Monthly Archives: July 2020
Far Cry 6: Why We’re Headed Back to a Tropical Island Setting
Far Cry is a series that radiates a tropical vibe - it's always been pitched as something like a morally grey adventure holiday (some cases more literally than others). So much so, in fact, that it's easy to forget how long it's been since the game's actually had us fight across a picture-postcard paradise, after trips to the Himalayas and Montana in recent years.
With Far Cry 6, it seems we're heading back to the series' roots, with the Cuban-inspired, fictional Caribbean island of Yara providing a blue-skied backdrop for Far Cry's usual mixture of violence, surreal interludes and magnetic villainy.
I spoke to the game's narrative director Navid Khavari, and asked what it was that drew lead developer Ubisoft Toronto back to a classic Far Cry location.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/breaking-bads-ultimate-villain-is-now-far-cry-6s-final-boss"]
"I think it was two things," he explained. "There was a feeling among fans of being excited to go to a tropical setting once again. But also, I think for us, [there was] this idea of looking at revolution. And the moment you start looking at revolution, you think guerrilla warfare. And the moment you start thinking guerrilla warfare, you think Cuba."
Khavari explains that the team visited Cuba for a month, spoke to real-life Cuban revolutionaries, and became fascinated with the idea of an island that became frozen in time because of forces outside of its control.
"So when we were looking at making our fictional Yara, we loved this idea of the dynamic of 'here's an island that's been under a blockade – that has these old vintage cars, and is almost a living postcard'. And then you bring in a modern guerrilla revolution aspect - which is so Far Cry - inflicting chaos on this monolithic power structure. It felt like a perfect fit."
That sense of frozen time will affect the gameplay too, it seems. Screenshots for the game show weaponry being seemingly upgraded with home-made elements - a rifle using a laser pointer as a sight, for example.
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"One of the interesting things we took from visiting Cuba was this idea of making do with what you have," says Khavari, when I ask him about if those are player-crafted upgrades. "It's such an interesting concept. It goes from the vintage cars, I saw bicycles with chainsaw motors that were turned into motorcycles.
"What we wanted to do in this game was bring that into the weaponry. The types of weapons and toys you're going to get to play with definitely have that sense of ingenuity and creativity that you kind of expect from a guerrilla movement - but it feels very fresh in terms of Far Cry."
Far Cry 6 was officially revealed earlier today, after a major leak during the week. We also got to speak to Giancarlo Esposito about his role as antagonist Anton Castillo, who explained the method behind his madness, and how you may end up understanding his side a little along the way.
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Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Far Cry 6: Why We’re Headed Back to a Tropical Island Setting
Far Cry is a series that radiates a tropical vibe - it's always been pitched as something like a morally grey adventure holiday (some cases more literally than others). So much so, in fact, that it's easy to forget how long it's been since the game's actually had us fight across a picture-postcard paradise, after trips to the Himalayas and Montana in recent years.
With Far Cry 6, it seems we're heading back to the series' roots, with the Cuban-inspired, fictional Caribbean island of Yara providing a blue-skied backdrop for Far Cry's usual mixture of violence, surreal interludes and magnetic villainy.
I spoke to the game's narrative director Navid Khavari, and asked what it was that drew lead developer Ubisoft Toronto back to a classic Far Cry location.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/breaking-bads-ultimate-villain-is-now-far-cry-6s-final-boss"]
"I think it was two things," he explained. "There was a feeling among fans of being excited to go to a tropical setting once again. But also, I think for us, [there was] this idea of looking at revolution. And the moment you start looking at revolution, you think guerrilla warfare. And the moment you start thinking guerrilla warfare, you think Cuba."
Khavari explains that the team visited Cuba for a month, spoke to real-life Cuban revolutionaries, and became fascinated with the idea of an island that became frozen in time because of forces outside of its control.
