Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2024 Edition)

Holly *and* Jolly? In this economy?

Christmas is right around the corner and we’re feeling sufficiently merry and bright, so it’s time for another edition of What Are You Playing!

This week on Nintendo Life, we all questioned our sanity as we checked out our Nintendo Switch Year in Review, a new Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket expansion had us heading back to the packs, we ran through the very best games you should pick up in Europe’s latest eShop sale and even more ‘Switch 2’ rumours came out to play (because of course they did).

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

What are we all playing this holiday?

Happy weekend all. Due to the intervention of Dark Powers and also, half the Treehouse already being on holiday, we neglected to do a round-up of staff Xmas plays before signing off for the year. Well, I’m pretty sure nobody did one. I can’t see anything scheduled in the RPS Post-A-Tron, but the RPS Post-A-Tron is an unreliable beast, full of malice and deceit. If I publish this and it turns out we have two, please divide into rival factions and have a comments war over which is the real one. Apologies! Normal service will resume next year.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed Updated, Here Are The Full Patch Notes

Download it now.

Following its release in October, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed has received a new update.

It adds a new colour blind mode with three options and also “responds to fan demand” for increased gameplay difficulty and other quality-of-life improvements. Here’s the full rundown, courtesy of the PR:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

‘Ys vs. Trails In The Sky: Alternative Saga’ Announced For Switch, Coming 2025

The crossover fighter returns.

Well, here’s a surprise – Falcom and refint/games have announced they’re reviving the crossover fighting game bringing together Ys. and Trails in the Sky.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga will be coming to the Switch and multiple other platforms worldwide in 2025. This game was originally released on the PlayStation Portable in 2010 and was exclusive to Japan.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

The Team Fortress 2 Comic Has Released Its Long-Awaited Final Issue

The Team Fortress 2 comic has just released its newest update, seven years since the last issue and seemingly the finale to this long journey.

Team Fortress 2 Issue 7 “The Days Have Worn Away” is the first update to the online digital comic series since January 10, 2017, and it looks like it might just be the comic’s finale based on this tweet from Valve writer Erik Wolpaw.

“Did you know the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was one hundred and ninety nine years late? Literally everyone alive when construction started was dead by the time it finished,” The Team Fortress 2 team writes in a blog post announcing the new issue. A perhaps more extreme example of something taking a long time to complete than this comic, but an apt analogy.

For fans of Team Fortress 2, you’ll find the gang all here including a newly married Soldier and even a maskless Spy. The issue also has a dedication to Rick May, the voice of Soldier who died in 2020 at the age of 79. The story itself concludes a long, winding journey that TF2 fans have been waiting a long time to see updated, so I won’t spoil the rest of the comic here.

The comics have served as an invaluable tome to find out more about the different TF2 characters, especially background characters like Miss Pauling and The Administrator. The comics are very much worth a full read if you haven’t checked them out already.

Valve is continuing the trend of emerging from what seems like some kind of gaming hibernation, first with the release of the Steam Deck and the testing of its new hero shooter, Deadlock. This new comic issue serves that Valve creatives are still tinkering in the background, working on new stories for our favorite games.

Matt Kim is IGN’s Senior Features Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Save 33% Off the Xbox Elite Series 2 Pro-Grade Controller With Component Pack

There’s less than a week left before Christmas, but Best Buy is still pushing out more gaming deals for December. Right now, you can pick up the professional-grade Xbox Series X Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller for only $119.99 after a 33% off instant discount. Better yet, you can still get it delivered by 12/25. That’s a great deal for the original Elite Series 2 controller that includes the component pack, unlike the Elite Series “Core” controllers. The component pack retails for $60.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 for $119.99

Includes component pack

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller features better build quality and lots more customizability than the stock controller that comes with the Xbox Series X console. Some of the more significant pro gaming features include adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. The component pack, which is bundled with this controller, includes an extra sets of paddles, thumbsticks, D-pad, and case.

The original Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is rarely discounted. I usually see more deals on the Elite Series “Core” models, which don’t include the component pack. However, one of the biggest advantages of getting this controller over the standard controller is the customizability. Without those extra accessories in the component pack to modify the controller to your liking, there’s less of a reason to spend so much more than the already excellent non-Elite controller.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 505: Cheers to 2024

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here


Hello folks! This week, the crew shares their favorite games of the year in the final show of 2024. Plus, Kristen returns to share her top games from past PlayStation console generations to celebrate the 30th anniversary. 

