Author: Game Infliction

Nightingale is a game of fascinating contradictions. This Early Access co-op survival crafting game jumps wildly between intriguing and confusing, aesthetically pleasing and outright ugly, intuitive and obtuse. It does a lot right, and it is a joy to build a life from the ground up across its varied and mysterious realms – but it also does a lot wrong, often stalling your progress with an infuriating economy. Nightingale’s creative systems can certainly make it a fun time, but be prepared for frustration to rear its ugly head time and time again.

Nightingale takes place in a gaslamp fantasy world, a Victorian almost-steampunk-but-with-magic setting that feels fresh and unique in this genre – sure, games like Dishonored or The Order 1886 had similar styles, but it’s still a seldom used framework that really stood out to me here. Earth as we know it is being swallowed up by a strange fog, which has scattered humanity across the realms of the Fae, mythical beings pulled from European Folklore. As a Realmwalker, you have the ability to travel from one realm to another, which puts you on the search to find the magical city of Nightingale, the last human refuge.

The mysterious Fae Puck acts as your guide on that quest, first helping you to activate a portal and escape to a far off forest realm. Puck stands out as a fascinating character, and his flowery olde tyme language is an early highlight, particularly thanks to how well it is performed. His ability to appear out of nowhere and lead you along does a solid job moving the story forward, and lends itself to funny surprises, like when he popped in just to make fun of me for cooking and eating the exact same meal every day.

Unfortunately, the rest of the characters you meet are currently voiceless at Nightingale’s Early Access launch, and any story elements that don’t come from Puck are purely text-based exposition dumps. There are no cutscenes or big interactive story moments to speak of, just menus telling you why you need to go to a certain spot, kill a specific thing, and then turn in whatever it drops. That’s a shame, and feels like it wastes the cool setting and structure Puck’s introduction sets up.

That disparity is a good example of the inconsistent quality prevalent across Nightingale. The character creator, for example, has surprising depth, allowing for impressive customization of minute details like tooth decay, with extensive family trees whose genetic lineage can be applied to your appearance… but the end results of those interesting options always seem to look like they are models formed from clay, rather than believable faces.

Hey, I’m Realmwalking Here!

The realms you travel to offer more than just a new sandbox to explore. The flora and fauna vary wildly, and each presents unique hazards that are good at recontextualizing the survival aspects of Nightingale. Sure, the scorching heat of the desert is a pain if you aren’t in the shade, but at least you aren’t being beaten to death by the hail that falls in the forest. The way each forces you to adapt to survive really drives home that these are untamed worlds you are simply lost within.

Each realm has unique enemies; you might find yourself fighting off overgrown spiders in the swamp one moment, running from a pack of wolves in the forest another, and then having a duel with a giant in the desert the next. The designs of all of them look really cool, and the materials you gather from fallen foes become resources used for crafting or cooking. That last bit matters quite a bit as this is a survival game in the truest sense of the word, and sometimes the only thing between you and starvation is a fresh giant bug for you to roast. Bon appetit!

You have control over what realms you visit thanks to Realm Cards. Major Realm cards can be played at portals, which then determines the biome and setting that portal will lead to. For example, you can create a mostly peaceful forest, perfect for building your base of operations, by pairing a Forest card with an Abeyance card. Alternatively, you could combine a Desert card with an industry-themed Provisioner card to create a sparse and arid factory complex. It’s a simple but powerful system, and one of the best parts of Nightingale.

Once you pick your cards and step through the portal, the realm itself is procedurally generated, which allows for potentially limitless exploration, but also makes things feel disconnected much of the time. Happening across a ruined building is less exciting without the surprises that a curated level-designer may include, especially once you start to see the exact same structures repeated in different places. The lack of planned geography can be an actual issue at times, too – I once had a quest to speak with a person who was placed at the top of a high cliff, but there was no path up to reach them. Clambering up the side of the hill and hoping to get lucky with the layout of rocks is not a fun way to move about.

