Monthly Archives: November 2020

Doom Eternal Switch Release Date Revealed

Bethesda has revealed when Doom Eternal is finally coming to Nintendo Switch: December 8. The Switch version of Doom Eternal has been created in partnership with Panic Button, the studio who previously helped bring Doom 2016, Wolfenstein 2, and Wolfenstein: Young Blood to Switch. Available only as a digital download - no physical edition is being produced or planned - the game will take up 18.8GB of storage space on Switch. It will be available on the eShop from midnight Eastern Time. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/doom-eternal-nintendo-switch-release-date-trailer"] This release is essentially the same version as released on PC and console earlier this year, including the 2v1 Battlemode multiplayer suite as well as the main single player campaign. While those remain unchanged, the Switch version does support gyroscopic motion controls. DLC for Doom Eternal - The Ancients Gods: Part 1 - is already available on PC and console, but will arrive later on Switch. Early purchasers up to December 22 will get a digital download code for Doom 64 and the ‘Rip & Tear’ content pack, which contains skins and a remixed version of the Cultist Base Master campaign level. Not sure if you should dive in? Check out our Doom Eternal review from earlier in the year, and our thoughts on the Switch version of Doom 2016. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

Doom Eternal Switch Release Date Revealed

Bethesda has revealed when Doom Eternal is finally coming to Nintendo Switch: December 8. The Switch version of Doom Eternal has been created in partnership with Panic Button, the studio who previously helped bring Doom 2016, Wolfenstein 2, and Wolfenstein: Young Blood to Switch. Available only as a digital download - no physical edition is being produced or planned - the game will take up 18.8GB of storage space on Switch. It will be available on the eShop from midnight Eastern Time. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/doom-eternal-nintendo-switch-release-date-trailer"] This release is essentially the same version as released on PC and console earlier this year, including the 2v1 Battlemode multiplayer suite as well as the main single player campaign. While those remain unchanged, the Switch version does support gyroscopic motion controls. DLC for Doom Eternal - The Ancients Gods: Part 1 - is already available on PC and console, but will arrive later on Switch. Early purchasers up to December 22 will get a digital download code for Doom 64 and the ‘Rip & Tear’ content pack, which contains skins and a remixed version of the Cultist Base Master campaign level. Not sure if you should dive in? Check out our Doom Eternal review from earlier in the year, and our thoughts on the Switch version of Doom 2016. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

The Last of Us TV Series May Air Against The Walking Dead’s Final Season

The Last of Us TV show, which recently received a series order from HBO, may end up airing in 2022, right against The Walking Dead’s final season. And while this would mean two zombie shows at the same time, The Walking Dead’s chief content officer isn’t worried. Talking to Insider about the prospect, The Walking Dead’s chief content officer Scott Gimple said “I think there's room for all of us, with zombies and the different ways of telling zombie tales. I'm going to be watching both. I hope a lot of people will be watching." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/20/hbo-orders-the-last-of-us-to-series"] Gimple noted that the idea hadn’t occurred to The Walking Dead team. "We didn't think about potentially splitting the walker vote," he said. Currently, The Last of Us doesn’t have a season premiere date, so it’s unclear if this situation will definitely occur, however two years is a typical turnaround for many TV shows. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-walking-dead-a-certain-doom-gallery&captions=true"] The Walking Dead will conclude with its 11th season, which was due to start in October but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This final season will comprise 24 episodes spread over two years, taking the show into 2022. If The Last of Us somehow doesn’t turn into a hit, there will be more zombie action to come; a spin-off from TWD featuring Daryl and Carol is set to start in 2023. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

The Last of Us TV Series May Air Against The Walking Dead’s Final Season

The Last of Us TV show, which recently received a series order from HBO, may end up airing in 2022, right against The Walking Dead’s final season. And while this would mean two zombie shows at the same time, The Walking Dead’s chief content officer isn’t worried. Talking to Insider about the prospect, The Walking Dead’s chief content officer Scott Gimple said “I think there's room for all of us, with zombies and the different ways of telling zombie tales. I'm going to be watching both. I hope a lot of people will be watching." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/20/hbo-orders-the-last-of-us-to-series"] Gimple noted that the idea hadn’t occurred to The Walking Dead team. "We didn't think about potentially splitting the walker vote," he said. Currently, The Last of Us doesn’t have a season premiere date, so it’s unclear if this situation will definitely occur, however two years is a typical turnaround for many TV shows. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-walking-dead-a-certain-doom-gallery&captions=true"] The Walking Dead will conclude with its 11th season, which was due to start in October but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This final season will comprise 24 episodes spread over two years, taking the show into 2022. If The Last of Us somehow doesn’t turn into a hit, there will be more zombie action to come; a spin-off from TWD featuring Daryl and Carol is set to start in 2023. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

