Here’s an early Valentine’s Day present for you: The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon concerts will be streaming on YouTube next month.
Nintendo of America made the announcement on Twitter/X on Wednesday, both on its own page and that of Splatoon’s North American branch. The Zelda Orchestra Concert will start streaming on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel on February 9, while the Splatoon 3 Deep Cut concert will be uploaded on February 10.
Both concerts will be pre-recorded instead of live-streamed, so no one will be jealous of anyone who went to the concerts in person — if there will be a live audience at all. Here’s what Nintendo tweeted for each concert.
Mark your calendars for this special The Legend of #Zelda Orchestra Concert!
SRL Stage Management here! The show must go on! The Splatoon 3 Deep Cut concert previously scheduled for Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO will be held on February 10.
It’ll be posted on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel so you can watch at home! pic.twitter.com/JrvfZLYAM5
The Zelda and Splatoon concerts were originally going to be part of Nintendo Live 2024 in Tokyo this month alongside Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 esports tournaments. However, Nintendo was forced to cancel the event after it received persistent threats against its staff, attendees, and spectators because it couldn’t ensure their safety if the event went on.
Nintendo also postponed the Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals and Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024 to indeterminable dates along with the Mario Kart 8 esports competitions.
The Zelda orchestra concert was previously held at the Nintendo Live 2023 event in Seattle, Washington back in September along with the Super Mario Super Big Band concert.
The Zelda and Splatoon concerts are in good company with other symphony performances being officially taped for YouTube. For example, the Sonic Symphony Orchestra was live-streamed from Prague, Germany was recorded during Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary in 2021. It gained critical acclaim from fans for playing both classic and modern Sonic music in two parts, especially with Crush 40 performing in the latter part. Today, the Sonic Symphony is on a world tour.
If only those video game concerts would get the same theatrical treatment as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s concert tours.
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
For those of us who don’t have a garden to grow plants in, an allotment is one way to get your green-fingered fix of tending to nature in return for its peaceful healing properties. When an allotment is a bit too cold, or muddy, or expensive, or outside, upcoming gardening sim Peaceful Oasis looks to be a fine digital alternative.
Alone in the Dark, the highly-anticipated reimagining of the classic ’90s horror game, is officially up for preorder with a release date of March 20. You can choose between a Standard Edition of the game, which will set you back $59.99, or a Collector’s Edition, which comes to $199 but is strictly limited to 5,000 units, so is selling out fast. Below, you can find additional details on each of these editions along with information on the game itself.
Preorder Alone in the Dark (Standard Edition) – Releases March 20
There are only 5,000 Collector’s Editions available for Alone in the Dark, and they’ve been disappearing fast. We’ve managed to find a few still available, so if you’re interested make sure to grab it fast! It’ll set you back $199.99. Alongside the game, it comes with a wide variety of items as well:
Alone in the Dark is a horror game and reimagining of the 1992 game of the same name. It follows Emily Hartwood (played by Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer) and a private investigator named Edward Carnby (played by Stranger Things’s David Harbour) as they investigate the creepy Derceto Manor, where Emily believes her uncle has disappeared. Per THQ’s website, you can also “Play as Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood to explore your environments, fight monsters, solve puzzles and uncover the true secret of Derceto Manor….” The director of this game, Mikael Hedberg, is one horror fans will know and love, too, as the writer behind SOMA and Amnesia: The Dark Descent.
In our Alone in the Dark preview, we explained that the game isn’t “an attempt to recreate or reboot the first game. Instead, it’s something different. It’s a new and fascinating story,” drawing on elements of “cosmic horror, detective fiction, psychological horror, and the good old Southern Gothic.” We also explained that Alone in the Dark is “a treasure trove of good game writing. The direction of veteran game horror writer Mikael Hedberg is keenly felt here.”
More Preorder Guides
If you’re curious to see even more games that are available to preorder right now, we’ve got a wide selection of preorder guides to look through below, from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to Persona 3 Reload.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
Nintendo has announced that online play for Steel Diver: Sub Wars has been permanently discontinued on the 3DS ahead of the full online shutdown on April 8th, 2024 (thanks, Nintendo Everything).
Now, the service has technically been offline for a little while now after Nintendo commenced emergency maintenance on September 4th, 2023. According to an official post, however, the firm has been unable to resolve the issues and has thrown in the towel. As such, the game’s online service has effectively been discontinued.
Want to build a high-end gaming PC in the US? We’ve got you covered – or rather, Newegg has. They’re bundling an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, one of the fastest gaming CPUs of all time, with an Asus ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboard and G.Skill Flare X5 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM for just $595, saving $132 over buying separately.