Minor cards can be played while within Realms to modify them further, like the duelist card, which makes everything (you included) take more damage. Others improve the yield of harvesting materials, affect how you swim, or myriad other things. It’s a good way to let you tailor the realm towards what you are trying to work on at a given time.

The way that realm-hopping ties into crafting and dungeon crawling is really clever, too. Blueprints to create new Realm Cards come from Sites of Power, Nightingale’s version of dungeons. Entry to these places is gated by your Gear Score, which is determined by the quality of equipment you possess – and better Blueprints and materials to upgrade your gear lie in higher level realms. It’s a well tuned loop that layers these systems together seamlessly, which makes investing time into any given task meaningful.

Some Assembly Required

Crafting is largely very good. Gathering materials to begin the typical climb from a destitute castaway to a thriving survivor is compelling, and if you’ve played pretty much any games like this before, it is very intuitive. Blueprints are given out as quest rewards or bought from vendors, and the suite of options does a great job of naturally handing you new tasks in that layered “if you give a mouse a cookie” sort of way.

For instance, at one point I was asked to create an Infusion, a mod that can be socketed into equipment to do things like increase durability or reduce stamina consumption. To create it, I would need to build an Enchanter’s Focus – this required Lumber, which comes from a saw mill, which is built using Animal Fibre, which is made at a Tanning Station. By the time I was actually ready to put the mod to use, I had progressed from being more or less feral in the woods to owning a construction facility that would be the envy of any high school shop teacher. It accomplished exactly what a good crafting system should do by rewarding me with tools and knowledge alongside the thing I actually set out to make.

This setup is fun and engaging… until it all comes to a screeching halt. As of Nightingale’s Early Access launch, there are substantial gaps where higher level materials can’t be crafted yet, and you instead need to find a realm with a vendor who sells them. Crafting the cards to access these realms can compound the issue by also requiring high level materials, creating a painful loop of stopping and starting my progress with roadblock after roadblock as I bought material after material.

A resource called Essence forms the economic backbone of this adventure, and while it does a good job in the early going of simplifying a lot of things, it’s also one of the main culprits behind this loss of momentum. It’s used in crafting, to purchase goods from vendors, and to repair your equipment. Essence is awarded for completing puzzles or finishing Sites of Power, and can even be extracted from any material or piece of equipment – you have to destroy that item to get it, but it’s worth it if you can then afford a new blueprint or make something that will help keep you in the fight.

The problem is that higher tier Essences are needed for more powerful crafting and equipment, and those can be tedious to gather. They can only be found in specific realms, most commonly by clearing Dungeons and solving simple “find the hidden button” puzzles scattered around. It was always really disappointing to be on the verge of crafting the last gear upgrade I needed to advance in a quest only to find out I’m a few Tier 1 Essences short, sending me on a long march back to a portal and into a different realm is search of something that might drop what I was missing.

Time sinks like this happen all the time in Nightingale. At one point I needed to gather a bunch of materials from The Bound, goblin like enemies with a penchant for appearing from thin air, in order to progress the main quest. The things I needed were random chance drops from quite a few different enemy types, and you had to be in the right type of realm for them to appear. That meant finding the realm, making the cards, gearing up for said realm, and hunting until I gathered enough. The amount of time it took was painful, and this was all to complete one part of an even larger mission with more steps like this.

Build, Survive, and Thrive Together

Thankfully you don’t need to walk the realms alone, and playing with friends is a great way to take some of the sting out of the slower parts of this adventure. A few simple clicks is all it takes to add a friend, party up, and invite them to your realm. You can share equipment freely, which is excellent if one player is further along and wants to gear up their buddy so they can join in some harder dungeon diving.

It’s particularly impressive that co-op is completely untethered, which means your friends are free to come and go through various realms, joining or separating as they see fit. Everyone can have one NPC following to help in combat or carry things, similar to how companions worked in Skyrim, so getting a group of people together quickly forms a small army, which is good fun.