The Mandalorian Director Talks Latest Major Baby Yoda Reveal

Warning: Major spoilers for The Mandalorian Chapter 13 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Dave Filoni, director of The Mandalorian’s fifth episode of its second season, has explained why his episode was the right time to drop a major reveal about Baby Yoda’s background. This is a spoiler-filled story, so turn back while you still can if you’ve not seen the episode yet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/27/the-mandalorian-season-2-episode-5-the-truth-behind-the-jedi-and-her-secret-mission-star-wars-canon-fodder"] Season 2, episode 5 - The Jedi - revealed that Baby Yoda’s real name is Grogu. “The name has been around for a while,” Filoni told Vanity Fair. “Jon [Favreau] told me early on in Season One what it would be, which made me start to think about how people could learn the name. This gave me the idea that Ahsoka, who is very compassionate, would be able to connect with the child, and that without words they could probably communicate through memories and experiences. Through that connection, she learns the name and then tells Mando and the audience.” The episode introduced Ahsoka Tano into The Mandalorian, a Jedi Filoni had previously developed alongside George Lucas for The Clone Wars animated TV show. Played by Rosario Dawson for the live-action version, Filoni knew that Ahsoka would be the key to unveiling some of the mystery surrounding Grogu. “I felt that if anyone would know or understand The Child's history it would be Ahsoka,” Filoni said. “She has such a long history as well. By having her relate the story it also helps the viewer to understand some of her own backstory.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/14/the-mandalorian-season-2-the-latest-huge-cameo-has-a-hidden-meaning-canon-fodder"] This structure was based on how Obi-Wan revealed the story of Anakin Skywalker to Luke in the first Star Wars film. “Through the story about Anakin, you are getting a look at Obi-Wan and his backstory as well,” explained Filoni. “A lot of the campfire scene, as I call it, is shaped around that scene between Obi-Wan and Luke in A New Hope.” For more, check out our 10/10 review for The Mandalorian S2E5, and the huge connection it makes to Star Wars lore. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

The Mandalorian Director Talks Latest Major Baby Yoda Reveal

Warning: Major spoilers for The Mandalorian Chapter 13 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Dave Filoni, director of The Mandalorian’s fifth episode of its second season, has explained why his episode was the right time to drop a major reveal about Baby Yoda’s background. This is a spoiler-filled story, so turn back while you still can if you’ve not seen the episode yet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/27/the-mandalorian-season-2-episode-5-the-truth-behind-the-jedi-and-her-secret-mission-star-wars-canon-fodder"] Season 2, episode 5 - The Jedi - revealed that Baby Yoda’s real name is Grogu. “The name has been around for a while,” Filoni told Vanity Fair. “Jon [Favreau] told me early on in Season One what it would be, which made me start to think about how people could learn the name. This gave me the idea that Ahsoka, who is very compassionate, would be able to connect with the child, and that without words they could probably communicate through memories and experiences. Through that connection, she learns the name and then tells Mando and the audience.” The episode introduced Ahsoka Tano into The Mandalorian, a Jedi Filoni had previously developed alongside George Lucas for The Clone Wars animated TV show. Played by Rosario Dawson for the live-action version, Filoni knew that Ahsoka would be the key to unveiling some of the mystery surrounding Grogu. “I felt that if anyone would know or understand The Child's history it would be Ahsoka,” Filoni said. “She has such a long history as well. By having her relate the story it also helps the viewer to understand some of her own backstory.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/14/the-mandalorian-season-2-the-latest-huge-cameo-has-a-hidden-meaning-canon-fodder"] This structure was based on how Obi-Wan revealed the story of Anakin Skywalker to Luke in the first Star Wars film. “Through the story about Anakin, you are getting a look at Obi-Wan and his backstory as well,” explained Filoni. “A lot of the campfire scene, as I call it, is shaped around that scene between Obi-Wan and Luke in A New Hope.” For more, check out our 10/10 review for The Mandalorian S2E5, and the huge connection it makes to Star Wars lore. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

