Monthly Archives: August 2020

Windbound Review – Against The Wind

Windbound is an excellent island. It's just a shame that it's a poor archipelago.

For my first few hours with the new roguelike survival game from Five Lives Studios, I walked a knife's edge--blissful relaxation on one side, speedily encroaching anxiety on the other. You would be forgiven for being lulled into a false sense of security. The sunny skies and gorgeous ocean are inviting. The art style charmingly stakes out a familiar middle ground: cartoonish gloss, realistic proportions. The monsters are memorably designed, and even the most imposing are at least a little cute. But as welcoming as it can look, the red and yellow gauges at the top of the screen are a constant reminder that this world isn't friendly.

You'll stumble around early on, unable to do much of anything. Okay, you have grass, but what can you do with grass? Okay, you crafted a grass rope, but what can you do with a grass rope? You may try to wade into the water in hopes of swimming to the closest island, but your stamina gauge will quickly dash those hopes. Deplete it and you'll wake up on the beach, back where you started. Eventually you'll find a shrine on the island where you'll receive an oar, which is, in some way, legendarily significant. Locating this artifact will unlock some new crafting recipes. Turns out you can craft a grass boat with enough rope and some elbow grease.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Hitman 3 Release Date And Free Next-Gen Upgrade Revealed

Hitman 3's January 20 release date has been revealed alongside a free next-gen upgrade. A blog post from IO Interactive notes that Hitman 3 will launch early next year on January 20, 2021 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Stadia and PC via the Epic Games Store. Players who purchase a digital edition of Hitman 3 on current generation platforms will be eligible for a next-gen upgrade free of charge if they decide to jump to the PS5 or the Xbox Series X in the future. This means if you buy the PS4 version of Hitman 3 on the PlayStation Store, you'll also be able to download the PS5 version at no extra cost. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/hitman-iii-announcement-trailer"] Alongside the release date and upgrade system, IO Interactive has detailed the game's pre-order bonus content and special editions. Those who pre-order the game ahead of launch will be able to access the Trinity Pack, which includes 9 items homaging all three games in the World of Assassination trilogy, including coloured suits, weapons and equipment. A Deluxe Edition of Hitman 3 is also available to purchase, which adds deluxe suits and items, deluxe escalations, a digital artbook, digital soundtracks and a special director's commentary that will introduce players to the game's missions. Pre-orders are now open, so fans can pick up Hitman 3 - Standard Edition for £54.99/$59.99 or the Hitman 3 - Deluxe Edition for £74.99/ $79.99. In other Hitman 3 news, check out this trailer which reveals The Thornbridge Mystery, a new Hitman 3 mission set in Dartmoor, England. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

HBO’s His Dark Materials Season 2: New Trailer Announces November Premiere

HBO has released a thrilling new trailer for His Dark Materials Season 2, offering fans a closer look at the great war that is on the horizon. The official His Dark Materials Twitter account shared the trailer for the second season, announcing that it is coming to HBO in November of this year. The footage provides an extended glimpse at the seven-episode series, which is adapting the events of The Subtle Knife, Philip Pullman's second novel in the His Dark Materials trilogy. The Subtle Knife follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, who work together to investigate the mysterious Dust phenomenon in the eerie disquiet of an abandoned city called Cittàgazze. In this crossroads between worlds, Lyra and Will discover that their destinies are tied to reuniting Will with his father, but their quest is challenged when a war breaks out around them. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/08/his-dark-materials-dust-daemons-and-other-terms-you-should-know"] His Dark Materials Season 2 is returning with all of its main cast members, including Dafne Keen as Lyra, Amir Wilson as Will, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby, Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter, Ariyon Bakare as Lord Boreal, and James McAvoy as Lord Asriel. Newcomers include Andrew Scott as Colonel John Parry, Terence Stamp as Giacomo Paradisi, Jade Anouka as Ruta Skadi, and Simone Kirby as Dr Mary Malone. In our review of His Dark Materials Season 1, we praised the series for being an "exciting fantasy adventure, full of weighty threats to its lead characters and stakes that reverberate through its multiple worlds," even though we noted that "there are times when the scope of the story slightly exceeds the bounds of what its budget is capable of." For more on the fantasy series, catch up on everything you need to know about His Dark Materials before Season 2 premieres this November on HBO. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=his-dark-materials-season-1&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Epic Games Explains What Fortnite’s Google Play Ban Means For Players