It’s also really nice to build together. Structures can be fully planned out before you spend any materials, allowing you to design the fortress of your dreams. Then, anyone can interact with that in-progress creation to contribute materials toward its construction. It feels really good to collaborate on a large building, planning and constructing it with friends. Anyone from your group can then build an Estate Cairn, making it their home base, allowing them to load in and fast travel there anytime.

I won’t spoil the specifics, but late in the game you also get access to a public area. Seeing other Realmwalkers run around in their finery is pretty cool, and this opens up some new raid-like missions with random strangers, allowing you to work towards the highest level loot. There’s not much to the end game beyond just grinding these encounters out at the moment, but it’s nice to have something to aim for after wrapping up the approximately 40-hour campaign. Just know that while the main quest itself has an end already, the actual story around it isn’t finished yet, presumably coming in some future Early Access update.

Dragon’s Dogma fans have been anxiously awaiting a demo for the sequel, and while today’s Capcom Highlights stream didn’t announced a full-blown demo, it did reveal that the character creator and storage will be available today.

If you take advantage of the pre-release character creator, you’ll be able to transfer your character to the full game when it releases on March 22. Dragon’s Dogma II features a pretty in-depth character creator (which we broke down as part of our IGN First coverage right here), so it’s a good opportunity to get a heads-start on your own Arisen ahead of the official release.

Developing…

There’s no better way to heighten the drama in your favorite racing games than adding one of the best racing wheels to your peripheral collection. The best racing wheels for Xbox Series X/S will put your reaction speed to the test and push you to take on challenging roads and turns with more accuracy than your average controller. Considering Forza Motorsport and Dirt 5 are already on Xbox Game Pass, it’s a great time to take the leap and upgrade your set-up.

• Check out the best racing wheels for PS5

TL;DR Best Racing Wheels for Xbox Series X|S At a Glance:

• Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel
• Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider
• Logitech G923
• Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
• Thrustmaster T128

Before we jump into our choices, It’s worth mentioning that if any specific features catch your eye, they may only be compatible with certain games or game series, so before committing to the purchase, we recommend making sure the wheel aligns with your racing sim preferences.

The Best Racing Wheels for Xbox Series X|S

1. Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel

Best Xbox Series X|S racing wheel

Pros

• Formidable force feedback
• All-in-one package

Cons

• Pedals aren’t the best quality

The Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel is a great all-around entry-level wheel that comes in a convenient Xbox-friendly package. You can set up your kit and get to business quickly thanks to its system-recognised buttons and easy-to-use mount. Plus, the TMX also comes with a two-pedal set for no additional cost, giving you all the tools you need to start competing in your favorite racing games.

When it comes to getting a feel for the road, the TMX Racing Wheel uses a force feedback system that delivers a host of intense vibrations as you burn rubber across the biomes in Forza Horizon 5. Crossing intricate terrain will alter the reactive rumble, allowing you to react precisely as race environments shift.

2. Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

Best racing wheel for casual drivers on Xbox Series X|S

Pros

• Stylish Ferrari-red design
• Budget price point

Cons

• Not as realistic as other wheels on the market

If you’re a motorhead with a penchant for Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider might be the perfect match for you. With some glorious red rubber paneling and the iconic Ferrari logo at the center of the wheel, the Ferrari 458 Spider is nothing if not stylish. Designed with Xbox in mind, the 458 Spider has system-aligning buttons embedded in the wheel face. So, you won’t need to relearn any of the controls before you hit the road.

Unlike the force feedback system in other wheels, the 458 Spider uses a bungee cord system to fight against when driving. This form of linear resistance offers tension to turns, as the wheel will automatically correct itself if you lose your grip. It may not offer the most realistic experience on this list, but it does have plenty of compelling features that work perfectly for casual players or first-time racing wheel users who don’t want to break the bank.

