free-to-play co-op shooter with the conglomerate Tencent, but the codenamed Project Vanguard was scrapped in 2023. The duo attempted to reenvision the game as a premium title, but that also fell by the wayside.

FBC: Firebreak is currently scheduled for release in 2025 on the Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5. Remedy announced that the game will be on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch, as well as on the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium members. 

Update, October 17, 3:55 pm ET: Article has been updated with full launch platform and service information. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/remedys-new-game-is-fbc-firebreak-a-co-op-shooter-in-the-control-universe-180702570.html?src=rss

Subnautica 2 hits early access in 2025 with four-player co-op

Posted on by

The sequel to the hugely successful Subnautica is creeping ever closer into the light, and we got our first proper look at it during Xbox's partner showcase event on Thursday. The Subnautica 2 reveal trailer opens by cutting between a zonked-out diver in the depths with a low-oxygen warning flashing on their helmet and a colorful Finding Nemo-esque coral biome. In the latter space, the diver tries to swim away from a large crab-like creature that emerges, but is sucked into the inky blackness. A fellow human in a submersible shows up and greets them, only for a monstrously huge being to appear.

The presence of the second person is to highlight that Subnautica 2 will feature four-player co-op, something players of the open-water survival series have long requested. "Introducing the optional co-operative experience alongside a whole new planet felt like the best opportunity to make that switch, and we’re certain that it will test your ingenuity and ability to adapt as you explore the world together," Donya Abramo, a community manager at developer and publisher Unknown Worlds wrote on the Xbox Wire. "But for those who prefer the eerily beautiful solitude of solo play, Subnautica 2 will still provide that familiar experience, and prove equally as challenging."

Expect a lot more details about the game to be revealed in the coming months, including info on new and improved tools, vehicles and base building. Of course, there are a whole gaggle of creatures — big and small — in store too. 

Subnautica 2 will hit early access next year. It'll initially be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store and, via Game Pass, Xbox game preview on PC and Xbox Series X/S.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/subnautica-2-hits-early-access-in-2025-with-four-player-co-op-194227017.html?src=rss

2K Games wades into risky waters and announces a free-to-play hero shooter

Posted on by

2K and developer 31st Union just unveiled Project: Ethos, a free-to-play 3rd-person hero shooter. It’s entering a crowded and fraught marketplace, but the publisher says this is an “exciting evolution” of the genre.

That evolution seems to take the form of some light roguelike mechanics. The playable characters evolve throughout each match, via semi-randomized upgrades unique to each hero. The publisher gives an example of evolving a sniper into a “close-range skirmisher” or a “support role into a powerful lone wolf.”

A shot of roguelike stuff.
2K

The “abilities, stakes and challenges” change from match to match and players can eventually unlock powerful Augments to further enhance runs. It remains to be seen if these mechanics can set it apart from the pack, but you can find that out for yourself. There’s a community playtest going on right now.

Players can test out the game’s signature Trials mode, which is an “ongoing, persistent fight” or check out the Gauntlet. This is your standard head-to-head tournament mode, with teams and brackets.

This community playtest goes until October 20 in the US, Canada, Mexico and much of Europe. There is a fairly annoying hurdle to jump through to access the early build. You have to complete a Twitch Drop and stream 30 minutes of content from one of 2K’s partner creators. There’s no information yet regarding an actual release date for people who don’t want to sit through a 30-minute stream.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/2k-games-wades-into-risky-waters-and-announces-a-free-to-play-hero-shooter-160059725.html?src=rss