Nintendo loves a good patent and after the monster year of gaming that was 2023, it should come as no surprise that the company has more in the pipeline. Instead of looking to the future, however, the recently revealed patents appear to concern mechanics that we already know about, potentially putting certain Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom features under legal lock and key (thanks, Automaton).
The following patents were highlighted in a recent Hatena Blog post from user naoya2k. The post notes that the patents were submitted earlier in 2023, but were only made publicly available towards the end of the year (between November and December).
Welcome back to the dollhouse. Following last year’s demo featured in the ID@Xbox Demo Fest Showcase, AlisaDeveloper’s Cut is finally releasing on Xbox One & Series X|S systems. The game aims to be a callback to the golden age of survival horror, all the way down to the native resolutions and pre-rendered backgrounds of the games of old. The newly released launch trailer aims highlights a mix of the game’s narrative as well as gameplay, featuring an introduction to the game’s story as well as the madness waiting for you inside of the dollhouse.
Alisa’s story takes place in a wartime fantasy universe inspired by the mid-late 1920s. You take the role of Alisa; an elite royal agent tasked with chasing a wanted criminal noted for stealing “blueprints”. However, things seem to go wrong immediately – after a surreal nightmarish experience with doll-like creatures, she wakes up in an old Victorian mansion. There she seems to be only surrounded by doll-like beings that lurk the mansion’s grounds – and aren’t exactly friendly either. Why is she there? What secrets does this strange mansion hold?
In-game, you’ll find yourself faced with highly nostalgic, familiar survival horror gameplay. Alisa is at its core a nostalgic throwback to the classics of the genre. The Developer’s Cut version of the game in this release features some modernized features for accessibility however, including multiple controller layouts (allowing the player to select both tank and non-tank control styles), as well as featuring the optional auto-aim toggle found in the old version of the game. It also features multiple save slots, unlike some older survival horror titles. Other than that, however, the game is a survival-horror classic down to its bones (or, pinwheels rather) – including limited currency-based saving, prerendered backgrounds, and even native 480p (upscaled to modern standards of course).
Despite taking place in a dollhouse, you’ll find yourself trekking through tons of distinct and zany environments. The game revels in variety and off-kilter humor, with tons of bizarre and surreal environments and enemies for you to overcome. The mysterious mansion is sectioned off into various different distinct areas, some of which include sprawling gardens and bathhouses, and others which are zany and otherworldly like the funhouse. Each area is filled with a sundry assortment of wicked enemies; these can range from zombie-like humanoid dolls to giant ballerinas to disembodied gigantic baby doll heads to strangely proportioned clowns – among others!
Lastly, Alisa features a full array of unique weapons and customizable outfits. Each weapon has a unique combat style and traits. Weapons can include the default sword and then an array of different guns – and possibly other weapons. You can both unlock as well as use your hard-earned pinwheels (the currency of the mansion) to purchase these weapons, outfits, and other items at the puppet shop in the various saferooms in the mansion. Just keep in mind you have limited inventory – so you’ll have to strategize what you take along with you as you venture deeper and deeper into the mansion’s depths.
Developed by Casper Croes and ported to Xbox and published by Top Hat Studios, Alisa Developer’s Cut is out now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with a 15% launch discount until February 20th.
Elite Royal Agent Alisa – hot on the heels of a notorious thief in a fantastical world somewhat reminiscent of the 1920s – finds herself suddenly whisked away to an old, bizarre, Victorian-style mansion. Now trapped in a world up-side down, Alisa must find a way to escape – all the while being haunted by the mansion’s strange, mechanized doll-like inhabitants. Can you survive the dollhouse… and escape with your humanity?
The Helldivers universe is one of noble soldiers, heroic deeds, and heartfelt, unflinching patriotism in the face of giant acid-spewing bug monsters.
“I personally love writing for a game with opportunities for comedy, and that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I hope I can find a game like that soon…”
– Stephen Flowers, Game Writer, Arrowhead Game Studios
If you want to catch up with the story of Super Earth and her valiant defenders before Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, read on. Plus, we share the first news that the story will continue in post-launch Helldivers 2 updates.
Since Helldivers…
Helldivers 2 takes place a century after the events of the first game, with Super Earth having emerged victorious against its adversaries – the deadly, bug-like Terminids, the grotesque Cyborgs and the inscrutable Illuminates. With its foes vanquished and the Galactic War won, an era of peace and prosperity ensued. The Helldivers, Super Earth’s elite task force, were dismissed.
Super Earth entered its most peaceful and prosperous years.
The same faster-than-light travel technology, heroically liberated from the Illuminates, that gave Super Earth access to the galaxy, has since been used to colonize it. This period has come to be known as The Great Democratization. FTL technology is reliant on a steady supply of the precious substance E-710 which, luckily, can be found in decomposing Terminid bodies. So naturally, Super Earth has been farming Terminids on an industrial scale.
The success of Super Earth depends on the hard work of citizens.
Why Super Earth needs you
In a shocking turn of events, the Terminids have broken free of their farms and begun spreading throughout the galaxy. The Super Earth Armed Forces have been struggling to quarantine them on their farm planets, but are stretched thin – so when a mysterious new enemy enters the fray, Super Earth has no choice but to mobilize the Helldivers once again.
