Monolith Soft has recently updated its recruitment page, and it appears that the Xenoblade series developer is looking for someone with experience in 3D action games.
As spotted by My Nintendo News, the Nintendo subsidiary is looking for an “application programmer” to join the team. Using Google Translate, we can see that the successful candidate will be “in charge of designing and developing various programs for 3D action games”, looking at things such as character control, enemy AI behaviour, scene progression, and all sorts of design elements.
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash: Building a New Game Based on Beloved Source Material
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash brings the world of Jujutsu Kaisen to console gaming! Jujutsu Kaisen, known for its serialization in Shueisha’s “Weekly Shonen Jump” and its action-packed anime series, joins the gaming world this February in a 2v2 action game where players go head-to-head in Cursed Technique battles.
In the story of Jujutsu Kaisen, the world is filled with Cursed Spirits that can only be exorcised by Jujutsu Sorcerers who utilize Cursed Energy and unique Cursed Techniques. Cursed Clash takes the concept of Cursed Techniques to new heights, where players can play as their favorite Jujutsu Sorcerers or Cursed Spirits and battle it out in exciting 2v2 matches that feel like you’re genuinely channeling the strength each character embodies.
To learn more about Jujutsu KaisenCursed Clash and its connection to the original works, we met with the game’s lead Producer, Misaki Kai, to answer a few questions. Check out the interview below!
Each character in Jujutsu Kaisen has unique skills and Cursed Techniques that open the door to many ways a player can strategize during gameplay. How did the team build the Jujutsu KaisenCursed Clash roster while staying faithful to the source material?
Misaki Kai: The characters in Jujutsu Kaisen have very detailed and distinctive Cursed Techniques. The first priority in development for us was determining which elements of each character would allow the player to feel the character’s personality when playing the game. However, there are some special characters, such as Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna, the strongest of the characters, so we had to continue adjusting the game’s balance until the very end.
While we value the characters’ unique characteristics, a PvP game also requires balance. Since there is an element of growth during battles in the game, we adjusted Gojo and Sukuna so that it takes time for them to build up energy, but when they are fully powered up, they will become the “strongest” in the game. As for the other characters, we have also adjusted the speed of their growth so that you can feel the character’s personality.
What inspired the 2v2 combat, and what gameplay elements are unique to Cursed Clash?
Misaki Kai: In the original work, there are, of course, 1v1 battle scenes, but in major battles, two characters often face off against a powerful enemy.
We felt one of the strong elements of Jujutsu Kaisen is the bonds between characters that can only be forged through battle. Even though it may be challenging to overcome some adversaries, the strength and built-up trust between characters is what helps them overcome an otherwise insurmountable enemy. This is what we wanted to try to portray in the battle system in Cursed Clash. We wanted to bring that sense of camaraderie and combined strength to the players and let them immerse themselves further in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
In addition, there are moves called “Cursed Techniques” that are sometimes the only way to deal damage. By inserting “Cursed Techniques,” the idea was to give the player more strategy in figuring out where to execute them in battle. Rather than just focusing on attacking, the addition of “Cursed Techniques” changes things up a bit and also gives the player an opportunity for a last-minute comeback even when they’re up against the ropes.
How would you say the gameplay elements add to the game’s authenticity to the original work? Would you say that Jujutsu Kaisen fans would feel immersed in the character they are playing?
Misaki Kai: In the previous answer about the characters’ characteristics, I mentioned that we have tried to reproduce as many of each character’s unique traits as much as possible.
For example, Toge Inumaki’s “Cursed Speech” can damage his throat – and that can be particularly dangerous if he uses it against a strong opponent. If you use Cursed Speech, there is a gauge that will decrease. The stronger the opponent, the more significant the decrease. Once that gauge has been depleted, the player will take damage. However, you can recover the gauge by using throat medicine!
Regarding Ryomen Sukuna, we have made it so that, despite the 2v2 combat, you blow up your partner as well as the opponents. This mechanic allows players to feel the actual presence of the King of Curses.
These ideas are drawn directly from the source material, so the player can really experience Jujutsu Kaisen fighting by mastering the character’s Cursed Techniques.
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular publications in the world right now, and in the original works, there are many iconic moments and fight scenes that fans know and love. What did the team do to capture and implement these moments into the game, and what are a few ways that fans who pick up the game can experience these moments?
Misaki Kai: Players can experience memorable battle scenes from the anime and the original work, such as Black Flash and Domain Expansion.