Fortnite has been blocked on the Google Play Store, meaning some players are now unable to update the game and play Chapter 2 Season 4, but Epic is making clear to players that its own app and the Samsung Galaxy Store will allow Android players to keep playing. Epic Games is sending an email to those who have downloaded the game on Android, which notes that Android users can still play the new season via the Epic Games App for Android (accessed via Fortnite.com/Android) or the Samsung Galaxy Store. However, the most traditional download method has now been rendered obsolete due to Epic's ongoing legal proceedings with Google. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/fortnite-x-marvel-season-4-nexus-war-update-explained"] Epic added that Fortnite users who already own the game on Google Play can continue to play the current update, but given that the Season 3 Battle Pass wrapped up on August 27, players will not be able to progress any further - they also will not be able to access new cosmetics, gifts or challenges. The Battle Lab, Duos and Limited-Time game modes have also been rendered inaccessible for Google Play users. Here's a primer on everything that has happened so far in Epic Games' legal battle with Google and Apple over app store policy. Apple players are now completely unable to play the newest season of Fortnite following the game's removal from the App Store. In other Fortnite news, check out our explainer of the Nexus War update that has brought a number of Marvel superheroes to the game. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Gamescom 2020: The Biggest News, Best Trailers, and Coolest Gameplay

Gamescom has officially arrived and, from August 27-30, there will be a ton of incredible announcements, trailers, and gameplay videos from some of the most anticipated upcoming games. It can be a lot to keep track of, so we've gathered the best parts of gamescom 2020, and we will be updating this article throughout the weekend!

Biggest gamescom 2020 Announcements

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Confirmed for PS5 "Launch Window" Alongside Gameplay Trailer

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-ps5-gameplay-trailer"] Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart for PS5 got an extended, uncut look, and developed Insomniac Games confirmed that it will be a "launch window" game for the PlayStation 5. The demo, which you can see above, showed the traditional third-person Ratchet and Clank gameplay with the new rift shifting feature following an encounter with the one and only Dr. Nefarious.

Dragon Age 4 First Look and Behind-The-Scenes Trailer

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/dragon-age-4-behind-the-scenes-teaser"] Dragon Age 4 received a first-look trailer with behind-the-scenes footage featuring its developers from BioWare. The team also shared concept art, in-development footage, and showed the return of Solas from Dragon Age: Inquisition. We were also briefly introduced to Bellaria and Davrin, who will be played by Jee Young Han and Ike Amadi, respectively.

Sea of Thieves Adds Dog Companions and a New Permanent Voyage

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/the-state-of-sea-of-thieves-next-year-will-be-the-biggest-one-yet"] Sea of Thieves is getting dogs, need we say more? These adorable companions "can be pet, show affection, and generally appear as a cute friend, they're also inclined to, well, take care of business. So watch where you step." There will also be a new permanent Voyage type that is being added for Gold Hoarders, but more info about it will arrive for it closer to launch.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands to be Released on October 27

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/world-of-warcraft-shadowlands-gameplay-trailer"] Alongside the reveal of the World of Warcraft animated short Afterlives: Bastion, it was revealed that World of Warcraft: Shadowlands will be released on October 27, 2020. We were also treated to a new gameplay video, which you can see above.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Delayed to Spring 2021, PS5 and Xbox Series X Versions Confirmed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/lego-star-wars-the-skywalker-saga-gameplay-trailer"] The good news is that we got a brand new gameplay trailer for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which was also confirmed to be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The less good news is that it has been delayed to Spring 2021. However, considering this ambitious game looks to retell the entire Skywalker Saga, we think they should take all the time they need to make it as perfect as it can be.

Free-to-Play Action-RPG Genshin Impact Arrives on PS4, PC, and Mobile Next Month

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/genshin-impact-gorgeous-anime-inspired-free-to-play-rpg-trailer"] Genshin Impact, which takes inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, will be released on PS4, PC, iOS, and Android on September 28, 2020. Genshin Impact's PS4's release date was confirmed today at gamescom 2020 alongside a brand new look at beautiful game in action.

