Monthly Archives: August 2021

Hideo Kojima Says 12 Minutes ‘Kind of Makes Me Want To Create Another Adventure Game’

Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding director Hideo Kojima has taken to Twitter to share that he enjoyed 12 Minutes so much that it "kinda makes [him] want to create another adventure game."

12 Minutes is a time-loop mystery adventure game starring Willem Dafoe, James McAvoy, and Daisy Ridley that had Kojima saying he hasn't "been into a game this much since INSIDE."

"Once you get used to the overhead view and the controls, you won't mind. It's a game using intelligence. It's like the Amiga games I used to play," Kojima wrote. "I still haven't cleared it yet, but it's fun. I'm afraid of Dafoe's visit!"

Speaking of Dafoe, Kojima also says that, "even now, I feel like Dafoe is going to come in the front door in ten or so minutes... Normally I'd welcome him, as I'm a huge fan of him, but after playing TWELVE MINUTES, I'm afraid he's going to punch me. Nice casting though."

He then continued to say that 12 minutes is kind of inspiring him to create another adventure game. For those unaware, Kojima worked on a number of games in the graphic adventure genre during his time at Konami, including Policenauts and Snatcher.

If he were to go down that road, 12 Minutes' creator Luis Antonio did offer that he does have some ideas he'd love to run by Kojima.

To finish off his thoughts, Kojima compared aspects of 12 Minutes to other films like The Shining.

"The carpet pattern in the hallway is totally 'The Shining.' And the closet's perspective is also good. Dafoe's high strung voice is very 'The Lighthouse'-like," Kojima wrote.

While it may be some time before we see a potential Kojima adventure game, fans will be able to jump into Death Stranding Director's Cut on PS5 on September 24, 2021.

If you'd like to see if you'll enjoy 12 Minutes as much as Kojima but still aren't convinced you want to give it a try, be sure to check out our review, in which we said it "injects a compelling time-loop mystery into a traditional point-and-click adventure game to create original gameplay that complements its story’s curiosity factor."

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.

Hideo Kojima Says 12 Minutes ‘Kind of Makes Me Want To Create Another Adventure Game’

Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding director Hideo Kojima has taken to Twitter to share that he enjoyed 12 Minutes so much that it "kinda makes [him] want to create another adventure game."

12 Minutes is a time-loop mystery adventure game starring Willem Dafoe, James McAvoy, and Daisy Ridley that had Kojima saying he hasn't "been into a game this much since INSIDE."

"Once you get used to the overhead view and the controls, you won't mind. It's a game using intelligence. It's like the Amiga games I used to play," Kojima wrote. "I still haven't cleared it yet, but it's fun. I'm afraid of Dafoe's visit!"

Speaking of Dafoe, Kojima also says that, "even now, I feel like Dafoe is going to come in the front door in ten or so minutes... Normally I'd welcome him, as I'm a huge fan of him, but after playing TWELVE MINUTES, I'm afraid he's going to punch me. Nice casting though."

He then continued to say that 12 minutes is kind of inspiring him to create another adventure game. For those unaware, Kojima worked on a number of games in the graphic adventure genre during his time at Konami, including Policenauts and Snatcher.

If he were to go down that road, 12 Minutes' creator Luis Antonio did offer that he does have some ideas he'd love to run by Kojima.

To finish off his thoughts, Kojima compared aspects of 12 Minutes to other films like The Shining.

"The carpet pattern in the hallway is totally 'The Shining.' And the closet's perspective is also good. Dafoe's high strung voice is very 'The Lighthouse'-like," Kojima wrote.

While it may be some time before we see a potential Kojima adventure game, fans will be able to jump into Death Stranding Director's Cut on PS5 on September 24, 2021.

If you'd like to see if you'll enjoy 12 Minutes as much as Kojima but still aren't convinced you want to give it a try, be sure to check out our review, in which we said it "injects a compelling time-loop mystery into a traditional point-and-click adventure game to create original gameplay that complements its story’s curiosity factor."

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.

Magic: The Gathering Animated Netflix Series Loses the Russo Brothers

While Netflix is still developing a CG-animated series based on Magic: The Gathering, the project is moving forward without the involvement of Joe and Anthony Russo. Transformers: Prime co-creator Jeff Kline has joined the project as executive producer, taking over for the Avengers: Endgame directors, as reported by Deadline.