Some of the Domain Expansions change the entire field when activated, trapping players within the Domain. This allows players to experience the feeling of being in a strong space or the sense of danger when they are dragged into the opponent’s Domain, just like the first time Yuji Itadori was exposed to a Domain Expansion.
Do you have additional comments or things you’d like to tell fans?
Misaki Kai: Since this is a 2v2 game, your strategy will expand depending on the combination of characters. You will need to change your strategy depending on the characters you have paired up with, so I hope you will find your favorite combination and enjoy a cursed co-op combat game!
That concludes our talk with the Jujutsu KaisenCursed Clash producer, Misaki Kai! Whether you plan to play solo through story mode or challenge other fans or friends online, players can look forward to engaging in cursed 2v2 combat on February 2, 2024 – preorder Jujutsu KaisenCursed Clashon Xbox today!
For the first time ever, the highly acclaimed series from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, JUJUTSU KAISEN, is expanding into the domain of console games!
• 2 VS. 2 CURSED TECHNIQUE BATTLES
Aim to become the strongest together by taking advantage of the characteristics of each technique, aiming for a Joint Attack that is triggered by combining attacks, and working together in harmony to assess the battle situation!
• CHARACTERS WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE CURSED TECHNIQUE
Familiar members such as Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki, and Satoru Gojo, as well as Cursed Spirits such as Jogo and Hanami, will also participate in the game.
Each character has his or her own unique Cursed Technique and actions.
• MASTER A NEW DOMAIN IN THE BATTLE!
As you grow in battle, more powerful techniques and latent abilities blossom.
Embrace the core of the Cursed Energy and win in the intensifying battle situation!
• UNLEASH THE SUPER DREADNOUGHT CURSED TECHNIQUE AND SEIZE THE VICTORY!
At the end of the game, when both players are fully developed, powerful techniques clash with each other.
The player must overwhelm his or her opponent dynamically, just as in the anime!
Prepare for a massive drop of new content with the arrival of Season 2 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone. Introducing new maps, modes, weapons, a new Zombies story mission, the return of Fortune’s Keep, Resurgence Ranked Play, and more, there’s plenty to challenge players across all modes.
Departures (Launch): Deploy to Zakhaev International Airport in a competitive 6v6 map with areas for all playstyles. Battle in the main lobby, up on the mezzanine walkway, or take it outside by the airport drop off. This map is larger than Terminal, rewarding exploration with new routes and strategies.
Stash House (Launch): Prepare for chaos as battle erupts on this compact map featuring a luxury ranch home filled with cash. Explore the modern décor within or fight by the outside bar, hot tub, and driveway. For those who like tiny maps, this is for you.
Vista (Launch): Explore a mountaintop resort in Brazil in this classic three-lane map featuring tight interior spaces with long-ranged outdoor sight lines. Battle around the gift shops and restaurants or flank through the lowered jungle route away from the bustle of stores.
Das House (Mid-Season): The seminal small map returns with an all-new look as Operators navigate an under-construction skyscraper in the vicinity of Highrise. Looking for constant combat? This is it.
Plus, two more otherworldly-themed maps will join Tetanus, Sporeyard, and Satan’s Quarry for the Vortex Mid-Season Event: Airborne and Skidrow.
New War Map — Operation: Tin Man
Compete in a new large-scale War map with Operation: Tin Man. Skydive to the roof of a skyscraper and crash into the inner lab in the search for enemy data. The attacking team must find a way into the building, complete the mission, and move onto extraction as the other side defends the building and attempts to run down the clock.
New Game Modes
Team Gun Game (Launch): Every player starts the round with the same specific weapon. Eliminate enemy Operators to progress through a set of eight predetermined weapons. Use Knife melees and Finishing Moves to deduct a point from the enemy team’s score.
Snipers Only (Launch): You’ll need a steady hand and quick reflexes in this playlist featuring long-ranged combat across a variety of maps. All weapons besides Sniper Rifles are restricted, including your Lethal and Tactical equipment.
Hordepoint (Launch): In this zombified version of Hardpoint, a portal opens whenever an Operator enters the objective boundary. Zombies pour forth, attacking everything in sight. Eliminated zombies have a small chance of dropping a power-up or a Pack-a-Punch weapon when eliminated.