"So when we were looking at making our fictional Yara, we loved this idea of the dynamic of 'here's an island that's been under a blockade – that has these old vintage cars, and is almost a living postcard'. And then you bring in a modern guerrilla revolution aspect - which is so Far Cry - inflicting chaos on this monolithic power structure. It felt like a perfect fit."
That sense of frozen time will affect the gameplay too, it seems. Screenshots for the game show weaponry being seemingly upgraded with home-made elements - a rifle using a laser pointer as a sight, for example.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=far-cry-6-images&captions=true"]
"One of the interesting things we took from visiting Cuba was this idea of making do with what you have," says Khavari, when I ask him about if those are player-crafted upgrades. "It's such an interesting concept. It goes from the vintage cars, I saw bicycles with chainsaw motors that were turned into motorcycles.
"What we wanted to do in this game was bring that into the weaponry. The types of weapons and toys you're going to get to play with definitely have that sense of ingenuity and creativity that you kind of expect from a guerrilla movement - but it feels very fresh in terms of Far Cry."
Far Cry 6 was officially revealed earlier today, after a major leak during the week. We also got to speak to Giancarlo Esposito about his role as antagonist Anton Castillo, who explained the method behind his madness, and how you may end up understanding his side a little along the way.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Possibly Points to Next-Gen Console Launch Window
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla will be released for Xbox One, PS4 and PC on November 17. We know the game will also be a launch title for Xbox Series X and PS5, presumably meaning those consoles will arrive on or after November 17.
Shown off at today's Ubisoft Forward event, a gameplay deep-dive showed work-in-progress footage showing a female Eivor on a raid down English rivers, using a warhorn to set her crew on English village defences. Crews will assist on all raids, including to use siege weapons, and to carry heavy loot. The game will include more enemy types than any previous Assassin's Creed game, including some that work in tandem, or use environment objects to attack you (including dead bodies).
We also saw a look at the game's settlement system, including its Alliance Map, which shows the alliances you've made across Britain. A weapon overview showed off how the game will use dual wielding across any weapon types, and a stealth overview showed how the game will let you use disguises.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/assassins-creed-valhalla-gameplay-overview-deep-dive"]
IGN also went hands-on with Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and learned a bit about the role the Animus will play in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Valhalla will also be seeing the release of several expanded stories in comic book, novel, and other forms. Here's everything Valhalla players can expect separately available:
- On July 17, a seven-song EP taken from the official soundtrack featuring original compositions from Jesper Kyd and Sarah Schachner as well as an original song by Einar Selvik, will be available to listen to on Spotify and purchase on iTunes. Spotify pre-save and iTunes pre-order are available now and the full soundtrack will be released at a later date.
- The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Geirmund’s Saga novel, written by Matthew J. Kirby, will tell an original story set in the world of the game. Players will discover the epic tale of Geirmund Hellskin, a man determined to prove his worth as a Viking and a warrior who joins the ranks of King Guthrum’s army to participate in the invasion of England. The book cover will be revealed on renowned Korean artist Jung Gi Kim’s Instagram account in late July.
- Dark Horse Comics will release Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Song of Glory, a comic series written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Martin Tunica and colored by Michael Atiyeh. In this prequel to the game, fearless Vikings Eivor and Sigurd embark on separate adventures to show their mettle and seek glory. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Song of Glory #1 (of three) will be in comic shops on October 21, 2020.
- Finally, The Art of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Art of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Edition will invite readers on a visual journey through the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – a world defined by the harsh beauty of Viking life, rich with fascinating characters and breathtaking landscapes. This book offers an enticing collection of art and commentary that is sure to attract returning fans and newcomers alike.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Possibly Points to Next-Gen Console Launch Window
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla will be released for Xbox One, PS4 and PC on November 17. We know the game will also be a launch title for Xbox Series X and PS5, presumably meaning those consoles will arrive on or after November 17.