While the project was originally announced with the Russo brothers attached, reports indicate that the duo exited the project early on in the process over disagreements with Netflix on the creative vision for the series. Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Jose Molina (Agent Carter), who were originally tapped to serve as head writers and co-showrunners, also left the project alongside the Russos.

Following the Russo brothers' departure, Netflix tapped Kline to assemble a team to create a new storyline based on the tabletop trading card game. The Russos met with Kline during the creative transition.

"I’m grateful to the Russos for bringing me into the world of Magic: The Gathering — specifically, over dinner at one of their go-to Cleveland restaurants,” Kline said. “Magic is one of those rare intellectual properties with such a wellspring of mythology that 'picking and choosing' is half the battle. Every single person working on the series understands how beloved this universe is – and feels both the exhilaration and tremendous pressure that comes with translating Magic across mediums.”

Although Joe and Anthony Russo are no longer attached to the project, check out our argument for the importance of Magic: The Gathering finally getting a television adaptation. Also, read our rundown of the biggest anime and animation announcements from Netflix's Geeked Week last month.

J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Magic: The Gathering Animated Netflix Series Loses the Russo Brothers

While Netflix is still developing a CG-animated series based on Magic: The Gathering, the project is moving forward without the involvement of Joe and Anthony Russo. Transformers: Prime co-creator Jeff Kline has joined the project as executive producer, taking over for the Avengers: Endgame directors, as reported by Deadline.

While the project was originally announced with the Russo brothers attached, reports indicate that the duo exited the project early on in the process over disagreements with Netflix on the creative vision for the series. Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Jose Molina (Agent Carter), who were originally tapped to serve as head writers and co-showrunners, also left the project alongside the Russos.

Following the Russo brothers' departure, Netflix tapped Kline to assemble a team to create a new storyline based on the tabletop trading card game. The Russos met with Kline during the creative transition.

"I’m grateful to the Russos for bringing me into the world of Magic: The Gathering — specifically, over dinner at one of their go-to Cleveland restaurants,” Kline said. “Magic is one of those rare intellectual properties with such a wellspring of mythology that 'picking and choosing' is half the battle. Every single person working on the series understands how beloved this universe is – and feels both the exhilaration and tremendous pressure that comes with translating Magic across mediums.”

Although Joe and Anthony Russo are no longer attached to the project, check out our argument for the importance of Magic: The Gathering finally getting a television adaptation. Also, read our rundown of the biggest anime and animation announcements from Netflix's Geeked Week last month.

J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Black Canary Movie in Development at HBO Max with Jurnee Smollett

While Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn just made a return in The Suicide Squad, DC is looking to bring another member of the Birds of Prey back. A Black Canary solo movie is in the works at HBO Max, as reported by Cinelinx and Collider. Jurnee Smollett will reprise her role as Dinah Lance, while Misha Green has been tapped to write the project.

Black Canary would serve as a reunion of sorts for Smollett and Green, who worked together on HBO's Lovecraft Country last year. While HBO has since decided against moving forward with a second season for the series, Lovecraft Country attracted a dedicated viewership and strong critical praise during its run last fall. Smollett is currently nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress for her performance on the series. Green also scored a nomination in Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.

While details are still scarce about the project, reports indicate that the film will follow the events of Birds of Prey. Birds of Prey producer Sue Kroll will return to produce Black Canary under her Kroll & Co. Entertainment banner.

However, Black Canary is still likely a way off. Green is currently attached to direct the Alicia Vikander-starring sequel to 2018's Tomb Raider. She is also set to write and produce the Jennifer Lopez vehicle The Mother for Netflix. Meanwhile, Smollett stars alongside Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller in Netflix's Escape from Spiderhead, which is set to hit the streamer later this year.

Black Canary is only the latest DC project that Warner Bros. is setting up at HBO Max. A Peacemaker series starring The Suicide Squad's John Cena will hit the streaming service in January 2022. Meanwhile, a Batgirl movie starring Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon and a Static Shock movie will also debut exclusively on the streamer. For more on the upcoming lineup, check out our complete rundown of every DC project that's currently in development.

J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Black Canary Movie in Development at HBO Max with Jurnee Smollett

While Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn just made a return in The Suicide Squad, DC is looking to bring another member of the Birds of Prey back. A Black Canary solo movie is in the works at HBO Max, as reported by Cinelinx and Collider. Jurnee Smollett will reprise her role as Dinah Lance, while Misha Green has been tapped to write the project.

