Monthly Archives: June 2020

XCOM 2 Collection For Nintendo Switch Review – Close Encounters of the Bugged Kind

You're hunkered down behind a beaten-up truck, bleeding from a chest wound. You can hear the labored breathing of one of your squadmates over the comms. Nightmare, as the team knows her, is unconscious at your feet, but you can't think about that right now as a horde of zombies comes skittering around the corner. You take aim, the first of your targets weaving erratically in your field of vision before you blow its brains out. You repeat this twice more and as the horde advances yet again, you hear a shot ring out and a bullet zips past your ear, splintering the helmet of an ADVENT soldier who had a flamethrower at the ready.

The sniper, Rat King, holds up five fingers--minutes until evac arrives. Another member of your squad, Outrider, drops cloaking and picks Nightmare up to take her to safety as the sounds of more Lost ring out in the distance. It takes seconds, in the end. With the Commander's voice in your ear, you pull the pin on the frag grenade and chuck it, close enough to clip the rampaging horde but also to light up the truck that you're taking cover behind. This resulting explosion will finish you, but allow everyone else to make it to safety. After all the hard choices the Commander has had to make, your last thought is the hope that this has been easy in comparison.

XCOM 2 Collection on the Switch is an ambitious port, full of those excruciating choices and richer for it. Firaxis Games' alien-massacring hit has become a bit of a household name when it comes to strategy games. Even though it's infamous for its Russian roulette-style approach to combat probability, the impact that XCOM 2 has had on the genre as a whole is widely accepted, making this one of the more highly-anticipated ports of legacy franchises to Nintendo's flagship console. Unfortunately, the full experience is too performance-intensive for the Switch to let the title's tactical magic truly shine through in this latest iteration.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Song From The Last of Us Part 2 Trailer Was Inspired by Existing Cover Version, Uncredited

Naughty Dog VP Neil Druckmann has confirmed the acoustic version of New Order’s ‘True Faith’ used in a recent trailer for The Last of Us Part II was indeed inspired by musician Lotte Kestner’s existing cover of the song. Druckmann, creative director on The Last of Us Part II, explained the situation as an “oversight.” “Ellie's rendition of ‘True Faith’ was inspired by Lotte Kestner’s haunting cover of the song,” said Druckmann via Twitter. “Due to an oversight on our end, she wasn’t credited as intended. Our deep apologies – we are rectifying this ASAP.” Seattle, Washington-based singer/songwriter Kestner pointed out the similarities to Naughty Dog and Druckmann via Twitter late last week, calling the version used in the game’s trailer a “replica” of her own track, released in 2011 on her album Stolen. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/03/the-last-of-us-part-ii-official-extended-commercial"] “I wrote original parts not in the original song that are copied exactly by whoever covered it,” wrote Kestner. “I am heartbroken.” Kestner has since removed that post and noted her thanks. Towards the end of Kestner’s cover is a hummed vocal segment, which has been replicated at the end of the version ostensibly sung by Ellie in the trailer. This hummed melody does not appear in the original 1987 new wave synth-pop track by New Order, either as vocals or an instrument solo. To compare, listen to Kestner’s cover, the trailer, and the original New Order song. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-new-screenshots&captions=true"] For more from The Last of Us Part II, check out the new enemy factions, the new terrors of the infected, and our final, story spoiler-free preview. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.

Cops Canceled After 32 Seasons on TV

The Paramount Network dropped the long-running reality series entirely in the wake of the worldwide protests against police brutality caused by the killing of George Floyd

Zack Snyder Reveals Some Key Visual Changes in Store for Justice League

Beyond just the obvious narrative differences between the 2017 theatrical release and The Snyder Cut, fans can expect some key technical and visual changes to be made when Zack Snyder's retooled version of Justice League debuts on HBO Max next year. Snyder revealed a few details on such changes to fans on the social media platform Vero. As pointed out by /Film, Snyder confirmed that he will alter the color of the orange-red sky seen during the theatrical release's end battle. Another exchange between Snyder and a Vero user -- picked up by Reddit -- revealed that The Snyder Cut will utilize a 1.66.1 aspect ratio, what is commonly known as "European Widescreen". [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/justice-league-snyder-cut-darkseid-confirmed-and-revealed-ign-news"] The Direct says the 1.66.1 aspect ratio "will give a taller look for the scenes of the film as it shows more of the top and bottom of the screen." Netflix's Marriage Story used this aspect ratio so you will notice the black bars (or mattes) along the sides of this frame from the film. Reddit user BatmanNewsChris made the examples below of what Justice League looks like in both its original theatrical 1.85:1 aspect ratio and The Snyder Cut's 1.66.1 aspect ratio: [caption id="attachment_2362444" align="alignnone" width="720"]Justice League's theatrical aspect ratio. Justice League's theatrical aspect ratio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2362445" align="alignnone" width="720"]Justice League in 1.66.1 aspect ratio. Justice League in 1.66.1 aspect ratio.[/caption] So what do you think of these visual alterations to Justice League? Let us know in the comments. And for more on The Snyder Cut, behold Zack Snyder's version of Darkseid, learn why it will cost a lot more than originally reported, and read up on why the cast won't be involved with reshoots. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-superhero-directors-cuts-you-can-stream-now&captions=true"]