Shown off at today's Ubisoft Forward event, a gameplay deep-dive showed work-in-progress footage showing a female Eivor on a raid down English rivers, using a warhorn to set her crew on English village defences. Crews will assist on all raids, including to use siege weapons, and to carry heavy loot. The game will include more enemy types than any previous Assassin's Creed game, including some that work in tandem, or use environment objects to attack you (including dead bodies).
We also saw a look at the game's settlement system, including its Alliance Map, which shows the alliances you've made across Britain. A weapon overview showed off how the game will use dual wielding across any weapon types, and a stealth overview showed how the game will let you use disguises.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/assassins-creed-valhalla-gameplay-overview-deep-dive"]
IGN also went hands-on with Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and learned a bit about the role the Animus will play in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Valhalla will also be seeing the release of several expanded stories in comic book, novel, and other forms. Here's everything Valhalla players can expect separately available:
- On July 17, a seven-song EP taken from the official soundtrack featuring original compositions from Jesper Kyd and Sarah Schachner as well as an original song by Einar Selvik, will be available to listen to on Spotify and purchase on iTunes. Spotify pre-save and iTunes pre-order are available now and the full soundtrack will be released at a later date.
- The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Geirmund’s Saga novel, written by Matthew J. Kirby, will tell an original story set in the world of the game. Players will discover the epic tale of Geirmund Hellskin, a man determined to prove his worth as a Viking and a warrior who joins the ranks of King Guthrum’s army to participate in the invasion of England. The book cover will be revealed on renowned Korean artist Jung Gi Kim’s Instagram account in late July.
- Dark Horse Comics will release Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Song of Glory, a comic series written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Martin Tunica and colored by Michael Atiyeh. In this prequel to the game, fearless Vikings Eivor and Sigurd embark on separate adventures to show their mettle and seek glory. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Song of Glory #1 (of three) will be in comic shops on October 21, 2020.
- Finally, The Art of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Art of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Edition will invite readers on a visual journey through the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – a world defined by the harsh beauty of Viking life, rich with fascinating characters and breathtaking landscapes. This book offers an enticing collection of art and commentary that is sure to attract returning fans and newcomers alike.
Hyper Scape Open Beta Begins
Hyper Scape has gone into open beta on PC.
The new battle royale is currently playable only on PC (but will come to consoles at a later date). The open beta will be broadly familiar to those who've played the previous technical tests, but adds a new weapon, a new hack ability, and include a free 30-tier battle pass.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/hyper-scape-story-trailer-ubisoft-forward"]
A new CG trailer explained the story behind the game, explaining that in 2054, the world's population spends time in a virtual reality realm called the Hyper Scape, primarily playing a game called Crown Rush. However, Crown Rush has been hacked, which will presumably make up the game's ongoing storyline.
A gameplay explanation showed off how the game will integrate Twitch votes to affect live games, and a developer update explained how costumes added each season could point to the ongoing story.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=hyper-scape-screenshots&captions=true"]
Revealed earlier this month, Hyper Scape has since been running invite-only technical tests. We got our hands on the game, and said that, while it undoubtedly brings some fun ideas to the mix, "Hyper Scape may need to reveal another killer feature or two before it can guarantee itself a spot on the battle royale podium."
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Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Hyper Scape Open Beta Begins
Hyper Scape has gone into open beta on PC.
The new battle royale is currently playable only on PC (but will come to consoles at a later date). The open beta will be broadly familiar to those who've played the previous technical tests, but adds a new weapon, a new hack ability, and include a free 30-tier battle pass.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/hyper-scape-story-trailer-ubisoft-forward"]
A new CG trailer explained the story behind the game, explaining that in 2054, the world's population spends time in a virtual reality realm called the Hyper Scape, primarily playing a game called Crown Rush. However, Crown Rush has been hacked, which will presumably make up the game's ongoing storyline.