In fact, if you buy the same parts on Amazon, you’d still pay $119 more, making this a genuinely good deal.
It’s so good to see you in this New Year of 2024! I hope you spent the holiday season in a good atmosphere and your inner batteries are fully charged. If so, buckle up and get ready, because the ride through great, new launches is about to begin. I’m super happy to briefly present to you very interesting project that is going to be released on Xbox consoles next month. Wanna hear one-sentence pitch? Here it goes: A stylized, cyberpunk shooter for fans of Hotline Miami and “John Wick”. This is – Project Downfall!
Rise and Fall
Welcome to a dystopian future, traveler. You’ve just arrived at the Crimson Tide, a symbol of unity between the European Union and the emerging superpower, The Novorussian Federation.
You must know that in this world political parties are a thing of the past, having been replaced by aggressive corporations. Citizens vote with their wallets, and drugs they take enforce obedience.
This is the story of one, ordinary Lakk district resident whose routine day suddenly turns into a complicated game of power and influence in this rotten world. In the reality where corporate influences blurs the lines between what’s right and wrong…
Project Downfall, made by MGP Studios and Solid9 Studio is a unique and dynamic game that successfully blends shooting and action with bits of strategy and tactical thinking, offering players an exciting journey through a dystopian world. You must be prepared to immerse yourself in this hostile world, where your combat skills will be put to the ultimate test. Project Downfall offers a diverse array of weapons and cool skills (eg. superkicks, slammers, adrenaline slides and more!), and each of them is unique, allowing players to customize their playstyle and approach each mission with creativity. Whether you prefer long-range precision, melee combat or tactical tricks with use of gadgets, surely there is something for you to have fun.
However, it must be said that an equally important aspect of the game, and in fact, one of its main features, is the emphasis on non-linear progression. It may seem to be quite a strange design decision, in a project of this caliber, but if you were expecting just a simple, dynamic (let’s say) boomer-shooter, you are mistaken. Depending on the decisions you make in the game, and other factors such as the mental state of the main character, you can experience completely different gameplay sequences as well as entire, previously hidden levels. And all of them can lead you to new story elements and, as a result, to different endings. Thus, each approach to the game can offer a new experience, and you can still discover something fresh in your next playthroughs. Cool!
Dirty Neon Signs and Their Flashing Lights
Project Downfall isn’t just awesome gameplay; it’s a visual journey into surrealism, combining the rough aesthetics of such works as “Falling Down”with Michael Douglas, with the frenetic action of the ‘Hardcore Henry” and “John Wick” movies. Imagine this: the neon-soaked streets of “Crimson Tide” pulsing with cyberpunk energy, where every alley hides secrets and every corner creates chaos from Hotline Miami in a moment’s notice.
Trippy, cyberpunk visuals work in tandem with a dynamic and electrifying soundtrack which adapts to what’s going on-screen and gives a kick and propels you to play. Each track has been carefully crafted to enhance the immersive journey through Crimson Tide, making the game not only a visual and interactive feast, but also a symphony of electronic vibrations that will stay with you even after you put down the controller.
Release Date and Availability
Project Downfall is set to conquer the Xbox console world on February 2, 2024. Save the date in your calendar, but also don’t you worry, I will be happy to remind you about it in the next article, which will include a short interview with the game developers! Stop by our social media if you wanna know more about the project and see you soon.
Find yourself in a future city full of gangs, mafias, and other shady people. Become a merciless assassin who works during the day, and gets into a killing frenzy at night. Hop in the car, select a destination, and explore every corner of Crimson Tide.
If you want to feel an adrenaline rush, you can explore the city on foot but watch your back and don’t ask too many questions.
EVERYTHING CAN BE A WEAPON!
Search your surroundings for anything that looks deadly and use it to protect yourself. Throw bottles, knives, or even guns at the enemies.
Nothing around you?
Take some pills and breach doors to stun opponents, or just disarm them by kicking their faces. They will be pleased to drop a weapon for you then. You should definitely find and lick a frog – you will love it.
PLAN YOUR ATTACK
It’s your decision how to enter combat and how to end it. Find your first victim, and go with the flow. Try every possibility and find the best way to get the highest score.
Kick an enemy while sliding to pick his weapon mid-air and land a headshot to defeat him. Creativity is the key to success.
CREATE YOUR OWN STORY
There are 12 available endings waiting for you to be discovered. Each one takes around 4 hours for hardcore players to complete. The path you choose will never be completely the same next time. Also, check and search for collectibles that are hidden all over the city.
Gran Turismo players! Update 1.42* for Gran Turismo 7 arrives Wednesday, January 24th at 11:00pm PST / January 25th at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST. Let’s take a look at what’s included.