3. Logitech G923

The best mid-range racing wheel for Xbox Series X|S

Pros

• Leather grips are comfortable over long periods of use.
• Trueforce delivers great haptic feedback

Cons

• Smaller wheel size isn’t true to life

Competitive Xbox racing sim players who want to upgrade their kit will find everything they’re looking for in the Logitech G923. With pleasantly textured leather grips and a 10.24-inch wheel, the G923 delivers a deluxe but grounded feeling within a more approachable price range.

The G923 also features Logitech’s Trueforce feedback tech. Which reads specific information in the game, like road surface texture, weather and tyres, and furnishes appropriate haptic feedback through the wheel. The G923 conjures an immersive drive as a result and delivers tangible grit when making decisions in intense driving scenarios. One caveat to consider, however, is that Trueforce isn’t available for all games. If you have a specific game you like to play, we recommend checking the specs on the official store page so you won’t be let down.

4. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best premium racing wheel for Xbox Series X|S

Pros

• True-to-life wheel size feels superb
• Trueforce haptic feedback offers immersive racing

Cons

• High price point

For those wanting a more deluxe wheel, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel has all the bells and whistles you want in a lavish, comfortable frame. The size of the wheel itself is true to life, with robust grips and a metal plate at its center. When paired with the wheel’s responsive controls and force feedback, staying to the course on straights or tilting into turns is a lifelike experience – adding palpable tension whether you’re coasting ahead of competitors or fighting to get back to the front of the pack.

Like the Logitech G923, the G Pro Racing Wheel amps realism with Trueforce technology to test your mettle across various weather and track conditions. If this feature is your main selling point, make sure to check that your best-loved games are compatible to avoid disappointment down the line.

5. Thrustmaster T128

Best beginner racing wheel for Xbox Series X|S

Pros

• Reactive controls
• Quality force feedback

Cons

• No grip on the wheel

When it comes to entry-level racing wheels that will last, you can’t do much better than the Thrustmaster T128, which pairs ample force feedback with reactive controls. Using the wheel is convenient, with an Xbox controller mirrored almost exactly in the wheel’s face. Shifting gears with the responsive magnetic paddle shifts is a haptic experience, with the LED rev indicator on the wheel face providing a useful visual reminder of how hard you’re gunning through a circuit.

While there’s a lot to love about this beginner-friendly option, it’s important to note that the wheel doesn’t have grips, which can lead to discomfort over long periods, or, worse still, a loss of grip leading to botched maneuvers. Even so, the Thrustmaster T128 would be a fantastic addition to a budding sim racer, or for someone simply looking to scale up from the traditional controller.

Upcoming Racing Wheels For Xbox Series X|S

Turtle Beach has joined the racing wheel market with the VelocityOn Race Wheel & Pedal System, which launched on February 26th, 2024. Coming in at $649.99, this new wheel boasts a 7.2Nm direct drive force feedback motor and dashboard race telemetry window to help players maximize their racing skills. This new wheel has been designed with Xbox Series X/S consoles in mind alongside PC and PS5, though its features may not be compatible with all driving games.

The VelocityOn Race Wheel & Pedal system also features a modular control box for quick access to vehicle settings and mid-race toggles.

FAQ

How do you connect the racing wheel to the Xbox Series X|S?

Each wheel may have a different method of pairing, though it’s easiest to consider this process similar to connecting a secondary controller. Typically, pairing will involve connecting the wheel via a USB cable to the console, turning on the console, and navigating to the Devices & Accessories submenu to set up your new wheel. We recommend following the guide the brand outlines to ensure you don’t run into any issues.

Which racing wheel brand is better – Logitech or Thrustmaster?

Both brands offer a variety of experiences that suit players, and it ultimately comes down to use preferences and needs. For example, while Logitech offers TrueForce technology, it may not be eligible for your favorite game. Alternatively, the Thrustmaster T128 may have great haptic feedback for beginners, but the lack of comfort on the wheel might put you off. When choosing between brands, it’s best to look specifically at the specs and materials rather than the brand as a whole.

