Monthly Archives: July 2020

Metacritic Is Delaying User Reviews Until 36 Hours After a Game is Released

Metacritic, the popular review aggregating website, has decided to delay user reviews for new games until 36 hours after they've been released in a defense against "review bombing." As reported by GameSpot, this decision comes only a few weeks after the release of The Last of Us Part 2, which is one of the most recent examples of games targeted by negative reviews, many of which come only hours after a game is completed. Considering The Last of Us Part 2 can take 20-30 hours to complete, many early reviews were assuredly from those who had yet to finish it. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-reviewed-games-of-2020&captions=true"] "We recently implemented the 36 hour waiting period for all user reviews in our games section to ensure our gamers have time to play these games before writing their reviews," a Metacritic spokesperson said in a statement to GameSpot. "This new waiting period for user reviews has been rolled out across Metacritic's Games section and was based on data-driven research and with the input of critics and industry experts." Metacritic stated the decision was not directly linked to any particular game, but was a move in the fight to stop these "review bombers" from bringing down a game's overall user score as soon as it's released. In addition to the user review issues, online harassment and death threats were also targeted at The Last of Us Part 2's Laura Bailey and director Neil Druckmann. Fortunately, many came to their defense and, as Bailey put it, "I've always believed that good people far outweigh the bad. Thanks for reminding me of that today." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/17/the-last-of-us-part-2-had-the-biggest-first-month-of-any-2020-game-in-the-us"] Despite these issues, The Last of Us Part 2 still led June 2020's video game sales and had the biggest first month of any 2020 game in the U.S. [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.

Posted in Uncategorized

Metacritic Is Delaying User Reviews Until 36 Hours After a Game is Released

Metacritic, the popular review aggregating website, has decided to delay user reviews for new games until 36 hours after they've been released in a defense against "review bombing." As reported by GameSpot, this decision comes only a few weeks after the release of The Last of Us Part 2, which is one of the most recent examples of games targeted by negative reviews, many of which come only hours after a game is completed. Considering The Last of Us Part 2 can take 20-30 hours to complete, many early reviews were assuredly from those who had yet to finish it. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-reviewed-games-of-2020&captions=true"] "We recently implemented the 36 hour waiting period for all user reviews in our games section to ensure our gamers have time to play these games before writing their reviews," a Metacritic spokesperson said in a statement to GameSpot. "This new waiting period for user reviews has been rolled out across Metacritic's Games section and was based on data-driven research and with the input of critics and industry experts." Metacritic stated the decision was not directly linked to any particular game, but was a move in the fight to stop these "review bombers" from bringing down a game's overall user score as soon as it's released. In addition to the user review issues, online harassment and death threats were also targeted at The Last of Us Part 2's Laura Bailey and director Neil Druckmann. Fortunately, many came to their defense and, as Bailey put it, "I've always believed that good people far outweigh the bad. Thanks for reminding me of that today." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/17/the-last-of-us-part-2-had-the-biggest-first-month-of-any-2020-game-in-the-us"] Despite these issues, The Last of Us Part 2 still led June 2020's video game sales and had the biggest first month of any 2020 game in the U.S. [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.

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Netflix’s The Old Guard is Now One of Their Top 10 Biggest Movies Ever

The Old Guard, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Charlize Theron as an immortal warrior, landed on Netflix just eight days ago and it's already in the company's Top 10 Biggest Original Movies of all time. Based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Greg Rucka, The Old Guard is tracking to reach 72 million households in its first four weeks.

THE OLD GUARD is breaking records! The Charlize Theron blockbuster is already among the top 10 most popular Netflix films ever — and Gina Prince-Bythewood is the first Black female director on the list.
The film is currently on track to reach 72M households in its first 4 weeks! pic.twitter.com/pM8vOTNa6m — NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) July 18, 2020

This news comes right on the heels of Netflix themselves releasing their Top 10 Biggest Original Movie Openings, which had Extraction and Bird Box right at the top for pulling in massive numbers for their first four weeks...

1. Extraction - 99 million
2. Bird Box - 89 million
3. Spenser Confidential - 85 million
4. 6 Underground - 83 million
5. Murder Mystery - 73 million
6. The Irishman - 64 million
7. Triple Frontier - 63 million
8. The Wrong Missy - 59 million
9. The Platform - 56 million
10. The Perfect Date - 48 million

Now with the numbers Netflix is anticipating for The Old Guard's opening month, it looks like it'll land in sixth place, right after Murder Mystery. Also recently announced, fans have a chance to win 83 years of Netflix service by obtaining the highest score in the free-to-play (in the U.S.) Old Guard game. Netflix just announced its highest-budgeted movie ever as the company will spend $200 million on The Gray Man, a new thriller directed by Joe and Anthony Russo that will star Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/08/the-old-guard-meet-the-immortals"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Posted in Uncategorized

Netflix’s The Old Guard is Now One of Their Top 10 Biggest Movies Ever

The Old Guard, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Charlize Theron as an immortal warrior, landed on Netflix just eight days ago and it's already in the company's Top 10 Biggest Original Movies of all time. Based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Greg Rucka, The Old Guard is tracking to reach 72 million households in its first four weeks.