Three new cars
BVLGARI Aluminum Vision Gran Turismo
A digital concept car infused with the DNA of BVLGARI.
*Can be purchased in Brand Central from end of February
The BVLGARI Aluminum Vision Gran Turismo is a digital concept car inspired by the iconic BVLGARI Aluminum watch from 1998 and shares the same spirit: sporty, smart and essential, yet precise and quality crafted. The shapes, materials, colours, and overall design language of the car are directly inspired by the form language and spirit of the aluminum watch.
The barchetta body style is an archetype of sportiness which expresses dynamic movement, lightness, and performance. The body design is an essential combination of pure and geometrical shapes, which are symbolic of Italian car design traditions of creativity and character, integrating some original references to the glorious era of ’60s and ’70s concept cars from Italian Carrozzeria. The result is a timeless design that is undeniably Italian in its innovative conceptual spirit and its expression of style and coolness, transcending all the temporary fashions and short-term trends, to affirm itself as a pure expression of BVLGARI design DNA.
Complimentary offer for owners of the BVLGARI Aluminum Gran Turismo Limited Models.
Those who purchase the BVLGARI Aluminum Gran Turismo Limited Model chronograph watch and register via the QR code will receive this car at no additional cost along with early access ahead of the official February release (to be distributed as a Car Ticket each month beginning late January). Take this opportunity to experience BVLGARI’s revolutionary digital concept car alongside this Vision Gran Turismo 10th anniversary commemorative chronograph watch.
Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept
A sports coupe that embodies the athletic elegance sought out by Genesis.
*Can be purchased in Brand Central
The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept emotionally applies Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design philosophy. The design orchestrates the cab’s backward proportions with Genesis’ typical anti-wedge attitude that is structured around a virtual parabolical tensioned theory common to the entire Genesis model line-up.
The X Gran Berlinetta Concept design language is pure and muscular with the volumes centered around the wheels. It sports Genesis’ new front fascia that abstracts the crest grille and links it with the quad lights, structuring and connecting the volumes from front to rear with the two-line brand identifier. The fuselage extrudes itself towards the rear in an elliptical concave volume that can be found on other Genesis vehicles. It is framed by a rear spoiler and lateral trailing edges for aerodynamic high-speed stability.
The interior derives Genesis’ Beauty of White Space attitude by creating a purist environment for the pilot. The essential functions are prioritized to maximize track performance focus. The digital panoramic interface serves as information center linked to the surround digital monitoring system, while the steer-by-wire grip commands allow precise maneuvering. The quilted, padded bolsters protect the pilot while racing and during the speedy entrance and egress on pit stops. The X Gran Berlinetta Concept features an impressive aerodynamic fluidity.
The designers have achieved a drag coefficient of 0.34 by integrating aerodynamic aids and orchestrating internal and laminar flows. The X Gran Berlinetta Concept is powered by a front mid-mounted Lambda II V6 engine, electrically assisted by Genesis E-SC technology. The hybrid race-spec drivetrain delivers a total of 1,071 HP (1,071 BHP) 986 ft-lb (136.3 kgfm) of torque, ensuring that this car is as powerful as it is beautiful. The V6 screams at 10,000 rpm while delivering a maximum output of 870 HP (870 BHP) and 790 ft-lb (109.2 kgfm) while the Yasa E motor generates an additional 201 HP (201 BHP) 196 ft-lb (27 kgfm).
Suzuki Jimny XC ’18
Amazing all-terrain ability beyond its size. Japan’s mighty micro off-roader.
*Can be purchased in Brand Central
The Jimny is a cross-country style 4WD model that has been produced by Suzuki since 1970. While there have been variants in each generation that crossed over into the compact car class, the mainstay of the series is the ‘kei’ model. The series has continued to develop over the years with a 2nd generation model introduced in 1981, the 3rd generation introduced in 1998 and the 4th generation in 2018.
What has remained constant across the entire series though is its construction, which uses a ‘kei’ size body shell fitted to a ladder frame chassis with rigid axle suspension and oversized tires. The drivetrain used has always been a part-time four-wheel drive layout, though rear-wheel drive only models have appeared as well. The all-terrain ability that this thoroughbred offroad setup affords has earned it praise not only within its native Japan but across the globe as well. It has found a home as a commercial vehicle in areas with extreme snow and mountainous conditions, become a popular choice for outdoor leisure enthusiasts and even become a base car for off-road motorsports.