Thank you to all the developers who made this such a special year in gaming and to all the listeners for coming along for the ride. Here’s to a great year in gaming for 2025!

Stuff We Talked About

  • Listeners and developers share their favorite PlayStation games to mark the 30th anniversary
  • Kristen highlights her top games through past PlayStation console generations

The Cast

Kristen Zitani –  Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE


Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Anime Defenders Adds Holiday Tower Defense Goodies With New Christmas Update

Anime-inspired tower defense Roblox experience Anime Defenders just got its Christmas Update, and with it comes holiday maps, a new battle pass, units, and more.

Developer Small World Games published the latest patch for its popular take on tower dense strategy for fans across all devices to help celebrate the season. Although December is quickly coming to a close, the update adds more than enough winter-themed distractions to keep players preoccupied for weeks to come. Highlights include various Christmas decorations and maps, hidden presents to find, a new Gold Shop, and Leaderboard Season 5.

Those hopping into Anime Defenders after the Christmas Update will first notice the snow, presents, and trees that now pollute the lobby. These are more than just festive trinkets, though, as the added clutter has been used to carefully hide presents that, once acquired, unlock some of those new maps. Completing additional Santa Claus quests can unlock even more goodies, with daily quests also gifting players with rewards should they continue to log in between now and December 26. There’s also a limited Christmas Banner, which contains six new units to collect.

In addition to every new holiday item added as part of the Anime Defenders Christmas Update, players can take advantage of a new trading currency: Emerald. While the introduction of a new currency is exciting, Small World does clarify that most items, with the exception of gifts, are now untradable.

Anime Defenders is one of many Roblox experiences choosing to celebrate the holidays with special Christmas updates. Blade Ball launched into its winter plans earlier this month with its Festivities Update. Christmas may only be one week away, but developers will surely continue to add more themed content throughout December. In the meantime, you can see our full list of every active Anime Defenders code here.

You can check out the full patch notes from the Christmas Update below.

Anime Defenders Christmas Update Patch Notes

CHRISTMAS UPDATE IS HERE!

This update contains a whole lot of content, including new maps, units, and more!

New Limited Christmas Banner!

Contains Units:

  • Novice Mage
  • Novice Dragon
  • Swift Assassin
  • Spirit Demon
  • Exorcist
  • Crazed Brawler

Uses Snowflake Currency

You can convert your Gems and Relics into Snowflakes!

New Christmas Maps!

  • Map 1: Frozen Peaks (Unlocked by Completing Day 1 Quest)
  • Chance to obtain map mythic Blade Expert
  • Map 2: Dark Icy Woods, (Unlocked by Completing Day 4 Quest)
  • Chance to obtain map mythic Swiftblade Prince
  • Map 3: Skyline District (Unlocked by Completing Day 6 Quest)
  • Chance to obtain map secret Crimson Tyrant

Santa Claus Quests

Daily Quests with Exciting Rewards!

  • Daily Quests from Day 1 – 9 (18 December to 26 December)
  • Complete the Day 9 quest for a Christmas Gift!
  • Christmas Gift contains Mythic-Ancient Rewards!

New Christmas Battlepass!

  • Unlock the limited secret unit Draconic Warrior!

New Unit Skins!

  • Equip limited-time skins on your favorite units!
  • Skins can change the look of your unit in battle and make them stand out!

New Christmas Bundles!

  • Added 4 new Christmas bundles in the shop!
  • Each bundle contains exclusive items, currency, and rewards to help you this season.

New Christmas Gift Items!

  • Collect Christmas Gifts during the event!
  • Open them to receive rewards like Mythic
  • Units, Secret Units, and more!

New Gold Shop

  • Spend your Gold in this everlasting shop!
  • Discounts come and go every day.

New Leaderboard Season!

  • Enjoy Season 5 of leaderboards!
  • Happy Grinding!

New Trading Changes: Emerald

  • Most Items (except Gifts) are now untradable.
  • Introducing a new trade currency called Emerald!

Merry Christmas, Defenders!

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.