A gameplay explanation showed off how the game will integrate Twitch votes to affect live games, and a developer update explained how costumes added each season could point to the ongoing story.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=hyper-scape-screenshots&captions=true"]
Revealed earlier this month, Hyper Scape has since been running invite-only technical tests. We got our hands on the game, and said that, while it undoubtedly brings some fun ideas to the mix, "Hyper Scape may need to reveal another killer feature or two before it can guarantee itself a spot on the battle royale podium."
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Watch Dogs Legion: Release Date Revealed
Watch Dogs Legion will be released on October 29, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and PC (for Epic Games Store and Uplay).
Shown off at today's Ubisoft Forward event, Xbox's Phil Spencer added that the game will support Smart Delivery between Xbox One and Xbox Series X, with the latter version using Direct X Raytracing. A store page later confirmed that free upgrades will also be available between PS4 and PS5 versions.
We got a look at a live-action/CG trailer for the game's dystopian themes and futuristic London setting. We also saw a series of gameplay clips, showing London's Dedsec in action.
We saw recruitment profiling, differences in dialogue between procedurally generated characters, and a look at the game's story - featuring a mysterious terrorist cell, London's new PMC police group, Albion, and the Kelly Gang, led by Mary Kelly.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/watch-dogs-legion-welcome-to-the-resistance-trailer"]
Mission gameplay shows a series of Dedsec operatives attempting to break into the Tower of London, including a contruction worker armed with a wrench, nailgun and a cargo drone. It then shows the same mission attempted by a more stealth oriented drone expert, who uses surveillance and spider drones, and an Albion officer who can simply walk through the Tower's defences.
A separate mission sees Dedsec attempting to disrupt an organ farming operation from the perspective of a drunk football fan (who passes out) and a John Wick-like hitman, able to take down swathes of security. It's a confident showing of quite how different Legion can be for every player.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=watch-dogs-legion-screenshots&captions=true"]
We got a new hands-on with Watch Dogs Legion ahead of the announcement, and called Ubisoft's new London "a world of compelling stories". We also spoke to creative director Clint Hocking, who explained to us how the game's delay from March to October actually improved multiple parts of the game.
After previous hands-on previews of the game, we called said Watch Dogs Legion is unlike any other Ubisoft game. We've previously learned how its "Play As Anyone" system actually works, and been told the game will at some point come to PS5 and Xbox Series X.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Watch Dogs Legion: Release Date Revealed
Watch Dogs Legion will be released on October 29, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and PC (for Epic Games Store and Uplay).
Shown off at today's Ubisoft Forward event, Xbox's Phil Spencer added that the game will support Smart Delivery between Xbox One and Xbox Series X, with the latter version using Direct X Raytracing. A store page later confirmed that free upgrades will also be available between PS4 and PS5 versions.
We got a look at a live-action/CG trailer for the game's dystopian themes and futuristic London setting. We also saw a series of gameplay clips, showing London's Dedsec in action.
We saw recruitment profiling, differences in dialogue between procedurally generated characters, and a look at the game's story - featuring a mysterious terrorist cell, London's new PMC police group, Albion, and the Kelly Gang, led by Mary Kelly.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/watch-dogs-legion-welcome-to-the-resistance-trailer"]
Mission gameplay shows a series of Dedsec operatives attempting to break into the Tower of London, including a contruction worker armed with a wrench, nailgun and a cargo drone. It then shows the same mission attempted by a more stealth oriented drone expert, who uses surveillance and spider drones, and an Albion officer who can simply walk through the Tower's defences.
A separate mission sees Dedsec attempting to disrupt an organ farming operation from the perspective of a drunk football fan (who passes out) and a John Wick-like hitman, able to take down swathes of security. It's a confident showing of quite how different Legion can be for every player.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/watch-dogs-legion-gameplay-overview-ubisoft-forward"]
We got a new hands-on with Watch Dogs Legion ahead of the announcement, and called Ubisoft's new London "a world of compelling stories". We also spoke to creative director Clint Hocking, who explained to us how the game's delay from March to October actually improved multiple parts of the game.