eBay Condemns PS5 Photo Scammers, Is Taking Action Against Sellers

Auction site eBay has condemned scammers listing photographs of PlayStation 5 consoles, and has vowed to take action against the sellers and to remove listings. In a statement to Eurogamer, eBay said: "We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users. We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/06/playstation-5-review"] These sellers are creating listings that look like they are for PlayStation 5 consoles, but are actually just for printed photographs of a PS5. Listings feature titles like “Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition 1TB Console - White (PHOTO)” and so - while actually disclaiming they are selling a photograph - the bulk of the name appears like a console listing. At time of writing, there are dozens of these listings across UK and US eBay sites. There are listings being actively bid on, with some current bids being in the multiple hundreds of dollars/pounds. These may be inflated by the scammers themselves in order to look more ‘legitimate’ and fool buyers, or simply be genuine bids by fooled buyers. "For any purchase, but especially highly priced or in-demand items, buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the listing description,” said eBay’s statement. "Buyers who receive an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] These sellers clearly know the rules of “item must be as described” since every listing has “photo”, “picture”, or “image only” in their description, and often a line in the listing saying that purchasers will only receive a printed picture. So while these listings do ‘technically’ abide by eBay’s rules, it’s good to see eBay planning to take action. The statement is unclear on if those who fall victim can be compensated, but the line stating “an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund” suggests not, as all these listings do state they are photographs. PS5 scams and scalpers have been a major issue since the console launched. For more, take a look at our investigation into how sneaker culture predicted next-gen console scalpers. If you do already have one, be sure to check out our PS5 console guide and 8 hidden PS5 features and settings. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

eBay Condemns PS5 Photo Scammers, Is Taking Action Against Sellers

Auction site eBay has condemned scammers listing photographs of PlayStation 5 consoles, and has vowed to take action against the sellers and to remove listings. In a statement to Eurogamer, eBay said: "We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users. We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/06/playstation-5-review"] These sellers are creating listings that look like they are for PlayStation 5 consoles, but are actually just for printed photographs of a PS5. Listings feature titles like “Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition 1TB Console - White (PHOTO)” and so - while actually disclaiming they are selling a photograph - the bulk of the name appears like a console listing. At time of writing, there are dozens of these listings across UK and US eBay sites. There are listings being actively bid on, with some current bids being in the multiple hundreds of dollars/pounds. These may be inflated by the scammers themselves in order to look more ‘legitimate’ and fool buyers, or simply be genuine bids by fooled buyers. "For any purchase, but especially highly priced or in-demand items, buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the listing description,” said eBay’s statement. "Buyers who receive an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] These sellers clearly know the rules of “item must be as described” since every listing has “photo”, “picture”, or “image only” in their description, and often a line in the listing saying that purchasers will only receive a printed picture. So while these listings do ‘technically’ abide by eBay’s rules, it’s good to see eBay planning to take action. The statement is unclear on if those who fall victim can be compensated, but the line stating “an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund” suggests not, as all these listings do state they are photographs. PS5 scams and scalpers have been a major issue since the console launched. For more, take a look at our investigation into how sneaker culture predicted next-gen console scalpers. If you do already have one, be sure to check out our PS5 console guide and 8 hidden PS5 features and settings. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Japan’s Super Nintendo World Theme Park Area Gets an Official Opening Date

Universal Studios Japan today announced that its long-awaited Super Nintendo World area will finally open to the public on February 4, 2021. IGN Japan was on hand for a sneak peek at one section of the new world; the very first time members of the press have been invited inside – check out our gallery below.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"]

Bowser’s Castle (or Koopa’s Castle in Japan) is an immense reconstruction of the iconic location from the games. Visitors will be able to climb a sweeping grand staircase, at the top of which is an enormous, imposing bronze statue of Bowser himself. The scale is seriously impressive.

The walls of the castle’s corridors are lined with huge portrait paintings of Bowser, along with bright and colourful emblems from the Mario Kart games. Huge faux brass knockers adorn the doors, while Bowser’s face in menacing silhouette peers down from the top of the door frames.

We also saw where guests will line up for one of the park’s most anticipated new attractions, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, which promises to put visitors in the driving seat for a ride that includes AR and projection mapping effects to bring courses from the Mario Kart games to life. This is realized through a special headset styled on Mario’s hat with a built-in AR screen.

The attraction is the result of a six-year collaboration with the creative team at Nintendo, including input from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=Mario%20Kart%3A%20Koopa%E2%80%99s%20Challenge%20promises%20to%20put%20visitors%20in%20the%20driving%20seat%20for%20a%20ride%20that%20includes%20AR%20and%20projection%20mapping%20effects%20to%20bring%20courses%20from%20the%20Mario%20Kart%20games%20to%20life."]

Mario Kart Station is where visitors will board the ride. Each kart has four seats, with a steering wheel and AR headset for each rider. Warp Pipes hang down from the ceiling of the station departure hall, while chunky metal chains and massive gears decorate the room. The facade of a Lemmy’s Tire Service repair shop and other details can be seen above.

We also walked through a Trophy Room where guests can pose for photos alongside artefacts inspired by the games, including familiar trophies and one bearing the USJ logo, as well as a handwritten note from Bowser laying down a karting challenge.

Speaking to the assembled media, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge attraction executive producer Thomas Geraghty showed off the new headset and Power Up Band. He noted that this will be the first ever Mario Kart theme park ride. “We will bring the story to life with Nintendo’s very compelling characters – Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach – and we will immerse our guests into the world of Nintendo with this augmented reality headset,” he said. “Guests will join their favourite characters immersed in augmented reality, steering their way through the Mushroom Kingdom, throwing shells at Koopalings, as they race to the finish.” He said that there will be win and lose states in the game, so victory is not guaranteed.