Tower Defense Simulator Frost Invasion Update Rolls Out New Battle Pass and Sandbox Mode

Tower Defense Simulator is sending in a wave of winter presents for Roblox players with its gargantuan 1.46.0 patch a.k.a. the Frost Invasion update, including the new Outpost 32 map, two new event towers, a new battle pass, and so much more.

Developer Paradoxum Games has spent the last week teasing a massive update, and patch notes for today’s update suggest Frost Invasion may have been worth the hype. There are plenty of rewards for both free and premium players in the event’s chilly battle pass, with some highlights for the latter including a Double Chunk Chocolate Cookie emote, the Dark Frost Electroshocker, and a Frost Legion Mercenary Base. Tower Defense Simulator update 1.46.0 also comes with the long-awaited Sandbox Mode for those looking to experiment as well as an Enemy Index, which can be used to keep track of and learn more about your foes.

Frost Invasion itself injects some story background into the world of Tower Defense Simulator. A description from Paradoxum explains that the event takes place in the research facility known as Outpost 32 and involves the genius Professor V.

“However, during a routine test on the portal, a catastrophic malfunction occurred—tearing a rift to the Frost Dimension,” the description says. “Now, waves of Frost Invaders are pouring through, threatening to obliterate the facility and its vital research.”

To help fight back against the Frost Spirit and his army, Tower Defense Simulator players have been granted access to two new event towers: the Elementalist Tower and the Snowballer Tower. The former can be unlocked by beating Frost Invasion on hard mode, while beating easy mode is all that’s required to unlock the latter.

Paradoxum has given players the gift of more content this holiday season, and it’s a gift that should keep everyone preoccupied for the near future. Whether you’re looking to save the world from the Frost Spirit as a newcomer or veteran tower defender, you can click here to see our full list of all active Tower Defense Simulator codes. Finally, you can see the patch notes for the Frost Invasion update below.

Tower Defense Simulator Frost Invasion Update Patch Notes

FROST INVASION IS LIVE!

In the wake of the Hexscape incident, our brightest mind, Professor V, has been leading classified research into the enigmatic science of cross-world travel. Outpost 32, our most advanced facility, has been repurposed for these critical experiments.

However, during a routine test on the portal, a catastrophic malfunction occurred—tearing a rift to the Frost Dimension. Now, waves of Frost Invaders are pouring through, threatening to obliterate the facility and its vital research.

The Frost Spirit and his army are invading! Protect Outpost 32 and its critical research—failure is not an option.

· Frost Spirit Boss

· Outpost 32 Map

NEW EVENT TOWERS!

Elementalist Tower (Hard Mode)

Snowballer Tower (Easy Mode)

FROST INVASION BATTLE PASS

Prepare for a frosty adventure with the Frost Invasion Battle Pass! Two tracks are available: Free and Premium (500 Robux). Unlock limited-time skins, emotes, name tags, and exclusive items as you progress!

Free Rewards Include:

· Chilly Sticker

· Frost Legion Sniper

· Dark Frost Soldier

· Frost Legion Freezer

· Cozy Camp Farm

· Snowman Emote

· Dark Frost Trapper

· Nut Cracker Minigunner

· Santa Commander

· Frost Commander Charm

· Rudolph Brawler

Premium Rewards Include:

· Jolly Tree Emote

· Goofy Sledger Sticker

· Snowballer Charm

· Double Chunk Chocolate Cookie Emote

· Dark Frost Crook Boss

· Elementalist Charm

· Dark Frost Warden

· Elf Present Sticker

· Dark Frost Mortar

· Frost Spirit Charm

· Caroling Emote

· Frost Spirit Sticker

· Dark Frost Electroshocker

· Cultist Ramiel Charm

· Dark Frost Engineer

· Krampus Sticker

· Snowball Emote

· Frost Legion Mercenary Base

HOLIDAY CONSUMABLE CRATE

Spread the holiday cheer with the Holiday Consumable Crate! Unbox 5 random holiday-themed items for just 32 Robux, or earn crates by participating in the Frost Invasion event.

· Festive Tree

· Fruit Cake

· Santa’s Air Strike

· Present Cluster Bomb

· MOLTEN MONSTER

SANDBOX MODE

Sandbox Mode is finally here! Available to players Level 250+, this mode lets you experiment with unlocked enemies, maps, towers, and items however you like. Push the boundaries of creativity and strategy!