Juggermosh (Mid-Season): Deploy as an armed Juggernaut and take on other hulking Operators. Grab armor from fallen enemies and gain increased damage for headshots. A one-hit kill Melee weapon lies at the center of the map, a powerful reward for whoever gets their hands on it.
Bounty (Mid-Season): In this twist on Team Deathmatch, the player with the most eliminations from each team will be marked as a high-value target. Earn extra points for slaying a high-value target.
Vortex (Mid-Season): Vortex returns with a stronger version of the Ray Gun plus an increased map pool and an update Vortex Mid-Season event.
Plus, Ranked Play: Compete in Ranked Play Season 2 at launch, featuring all-new Seasonal and Skill Division rewards.
Ninja Vest
Equip the new Ninja Vest to eliminate your Operator’s footstep sounds and become immune to movement reduction effects. You will also spawn with bonus Shuriken or Throwing Knives and resupply them every 25 seconds.
Zombies Overview
New Rift, New Mission (Mid-Season): Operation Deadbolt must face a new anomaly in the Exclusion Zone as the Dark Aether Story continues within a new Rift. Escort expert Sergei Ravenov inside the Dark Aether with mercenaries on your tail. Face down the Infested Stronghold and get out before it’s too late.
New Challenges, Schematics (Mid-Season): As with Season 1, your Prestige Player Level unlocks more challenges to complete and Calling Cards to unlock. Season 2 also introduces new schematics:
Mags of Holding: When activated, your weapon pulls ammunition straight from your ammo stash, eliminating the need for pesky reloads.
Blood Burner Key: Acquire this valuable key to summon the Blood Burner Wonder Vehicle from anywhere on the map.
V-R11 Wonder Weapon: Turn enemies into allies with a schematic for the V-R11.
New Warlord
The Warlord Keres, a deadly and elusive chemical warfare specialist, has set up shop in the Killhouse at Orlov Military Base. Expect the fortress to be highly fortified with soldiers, snipers, turrets, traps, and her specialty, poison gas. Bring your gas masks and precision teamwork to eliminate the new enemy.
Call of Duty: Warzone Overview
Welcome Back to Fortune’s Keep (Launch)
The island has evolved since its first debut: Konni Group has set up a base of operations, conducting mysterious experiments in a new underground lab. Something’s gone wrong, releasing a massive explosion across the island and letting loose an unceasing, undead threat.
Fortune’s Keep is set to become your primary Call of Duty: Warzone destination at launch as you drop into Resurgence matches and challenge the best players in Ranked Play.
New Gameplay Features
Zombie Nests, Eradication Contract (Launch): Recent seismic events may be linked to increased undead activity across Fortune’s Keep. Activate the new Eradication Contract by investigating any corpse that you find and following the tracks to a Zombie Nest. Destroy the cysts and any Zombie HVTs within to complete the Contract.
Rogue Signal Public Event (Launch): When this Public Event activates, all squads will be given a 90-second objective-based mission such as “Get the most eliminations” or “Deal the most damage to enemy players.” The top three performing teams will receive in-game Cash rewards and the location of a special Reward Cache.
Zombies Power-Ups (Launch): Seven Zombies power-ups have made their way onto the island, found by opening certain caches and eliminating enemy Operators. The power-ups include Double Points, Full Armor, Max Ammo, Fire Sale, Looting Spree, Zarkour, and Undead Sight.
Extendable Bridges (Launch): Fortune’s Keep now features three Extendable Bridges built over gaps in the fallen roadways following the explosion. Interact with the nearby control panels to extend or retract them, creating strategic opportunities for preventing and gaining access across.
New Squad Elimination Streaks (Launch): Get on a roll. This new tracker — available on all maps outside of Ranked Play — displays how many enemy squads you have eliminated back-to-back. Keep eliminating squads before the countdown bar runs out to extend your Squad Elimination Streak and earn rewards along the way.
Mid-Season Updates
Research Vessel (Mobile Point of Interest): A large pontoon-style watercraft has been spotted in the waters off the coast of Fortune’s Keep. Certain to draw attention, the craft is large enough for combat to take place across the deck.
Bunker Buster (Killstreak): Use binoculars to designate a target structure. This Lethal Killstreak launches a missile that vertically decimates a building through multiple floors, blasting those within. The impact creates a long column of gas designed to force surviving enemies out of cover.
Personal Decontamination Station (Field Upgrade): An improved version of the Personal Decontamination Station (PDS) Field Upgrade joins the loot pool at mid-season, emitting a cloud of chemicals that counteract the corrosive properties of the circle gas, creating a temporary safe zone.
Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Resurgence
Compete against the best with Ranked Play in Call of Duty: Warzone. Players must be at least Level 55 to access this mode, including the following parameters:
Party Size: Trios Map: Fortune’s Keep Game Mode: Resurgence Public Event restrictions: Yes (e.g., No Fire Sales) Vehicle restrictions: Yes (e.g., No Turreted Vehicles) Restricted gameplay elements: Yes (e.g., changes to redeploy mechanics) Buy Station Inventory Adjustments: Yes
Battle your way through seven standard Skill Divisions by performing well in matches and completing challenges to earn Stars and increase your Skill Rating. Earn seasonal Ranked Play and Skill Division rewards and claim your title as ruler of Fortune’s Keep!
Season 2 Combat Pack and other Store offerings
Look for the Season 2 Combat Pack, free for PlayStation Plus members in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone starting on February 14. Other upcoming Store Bundles include the Dragon Soul: Lunar New Year Bundle, the Call of Duty Endowment Direct Action Pack, the Zombies: Aether Worm Bundle, and more!
Season 2 launches February 7
Purchase Modern Warfare III on PlayStation to enjoy the benefits of two additional loadout slots, monthly exclusive Double XP events, +25% PlayStation Party Bonus XP, +5 bonus Battle Token Tier Skips with a BlackCell purchase, and a free in-game bundle each season with the Combat Pack.
We got our first proper look at the Silent Hill 2 Remake during yesterday’s State of Play and, as someone who adored the original game, I immediately noticed a handful of familiar scenes. From James’ first steps into the Woodside apartments to his encounter with Pyramid Head, it’s possible to see that while many things have remained faithful in the Remake, others things have changed.
Take a look at the video or slideshow above to see the similarities and differences we spotted in the first trailer for Silent Hill 2 Remake. And if you haven’t already, check out the trailer itself below.
Tencent Holdings – the biggest videogame company in the world – are looking to buy Dungeons & Dragons off Hasbro, with Baldur’s Gate 3 creators Larian serving as an intermediary. Or maybe not. The above claim surfaced yesterday, while everybody was going nuts about Hideo Kojima’s latest shenanigans, and has swiftly been shot down by Hasbro subsidiary Wizards of the Coast, originator of all things D&D that haven’t been created by D&D’s vast and imaginative modding, fanshipping and spin-off-making communities. Curious.
February is typically a slow month in the video game release cycle, but that’s not the case for February 2024. A number of high-profile remakes and remasters are out this month, including Persona 3 Reload, a Tomb Raider 1-3 collection, and a souped-up Star Wars: Dark Forces. Also out this month are heavy hitters like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Skull and Bones, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Below, you’ll find release dates for all the biggest games that have been announced so far. Whether you have a PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and/or PC, you can find something worth playing in February 2024.
The following list is divided by platform; you can jump to any one using the shortcuts below. And if you’re someone who likes to preorder, you can click the buy link to make sure it arrives on launch day.
PlayStation owners will find plenty of games to play in February. My goodness, it’s a packed month with something for pretty much every kind of gamer. It kicks off with a pair of JRPGs with Ganblue Fantasy: Relink and Persona 3 Reload. Then there’s Suicide Squad, if you want to gamble on that one, and Foamstars for PS Plus members. Old-school gamers can check out a remastered version of the original Tomb Raider trilogy, and the month ends with the highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Switch development is slowing down in the first half of the year (perhaps a signal that a Switch successor is incoming later in the year?), but there are still a few games to play in February. The Tomb Raider trilogy and Star Wars: Dark Forces remasters will satisfy retro gaming fans, and PlateUp! is a delightful couch co-op game. But the big first-party release is a pleasant-looking remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong, a fun li’l GBA puzzle platformer.
February 2024 – Nintnedo Switch Game Release Dates
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is one of the highest profile games releasing in February, but the game has shown plenty of reasons to be skeptical of it during development. Check out our review-in-progress if you’re thinking of picking this one up. Another big game out this month with a long, delay-heavy development cycle is Skull and Bones. Will it be any good? Who knows!
February 2024 – Xbox Game Release Dates
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – February 2 – Buy It
Persona 3 Reload takes the classic JRPG and gives it a modern sheen in the vein of Persona 5. Also out this month on PC is Helldivers 2, Fight Crab 2, a remake of the excellent Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, and a lot more. Check it out below.