Black Canary would serve as a reunion of sorts for Smollett and Green, who worked together on HBO's Lovecraft Country last year. While HBO has since decided against moving forward with a second season for the series, Lovecraft Country attracted a dedicated viewership and strong critical praise during its run last fall. Smollett is currently nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress for her performance on the series. Green also scored a nomination in Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.

While details are still scarce about the project, reports indicate that the film will follow the events of Birds of Prey. Birds of Prey producer Sue Kroll will return to produce Black Canary under her Kroll & Co. Entertainment banner.

However, Black Canary is still likely a way off. Green is currently attached to direct the Alicia Vikander-starring sequel to 2018's Tomb Raider. She is also set to write and produce the Jennifer Lopez vehicle The Mother for Netflix. Meanwhile, Smollett stars alongside Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller in Netflix's Escape from Spiderhead, which is set to hit the streamer later this year.

Black Canary is only the latest DC project that Warner Bros. is setting up at HBO Max. A Peacemaker series starring The Suicide Squad's John Cena will hit the streaming service in January 2022. Meanwhile, a Batgirl movie starring Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon and a Static Shock movie will also debut exclusively on the streamer. For more on the upcoming lineup, check out our complete rundown of every DC project that's currently in development.

J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Naraka Bladepoint Review — House of Flying Daggers

If absolutely nothing else, be grateful to Naraka Bladepoint for being one of a scant few battle royale titles where getting one-shotted by someone hiding in a shrub three football fields away isn't a danger. That by itself makes it welcoming in a way the genre tends to ignore. But lurking beneath that relative ease and approachability is a shrewd game of wuxia-inspired combat that demandsfar more steelfrom its players--and we're not just talking about swords and spears.

The basic premise of Naraka Bladepoint involves a secret island where warring gods once battled to their deaths, and warriors now battle for the smallest part of the gods' power. But that story all but evaporates after the tutorial stage, aside from some skimpy lore cards for each character unlocked after reaching a certain XP level. All you really need to know is you're on an island of abandoned villages, scattered weapon caches, and an undulating purple wall of death that ushers 60 brave warriors closer and closer together. Your sole mission is to be the last person standing, by any and all means necessary.

Survival means combat, but instead of the usual pistols/shotguns/assault rifles, you're primarily looking at melee weapons. Ranged options do exist, from crossbows and slow-firing muskets to environmental hazards that can be triggered by the right slice or shot at the right time. You also have a grappling hook that not only allows you to zip across the map and onto higher ground, but also harpoon and fly at opponents Attack on Titan-style.Aside from the hook, each ranged option exists to merely soften up opponents from a distance as they close in. Getting the big fat kill involves getting up close and personal with something sharp, and here, showdowns with opponents have more in common with Dynasty Warriors and SoulCalibur than Fortnite.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Naraka Bladepoint Review — House of Flying Daggers

If absolutely nothing else, be grateful to Naraka Bladepoint for being one of a scant few battle royale titles where getting one-shotted by someone hiding in a shrub three football fields away isn't a danger. That by itself makes it welcoming in a way the genre tends to ignore. But lurking beneath that relative ease and approachability is a shrewd game of wuxia-inspired combat that demandsfar more steelfrom its players--and we're not just talking about swords and spears.

The basic premise of Naraka Bladepoint involves a secret island where warring gods once battled to their deaths, and warriors now battle for the smallest part of the gods' power. But that story all but evaporates after the tutorial stage, aside from some skimpy lore cards for each character unlocked after reaching a certain XP level. All you really need to know is you're on an island of abandoned villages, scattered weapon caches, and an undulating purple wall of death that ushers 60 brave warriors closer and closer together. Your sole mission is to be the last person standing, by any and all means necessary.

Survival means combat, but instead of the usual pistols/shotguns/assault rifles, you're primarily looking at melee weapons. Ranged options do exist, from crossbows and slow-firing muskets to environmental hazards that can be triggered by the right slice or shot at the right time. You also have a grappling hook that not only allows you to zip across the map and onto higher ground, but also harpoon and fly at opponents Attack on Titan-style.Aside from the hook, each ranged option exists to merely soften up opponents from a distance as they close in. Getting the big fat kill involves getting up close and personal with something sharp, and here, showdowns with opponents have more in common with Dynasty Warriors and SoulCalibur than Fortnite.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Halo Infinite Will be Released Without Campaign Co-Op or Forge at Launch

343 Industries has announced that it is delaying campaign co-op and Forge for Halo Infinite until after launch as the developers focus on getting the single-player campaign and multiplayer done in time for its holiday release.