Want even more control? Grab the Admin Commands Gamepass to take Sandbox Mode to the next level with exclusive features!

Features:

  • Sandbox Mode: Full freedom to test and experiment.
  • Quick Place QoL Update: Improved speed and efficiency for your builds.

ADMIN COMMANDS GAMEPASS

Unlock the ultimate power and take Sandbox Mode to its limits! Enjoy 20% off for the Holidays, knocking the price down from 8,000 Robux to 6,400 Robux!!

· Instant access to Sandbox Mode (no level requirement).

· Assign up to 3 admins to join your party.

· Mega servers: Play with up to 5 or 6 players.

· Spawn any enemies, including legacy enemies.

· Legacy gamemodes: Relive iconic T.D.S. challenges.

· Full game rule control: Edit and customize everything.

· Unlimited towers: Build without restrictions.

· Spam consumables for maximum chaos.

· And much more!

ENEMY INDEX

The Enemy Index has arrived in T.D.S.! Track your conquests and complete your Log Book by defeating enemies. Each enemy has a random chance to drop their entry log upon death, unlocking their story and secrets.

Discover Lore: More enemy lore entries will be added in 2026 for deeper insights into their origins.

Sandbox Mode: Unlocking an entry allows you to spawn that enemy in Sandbox Mode for testing and strategizing.

Frost Mortar finally gets added to the frost crate

Game Changes:

Small Changes

  • Fixed various rare situational issues wich replication
  • Freeze tick damage properly scaled with time
  • Grenadier properly plays audio and muzzle flash on fire

Elementalist

  • Unlocked by completing Frost Invasion on Hard mode
  • Comes with the ability to toggle frost or fire mode changing what active ability or debuff is available.
  • Tower Limit of 5
  • Level 0 Cost: 2000
  • Level 1 Cost: 1500
  • Level 2 Cost: 4000
  • Level 3 Cost: 8000
  • Level 4 Cost: 15000
  • Level 0 Damage: 3
  • Level 1 Damage: 5
  • Level 2 Damage: 10
  • Level 3 Damage: 12
  • Level 4 Damage: 15
  • Level 0 Range: 12
  • Level 1 Range: 15
  • Level 2 Range: 17
  • Level 3 Range: 17
  • Level 4 Range: 17
  • Level 0 Cooldown: 0.6
  • Level 1 Cooldown: 0.6
  • Level 2 Cooldown: 0.6
  • Level 3 Cooldown: 0.5
  • Level 4 Cooldown: 0.4
  • Level 0 Burst Size: 3
  • Level 1 Burst Size: 4
  • Level 2 Burst Size: 4
  • Level 3 Burst Size: 5
  • Level 4 Burst Size: 7
  • Level 0 Burst Cooldown: 0.2
  • Level 1 Burst Cooldown: 0.2
  • Level 2 Burst Cooldown: 0.2
  • Level 3 Burst Cooldown: 0.2
  • Level 4 Burst Cooldown: 0.125
  • Level 0 Frost Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 1 Frost Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 2 Frost Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 3 Frost Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 4 Frost Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 0 Frost Mode Slow Percent on Hit: 5%
  • Level 1 Frost Mode Slow Percent on Hit: 7.5%
  • Level 2 Frost Mode Slow Percent on Hit: 7.5%
  • Level 3 Frost Mode Slow Percent on Hit: 10%
  • Level 4 Frost Mode Slow Percent on Hit: 12.5%
  • Level 0 Frost Mode Max Slow Percentage: 45%
  • Level 1 Frost Mode Max Slow Percentage: 45%
  • Level 2 Frost Mode Max Slow Percentage: 50%
  • Level 3 Frost Mode Max Slow Percentage: 50%
  • Level 4 Frost Mode Max Slow Percentage: 60%
  • Level 0 Fire Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 1 Fire Mode Debuff Duration: 3 Seconds
  • Level 2 Fire Mode Debuff Duration: 4 Seconds
  • Level 3 Fire Mode Debuff Duration: 2 Seconds
  • Level 4 Fire Mode Debuff Duration: 4 Seconds
  • Level 0 Fire Mode Burn Damage: 5
  • Level 1 Fire Mode Burn Damage: 8
  • Level 2 Fire Mode Burn Damage: 8
  • Level 3 Fire Mode Burn Damage: 10
  • Level 4 Fire Mode Burn Damage: 10
  • Level 0 Fire Mode Burn Tick Rate: 0.5 Seconds
  • Level 1 Fire Mode Burn Tick Rate: 0.5 Seconds
  • Level 2 Fire Mode Burn Tick Rate: 0.5 Seconds
  • Level 3 Fire Mode Burn Tick Rate: 0.25 Seconds
  • Level 4 Fire Mode Burn Tick Rate: 0.25 Seconds
  • Level 2 Unlocks Ice Turret or Heatwave active ability depending on what mode Elementalist is in.
  • Level 2 Ice Turret Damage: 10
  • Level 3 Ice Turret Damage: 20
  • Level 4 Ice Turret Damage: 30
  • Level 2 Ice Turret Cooldown: 0.45
  • Level 3 Ice Turret Cooldown: 0.35
  • Level 4 Ice Turret Cooldown: 0.3
  • Ice Turret Lifespan: 40 Seconds
  • Ice Turret Can Freeze on Max Slow
  • Ice Turret Range: 10
  • Level 2 Ice Turret Slow Percent on Hit: 25%
  • Level 3 Ice Turret Slow Percent on Hit: 25%6
  • Level 4 Ice Turret Slow Percent on Hit: 30%
  • Level 2 Ice Turret Max Slow Percentage: 50%
  • Level 3 Ice Turret Max Slow Percentage: 50%
  • Level 4 Ice Turret Max Slow Percentage: 60%
  • Level 2 Heatwave Damage: 150
  • Level 3 Heatwave Damage: 250
  • Level 4 Heatwave Damage: 400
  • Level 2 Heatwave Range: 125
  • Level 3 Heatwave Range: 13.5
  • Level 4 Heatwave Range: 15
  • Level 2 Heatwave Knockback: 20
  • Level 3 Heatwave Knockback: 22.5
  • Level 4 Heatwave Knockback: 25
  • Level 2 Heatwave Burn Damage: 10
  • Level 3 Heatwave Burn Damage: 15
  • Level 4 Heatwave Burn Damage: 20
  • Level 2 Heatwave Burn Duration: 5
  • Level 3 Heatwave Burn Duration: 5
  • Level 4 Heatwave Burn Duration: 5
  • Heatwave Burn Tick Rate: 0.5 Seconds