THE OLD GUARD is breaking records! The Charlize Theron blockbuster is already among the top 10 most popular Netflix films ever — and Gina Prince-Bythewood is the first Black female director on the list.
The film is currently on track to reach 72M households in its first 4 weeks! pic.twitter.com/pM8vOTNa6m — NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) July 18, 2020

This news comes right on the heels of Netflix themselves releasing their Top 10 Biggest Original Movie Openings, which had Extraction and Bird Box right at the top for pulling in massive numbers for their first four weeks...

1. Extraction - 99 million
2. Bird Box - 89 million
3. Spenser Confidential - 85 million
4. 6 Underground - 83 million
5. Murder Mystery - 73 million
6. The Irishman - 64 million
7. Triple Frontier - 63 million
8. The Wrong Missy - 59 million
9. The Platform - 56 million
10. The Perfect Date - 48 million

Now with the numbers Netflix is anticipating for The Old Guard's opening month, it looks like it'll land in sixth place, right after Murder Mystery. Also recently announced, fans have a chance to win 83 years of Netflix service by obtaining the highest score in the free-to-play (in the U.S.) Old Guard game. Netflix just announced its highest-budgeted movie ever as the company will spend $200 million on The Gray Man, a new thriller directed by Joe and Anthony Russo that will star Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/08/the-old-guard-meet-the-immortals"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

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Madden NFL 21 Will Remove Washington Redskins’ Team Name and Logo

Following the decision by the Washington Redskins to change their team name and logo, Madden NFL 21 will be pushing an update when the game is released that will also replace the Redskins' name and logo with a generic Washington team. EA confirmed the change to Kotaku, and also stated that the disc version will still feature the former name and logo, as the game is already preparing for its imminent release on August 25, 2020. However, as soon as players connect to the internet, the update will take place. “We are pleased to see Washington’s decision to change their team name and visual identity,” EA said in a statement to Kotaku. “We are quickly working to update Madden NFL 21 to feature a generic Washington team, while we await final word on the updated team name and logo design.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/16/madden-21-official-reveal-trailer"] Following release, EA will continue to update other parts of the game that feature the Redskins, including commentary, stadium art, crowed gear, etc. Obviously, once a new name and logo is chosen for Washington D.C.'s team, that will be included as well. “Changes to the name and logo will come via title updates that will download automatically,” the EA rep explained. “The first changes will be available to our EA Access players and will include audio/commentary updates; motion graphics and presentation updates; stadium art, environments, crowd gear and signage updates; and uniform updates. Players may continue to see some outdated Washington references in other areas of the game at launch, but we are committed to removing all of those from the game in additional title updates coming shortly after launch.” Madden NFL 21, as previously mentioned, will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on August 25, 2020. Those who own Madden NFL 21 on PS4 and Xbox One will be able to upgrade to the equivalent PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X version for free when they become available, until the release of Madden NFL 22. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=madden-nfl-21-5-new-screenshots&captions=true"] [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 who applauds the decision and also says SUPER BOWL BROWNS. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Posted in Uncategorized

Madden NFL 21 Will Remove Washington Redskins’ Team Name and Logo

Following the decision by the Washington Redskins to change their team name and logo, Madden NFL 21 will be pushing an update when the game is released that will also replace the Redskins' name and logo with a generic Washington team. EA confirmed the change to Kotaku, and also stated that the disc version will still feature the former name and logo, as the game is already preparing for its imminent release on August 25, 2020. However, as soon as players connect to the internet, the update will take place. “We are pleased to see Washington’s decision to change their team name and visual identity,” EA said in a statement to Kotaku. “We are quickly working to update Madden NFL 21 to feature a generic Washington team, while we await final word on the updated team name and logo design.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/16/madden-21-official-reveal-trailer"] Following release, EA will continue to update other parts of the game that feature the Redskins, including commentary, stadium art, crowed gear, etc. Obviously, once a new name and logo is chosen for Washington D.C.'s team, that will be included as well. “Changes to the name and logo will come via title updates that will download automatically,” the EA rep explained. “The first changes will be available to our EA Access players and will include audio/commentary updates; motion graphics and presentation updates; stadium art, environments, crowd gear and signage updates; and uniform updates. Players may continue to see some outdated Washington references in other areas of the game at launch, but we are committed to removing all of those from the game in additional title updates coming shortly after launch.” Madden NFL 21, as previously mentioned, will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on August 25, 2020. Those who own Madden NFL 21 on PS4 and Xbox One will be able to upgrade to the equivalent PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X version for free when they become available, until the release of Madden NFL 22. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=madden-nfl-21-5-new-screenshots&captions=true"] [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 who applauds the decision and also says SUPER BOWL BROWNS. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

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Here’s How to Get 83 Years of Free Netflix