In an August video update from the official Halo YouTube channel, Halo Infinite head of creative Joseph Staten confirmed that neither campaign co-op nor Forge will be in Halo Infinite at launch. 343 confirmed that Halo Infinite is "100 percent committed" to release the anticipated shooter this holiday.

Campaign Co-Op has been a fixture of the Halo franchise, being able to play through the single-player campaign with a friend. Meanwhile, Forge is a unique experience where players can design their own game modes by creating custom maps, rules, and more. Forge is where some of the most creative player-generated modes have come from, some of which have gone on to become official Halo online modes.

"Unfortunately, as we focused the team for shut down, and really focused on a quality experience for launch, we made the really tough decision to delay shipping campaign co-op for launch. And we also made the tough call to delay shipping Forge past launch as well," Staten said during the video update.

Staten confirmed that the team is taking a seasonal release schedule for the campaign co-op and Forge. While Halo Infinite will launch with the single-player mode and season 1 of multiplayer, Staten says the team is aiming to release campaign co-op in season 2 and Forge in season 3.

Staten clarified that a new season will ship every three months, meaning campaign co-op will not be released until 2022, most likely (if assuming the holiday season begins in November).

Staten says the delay is a result of the complexities involved with game development, particularly with campaign co-op. "On the co-op side, we have the opportunity to play the campaign all the time, it's this wonderful, open, non-linear take on the Halo campaign. It's going to offer so much more flexibility to take down Banished bases from all different angles, to progress through the game in your own way," Staten revealed.

"At the same time though, that's complicated. When you think about save systems and all the technology that needs to drive this more non-linear experience, and in the co-op experience that's even more complicated."

Halo Infinite still doesn't have a firm release date, though community manager Brian Jarrard says the team is basically almost ready to confirm a firm date. Xbox boss Phil Spencer earlier confirmed that the studio is readying Halo Infinite for a holiday 2021 launch and it's basically about narrowing the window to a specific date.

In the meantime, Halo Infinite will continue to roll out more test flights for multiplayer in the lead-up to launch.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Halo Infinite Will be Released Without Campaign Co-Op or Forge at Launch

343 Industries has announced that it is delaying campaign co-op and Forge for Halo Infinite until after launch as the developers focus on getting the single-player campaign and multiplayer done in time for its holiday release.

In an August video update from the official Halo YouTube channel, Halo Infinite head of creative Joseph Staten confirmed that neither campaign co-op nor Forge will be in Halo Infinite at launch. 343 confirmed that Halo Infinite is "100 percent committed" to release the anticipated shooter this holiday.

Campaign Co-Op has been a fixture of the Halo franchise, being able to play through the single-player campaign with a friend. Meanwhile, Forge is a unique experience where players can design their own game modes by creating custom maps, rules, and more. Forge is where some of the most creative player-generated modes have come from, some of which have gone on to become official Halo online modes.

"Unfortunately, as we focused the team for shut down, and really focused on a quality experience for launch, we made the really tough decision to delay shipping campaign co-op for launch. And we also made the tough call to delay shipping Forge past launch as well," Staten said during the video update.

Staten confirmed that the team is taking a seasonal release schedule for the campaign co-op and Forge. While Halo Infinite will launch with the single-player mode and season 1 of multiplayer, Staten says the team is aiming to release campaign co-op in season 2 and Forge in season 3.

Staten clarified that a new season will ship every three months, meaning campaign co-op will not be released until 2022, most likely (if assuming the holiday season begins in November).

Staten says the delay is a result of the complexities involved with game development, particularly with campaign co-op. "On the co-op side, we have the opportunity to play the campaign all the time, it's this wonderful, open, non-linear take on the Halo campaign. It's going to offer so much more flexibility to take down Banished bases from all different angles, to progress through the game in your own way," Staten revealed.

"At the same time though, that's complicated. When you think about save systems and all the technology that needs to drive this more non-linear experience, and in the co-op experience that's even more complicated."

Halo Infinite still doesn't have a firm release date, though community manager Brian Jarrard says the team is basically almost ready to confirm a firm date. Xbox boss Phil Spencer earlier confirmed that the studio is readying Halo Infinite for a holiday 2021 launch and it's basically about narrowing the window to a specific date.

In the meantime, Halo Infinite will continue to roll out more test flights for multiplayer in the lead-up to launch.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.