The Automatons are fully mechanized soldiers of a kind never seen before. But their emblem is eerily familiar …
It is now up to you, Helldiver, to don your cape and take back Super Earth’s colonies once and for all. You will be fighting these vile, freedom-hating foes on two fronts, as Super Earth works to implement a solution to the Terminid scourge.
Super Earth calls upon the Helldivers once again.
Doing your part
As the Helldivers battle the foes of Super Earth, you will not only change the face of the galaxy, but the course of its history. Super Earth will issue global, time-sensitive Major Orders, challenging all players to work together to achieve large-scale goals, the outcome of which will shape the story going forward. Meaning, the story is not something that happens to players, but something the players themselves have to actively make happen.
“What’s unique about the story of Helldivers 2 is that it’s driven by the player community. Planning for that is a huge challenge – we have what we think will happen, but we ultimately can’t control what the players do. Which as a player I find cool, but as a writer I find really scary.
As for the story ahead, all I can say is that the galaxy will look very different a few months from now than it does today.“
– Stephen Flowers, Game Writer, Arrowhead Game Studios
Can the Helldivers pull together to defend vital strategic outposts against overwhelming numbers, or complete grand story missions before another faction makes their move? Not only time, but the blood, sweat and mangled bodies of Helldivers will tell.
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The continuing war
Super Earth’s struggle for supremacy doesn’t end there—your future as a Helldiver is secure! There’s so much more to come as we expand the game’s content offering. We’re excited to confirm that as players fight in the Galactic War, they will also witness events unfold through our planned free updates. The universe of Helldivers 2 will grow and change to give our players refreshed gameplay, introducing new tools, new challenges, and new threats from around the galaxy.
Helldivers 2 releases on PS5 and PC this Thursday, February 8. Pre-load is available on both platforms today.
PSN account required. Gameplay requires internet access and paid for PlayStation®Plus membership (sold separately) on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.
Capcom has officially floated the idea of sequels to Okami, Dead Rising, Mega Man, and other beloved franchises in a fan survey.
As reported by Nintendo Life, players can now vote in “Super Elections” on the Capcom website: a series of 10 questions surrounding myriad topics and game franchises.
One of the more interesting questions saw Capcom ask players which series they’d most like to see a sequel or spin-off to, with answers such as Dino Crisis, Okami, Onimusha, Dead Rising, Darkstalkers, Breath of Fire, Mega Man, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, and more, though it did include some ongoing franchises like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter too.
Beyond just a sequel or spin-off, Capcom is also considering which franchises are worth remaking completely, perhaps following the incredible success of the Resident Evil remakes. It again asked fans what they’d like to see, floating the likes of Mega Man, Onimusha, Commando, Rival Schools, Final Fight, Ace Attorney, and more.
These surveys aren’t especially unusual, with companies regularly using them to test the interest in various franchises. Embracer Group did the same with Legacy of Kain in late 2022, for example, asking fans if they’d be interested in a remake, remaster, or sequel.
It received over 100,000 responses to that survey though hasn’t said anything since, so even if fan interest in one of these Capcom franchises was especially high, it would likely be years before an official announcement was made.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
I completely forgot about Brotato in our 2023 game of the year voting because I had played so much, so intensely that I had to uninstall it for my own good and try to flush it out my brain. Brotato arrived on Game Pass today, so you too can enjoy creating problems in your life. I might try to pique your interest with caveated comparisons to Vampire Survivors (and previously have), but I’d rather tell you that what hooked me in the wave survival shmup is constant little opportunities to push your luck and skill trying to create advantages. Death or glory. Likely death. But what if glory?
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered does not feature a platinum trophy on PlayStation 5, developer Aspyr has confirmed to IGN.
However, the PlayStation 4 version does. That means the PS5 versions of Tomb Raider 1-3 only feature individual Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies.
In a statement issued to IGN, Aspyr, which has developed the remaster collection on behalf of principle Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics, said that the collection includes over 200 trophies to collect, but no platinum on PS5.
Here’s the statement in full:
“The PlayStation 4 version of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered features a platinum trophy, while the PS5 version does not. Players will receive both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 version of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered with their purchase. This collection includes over 200 trophies covering game completions, easter eggs, and new challenges.”
It’s a bizarre situation that has disappointed some PS5 owners who had planned to pick up Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered on their console, and rekindles memories of the PS5 version of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, which also launched without a platinum trophy.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered includes visually updated versions of Tomb Raider and The Unfinished Business Expansion, Tomb Raider 2 and The Gold Mask Expansion, and Tomb Raider 3 and The Lost Artifact Expansion. It comes out February 13 across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
As a monster-collecting, knowingly cynical, base-building survival game, Palworld is officially Not My Thing in at least three different ways. But I do like the Steam Deck, as well as feeling a sense of being vaguely useful. Thus, instead of moaning about holding down a button for 20 seconds to plant some berry seeds, I’ve tested how Palworld adapts to life on Valve’s handheld – and worked out which are the best settings to use with the Deck’s modest hardware.
You know those wee indie games about opening boxes and organising items and assembling furniture and they’re all very cute and colourful and fun and “wholesome”? Miniatures is not one of those games. Oh certainly you will open boxes and organise items and assemble furniture in its Steam Next Fest demo, but it’s not cute or colourful or wholesome. Miniatures is more of a psychological horror game, laden with tension and uncertainty. For such a short demo, it built a great mood, and I’m excited for the full game to come later this year.
After a puzzle adventure that’s going to bring some spooky chills? CLeM might just be the one for you.
Publisher Iceberg Interactive and developer Mango Protocol have today released this creepy ‘puzzlevania’ on the Switch eShop, with the above launch trailer giving us all a taste of what’s in store.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More
Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass
Hi, your local game slinger here, back to add more to your “to be played” collection! Maybe you want to simulate some football before the big game; simulate running from horrors, or simulate moving things a little to the left without having to actually organize your things… we have some games for you. Claim your Perks, check out some updates, and get ready to pre-install some games!
Available Today
Anuchard (Cloud, Console, and PC) The kingdom of Anuchard has fallen. Generations after the collapse, its surviving descendants have chosen you to become The Bellwielder of the magical Audros Bell. Go forth, battle monsters, solve puzzles, and restore Anuchard to its former skyward glory!
Coming Soon
Train Sim World 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 7 Hit high speeds, roam free along the tracks and get creative with a host of new tools and features in Train Sim World 4. Design your own liveries, plan Scenarios and capture railfan shots with the new Photo Mode across three detailed routes in the UK, Austria and USA.
Madden NFL 24 (Console and PC) – February 8
Get ready to light it up in Madden NFL 24 with EA Play. PC Game Pass or Ultimate members can start your season on February 8, 2024, when it joins The Play List, and from then until March 8, you’ll also score an Ultimate Team Supercharge Pack.
Resident Evil 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 13
Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon; Nemesis! Playing as Jill, you must navigate through the chaotic, zombie infested streets of Raccoon City, stunningly re-built using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. Solve puzzles, encounter other gruesome creatures and try to escape the relentless Nemesis in this reimagining of the 1999 classic!
A Little To The Left (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14 A cozy puzzle game where every day messes become pleasing puzzle arrangements. Stack documents, sort postcards, and solve all kinds of puzzles across over 100 levels. But watch out for a playful cat who might stop by to swipe away all your hard work!
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14 Returning to the Game Pass library, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG packing all the best features you’ve come to know and love from the metroidvania genre into a single, content-packed game.
PlateUp! (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 15
Classic cooking action with permanent roguelite progression. Cook and serve your dishes, design and decorate your restaurants, and expand your culinary kingdom with unlocks, abilities and dishes in procedurally-generated layouts. Take on the challenge solo or hire up to 3 friends.
Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 20 A daring space archaeologist has just unearthed the ancient resting place of a long lost A.I. god known as Grace. Adventure with various fractured A.I. personalities as you uncover the great mystery of why she was shut down all those years ago in this first-person narrative adventure set in a visually stunning ‘60s retro sci-fi world.
ICYMI
MLB The Show 24 is Coming to Game Pass
Coming to Game Pass on day one, MLB The Show 24 announced Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr will be the cover athlete of the Standard Edition. The Deluxe Editions will pay tribute to the legends of Negro Leagues –– Xbox Game Pass members can upgrade with the Digital Deluxe Add-On to get bonus items and play 4 days early. Learn more here.
DLC / Game Updates
Sea of Thieves: Season 11 – Available now New adventures are at your fingertips! Discover your next Voyage directly at your Quest Table, or choose a challenge that suits you and dive straight into the action. Gather fresh plunder for the Trading Companies as you rise to level 100 and beyond, earning new Distinctions and rich rewards.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Mighty Doom: Cacodemon Mini Slayer Cosmetic – Available now Wear this Cacodemon cosmetic on your Mini Slayer to show those demons you mean business! Comes with an Xbox cosmetic for the BFG, Cacodemon cosmetic for the Heavy Cannon and more. Download Mighty Doom on mobile, and log into the game with your associated Microsoft account to claim your Perk. You will need to play through the tutorial at first launch.
F1 23: Champions Upgrade – Available now Get the Champions Upgrade including 4 New My Team Racing Icons and more with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.
The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure Pack – Available now Help celebrate The Sims 4’s 24th birthday with us! As a gift to you, enjoy the Jungle Adventure Game Pack with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.
Smite: Year 11 Starter Pack – Available now
Celebrate Year 11 of Smite in style! The Year 11 Starter Pack includes Anubis and his Voice Pack, as well as two skins for Anubis, Gravehound and Cosmic Power, and a 3 Day Account Booster.
Leaving February 15
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so make sure to jump back in and take care of remaining Achievements before they leave. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.
Galactic Civilizations III (PC)
Opus: Echo of Starsong (Cloud, Console, and PC)
For more updates, stay tuned here on Xbox Wire or keep an eye on our socials over at @Xbox on WhatsApp, @XboxGamePassPC on X, or @XboxGamePass on Instagram. Catch you next time!