Sarah Thwaites is a freelance tech writer at IGN, with bylines at GameInformer, TrustedReviews, NME and more.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s 1.002.000 patch is here, and while it did finally deliver long-awaited features like New Game+, it also unintentionally added access to a development game menu.

Developer Insomniac Games addressed the unintended addition in a post on X/Twitter, explaining that a hotfix for the issue is “on the way.” The message also warns that players who use the menu could face corrupted save data and trophy progress. Those who spend their time swinging around New York City like normal should find no issue, though, so even if you’re curious, you’re probably better off just forgetting about the slip-up for now.

⚠️ We’re aware the latest game update may have inadvertently allowed access to a development game menu. There’s a hotfix on the way.

Please note that using this menu could corrupt your saves and trophy progress.

There is no risk associated with playing the game as intended.

— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) March 7, 2024

Unfortunately, it sounds like the menu is relatively easy to access. For the sake of your save files, we won’t delve into the process here, but players on Reddit were quick to figure it out. Some have even said they gained access by accidentally stumbling across it, so watch out for that too.

Screenshots of the menu options include settings for items, enemies, health, and more, potentially giving players access to game-breaking tools they were never meant to have. Again, Insomniac warns that those who take advantage of the bug could find themselves with corrupted data, so that’s the risk if you can’t help but take peek behind the scenes. No hotfix is available yet, but we’ll update this story when one arrives.

Most Spider-Man 2 players are too preoccupied with the update’s other many goodies to spend their time with these unintended new options. Some highlights from the 1.002.000 patch include new suits, a Mission Replay feature, and the option to switch the in-game time of day. It’s a massive content drop for the sequel, which launched in October of last year and has managed to sell 10 million copies thus far.

For more on Spider-Man 2, be sure to read our 8/10 review. At the time, we said, “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers Insomniac’s best tale yet, and despite its open world falling short, is a reliably fun superhero power trip.”

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Today, Blizzard revealed a stylish trailer for Overwatch 2’s next big crossover collaboration event with none other than the fan-favorite 90’s anime series, Cowboy Bebop. The special collaboration will launch as a part of Overwatch 2 Season 9 on March 12.

In typical Overwatch fashion, the Cowboy Bebop collaboration trailer spoofs animation studio Sunrise anime’s iconic opening animated sequence and opening theme song “Tank” by Yoko Kanno. In it, we see Cassidy as the bebop’s laissez-faire bounty hunter, Spike Spiegel; Ashe as its femme fatale, Faye Valentine; Mauga as the gruff ex-cop, Jet Black; Wrecking Ball as the super-smart hound, Ein; and Sombra as the crew’s rambunctious hacker, Ed.

Blizzard first revealed a Cowboy Bebop collab was on the horizon at the butt-end of its Season 9 trailer back in February. The upcoming collab marks the second time the free-to-play hero shooter has done an anime-themed crossover event. In fact, around this time last year, Overwatch 2 launched its One Punch Man collaboration. Outside of its two anime collabs, Overwatch 2’s most recent big crossover was with the K-Pop group Le Sserafim.

While Blizzard has yet to reveal whether or not the Cowboy Bebop collab will see the addition of a new limited-time game mode like its One Punch Man and Le Sserafim event, the collab trailer and YouTube description text tease the Overwatch heroes prepping for some sort of train heist.

Arguably, one of the main things on the backs of diehard Overwatch 2 players’ minds will be how much its yet-to-be-seen exclusive anime skins will cost and if it’ll be locked behind a steep season pass bundle like its contentious $40 Diablo IV collab. The answers to these questions will likely all come to light when Overwatch 2 Season 9 launches next week.

Isaiah Colbert is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow them on Twitter @ShinEyeZehUhh