Geraghty said the headsets will be sanitised after every use, along with other social distancing measures.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=universal-studios-japan-mario-cafe-grand-opening&captions=true"]

Super Nintendo World was originally intended to open ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer, but this was postponed in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, in October, a Mario-themed cafe and store opened inside USJ did open, separate from the Super Nintendo World area. The final area promises to include some pretty cool gamified elements, such as interactive attractions where visitors link their Power Up Bands to a mobile app to collect digital coins and unlock achievements.

[caption id="attachment_2445879" align="alignnone" width="1920"]I want to go to there. (Image via Nintendo.) I want to go to there. (Image via Nintendo.)[/caption]

Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka, Japan, and at the time of writing, Japan’s borders are closed to foreign tourists, though permanent foreign residents and business visitors from some countries are permitted to enter. The government is reportedly planning to fully reopen to tourists in spring 2021.

In addition to the USJ Super Nintendo World attraction, future locations are also being considered at other Universal Studios parks around the world.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan – follow him on Twitter here

Japan’s Super Nintendo World Theme Park Area Gets an Official Opening Date

Universal Studios Japan today announced that its long-awaited Super Nintendo World area will finally open to the public on February 4, 2021. IGN Japan was on hand for a sneak peek at one section of the new world; the very first time members of the press have been invited inside – check out our gallery below.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"]

Bowser’s Castle (or Koopa’s Castle in Japan) is an immense reconstruction of the iconic location from the games. Visitors will be able to climb a sweeping grand staircase, at the top of which is an imposing life-size bronze statue of Bowser himself. The scale is seriously impressive.

The walls of the castle’s corridors are lined with huge portrait paintings of Bowser, along with bright and colourful emblems from the Mario Kart games. Huge faux brass knockers adorn the doors, while Bowser’s face in menacing silhouette peers down from the top of the door frames.

We also saw where guests will line up for one of the park’s most anticipated new attractions, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, which promises to put visitors in the driving seat for a ride that includes AR and projection mapping effects to bring courses from the Mario Kart games to life. This is realized through a special headset styled on Mario’s hat with a built-in AR screen.

The attraction is the result of a six-year collaboration with the creative team at Nintendo, including input from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=Mario%20Kart%3A%20Koopa%E2%80%99s%20Challenge%20promises%20to%20put%20visitors%20in%20the%20driving%20seat%20for%20a%20ride%20that%20includes%20AR%20and%20projection%20mapping%20effects%20to%20bring%20courses%20from%20the%20Mario%20Kart%20games%20to%20life."]

Mario Kart Station is where visitors will board the ride. Each kart has four seats, with a steering wheel and AR headset for each rider. Warp Pipes hang down from the ceiling of the station departure hall, while chunky metal chains and massive gears decorate the room. The facade of a Lemmy’s Tire Service repair shop and other details can be seen above.

We also walked through a Trophy Room where guests can pose for photos alongside artefacts inspired by the games, including familiar trophies and one bearing the USJ logo, as well as a handwritten note from Bowser laying down a karting challenge.

Speaking to the assembled media, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge attraction executive producer Thomas Geraghty showed off the new headset and Power Up Band. He noted that this will be the first ever Mario Kart theme park ride. “We will bring the story to life with Nintendo’s very compelling characters – Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach – and we will immerse our guests into the world of Nintendo with this augmented reality headset,” he said. “Guests will join their favourite characters immersed in augmented reality, steering their way through the Mushroom Kingdom, throwing shells at Koopalings, as they race to the finish.” He said that there will be win and lose states in the game, so victory is not guaranteed.

Geraghty said the headsets will be sanitised after every use, along with other social distancing measures.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=universal-studios-japan-mario-cafe-grand-opening&captions=true"]

Super Nintendo World was originally intended to open ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer, but this was postponed in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, in October, a Mario-themed cafe and store opened inside USJ did open, separate from the Super Nintendo World area. The final area promises to include some pretty cool gamified elements, such as interactive attractions where visitors link their Power Up Bands to a mobile app to collect digital coins and unlock achievements.

[caption id="attachment_2445879" align="alignnone" width="1920"]I want to go to there. (Image via Nintendo.) I want to go to there. (Image via Nintendo.)[/caption]

Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka, Japan, and at the time of writing, Japan’s borders are closed to foreign tourists, though permanent foreign residents and business visitors from some countries are permitted to enter. The government is reportedly planning to fully reopen to tourists in spring 2021.

In addition to the USJ Super Nintendo World attraction, future locations are also being considered at other Universal Studios parks around the world.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan – follow him on Twitter here