Summoner's War: Sky Arena Getting Street Fighter Crossover

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/summoners-war-x-street-fighter-5-crossover-event-trailer"] Summoner's War: Sky Arena will have a crossover even with Street Figther 5 and will see Ryu, Ken, M. Bison, Chun-Li, and Dhalsim join the turn-based strategy game on August 31, 2020.

Co-Op Adventure RPG Haven Will Be a Launch Title for Xbox Series X

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/haven-10-minutes-of-4k-gameplay-running-on-xbox-series-x"] Haven, the co-op adventure RPG, will officially be coming to Xbox Series X as a launch title. Haven follows the story of two lovers, Yu and Kay, as they work on restoring a forgotten planet. Haven will also be releasesd on Xbox One, PC, Switch, PS5, and PS4.

Drake Hollow, the Village-Building Action Game, Is Available Now

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/raise-plant-monsters-build-a-base-and-defend-it-with-others-in-drake-hollow"] Drake Hollow was surprise dropped today and is available for PC and Xbox One. Players can team up with their friends to protect a village of vegetables, the titular drakes, from the evil beasts in The Hollow.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown DLC Brings Back Three Fan-Favorite Aircraft

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/ace-combat-7-celebrates-its-25th-anniversary-with-new-dlc"] In celebration of the series' 25th anniversary, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is getting new DLC that includes over 30 cosmetics and brings back three fan-favorite planes: the ASF-X, CFA-44, and XFA-27. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Best Trailers at gamescom 2020

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Trailer Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-perseus-briefing-cinematic"] We got to see an extended version of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's Perseus Briefing Cinematic that was also featured in the latest Call of Duty's reveal. This new look features returning characters Frank Woods, Alex Mason, Jason Hudson, and even President Ronald Reagan.

Fall Guys Season 2 Announced with Sneak Peek Trailer

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/fall-guys-season-2-sneak-peek-trailer"] Mediatonic gave Fall Guys fans around the world a glimpse at the chaos that will arrive with Season 2, which will feature a medieval theme, new rounds, new costumes, and more.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister Brings a Dungeons & Dragons-Inspired CRPG to Steam Early Access This Fall

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/solasta-crown-of-the-magister-trailer-pits-you-against-deadly-dd-enemies"] Solasta: Crown of the Magister is a classical CRPG that uses Dungeons & Dragons' SRD 5.1 Ruleset. Players will be able to create their own party of adventures (including rolling for stats) and take them through the shattered world of Solasta. Those interested can also download a demo starting today!

The Sims 4: Journey Batuu is a Star Wars Expansion Inspired by Galaxy's Edge

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/the-sims-4-star-wars-journey-to-batuu-gameplay-trailer"] The Sims 4: Journey to Batuu is inspired by Galaxy's Edge at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and will be available on September 8, 2020. The first-look trailer showed off many locales from Galaxy's Edge, familiar characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, lightsabers, and much more.

Humble 2021 Sizzle Reel Includes Midnight Express, Bushiden, The Wild at Heart, and More

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/humble-2021-sizzle-reel-includes-midnight-fight-express-bushiden-the-wild-at-heart-and-more"] Humble showcased six games that will be released in 2021, including Midnight Fight Express, Bushiden, The Wild at Heart, Totemic, Unsighted, and Project Wingman.

Pharaoh: A New Era is a Remake of the Classic 1999 Ancient Egypt City-Building Game

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/build-your-empire-in-pharaoh-a-new-era-announcement-trailer"] Dotemu will be bringing a full remake of Pharoah, the ancient Egypt city-building game, to PC in 2021. While we didn't get to see much gameplay of the updated version, a beautiful 2D animated trailer showed the rise of one of the most impressive civilizations in history, and set the tone for what players can expect next year.

Aragami 2 Reveal Trailer Shows Stealth Action in Numbers

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/aragami-2-reveal-trailer-shows-stealth-action-in-numbers"] Take control of the assassin Aragami in this sequel to the 2016 original. Aragami 2 will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2021.

