Monthly Archives: October 2017
How System Shock 2 Inspired BioShock 2’s Best DLC
Before founding Gone Home developer Fullbright, Steve Gaynor worked at 2K Marin on BioShock 2: Minerva's Den, and speaking with IGN, Gaynor revealed how System Shock 2 inspired the creation of what is widely regarded as BioShock 2's best DLC.
On the latest episode of our monthly interview show IGN Unfiltered, Gaynor said the idea for Minerva's Den began to form during his interview at 2K Marin, when he was asked to pitch a level that could be slotted into the BioShock story. "I had pitched the computer core of Rapture as a thing with a guy who was splicing to become smarter and see all of the possibilities with math and stuff," he said.
Doom Gets a Release Date for Nintendo Switch
Doom is coming to Switch on November 10, Nintendo and Bethesda announced today.
The companies revealed the release date in separate posts on Twitter, alongside an interview with Doom developer id Software. In the interview, creative director Hugo Martin and executive producer Marty Stratton discuss how they worked with developer Panic Button to bring the shooter to Nintendo's latest console.
Doom initially launched last year on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, before being revealed for Switch last month during a Nintendo Direct. The Switch version includes both the single-player campaign and multiplayer — though the latter will require a separate download due to cartridge size restraints.
UK Government to Investigate Loot Boxes Following Petition
The UK Government must respond to a petition concerning the use of Loot Boxes as gambling in video games after it gained significant public support.
The online petition has accrued over 10,000 signatures - the minimum needed to ensure a government response - since it started.
Titled "Adapt gambling laws to include gambling in video games which target children", the appeal is asking for a reform in UK gambling law to include in-game mechanics like Loot Boxes, which "are targeted at children and vulnerable adults"
"While not currently considers
gambling by law they do copy many traits to make them as addictive and can lead to real money being lost/earned. Gambling in video games mostly involves 'loot boxes' where players use virtual currency (often bought with real money) to earn in-game items often worth less than what they paid (sometimes more)"
The Super Nt Is a 1080p Super NES That Doesn’t Use Emulation
As truly delightful as the Super NES Classic is, any retro enthusiast will tell you nothing beats playing games on original hardware. While the emulation on the Super NES Classic is top-notch, it doesn't quite capture the authenticity playing genuine carts on actual hardware affords.
The Super Nt bridges the gap between the convenience of the Super NES Classic and the authenticity of playing on original hardware. Unlike the Classic or RetroPi solutions, the Super Nt uses a field programmable gate array to reproduce the hardware of the SNES, rather than use software to emulate it.
Outputting an original Super NES to HDMI takes a bit of extra hardware, but the Super Nt outputs through HDMI with "lag-free, zero signal degradation video," according to manufacturer Analogue.
UK Daily Deals: Massive LG 75-Inch 4K HDR TV for £1999
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Check out my Xbox One X Preorder Guide here and my Google Pixel 2 Preorder Guide here.
Oculus Rift Touch Controllers Bundle Plus 6 Free Games for Under £400
Battlefront 2: Attack of the Clones or Empire Strikes Back?
Confession time: I’m a Star Wars Battlefront apologist. I fully acknowledge it was sorely lacking in content, particularly at launch, but as far as nailing the look, sound, and feel of playing as a Rebel or Imperial trooper – or, better still, occupying the skin of an iconic hero or villain – DICE nailed it. What DICE didn’t nail is enough content to justify the asking price, while the lack of depth in its multiplayer greatly impacted the longevity and, ultimately, the size of the player base. On top of this, the Star Cards (read: gadget abilities) weren’t particularly well balanced, and the back-end networking left a lot to be desired.
Plenty to be addressed in other words. Now that I've spent several hours with the Star Wars Battlefront II multiplayer beta, has it improved in terms of content, depth, and balancing? The simple answer: yes and no. The longer answer is below.
Happy Death Day Has Killer Box Office Debut
Happy Death Day had a strong opening weekend at the domestic box office, debuting in first place with an estimated $26.5 million.
Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions' latest thriller has already proven to be a success, as the Christopher B. Landon-directed film had a production budget of just $5 million. Happy Death Day is one of several recent horror films to perform incredibly well for Universal, joining recent Blumhouse successes like Jordan Peele's Get Out and M. Night Shyamalan's Split.
Street Fighter 5’s Final Season 2 DLC Character Is Zeku
Zeku, the ever-changing ninja, is coming to Street Fighter V on October 24, serving as the final DLC character for Season 2.
An aggressive, rushdown style character, Zeku's V-trigger ability transforms him into a more youthful version, changing his appearance and seemingly altering his moves. For a look at Zeku in action, check out the character reveal trailer below:
First appearing in Street Fighter Alpha 2, Zeku was Guy's former teacher. Zeku taught Guy the art of Bushinryu, a style of ninjutsu Guy went on to master. Zeku then vanished, only to reappear now.
The complete Season 2 DLC roster includes Akuma, Kolin, Ed, Abigail, Menat, and Zeku.
Read IGN's Street Fighter V review for our thoughts on how it nails the mechanics and competitive features, but was a bit lacking in overall content compared to other games in the genre. Also be sure to check out some of the awesome Street Fighter V character statues we saw at NYCC.
How Walking Dead Changes with All Out War in Season 8
The Walking Dead returns to AMC for its fiercely anticipated eighth season, and its 100th episode, on Sunday, October 22nd. Big things are in store for Rick and the rest of his Alexandria Alliance as they battle tooth and nail against Negan and the Saviors.
Rick's faced ferocious foes in the past, even entire factions and towns, but this time around in this war against Negan, things will be very different. According to director and executive producer Greg Nocotero, in fact, "dramatically different."
IGN got to visit the set of The Walking Dead during the production of Season 8 and spoke to the cast and creative team about what fans can expect from this new season. With all-out war fully on the table, it feels like the story could be more vicious than ever. "This season is just balls to the wall action," said Ross Marquand, who plays Aaron. "It’s just going to be a gnarly season. It’s going to be a rough and tumble season that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see, myself included."
The Movie Basketball Dream Team
A new NBA season is upon us. As we all get ready for a new season of hoops action, the number one question on most of our minds is "Can anybody beat the Golden State Warriors?" The answer is "probably not," at least if we are talking about NBA teams. However, what if we put together a dream team of basketball players from movies? Could they take down Steph Curry and company? That is what I have set out to do.
First, a few caveats. No real basketball players were considered. That means Michael Jordan from Space Jam doesn't make the cut. Bill Murray from Space Jam is eligible, but he didn't make the team because he wasn't that good. Also, none of the Monstars are on the team, because they are villains, and I considered team chemistry very important.