February 2024 – PC Game Release Dates
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – February 1
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash – February 2
Persona 3 Reload – February 2
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – February 2
Helldivers 2 – February 8
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – February 13
Fight Crab 2 – February 13
Ultros – February 13
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – February 14
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered – February 14
Skull and Bones – February 16
Madison VR February 20
The Thaumaturge – February 20
Slave Zero X – February 21
Terminator: Dark Fate – February 21
Bootstrap Island – February 22
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator – February 22
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale – February 22
Nightingale (early access) – February 22
Open Roads – February 22
Pacific Drive – February 22
Promenade – February 22
Sons of the Forest (out of early access) – February 23
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on (long inhale) Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and the social network formerly known as Twitter.
Here at the Electronic Wireless Show podcast we like indie games (inasmuch as “indie” can ever really be a helpful term; as the “good” doctor Peterson would no doubt say, what do words even mean? It’s bloody complicated!) and thus are using the news that Day Of The Devs is a non-profit (what does non-profit even mean? What does profit mean? It’s bloody complicated!) as a flimsy excuse to talk about indie games. Plus: Steam Next Fest kicks off next week, and there were indie game demos a-plenty, so we talk about some favourites of those, too. Plus: we’ve been playing JRPGs! And I was wrong, it’s episode 4. Please ignore every time I say it’s episode 5. I told you my notes aren’t to be trusted.
Annual sports games always face the same issue: What do you add to an already refined (and successful) formula for an individual effort to stand out from the pack? Countless series’ have had to tackle this problem, such as NBA 2K, EA Sports FC and now, following its recent revival, WWE 2K. Last year’s hugely popular WWE 2K23 is without question still an extremely good wrestling game package, so cynical players may just conclude that this year’s upcoming entry, WWE 2K24, isn’t an essential upgrade. But from what I’ve played so far, WWE 2K24 has added enough exciting gameplay-focused innovations that it’s definitely worth your attention. Let me talk to ya…
Although the next game in this long line of releases will naturally update and modernise the roster and cosmetics of WWE, 2K24 still requires headline additions to hang its hat on. This year they come in the form of four brand new match types: Special Guest Referee, Casket Match, Gauntlet Match, and an Ambulance Match. Only the latter was available for me to sample during a hands-on demo, but if its quality standard is anything to go by then I’m very excited to play the others.
For the uninitiated an Ambulance Match involves two superstars pummeling the snot out of each other under hardcore rules until one is weakened enough to be loaded by the other into the back of an ambulance, concluding the match. At first, this plays out like any other traditional no-holds-barred bout, but concludes with furious button bashing in an attempt to close both ambulance doors, locking your opponent away and awarding you the victory. The ambulance is parked at ringside, which leads to the vehicle being used in the action; you can ascend the truck and then throw your opponent off the top to a rapturous reaction from the commentary team. It’s a simple spin on the formula of a WWE hardcore match, but one presented with an ever-present spectacle. And, at least from my experience, the mode consistently delivers a dramatic conclusion as you desperately fight to either close the doors or escape.
Although I didn’t get to sample the other aforementioned modes, the care the Ambulance Match has received (primarily in presentation) bodes well for the other new match types on offer. I’m slightly apprehensive about the casket match, though, considering it appears to be mostly just a slight tweak on the ambulance match design based on the premise (rather than being dumped into the back of an ambulance, you load your fallen opponent into a ringside casket).
Along with the new additions all previous modes from 2K23 make their return. The only notable returning match type I got to sample during my hands-on was an updated Backstage Brawl which, despite now offering four-player support, initially disappointed. The entire play zone of the backstage area at first appears unchanged; it was only when exploring that I discovered the all-new environmental interactions, such as a wacky working elevator, smashable glass panels, and – easily my personal favourite – a 20-foot drop into a giant, conveniently placed searchlight. The area is now littered with new interactable ways to punish your opponent, but it still feels like another step could be taken to enhance the mode further, particularly in how fights conclude (you simply just KO them, which rarely feels satisfying) and the intro and outro presentation, which is currently is non-existent.
Both the Ambulance Match and the updated Backstage Brawl are extremely hardcore in nature, and this gave me ample time to play with perhaps my new favourite feature: Throwable weapons. Reminiscent of the latest Hitman games, you can now hurl your ringside weaponry at fying thud worthy of Agent 47’s best improvised weapon shots. I heaved microphones, kendo sticks, trash cans, and even ringside steps at my opponents and always without fail legitimately laughed out loud. Considering wrestlers have been throwing ring steps and other such weapons for decades, I can’t believe it took so long for this to appear in a game, but it’s an extremely welcome and funny inclusion.