Save the Post Office as an Adorable Kiwi Bird Duo in KeyWe

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/save-the-post-office-as-an-adorable-kiwi-bird-duo-in-keywe"] Fans of Overcooked should take notice of KeyWe, a game all about saving a post office as two adorable Kiwi birds named Jeff and Debra. Teamwork is vital in this game, and this new trailer gives a glimpse of the fun players can have in 2021 when KeyWe is released.

Unknown 9: Awakening was a Mysterious, New IP Revealed at One Night Live

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/unknown-9-awakening-cinematic-trailer"] Unknown 9: Awakening received a somewhat cryptic reveal, but it is being billed as a "storyworld" that will encompass books, comics, podcast, and games all set within a universe based on the real world, but built around "historical mythology and conspiracy theories, and filled with shadow organizations trying to uncover or protect dangerous knowledge."

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood Trailer Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/werewolf-the-apocalypse-earthblood-werewolf-rpg-cinematic-trailer"] Check out the latest cinematic trailer for Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood, an RPG basd on the Werewolf: The Apocalypse tabletop series.

8-Bit Adventures 2 Trailer Delivers More Classic JRPG Charm

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/30/8-bit-adventures-2-trailer-delivers-more-classic-jrpg-charm"] Return to a time of strategic turn-based battles, deep party customization, and a large fantastical world 8-Bit Adventures 2, a love-letter to NES, SNES, and PS1-era JRPGS.

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch Gets a New Trailer

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/devs-explain-fist-forged-in-shadow-torch-metroidvania-gameplay"] F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch's latest trailer shows off a range of gameplay from a mid-game level, and has a focus on the variety of enemies and different weapon types players can utilize in this metroidvania. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Coolest Gameplay Videos of gamescom 2020

Star Wars: Squadrons' Campaign Gameplay Shown Alongside Film Character Reveals

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/star-wars-squadrons-single-player-preview"] Star Wars: Squadrons' campaign got the spotlight during Gamescom: One Night Live, and it was revealed that such classic film characters as Princess Leia and Wedge Antilles will make an appearance.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2's gamescom 2020 Dev Interview Featured a New Look at Downhill Jam

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/tony-hawks-pro-skater-12-developer-interview-whats-new-and-whats-unchanged"] Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 fans were treated to a dev interview with Vicarious Visions' Andy Gentile as he showed off a variety of skaters going for high scores on the updated version of the Downhill Jam level.

The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC Gets New Gameplay

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/30/reunite-with-parvati-and-felix-in-this-the-outer-worlds-peril-on-gorgon-dlc-gameplay"] The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC has gotten new gameplay, and it shows off new characters, locations and weapons. This new new look takes place at the Sprat Shack and the Gorgon Overlands.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time's Flashback Levels Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-offers-punishing-nitro-crate-filled-playgrounds-for-completionists"] IGN had the chance to interview Toys for Bob's Lou Studdert as he showed off some of the tough, throwback levels players can unlock in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time by finding VHS tapes.

Wonder Boy - Asha in Monster World Gameplay Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/wonder-boy-asha-in-monster-world-trailer-the-colorful-90s-platformer-gets-a-remaster"] After a teaser earlier this week, Wonder Boy - Asha in Monster World has been fully revealed with a glimpse at first gameplay of this remake of 1994's Wonder Boy IV.

Borderlands 3: Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck DLC Gameplay Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/borderlands-3-psycho-krieg-and-the-fantastic-fustercluck-dlc-gameplay-explores-the-warped-memories-of-a-psychos-brain"] Borderlands 3's next major DLC, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck, will be released on September 10, 2020, and lead writer Connor Thomas Cleary walks us through gameplay of all the fustercluck in action.

WWE 2K Battleground Fatal 4-Way with Austin Creed Let's Play

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/wwe-2k-battlegrounds-fatal-4-way-with-austin-creed-lets-play"] WWE Superstar Xavier Woods battles against the IGN 'Let's Play' crew in WWE 2K Battlegrounds, an arcade-style, over-the-top wrestling game.