Snowballer

  • Unlocked by completing Frost Invasion on Easy mode
  • Level 0 Cost: 300
  • Level 1 Cost: 150
  • Level 2 Cost: 650
  • Level 3 Cost: 2500
  • Level 0 Damage: 4
  • Level 1 Damage: 4
  • Level 2 Damage: 8
  • Level 3 Damage: 15
  • Level 0 Range: 12
  • Level 1 Range: 12
  • Level 2 Range: 14
  • Level 3 Range: 18
  • Level 0 Cooldown: 3
  • Level 1 Cooldown: 2.5
  • Level 2 Cooldown: 2.5
  • Level 3 Cooldown: 2
  • Level 0 Slow Percentage on Hit: 15%
  • Level 1 Slow Percentage on Hit: 20%
  • Level 2 Slow Percentage on Hit: 30%
  • Level 3 Slow Percentage on Hit: 30%
  • Level 0 Max Slow: 30%
  • Level 1 Max Slow: 40%
  • Level 2 Max Slow: 60%
  • Level 3 Max Slow: 60%
  • Level 3 Can Freeze
  • Level 3 Freeze Time: 2 Seconds
  • Level 3 Explosion Radius: 4

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.

‘Tetris Forever’ Adds Curious Sequel ‘Welltris’ Via A Free Update

Plus a couple of welcome improvements.

Digital Eclipse has announced that the curious Tetris sequel Welltris will be added to the excellent compilation title Tetris Forever via a free update on Switch.

The game, originally release in 1989, takes the same basic gameplay of Tetris, but adds in an extra dimension, essentially turning the gameplay area into a ‘well’. It’s weird stuff, and it’s no surprise that it didn’t quite reach the same cultural heights as its predecessor, but it’s an excellent new addition to the game nevertheless. Digital Eclipse also promises to add more games in the future, so keep your eyes peeled.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com