Hardcore rules aside, the core gameplay of WWE 2K24 is almost identical to not only last year’s grappling action, but 2K22 as well. It’s understandable though, because it really does feel like developer Visual Concepts managed to nail the perfect balance of sports entertainment in its first attempt post-refresh, and since then the studio has only needed to make small, smart iterations. This year the notable additions to the core wrestling systems are trading blows and super finishers, with the latter being a long overdue reward system for patient and dominant players. Super finishers are made available when you bank all three of your finisher slots, encouraging you to not only build to a dramatic, leveled-up version of a superstar’s finishing move, but also – due to the time it takes to build – create a better pace for your main event fight.
Super finisher examples I was able to execute included Seth Rollins’ springboard version of the Stomp, and a top rope, avalanche Riptide executed by Rhea Ripley. Enhanced and ‘deadly’ variations of iconic moves (regularly reserved for big occasions in WWE) now being available for patient players is a vital inclusion, as they not only replicate the drama and spectacle of WWE, but they also add a long-term risk/reward strategy for players, encouraging you to pick your spots and bide your time far more than anything else has previously. It’s a very welcome addition, especially when the formula is so familiar.
Trading blows, the other previously mentioned addition, also furthers the agenda of replicating the drama of a WWE bout, but perhaps less successfully. At certain intervals (sometimes after a light attack, other times after a reversal – it was hard to get clarity on this) you and your opponent will enter a turn-based punching mini-game that requires you to hold and release a button within decreasing windows. This continues until someone fails three times, giving their opponent an advantage. This plays out as an extremely WWE-like exchange of blows that, on television, always encourages audience participation. In terms of presentation in the game, this again fits the agenda, but unlike super finishers, I never really felt satisfied or like I really achieved anything. Time will tell how this feels in terms of usefulness in the long term.
Presentation-wise, WWE 2K24 makes all the iterative steps you’d expect, with further improvement in replicating the sights, sounds, and superstars of WWE. Nothing particularly screamed out to me as a huge improvement, but from my small sample, it definitely felt like commentary was marginally improved, as were subtle details in object animations and interactions. There’s also now a second camera angle option, allowing you to point your perspective towards the ramp like you could in WWE games of yore, and the series’ recent competitor; AEW: Fight Forever. This might all seem insignificant, but again these are the iterative steps required to build on an already polished offering and move ever so closer to that goal of representing the ultimate WWE video game package.
Last year I said (perhaps controversially – especially to the purists!) that I truly believed WWE 2K23 was the best wrestling games had ever been. From what I’ve seen so far, WWE 2K24 builds strongly on that successful formula and I can’t imagine that opinion changing, at least not this time around. Ultimately these iterative upgrades will likely result in what I imagine will be a near-perfect wrestling game for fans of the series. It might just fall short of creating its own individual legacy, like No Mercy or Here Comes the Pain, but the series in its current state feels like it’s only one revolutionary feature away from becoming the head of the wrestling game table.
Dale Driver is an Executive Producer of Video Programming at IGN and a lifelong WWE fan/apologist who acknowledges his Tribal Chief. Be thoroughly bored by following him Twitter at @_daledriver.
Surprise, miners. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, the Vampire Survivors-like spinoff that puts a bullet heaven twist on one of the PC’s best co-op games, is launching into early access just a couple of weeks from now. It’ll be out on Steam from February 14th, incidentially gifting the possibility for all kinds of cheap Valentine’s Day slogan gags. You are my Rock and Stone? My Ommoran Heartstone belongs to you? Drill you be Mine? Hilarious. Also, there’s a trailer.
A game as massive as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was always going to have a couple of bugs just waiting to be found by the glitch hunters out there. Since its launch, we have seen players discover ways of getting infinite items, fire immunity, even one-hit weapons, but none have felt quite as personal as this — skipping the game’s introductory area.
Let’s not forget, Breath of the Wild‘s Great Plateau was such a sticking point for the glitching community back in the day, with the possibility of skipping it becoming the holy grail of all discoveries. The answer is still yet to be found, so it’s natural that certain players would take to the TOTK equivalent, The Great Sky Islands, with the same level of skippable optimism.