Scarlet Nexus First-Look Preview and Gameplay Footage

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/scarlet-nexus-the-first-preview"] Scarlet Nexus is a stylish, flashy, and edgy action-RPG and it got a 16-minute gameplay demo for gamescom 2020. Scarlet Nexus' world takes place in the "near future..but in an alternative reality where people discovered substances in the brain and developed their society greatly on that."

Doom Eternal The Ancient Gods: Part One Gameplay and Release Date Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-part-one-official-trailer"] Doom Eternal's first proper expansion, The Ancient Gods: Part 1, will be released on October 20, 2020, and we got a glimpse of new gameplay and some intimidating opponents. On Day 3 of gamescom 2020, Doom Eternal Director Hugo Martin also revealed a ton of new details on the upcoming campaign DLC, The Ancient Gods Part 1, in the below trailer breakdown. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-part-1-trailer-breakdown-with-hugo-martin"]

Little Nightmares 2 Hands-On Preview: A Friend in the Darkness

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/little-nightmares-2-hands-on-preview"] Little Nightmares 2 received a new gameplay trailer during Opening Night Live at gamescom 2020, and we also had a chance to try the game for ourselves.

Destiny 2: Beyond Light's New Element Stasis Shown

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/destiny-2-beyond-light-gameplay-trailer-gamescom"] Destiny 2: Beyond Light made an appearance at Gamescom: Opening Night Live, and Stasis was the star. This new gameplay video showed off how each class will use the new Stasis abilities, which involve freezing enemies, shattering enemies, creating obstacles, and much more.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond Story Trailer Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/medal-of-honor-above-and-beyond-vr-story-trailer"] Respawn Entertainment will be bringing back the Medal of Honor franchise this Holiday in VR, and a new story trailer was revealed during Gamescom: One Night Live. Set during World War 2, Above and Beyond will put players in the shoes of the OSS as they must survive through historic events.

Ghostrunner Gameplay: 2 Minutes of Neo-Lit, Nimble Slashing

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/ghostrunner-gameplay-2-minutes-of-neon-lit-nimble-slashing"] This new footage of the upcoming Ghostrunner showcased the fleet-footed protagonist wall-running, sliding, and slinging through the futuristic cyberpunk city, all while slicing up any foes who come in their way.

The Last Spell is a Fast-Paced Tactical RPG with Rogue-Lite Mechanics

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/the-last-spell-is-a-fast-paced-tactical-rpg-with-rogue-lite-mechanics-developer-commentary-gameplay"] The Last Spell is a combination of turn-based strategy gameplay with roguelite mechanics that has players defending a city from hordes of enemies that spawn each night. [poilib element="accentDivider"] If you want to check out absolutely everything we showed, wrote about, and played for Gamescom 2020, head over to our hub page for much, much more. And if you want to check out the schedule for the full event, we've got that too. Additionally, Gamescom's long weekend kicked off with Gamescom: Opening Night Live, and we've gathered everything announced and revealed in one place.  [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.

X4: Foundations – New Expansion, Cradle of Humanity Announced

Developer Egosoft has announced a new expansion for X4: Foundations. Announced during Gamescom 2020, X4's next expansion is X4: Foundations - Cradle of Humanity. Watch the reveal teaser trailer below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/x4-foundations-cradle-of-humanity-dlc-teaser-takes-the-space-sim-back-to-our-solar-system"] "Your next journey into the X4: Foundations universe takes you back to where it all began..." teases the trailer. Cradle of Humanity expands the game's universe by adding our own Solar System, as well as expanding the game's story by offering different perspectives on previous missions. The expansion adds new sectors, Terran and pirate factions, ships, weapons, and stations, as well as a new terraforming feature. Check out a developer walkthrough below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/x4-foundations-is-adding-new-sectors-and-more-with-the-cradle-of-humanity-dlc"] This is the game's second expansion, following the release of X4: Split Vendetta in spring 2020. Around Gamescom, the developers are also holding a livestream and Reddit AmA - you can find out the dev's full plans for Gamescom here. There's much, much more to come from Gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full Gamescom schedule to find out what else is on the way. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

