Monthly Archives: October 2017

The Top 25 Modern PC Games

Editor's Note: List last updated October 25, 2017.

When we look back at the last 10 years (from October 2007 to October 2017), we see continuing proof that the PC is the most diverse gaming platform ever created. This platform has not only the most games but also the most different types of games you’ll find anywhere. Picking our top 25 best and most memorable experiences from that time was a huge challenge, but IGN’s panel of experts — including James DugganChloi Rad, Miranda Sanchez, Steve Butts, Tom Marks, and Dan Stapleton — have compiled a list that represents our collective thoughts on the decade's highlights.

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Microsoft Is No Longer Producing Kinect

Microsoft has confirmed that it is no longer manufacturing the Xbox Kinect accessory, with Alex Kipman (creator of the Kinect) and Matthew Larsen (GM of Xbox Devices Marketing) confirming the news in an interview with Co.Design.

Microsoft will continue to support customers who bought Kinect, but it's unclear whether developer tools will remain supported.

Originally released for the Xbox 360 back in 2010, the Kinect was designed to change the way gamers approached game, by using a depth sensor and in-built microphones to allow players to control the Xbox's functions through their body or their voice, providing more accessibility for gamers and encouraging Xbox users to get up off their coach and have a more interactive experience.

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Ragnarok Explained

It’s the end of the world, and Thor feels fine! Well, maybe not, at least not if the trailers for the truly exciting-looking Thor: Ragnarok are any indication, but as the apocalyptic event that signals the end of Asgard and everything else looms in the MCU, let’s find out just what “Ragnarok” means!

Over the years, this quintessential element of Asgardian legend has played a background role in the unfolding story of the Marvel hero and his fellow warriors, at times galvanizing them into action to try to preserve the status quo and stop the destruction of all they know and love. But where did it all begin? We’ll do our best to dial it all back, but it’s important to note that we’re dealing with an endless cycle here. Brace yourself for confusion, True Believers! Spoilers from the comics follow...

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Warner Bros. to Publish ‘Updated’ Rocket League Physical Edition

Warner Bros. will publish an "updated" retail version of Rocket League when it hits stores this holiday season, Psyonix announced today.

This retail release, which will be available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, will be an updated version of the hit game, though specific details on its content "will be confirmed at a later time."

Psyonix Vice President Jeremy Dunham called Warner Bros. "the ideal partner to help push Rocket League to another level." Dunham notes he was "impressed" with the publisher after previously teaming up for Rocket League's Batman v Superman DLC.

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Middle-Earth: Shadow of War Expansion Details

Warner Bros. has announced details regarding the future of Middle-earth: Shadow of War - the latest video game to be set in JRR Tolkein's fantasy universe - and it certainly gives players plenty to look forward to, particularly anyone who has invested in the Season Pass.

Over the next couple of months, two new tribes of Orc will be introduced to Shadow of War, with the Slaughter tribe arriving in November and the Outlaw tribe following in December. Both expansions will introduce new tribal fortresses along with throne rooms, monuments and outposts, as well as new Epic and Legendary Orcs which can be defeated for enhanced loot, including brand new Legendary gear. The Slaughter tribe are specifically noted as being "the most bloodthirsty in Mordor", with a warning for players that they can lay an ambush at any point. The Outlaws, meanwhile, hold a "deep contempt" for both foreign invaders as well as Lord of Mordor.

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Gear.Club Unlimited Nintendo Switch Hands-On Preview

Gear.Club Unlimited is in the enviable, and risky, position as the first proper racing game on the  Nintendo Switch, and it succeeds, in context.

For a PC sim racing player, it’s easy to be frustrated at AAA simcade games that are severely limited by the lack of hardware availability. Why bother wrestling an ultra-realistic Koenigsegg with all the assists off when you’re stuck with a non-customizable wheel or a controller? These frustrations don’t exist with Gear.Club Unlimited, since the game doesn’t present itself as feathering the edge between real-life and virtual racing.

This isn’t to say that the game is completely lacking in physics, but rather that it has just enough of it. The real success is the game’s pick-up-and-play factor. The varying cars differentiate enough to translate through the controller. You can tell the difference between the weightiness of a BMW M4 and a Lotus Elise’s petite figure. The straightforward selection of driving assists will enable less experienced racers to attempt competing with the veterans. The hardest settings provide veteran racers enough of a challenge with the Switch Joy-Cons / Pro Controller to keep wanting to play, but without often-frustrating pseudo-realism. It’s fun in the way that older Need for Speed titles are fun. You pick up the controller, choose the car that you have on a wall poster, and race.

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The Best 2 Player Board Games

Board games are great with big groups of friends, but there are loads of great board games for just two players, too. Indeed some say it's the best way to play. There's no plotting, no balance issues, just pure one on one strategy.  And the game doesn't care if it's a couple or a roommate.

In fact, there are so many games that are enjoyable with two that we couldn’t list them all. Instead, we’ve broken them down into three categories so you can find one to suit your mood: quick, cooperative, and competitive. Many of these games support more players, but play excellently when just two are at the table.

These are the best board games for 2 players — from couples on a date night to a parent spending quality time with their child, and everything in between,

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Destiny 2 PC Players Reporting Mass Bans

Hundreds of Destiny 2 PC players have reported being banned from the game, with no consensus as to why.

Multiple players have contacted IGN about the problem overnight, and both the Bungie.net forums and the Destiny subreddit have been flooded with posts about the problem.

Some believed this to be connected to certain performance or chat-related overlays interacting with Destiny 2. However, Destiny Community Manager Cozmo has said that these programs are simply blocked, and will not result in bans. Similarly, many players who have been banned say they haven't used any overlays.

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