Who Is Punchline? Why Joker’s New Partner Is No Harley Quinn

DC is gearing up for the start of Joker War, an epic new crossover featuring what is said to be the final showdown between Batman and Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime knows Batman's secret identity, and he's finally ready to end their long dance and bring Gotham burning down around them. But he won't be doing it alone. Joker has a brand new ally in the form of Punchline. Thanks to the release of new books like Batman #92 and The Joker: 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, we now know much more about Punchline's origin and how she fits into Joker's grand plan. Read on to find out how this new Batman villain came to be and why she's not just a replacement for Harley Quinn. Warning: this article contains spoilers for Batman #92, The Joker: 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, and Batman: Secret Files #3! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=these-incredible-batman-covers-showcase-the-heroes-and-villains-of-joker-war&captions=true"] Among the many stories featured in The Joker: 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, one features writer James Tynion IV and artist Mikel Janin chronicling the origin of Punchline. This story reveals she was once a seemingly ordinary college student named Alexis, albeit one with an unhealthy fascination with the Joker. After her school holds a "Dress like your favorite hero" event in response to Joker's latest crime spree, Alexis courts controversy by dressing like her role model. And when the school's dean attempts to talk sense into her, Alexis lets her dark side spring free. [caption id="attachment_2362390" align="aligncenter" width="927"]Art by Mikel Janin. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Mikel Janin. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Alexis poisons the dean with her own homemade Joker toxin and reveals her desire to destroy the world and usher in a new era of chaos and anarchy. As it turns out, the Joker is hiding in Alexis' closet and watching the whole performance. Now satisfied she's worthy of being his partner, Joker officially welcomes her into the fold and agrees to make her part of his latest and greatest plot to destroy Batman. Thus, Punchline is born. This story reveals two crucial differences between Punchline and Joker's former flame Harley Quinn. Whereas Harleen Quinzel was a well-meaning psychiatrist corrupted through her sessions with Joker, Alexis was well on the path to villainy before ever actually meeting Joker. And while Harley was treated more as Joker's sidekick and punching bag, Joker seems willing to accept Punchline as a true partner-in-crime. What exactly are the two villains planning? As Batman Secret Files #3 reveals, they're going after the money. A story by Tynion and artist Sumit Kumar flashes back a month before the events of the current "Their Dark Designs" storyline, as Joker and Punchline approach Deathstroke with an offer. Joker wants to steal the Wayne fortune and use it to fund his war on Batman. In exchange for his help, Deathstroke will receive the beneficiary trust Bruce set up for Dick Grayson. [caption id="attachment_2362393" align="aligncenter" width="920"]Art by Sumit Kumar. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Sumit Kumar. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Even as Deathstroke has been among the hired assassins working for the Designer, it seems Slade has had ulterior motives. If Joker wants to steal the Wayne fortune, he may have to get in line. Batman #92 (by Tynion and artist Guillem March) serves as the penultimate chapter of "Their Dark Designs," which deals with a villain called the Designer manipulating Batman, Catwoman, Riddler, and Penguin as part of a larger plot to rule Gotham. The Designer once showed Catwoman a way to steal the Wayne fortune and become Gotham's richest resident, and now Selina is desperate to stop him from carrying out that plan himself. Unfortunately, she and her temporary partner Harley Quinn are stymied when they bump into Punchline, who's also looking to do a little bank robbery. Needless to say, Harley isn't amused by Joker's biggest fan. [caption id="attachment_2362392" align="aligncenter" width="921"]Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Guillem March. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] With only one issue remaining in this storyline, we're getting a much better picture of how Joker plans to strike at his nemesis. If all goes according to Joker's plan, Batman will find all his wealth and resources turned against him and wielded by an enemy who knows his secret identity. Look for Joker War to officially begin in Batman #95, which is currently scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 8. For more on the future of the Batman franchise, find out why Three Jokers is a spiritual sequel to Batman: The Killing Joke and which iconic Batman: The Animated Series villain is finally making their DC Comics debut. Then see which series and creators were included among the 2020 Eisner nominations. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