IGN’s Policy on Movie Reviews In Light of COVID-19

Since IGN is a global organization, we will be reviewing and covering films that may be available theatrically in some countries but not others due to local COVID-19 restrictions. For films released theatrically, we will prioritize the health and safety of our critics and only review films that are being screened online, in a drive-in theater, or in territories where theaters are open and consistently adhering to government-approved safety precautions. IGN strongly encourages anyone considering going to a movie theater during the COVID-19 pandemic to check their local public health and safety guidelines before buying a ticket. For more information, check out the World Health Organization guidelines on COVID-19. If you're in the US, check out the CDC website for up-to-date guidance on COVID-19. For international guidance, check out the public safety guidelines for Canada, the UK, and Australia. The CDC guidelines on how to protect yourselves and others can be found here. These include what you’ve probably heard already: The rest of CDC’s guidelines page is helpful, with good tips even if you don’t live in the US, so please check it out. For more, IGN has a full list of suggestions for how to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Blood Bowl 3 Officially Revealed

Nacon and Cyanide have announced Blood Bowl 3, the latest video game adaptation of the violent sports board game, set for a release in early 2021 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. Revealed during Gamescom 2020, Blood Bowl is a turn-based strategy game inspired by football in the Warhammer world where elves, humans, orcs, and more play ball together. Players take on the role of coach, giving instructions to players to put them in the best positions as possible on the field. With the board game set to have a new edition this year, Blood Bowl 3 will feature the new edition rules, teams - like the new Black Orcs and Imperial Nobility - units and their associated skills. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/bloodbowl-3-cinematic-trailer-video-game-fantasy-football"] At launch, Blood Bowl 3 will include 12 races, each with their own arena and cheerleaders, as well as both campaign and multiplayer modes, with post-launch content updates also planned. For more on the series, check out IGN's Blood Bowl 2 review, where we called the last game "a smashy, satisfying, goofy tactical melee". There's much, much more to come from Gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full Gamescom schedule to find out what else is on the way. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Cendres Is a New Narrative Survival Game from a Dontnod Co-Founder

Nameless XIII, a new studio from co-founder of Dontnod (Life Is Strange, Vampyr) Hervé Bonin, has revealed Cendres, a 'non-linear narrative survival sim' due for release on Steam in 2021. Revealed at Gamescom 2020 and published by Dear Villagers, Cendres aims to cross over the decision-making and narrative focus of Choose Your Own Adventure books with the more direct control of a classic adventure game. The result is a game that sees you leading a party of four characters through a ravaged world, on the search for safe haven. Along the way you'll need to scavenge and manage supplies, choose between moral dilemmas, and work your way to one of 16 different endings. Check out a reveal trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/cendres-a-survival-journey-reveal-trailer-features-a-world-without-color"] Cendres is set 200 years after a volcanic apocalypse destroyed the game's planet, and sees a captain, Petra, a warrior, Sinh, a scholar, Kali, and a scout, Nadir attempting to find a safe home. Nameless XIII promises to let you get know each party member, and their relationships and conflicts with the rest - as well as protecting them from madness, despair and starvation. The bleakness of the trailer, and the fact that we see a varying number of party members throughout, suggests the game won't shy from killing off your party members, and a press release explains that the game will provide different paths to its many endings based on your choices along the way. There's much, much more to come from Gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full Gamescom schedule to find out what else is on 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.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister Comes to Early Access this Fall

Solasta: Crown of the Magister will arrive on Steam Early Access this fall. The CRPG from Tactical Adventures - which uses Dungeons and Dragons' SRD 5.1 Ruleset - will allow players to create their own party of adventurers (including rolling for stats) for a more tabletop RPG-like experience, and take them through the shattered world of Solasta. Check out an announcement trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/solasta-crown-of-the-magister-trailer-pits-you-against-deadly-dd-enemies"] Alongside the Early Access announcement, Solasta will also get a demo starting today – you can check that out, and wishlist the game, on its Steam page, or take a tour of its Indie Arena Booth right now. Solasta: Crown of the Magister draws on tabletop RPGs, but throws in its own ideas. The game's battle areas are dynamic, taking into account destructible environments, light and dark, and verticality, letting you ambush (or be ambushed) from above or below. There's much, much more to come from Gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full Gamescom schedule to find out what else is on 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.