You could win 83 years of Netflix service and all you have to do is obtain the highest score in a video game. Netflix's The Old Guard recently hit the streaming service and there's now a game to play for fans wanting more of this world. The Old Guard game is free to play (but only available in the US). It's a browser-based, top-down, beat 'em up game where you play as Andy, the main character portrayed in the film by Charlize Theron, as you fight off hordes of enemies using the double-bladed axe known as Labrys. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-old-guard-game&captions=true"] "As you would expect, the original game used for the competition mirrors the events of the film," according to Netflix. "But just like in the movie, dying is not the end. Getting killed only slows you down, so to get the highest score, you have to defeat enemies without getting hit, and as quickly as possible." The player with the highest score by July 19 will win 1000 months of Netflix, or roughly 83 years. The competition states that the winner gets an "immortal" Netflix account but Netflix said it can't quite offer that. That's why it's offering what it calls the next best thing: 1000 months of service. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/03/netflixs-the-old-guard-review] The competition for the game began July 17 and goes through July 19. If you're unfamiliar with what the game is about, you can check out The Old Guard on Netflix now. In short, it's about Andy, an immortal and seasoned fighter played by Theron, on a mission to save her crew. The film also features Kiki Layne and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie is based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Greg Rucka. You can find out why we thought the movie was good in our The Old Guard review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Posted in Uncategorized

Here’s How to Get 83 Years of Free Netflix

You could win 83 years of Netflix service and all you have to do is obtain the highest score in a video game. Netflix's The Old Guard recently hit the streaming service and there's now a game to play for fans wanting more of this world. The Old Guard game is free to play (but only available in the US). It's a browser-based, top-down, beat 'em up game where you play as Andy, the main character portrayed in the film by Charlize Theron, as you fight off hordes of enemies using the double-bladed axe known as Labrys. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-old-guard-game&captions=true"] "As you would expect, the original game used for the competition mirrors the events of the film," according to Netflix. "But just like in the movie, dying is not the end. Getting killed only slows you down, so to get the highest score, you have to defeat enemies without getting hit, and as quickly as possible." The player with the highest score by July 19 will win 1000 months of Netflix, or roughly 83 years. The competition states that the winner gets an "immortal" Netflix account but Netflix said it can't quite offer that. That's why it's offering what it calls the next best thing: 1000 months of service. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/03/netflixs-the-old-guard-review] The competition for the game began July 17 and goes through July 19. If you're unfamiliar with what the game is about, you can check out The Old Guard on Netflix now. In short, it's about Andy, an immortal and seasoned fighter played by Theron, on a mission to save her crew. The film also features Kiki Layne and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie is based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Greg Rucka. You can find out why we thought the movie was good in our The Old Guard review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

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Ooblets Early Access Review – They’re Breakdance Fighting

Editor's note: This review evaluates Ooblets based on its early access state. We plan on reviewing Ooblets again once it gets a full release.

Ooblets is a charming little game, which is immediately apparent upon booting it up. You're greeted with a loading screen that lets you know the game is taking the time to "delete negative reviews" and "make you wait" before getting blasted with an onslaught of bright colors and an adorable soundtrack that you can really groove to. I've seen firsthand what this game can do to people: My roommate sashays to the beat whenever he walks by my door while I'm playing. I'd make fun of him for it if I didn't catch myself doing the exact same thing.

Ooblets maintains its cutesy tongue-in-cheek humor and visuals all throughout. The catchy soundtrack never lets up either, firmly establishing Ooblets as another one of those relaxing life simulator games that will assuredly take an embarrassing amount of hours from my life by the time it's done with me. It's not locked up inside during quarantine with me; I'm very much locked up inside with it. Which isn't to say the game doesn't have its problems--I've run into more than a few throughout my 15 hours with it--but there's definitely an enjoyable gameplay loop here.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Posted in Uncategorized

Ooblets Early Access Review – They’re Breakdance Fighting

Editor's note: This review evaluates Ooblets based on its early access state. We plan on reviewing Ooblets again once it gets a full release.

Ooblets is a charming little game, which is immediately apparent upon booting it up. You're greeted with a loading screen that lets you know the game is taking the time to "delete negative reviews" and "make you wait" before getting blasted with an onslaught of bright colors and an adorable soundtrack that you can really groove to. I've seen firsthand what this game can do to people: My roommate sashays to the beat whenever he walks by my door while I'm playing. I'd make fun of him for it if I didn't catch myself doing the exact same thing.

Ooblets maintains its cutesy tongue-in-cheek humor and visuals all throughout. The catchy soundtrack never lets up either, firmly establishing Ooblets as another one of those relaxing life simulator games that will assuredly take an embarrassing amount of hours from my life by the time it's done with me. It's not locked up inside during quarantine with me; I'm very much locked up inside with it. Which isn't to say the game doesn't have its problems--I've run into more than a few throughout my 15 hours with it--but there's definitely an enjoyable gameplay loop here.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Posted in Uncategorized