After previous hands-on previews of the game, we called said Watch Dogs Legion is unlike any other Ubisoft game. We've previously learned how its "Play As Anyone" system actually works, and been told the game will at some point come to PS5 and Xbox Series X.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Ubisoft Forward: Everything Announced and Shown
Ubisoft Forward is the first all-digital showcase from the French publisher, and promised to bring major announcements from across its slate.
We even heard that there will be a second Ubisoft Forward event coming later this year. Here's everything we've learned during today's event:
Far Cry 6
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/far-cry-6-reveal-trailer"] After several leaks earlier this week, Ubisoft officially announced Far Cry 6 for a February 2021 release. The reveal showcased Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian actor Giancarlo Esposito in a new role.Assassin's Creed Valhalla
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/assassins-creed-valhalla-gameplay-overview-deep-dive"] Announced earlier this year, Assassin's Creed Valhalla has been confirmed for a November 17 release date on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Stadia. Ubisoft re-confirmed the upcoming adventure is also set for Xbox Series X and PS5, but did not offer a release date for it on those systems.Hyper Scape
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/hyper-scape-story-trailer-ubisoft-forward"] Ubisoft announced Hyper Scape, the company's new battle royale, is now available in open beta starting today. Alongside that, Ubisoft confirmed a new weapon, new hack, and new 30-tier battle pass have been added to the game.Watch Dogs Legion
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/watch-dogs-legion-gameplay-overview-ubisoft-forward"] Ubisoft announced Watch Dogs Legion will be released on October 29, 2020. Alongside the release date, Ubisoft showcased more of Legion's ambitious gameplay, which allows players to essentially recruit any NPC and make them a playable character. Watch the new gameplay above, and check out a new trailer for Watch Dogs below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/watch-dogs-legion-welcome-to-the-resistance-trailer"]Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla will be coming to iOS and Android devices, Ubisoft announced during its Ubisoft Forward event. The mobile versions will feature crossplay, and are set to be released on August 6.Just Dance 2020
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/just-dance-2020-eternal-paradise-update-trailer"] Just Dance 2020's Season 3 will bring three new songs, three returning songs, and a new playlist. The Season 3 trailer introduced "Hype" by Dizzee Rascal & Calvin Harris, "La Respuesta" by Becky G Ft. Maluma, and "Crayon" by G-Dragon. Three returning songs will be "Barbra Streisand (2019 Edit)" by Duck Sauce, "Giddy on Up (Giddy on Out)" by Laura Bell Bundy, and "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendes ft. The Black Eyed Peas. This update will be released on July 23.The Crew 2
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/12/the-crew-2-summer-in-hollywood-update-trailer"] Ubisoft previewed what's coming in August, including the Flashy 80's update as part of the Summer in Hollywood, which will include legendary 80's cars like the DeLorean.Trials: Rising
On Thursday, July 16, Trials: Rising will be getting the Gigatrack, the longest track in Trials franchise history. It will be free for all players.Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
Ghost Recon Breakpoint will receive a free Title Update, 2.1.0 on July 15. Most notably, it adds AI teammates to the game for the first time, letting solo players choose whether they want a squad of operators to play with, who will have the same abilities as player-controlled characters. Solo players will be able to give orders to and customize the gear of AI teammates. The update will also add a new limited-time event, Resistance!, beginning on July 16. The event will see players attempting to save prisoners, attack outposts and stop convoys. Playing the event will unlock 14 new rewards, available until July 29. The update also adds Ghost War PvP content, including item drop functionality and community-requested improvements. Updating... stay tuned for more!Ubisoft Forward: Everything Announced and Shown
Ubisoft Forward is the first all-digital showcase from the French publisher, and promised to bring major announcements from across its slate.
We even heard that there will be a second Ubisoft Forward event coming later this year. Here's everything we've learned during today's event: