RPS Discord is hosting a live Q&A with video game composer and principal Game ON! concert conductor Andy Brick tomorrow, and you are all cordially invited to come and sit in on what’s bound to be an insightful and interesting chat about video game music. Taking place at 7pm GMT on Saturday January 7th, Andy will be chatting to admin Cei about his 25 years in the video game music industry, as well as what’s in store for Game ON!’s UK premiere concert with the Halle Orchestra in Manchester later this month. All participants will also receive a handy discount code for that Manchester concert, so if you live nearby and fancy coming along, make sure you head to the RPS Discord tomorrow evening.
Cardy, Dale, and Mat watched and played a lot over the Christmas break, so here’s 15 of their favourites. From big hits like Glass Onion and Avatar: The Way of Water to slightly more hidden gems like The Menu and White Noise, there may well be something you like the sound of.
Got a game for us to play or some feedback you’d like read out on the show? Why not email us: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.
strategy RPG We Are The Caretakers leaves early access today. Caretakers will receive a new patch at launch, adding in the fourth Era of the campaign. This closes out the game’s story with five more missions, an end-game, and other final improvements. If you haven’t checked in with Caretakers since its launch in 2021, a lot has changed through its 10+ patches.
While Series 1 is underway until the end of the month, The Pokémon Company has revealed plans for Series 2 of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet‘s Ranked Battles, which is due to kick off on 1st February.
As shared by Serebii, Series 2 makes one big change for the Pokémon battling meta — Paradox Pokémon will now be able to be used, and there’s no limit on how many you can bring, either. That means Pokémon like Iron Hands, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, and Iron Valiant can all be added to your competitive teams for Ranked Battle between 1st February to 31st March 2023.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
A dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks…
Featuring both of the original games (Breakers and Breakers Revenge) and new content for the cult-classic that was first released in 1996 for the Neo Geo and arcades. Featuring modes like the classic Versus mode either locally or online, Arcade mode, Ranked battles, art gallery, and more.
Inspired by ‘80s sci-fi horror and contemporary surrealist cinema, Chasing Static delivers a unique take on the narrative adventure genre through new audio driven gameplay mechanics and non-linear exploration.
It’s you against the clock in an intense race to escape the room before time runs out! Do you have the mental fortitude to assemble the clues and connect the dots so that you might overcome the challenges and see what lies on the other side of the door? NEScape! combines the look and feel of an 8-bit retro game with the modern-day elements of escape rooms.
A new RPG for Xbox Series X|S from the hugely popular manga and anime series. The famed pirate Monkey.D.Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew are sailing across the New World in search of the next island and the next adventure that awaits them. But during their voyage they are caught in a storm and shipwrecked. Washed up on a lush tropical island and surrounded by raging storms and separated from his crew, Luffy sets off on a grand, new adventure to find his friends and escape the island! Also available is the One Piece Odyssey Deluxe Edition.
Become the deadliest delivery… cat in the world. Intense fights, multiple weapons, and demanding boss fights. Join Kimuto on his hardest first day on the job in a fantasy world that lets you fight in a variety of ways — magical bubbles, a boomerang cannon, and a classic longsword can go a long way in this foreign land.
Hello Travelers! The Genshin Impact dev team is excited to share with you the latest information on our first version update of 2023, coming on January 18. As the world of Teyvat ushers in a new year, Version 3.4 The Exquisite Night Chimes will introduce two new playable characters, Alhaitham and Yaoyao as well as lots of fun, events, and rich rewards. While the people of Liyue are busy preparing for annual Lantern Rite celebrations, the Yashiro Commission and Arataki Itto are also planning something exciting and challenging. Players can look forward to claiming the following rewards for free: 10 + 3 Intertwined Fates, a 4-star Liyue character, and Lisa’s new outfit! Kamisato Ayaka’s new outfit will also be available in store with a limited-time discount.
In addition to celebrations and events, a new area amid sandstorms finally reveals itself among the vast desert of Sumeru, where myths, wonders, and mysteries are buried.
Festivities, games, and rewards
In the annual Lantern Rite celebrations, Liyue Harbor has been adorned with ribbons, lanterns, fireworks, and various festive activities are also in full swing. A special music festival will be hosted this year featuring guests from afar. In the meantime, the locals are ready to share some traditional crafts, such as the Paper Theater Performance, which is a must-see among the children. The performance features the Valiant Bearded Hero Huanguang, and Travelers will assist behind the scenes to ensure that the series of performances runs smoothly. Another event gameplay, Radiant Sparks, allows players to experience the feeling of soaring into the sky like blooming fireworks.
The joy also spreads to Inazuma, where two competitions await challengers. The Yashiro Commission is busy preparing for “Warrior’s Spirit,” a competition in which participants will duel with blades using Inazuma’s traditional skills of “Parry” and “Honed Techniques.” During the event, Kamisato Ayaka will wear a new outfit and engage in an extraordinary duel with a special guest. On the other side of the islands, Arataki Itto is also hosting a competition, but it is one that requires contestants to duel with their beetles. During the “Beetle Brawl,” you can control your Onikabuto to crush your opponents with techniques and perfect timing.
More events and surprises are yet to come. The “Second Blooming” challenge event will give Travelers an opportunity to redeem Lisa’s new outfit for free. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out the daily login and greeting emails to claim up to 10 + 3 Intertwined Fates.
A “Feeble” Scholar of Sumeru and an endearing Soul of Liyue
In Version 3.4, both two new playable characters Alhaitham and Yaoyao possess a Dendro Vision, but their personalities differ in many ways. Alhaitham, the current scribe of the Sumeru Akademiya, is a rational individual in pursuit of truth and wisdom, while Yaoyao indulges herself in nature and people around her, forming close bonds with many creatures, friends, and even the adepti of Liyue.
Serving as the Akademiya’s scribe, Alhaitham has been a trusted companion on our journey to rescue Nahida. You can find out more about Alhaitham’s current situation in his Story Quest Vultur Volans Chapter, where the story continues after he has taken up the role of Acting Great Sage. Additionally, this self-proclaimed “feeble scholar” can now join your party as a five-star sword wielder, allowing you to apply his wisdom to your own journey. Alhaitham values efficiency in combat. He can create Chisel Light Mirrors with his Elemental attacks and other means. The Chisel Light Mirrors can convert Alhaitham’s attacks into Dendro damage, unleash coordinated attacks, and enhance the damage dealt by his Elemental Burst when more Mirrors are present. Therefore, how to manage the number and use of Chisel Light Mirrors is the key to enhancing Alhaitham’s capability in combat.
The new four-star character, Yaoyao, is a lovable child who is favored by both the adepti and locals in Liyue. She is an apprentice of Madame Ping and was given a rabbit-shaped adeptus device named Yuegui by Cloud Retainer. In combat, Yaoyao wields a polearm and throws Yuegui to assist her in battle. She also provides healing to the team, or buffs her movement speed and Dendro Resistance. Also, Yaoyao is very familiar with different types of creatures, so she won’t spook nearby creatures like small animals and Crystalflies when she approaches them.
Yaoyao, Alhaitham, and Xiao’s rerun will take place in the first half of Version 3.4’s Event Wishes, and the latter half will feature Hu Tao’s and Yelan’s reruns. Also, don’t forget to invite one of the nine 4-star characters from Liyue, including Yaoyao, to your party for free when you accumulate a certain amount of Festive Fever.
Amidst sandstorms and legends
Amid dust and sandstorms, a perilous area of Sumeru, the Desert of Hadramaveth is finally unveiled. With a perpetual gigantic tornado at its center, the landscape expands and spirals out into the distance. The closer you get to the center, the stronger and harsher sandstorms you may encounter, making it harder to see through the storm. As the adventure progresses, you can also receive protection and help to withstand the raging sandstorms.
Meanwhile, dangers also lurk beneath, where the Wenut seek chances to penetrate through the surface to launch attacks against you. The deadliest among them is the new boss, the Setekh Wenut, a cunning predator that lures its prey using mimicry of flowers on its tail. The Setekh Wenut resurfaces at intervals, taking on various forms during battle, leaping out of the sand like a worm firing powerful Anemo beam attacks in the form of a flower. Here’s a little tip: the Swirl Reaction can be the key to weakening the Setekh Wenut at the right time.
However, the relentless wind also brings up buried pieces from different eras. Parts of ruins and thorn-filled caverns scattered in rifts and valleys may lead you to the remains of the city of Gurabad, or even the Orchard of Pairidaeza (now referred to as the Eternal Oasis by the desert dwellers), where legend has it that King Deshret built this eternal space of stillness to commemorate the Goddess of Flowers.
If you’ve finished the Golden Slumber World Quest, you will team up with Jeht again and a mysterious Magic Bottle in search of the long-lost Orchard of Pairidaeza. Set out from the Tanit Camps – a massive settlement with a unique culture, and witness Jeht’s journey in search for her family origins. A history lost in time will gradually be unveiled.
New card game mode
Starting from Version 3.4, each version update will feature a limited-time Genius Invokation TCG gameplay mode. For Version 3.4, the new rule of the limited-time mode is to start with 8 Omni Dice. Meanwhile, two new Character Cards: Klee and Beidou will be joining the duels in this upcoming update.
Last but not least, we would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has joined the fantasy world of Teyvat. Thank you, Travelers, and we look forward to spending another brilliant year with all of you!
Okay so here’s the gravy; there’s a big sale on at eBay at the moment with code NEW15 which can take an extra 15% off your order. That’s good, but here’s what makes it better; it can be used on preorders via discount gaming retailer The Game Collection.
We all know TCG for its stellar preorder deals, but this just takes it to a whole other level with up to £20 off the RRP on upcoming games Dead Space and Hogwarts Legacy.
To snag the deals below, all you need to do is use code NEW15 at checkout. But, TCG has already increased the Dead Space preorder price today (from £48.41 to £50.11), so I’d jump on and order ASAP if you want to get the best price (this promo will also expire after January 9).
TL;DR – Preorder Using Code NEW15
Hogwarts Legacy
Dead Space Remake
Preorder Hogwarts Legacy for Just £47
Right now you can preorder one of the most hotly anticipated games of the year Hogwarts Legacy for just £46.71. To give you some perspective, its RRP is £64.99, and Amazon currently has it listed for £59.95. This is a huge deal, and well worth considering if you want to get the game on release day.
Not only that, but the #(seemingly sold out at every other retailer) Deluxe Edition is also available for just £57.76. This Deluxe Edition will ship three days early February 7 (rather than the regular release day of February 10), and includes a bunch of other digital goodies to enjoy within the game. Moreover, it’s also sold out at a bunch of other major retailers, so this is an even better deal to take note of.
Preorder Dead Space Remake for Just £50.11
Don’t feel like paying £70 for the Dead Space remake? Well, have no fear, as you can preorder for just £50.11 with this latest discount. This comes via a brand new NEW15 discount code at eBay. Just enter the code via The Game Collection’s eBay outlet store, and your preorder will be secured for January 27.
This is a huge deal, and over £20 off the RRP before the game has even dropped. But, just like the deal above, this promo will expire after January 9, so get those preorders in ASAP. For more on the Dead Space Remake, check out our extensive preview coverage here.
Use eBay Promo Code NEW15 for Even More Discounts
There’s plenty more to check out in the NEW15 sale at eBay, and here’s a few of my other favourites in the sale as well you might want to check out. Happy shopping!
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
battle royale I never knew existed. This week it’s Deathverse: Let It Die, a free-to-play spin-off of Suda51’s free-to-play hack and slasher Let It Die. Alas, I won’t have much time to check this one out. Deathverse: Let It Die is suspending its servers indefinitely on July 18th while the devs work to redevelop the multiplayer brawler.
The stars of HBO’s The Last of Us series, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, have shared their reactions to seeing the half-zombie, half-fungus infused Clickers for the first time.
Revealed in a new interview with IGN (below), Pascal seemed to have a reaction somewhere between disgust and fear, while Ramsey found them to be somewhat beautiful.
“You were very grossed out by them,” they said to Pascal. “I found them sort of beautiful. That’s what was scary actually. I think the beauty that they had, that was what was terrifying.”
He did retch at the word “fungus”, however, as Ramsay added: “The whole fungus, [the] Cordyceps infection is based on science. Theoretically it’s possible, and that’s what’s also terrifying.”
Fans will get to enjoy (or not) their own reaction to the Clickers when The Last of Us premieres on HBO Max on January 15. Details around the show were hazy for a long time but the marketing train has been speeding up for the last few months, with HBO sharing new looks at the cast and a dramatic official trailer.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer and acting UK news editor. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
reported that D&D owner Wizards Of The Coast had cancelled five unannounced projects, naming Otherside Entertainment and Hidden Path as two of the studios affected. In a Twitter post last night, Hidden Path emphasised “Our epic D&D project with Wizards is still happening!”; Bloomberg, meanwhile, stand by their reporting.
RPS Discord is hosting a live Q&A with video game composer and principal Game ON! concert conductor Andy Brick tomorrow, and you are all cordially invited to come and sit in on what’s bound to be an insightful and interesting chat about video game music. Taking place at 7pm GMT on Saturday January 7th, Andy will be chatting to admin Cei about his 25 years in the video game music industry, as well as what’s in store for Game ON!’s UK premiere concert with the Halle Orchestra in Manchester later this month. All participants will also receive a handy discount code for that Manchester concert, so if you live nearby and fancy coming along, make sure you head to the RPS Discord tomorrow evening.
strategy RPG 
battle royale I never knew existed. This week it’s 
reported that D&D owner Wizards Of The Coast had