The main features of the 4th generation Jimny introduced in 2018, are its overtly square body and its round headlamps which take the design back to its roots. Additionally, its stability and ride comfort at high speeds, a common weakness of primarily off-road vehicles, have been greatly improved. Also, the 660 cc turbo engine has been specially tuned for the Jimny, and the classic part-time four-wheel drive system has been returned to a mechanical transfer case. To reduce wheel spin, the car comes with electronically controlled brake LSD traction control as standard. The most popular model in the line-up is the luxury XC grade which comes with a wide variety of extra features such as cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Café / Extra Menus
The following two Extra Menus have been added:
Extra Menu No. 34: ‘Nissan Motorsports‘ (Collector Level 46 and above）
Extra Menu No. 35: ‘Dodge’（Collector Level 32 and above)
World Circuits (Event)
A brand-new race event, the Jimny Cup has been added to World Circuits along with new Vision Gran Turismo Trophy races for 2 tracks.
Jimny Cup Sardegna – Windmills / Willow Springs International Raceway / Lake Louise
Vision Gran Turismo Trophy Tokyo Expressway / Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Scapes
Service Area and Turn the Camera Vertically have been added to featured Scapes.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.
Microsoft has announced the launch of Xbox Indie Selects, a program designed to promote indie games.
Rekindling memories of the Xbox 360’s famous Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox Indie Selects features a monthly, curated collection of six indie games in the Xbox Store, dashboard, and on Xbox social channels.
Here’s how it works: every last week of the month, six games will be chosen by the ID@Xbox team and designated that month’s ID@Xbox Indie Selects. The collection will be located in the Xbox Indies section of the Xbox Store and dash, alongside Microsoft’s additional indie collections, which will be updated weekly on Wednesdays.
The selected games don’t strictly have to be games from the ID@Xbox program, Microsoft said. It’ll also feature games “that look and feel ‘indie’.” Microsoft added that it will not include indie games already in Game Pass, “even if they’re fantastic”, because Game Pass games are already featured in the Game Pass hub.
Microsoft said it launched the program because it wants more people to discover, buy, and play indie games. “We know there are a lot of games out there right now, and it can be difficult for unique titles to find an audience in crowded marketplaces,” Glenn Gregory, ID@Xbox Marketing Manager, said in a post on Xbox Wire. “With a dedicated, permanent, curated collection in the Xbox Store, we’ll be able to bring more attention to games that we feel are particularly special – everything from current favorites, to older gems, to games from new creators from around the world.”
Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) was a prominent part of the Xbox 360’s download offering, and focused on smaller and cheaper games. XBLA featured some of the best games of the generation, including Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, Trials HD, Fez, Bastion, and Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.
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.
Rival survival sims Palworld and the just-launched Enshrouded are now openly battling for hearts and minds on Steam, and here comes genre supremo Valheim out of the blind corner like, errrr, one of the celebrity WWE wrestlers who hasn’t turned out to be Problematic – I don’t know, maybe Zack Sabre Jr? Educate me, wrestling fans.
Valheim isn’t waving a folding chair or a small flight of stairs, mind you. It’s holding a development diary for the forthcoming Ashlands update, due sometime in the first half of 2024. The update introduces the titular Ashlands biome, a blend of graveyard and volcano level notable for the presence of burning skellingtons, some of whom emerge from glowering stone totems.
A Cyberpunk 2077 player has discovered an Easter egg more than three years after the game launched, denoting a very on-brand theme of the game hidden within a secret message written in Latin.
Reddit user CommercialLeg2439 spotted the secret message in Pacifica, specifically on the Grand Imperial Mall. As the sun sets in Night City, the lights of the mall flicker, and only a select few in its name actually light up.
Instead of Grand Imperial Mall, the sign instead reads “gra d imperi l mali”. Fans have debated a little how this translates exactly, but “gra imperi mali” means “thanks to the evil government”. Another possible solution keeps the first “d” in, translating to “degree of evil government”. One user even suggested the random “l” towards the end could be the roman numeral of 50, meaning something like the “degree of 50 evil governments” or “thanks to the 50 evil governments”, a reference to the 50 states of America.
Regardless, the hidden message feeds very well into Cyberpunk 2077’s core themes, that of a corrupt world in which regular people systematically fall victim to the laws and corporations which tower over them.
“This is one insane catch,” AHappyRaider commented on the post. “I swear, all the clever and hidden s**t in this game that I don’t initially catch is making me feel stupid,” Adjunct_Junk added. “Let alone all that borderline David Lynchian FF:06:B5 stuff.”
This references Cyberpunk 2077’s biggest ongoing mystery, which will no doubt have fans obsessing over again thanks to this Latin message being spotted. The mystery, known simply as FF:06:B5, began when players discovered the code on a statue worshipped by monks in Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City. A series of other numbers hidden throughout the city attracted even more attention, and a Reddit page dedicated to FF:06:B5 now has more than 24,000 members.