How to Watch PlayStation’s The Future of Gaming Event

Updated on 6/11 with livestream and pre- and post- show times. Today Sony is hosting a digital conference called The Future of Gaming that will finally give us a first look at some PS5 games. The reveal event is expected to be about an hour long and is the first part of a series of updates Sony has planned for its upcoming console. So far, we’ve learned about PS5 specs and hardware, the new DualSense controller, and a few confirmed next-gen titles. But this will actually be our first, truly dedicated look at games we can expect to play on PlayStation’s upcoming console. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/10/ign-summer-of-gaming-live"]Hey! We’re going to be collecting YOUR video comments for our Summer of Gaming coverage. Head over to this How-To article and tell us what you’re most excited about, share predictions, and post-reveal reactions. If you’re lucky, your Yap may be played live, on-air! Sony hasn't mentioned which games to expect to see or if we’ll finally get a glimpse of the official PS5 design. Either way, if you’re interested in what PlayStation has planned for the next-gen, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss the show. Here’s what you need to know to catch the livestream, and some speculation about what we might see based on what we know so far.

How to Watch the PS5 Reveal Event (June 2020)

The PS5 games reveal, also known as The Future of Gaming livestream, takes place on Thursday, June 11 at 1pm PT/ 4pm ET/ 9pm BST. You can watch it here with us or on one of the many IGN channels we have across several major platforms. We'll be hosting a pre show, starting at 12:45pm PT/ 3:45pm ET/ 8:45pm, and a post-show which we estimate to start around 2pm PT/ 5pm ET/ 10pm BST but could be sooner depending on when the PS5 event ends. Either way, check-in 15 minutes before it begins and stay turned after it ends to hear our predictions, impressions, and more. For the sake of convenience, here is a list of all the places you can watch the PS5 games reveal event: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"]

What Games to Expect at Sony's The Future of Gaming Event

There's no official word on which games we'll see at The Future of Gaming livestream. All we know for certain is that Sony plans on revealing some of its up-and-coming titles at the event. That said, we can speculate a little bit about what we might see based on the list of games confirmed and rumored for the PS5 so far. Following the reveal of Unreal Engine 5, Epic Games confirmed Fortnite as a launch title for the PS5. Rainbow Six Seige is yet another title confirmed for launch. Additionally, when speaking on the topic of PS5 backward compatibility, Sony says it intends to have the majority of PS4 titles available on its next system. Whether or not this is a feature we'll see at launch like the Xbox Series X is still to be determined. Take a look at the list of confirmed games we might see at the PS5 reveal event:
  • Assassin's Creed Valhalla (Holiday 2020)
  • Battlefield 6 (2021)
  • Chorus (2021)
  • Cygni: All Guns Blazing (TBA)
  • Destiny 2 (TBA)
  • DiRT 5 (October 2020)
  • Dying Light 2 (TBA)
  • Fortnite (Launch)
  • Godfall (December 2020)
  • Gods and Monsters (Holiday 2020)
  • Gothic Remake (TBA)
  • Madden NFL 21 (TBA 2020)
  • MicroMan (2021)
  • Moonray (2021)
  • Nth^0 Infinity Reborn (2021)
  • Observer (Holiday 2020)
  • Outriders (Holiday 2020)
  • Psyhotel (TBA)
  • Quantum Error (TBA 2020)
  • Rainbow Six Quarantine (2020-2021)
  • Rainbow Six Siege (Launch)
  • Redo! Enhanced Edition (TBA 2020)
  • Scarlet Nexus (TBA)
  • Soulborn (2021)
  • The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (2021)
  • The Sims 5 (TBA)
  • Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 (TBA 2020)
  • Untitled Game from The First Development Division/Square Enix (TBA)
  • Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 (TBA 2020)
  • Warframe (TBA)
  • Watch Dogs: Legion (Holiday 2020)
  • WRC 9 (TBA 2020)
Which games do you hope to see at The Future of Gaming event? For more, check out what we have planned for IGN's Summer of Gaming and make sure to check out everything we know about the PS5 so far. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Felicia Miranda is SEO Editor at IGN and you can find her on Twitter at @FeliciaVagabond.

Destiny 2 Next-Gen Details, Beyond Light Expansion Revealed

Bungie has revealed new details on the future of Destiny 2, including Destiny 2 Universe: Season of Arrivals, the Destiny 2: Beyond Light expansion, and the news that anyone who owns any version of Destiny 2 will be able to upgrade to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions for free. Bungie further detailed that Destiny 2 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will run at 4K, 60 FPS and all expansions owned by players will carry over at no extra charge. Furthermore, Destiny 2 will support intergenerational cross-play within console families (PS4 to PS5) and Xbox One to Xbox Series X), with the hope that full cross-play between all consoles will arrive in the next year or so. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/destiny-2-beyond-light-reveal-trailer"] Destiny 2: Beyond Light, the next expansion for Destiny 2, will be released on September 22, 2020, and will allow players to venture to Europa, Jupiter's frozen moon. Guardians will be able to "brave the unrelenting glacial frontier, infiltrate the Golden Age Braytech facility, and uncover the secrets that lie deep under the ancient ice." Guardians will also be able to wield a mysterious new power called Stasis, which is a new elemental power the will join Arc, Solar and Void and give Titans, Warlocks, and Hunters new ways to play. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/destiny-2-beyond-light-gameplay-trailer"] A new six-person raid, which takes place in the Deep Stone Crypt below the frozen tundra of Europa, will also challenge players and reward those who complete it. Beyond Light will also see the Rise of Eramis, which is a group of splintered houses of the Fallen that have rallied together on Europa under the banner of the Fallen Kell of Darkness, Eramis. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/destiny-2-the-future-of-destiny-2-past-is-prologue-trailer"] Players can pre-order Destiny 2: Beyond Light now and will get access to a special Exotic Ghost Shell, Legendary Emblem, and bonus items. There will also be a Digital Deluxe edition that includes a full year of seasonal content (four seasons total), Freeze Tag Exotic Emote, No Time to Explain Exotic Pulse Rifle with Exotic Catalyst and Ornament, and the Any Other Sky Exotic Sparrow. There will also be a Collector's Edition for Beyond Light that includes the Digital Deluxe Edition and a Die-Cast Splinter of Darkness Replica with lights, a Europa Explorer's Bag, a Europe Exploration Canteen, a Mysterious Logbook, and "other discoveries from Europa." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/destiny-2-season-of-arrivals-gameplay-trailer"] In addition, Bungie teased The Witch Queen and Lightfall, the next two expansions after Beyond Light that will arrive in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The next season of Destiny 2, Season of Arrivals, was also detailed and sees a "dark omen" entering the system and will have Guardians searching for answers under the shadow of the mysterious Pyramid ship. This new season's activities begin today with the launch of a new dungeon, Prophecy, that will be available to all Destiny 2 players. By completing Prophecy, Guardians can unlock the new DAITO Foundry armor and reprised Trials of the Nine armor sets. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/destiny-2-shadowkeep-season-of-arrivals-prophecy-dungeon-gameplay-trailer"] Throughout the season, there will also be Messages of Darkness that can be found on Io, new public events beneath the newly arrived Pyramid ship on Io, new rewards and engrams that players can choose and, of course, new gear to find. Season Pass owners will unlock the new Witherhoard Exotic Grenade Launcher and Seasonal armor set. Bungie also decided to begin its Destiny 2 stream with a 8 minute and 46 second tribute to George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. GF IGN stands in solidarity with the black community, and condemns racism. We encourage those reading to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and support the fight for racial justice. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Nemesis: Distress Video Game Announced as Complement to Popular Board Game

Ovid Works and Awaken Realms have announced Nemesis: Distress, the new video game adaptation of the latter's popular board game, Nemesis. Check out the announcement teaser video above, and a few screenshots in the gallery below. Nemesis: Distress is a first-person horror multiplayer game in which players select one of a number of asymmetric character classes who each have their own unique skills. Each player is trying to accomplish their own secret objective, and the game goals change each time you play one of the 40-minute matches. But other players aren't the only threat aboard the spaceship; "ever-evolving Intruders" add a PvE element as well. You can interfere with other players by setting fires, closing doors in their faces, spreading false information, and more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nemesis-distress-first-screenshots&captions=true"] At the beginning of the match you'll choose a randomly drawn secret objective, such as killing other players, redirecting the ship safely to Mars, or destroying the Intruders's nest. And if you're eager for more of the Nemesis board game, a crowdfunding campaign for Nemesis Lockdown, a standalone expansion, launches on Kickstarter tomorrow. Awaken Realms says that "[Kickstarter] backers supporting Nemesis Lockdown and choosing the Digital pledge will be able to purchase Nemesis: Distress for the reduced price of $15. And if they decide to support the full board game, then they’ll get Nemesis: Distress for free!" Distress can be wishlisted now on Steam. In the meantime, don't miss IGN's regularly updated list of best horror games, and since Nemesis is based on a board game, check out our list of best board games as well. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.

The Last of Us Podcast Series Launched by PlayStation

PlayStation has announced an official The Last of Us podcast series. The eight-part series, hosted by writer and stand-up comedian Christian Spicer, will explore the development of both The Last of Us and its Part 2 sequel. The first episode is available now, and will be released weekly on Tuesdays. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/28/the-last-of-us-part-2-inside-the-details-video"] Episode one features interviews with Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann and Anthony Newman, who discuss the first few hours of the original game. Future episodes will include chats with Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker, as well as developers, composer Custavo Santaolalla, and notable fans of the series. From July 7, the episodes will begin to discuss The Last of Us Part 2, providing a deep dive into the new game’s creation. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-new-screenshots&captions=true"] For more from Naughty Dog, check out Druckmann’s thoughts on what game he’ll make next. You can also read or watch our latest The Last of Us Part 2 preview, which takes a close look at combat without spoiling the story. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter