It is a truth universally acknowledged that when aliens threaten to exterminate your home, only the world’s most insufferable, unhinged scientists can help you save the day. XCOM knows it, and now Xenonauts 2 is following suit. Case in point, yer man up the top there. Look at that smug mullet and his unimpressed raised eyebrow. He doesn’t give two hoots you’re here to save the world from extinction, leading (probably several) teams of nine (unwitting) brave souls into the unknown (i.e.: repeated death by alien overwatch). He’s got research to do. Organs to pickle. Dead alien carcasses to splice. Yeah, the same ones you literally strapped into your troops’ tactical belts in the last mission so you could bring them home. We had stinking brain monsters wrapped round our torsos, guy! The least you can do is deign to make us a nice cuppa when we get back. Honestly. You can’t get the staff these days…
Here’s the best deal we’ve seen yet on a Nintendo Switch OLED: Woot has the hybrid console on sale for $289.99. That’s $70 less than the MSRP on the device. The only catch is that this is the Japanese model. Functionally, it’s exactly the same as the US model. You can select English for the language, and the Switch is not region locked, so it can play games from any region, no problem. Basically, you just get a brand-new Switch console for $70 less than the normal price.
Save $70 on a Switch OLED (Japanese Model)
The one other difference is that, instead of the standard one-year warranty you get from Nintendo on a US model, buying this one only gets you a 90-day warranty from Woot. Woot is owned by Amazon, so it’s a reliable company, but the warranty is shorter. That said, you get free shipping if you’re a Prime member (and who isn’t, this soon after Prime Day, amirite?).
You get to choose between the model with white Joy-Cons and a white stand, or the one with neon red and blue Joy-Cons and a black stand. They both look good, but I prefer the white one. It adds a splash of class to the entertainment stand, if you ask me. It also pairs well with the PS5, if you have one of those under your TV.
The only other question is whether now is a good time to buy a Nintendo Switch console. Honestly, it depends on your circumstances. The OLED screen really is gorgeous, and the colors pop way more than on the original Switch. But even at a discount, this would be an expensive upgrade for just a display.
It’s also possible that Nintendo announces its next console pretty much at any time going forward. That would be a bummer for anyone who just bought a brand-new Switch. That said, at this point in its life cycle, the Switch has a game library good enough to stand up to any other console in history.
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 Twitter @_chrislreed or on Mastodon @chrislreed.
Bandai Namco Online have announced that Gundam Evolution, the free-to-play shooter based on the popular anime, will no longer be playable after November 29th. The mech FPS was released last year but executive producer Kazuya Maruyama now says it’s “no longer possible” for the team to provide ongoing support.
The Might and Magic series is about as ‘old-school RPG’ as it gets—it’s been around since the distant, ancient days of the 1980s. As the series has changed hands a couple of times over the decades, plenty of spin-offs have been generated, with Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes being the one Nintendo fans are likely most aware of. As part of the then-new Ubisoft continuity, this DS project aimed to broaden the fanbase by going with an action puzzler gameplay design that would be generally more approachable and fit comfortably on the humble hardware. Now, a decade on, it has been revived as Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – Definitive Edition by none other than developer and publisher Dotemu, of Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge fame. Though not much has changed here since its introduction, this Definitive Edition nonetheless shows that this was always a solid and enjoyable puzzler that stands as a welcome addition to the Switch library.
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is set in the magical world of Ashan, taking place in the Ubisoft timeline a few decades before Heroes of Might and Magic V. The story kicks off with you playing as Anwen, a young elf girl who is quickly orphaned when a sudden demon attack plunges her camp into chaos. The demons are after a mythical artifact called the Blade of Binding (no, not that one) which could open a portal to the demon realm and kick off a full-scale war in Ashan if the demons got their hands on it. Thirsty for revenge and desperate to avert the impending conflict, Anwen sets out on a fraught race against time.
The legendary Monkey Island series comes to Sea of Thieves in the first of three new Tall Tales, available from July 20.
Explore iconic locations and encounter beloved characters from the Monkey Island world, all depicted in Sea of Thieves’ timeless art style.
Sea of Thieves is available free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and Steam.
The wait is over and your journey deep in the Caribbean can begin! An exciting new expedition delivered across three of Sea of Thieves’ tried and tested Tall Tales, The Legend of Monkey Island was unveiled at last month’s Xbox Games Showcase and welcomes you to a whole new world on July 20. ‘The Journey to Mêlée Island’ is the first Tall Tale to arrive, but before we dive into more detail, let’s step back for a brief primer on The Legend of Monkey Island itself…
A Legend Sails In
Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island is a collaboration between Rare and Lucasfilm Games that brings together two beloved casts of pirate characters to tell an original story. It’s designed to appeal to fresh-faced explorers and lifelong fans alike, immersing you in the world of Monkey Island in a hilarious and heartfelt love letter to the iconic adventure game series.
Across three new narrative-driven and voice-acted Tall Tales, released monthly, you’ll set sail in search of Guybrush Threepwood, go head-to-head with the ghost pirate Captain LeChuck and break a devious curse that has ensnared Mêlée Island.
Whether you’re solving puzzles, mastering Insult Sword Fighting or navigating through lava-filled catacombs with Guybrush as your guide, this is an opportunity to experience the world of Monkey Island like never before…
Not Just Any Journey
It all begins this month in the first new Tall Tale, ‘The Journey to Mêlée Island’. After you’ve stopped by Capsize Charters at your starting Outpost, you’ll be ready to start the search for Guybrush Threepwood, who’s gone missing while on his way to the Sea of Thieves.
Once you reach Mêlée Island, you’ll explore iconic locations and meet familiar faces as you discover that things are not as they should be. Why does everyone believe Guybrush to be the greatest pirate who ever lived – and why has nobody seen him in so long?
Explore the riches recently revealed on Sea of Thieves’ YouTube channel to learn more about the puzzles and perils wrapped up in ‘The Journey to Mêlée Island’, then get ready to sail some very different seas. Secrets, side-quests and new rewards await you…
Into the Emporium
As the first instalment of Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island arrives, so too does a fresh batch of Pirate Emporium stock. Ready to strike terror into the hearts of your foes? Take inspiration from the ghost pirate Captain LeChuck and outfit your vessel with the LeChuck’s Legacy ship set. Captains can add the finishing touch with a matching Ship’s Crest!
Or take on a more personal veneer of villainy by dressing like Guybrush’s arch-nemesis with the LeChuck Costume Set. Including three variants and a Swordpoint Stance Emote, it ensures even mighty pirates will regret crossing your path – especially if you come wielding the LeChuck’s Legacy weapons.
A Piranha Poodle pet and new artistic ship Trinkets round out The Legend of Monkey Island celebrations this month. All available alongside this new update from July 20!
So set out on ‘The Journey to Mêlée Island’ today, and discover what’s in store for you, Guybrush and an array of colourful characters found deep in the Caribbean as The Legend of Monkey Island unfolds this summer. We’ll see you in the Scumm Bar…
Find Out More
For more information on the latest Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieveswebsite. The update is available for free to all Sea of Thieves players who have bought the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 PC or via Steam, or players who have access to it with Xbox Game Pass. Simply download and install the latest Sea of Thieves update to get access.
New to Sea of Thieves? Find out about the latest free content updates on our What’s New page, get familiar with Who’s Who or pick up some gameplay tips from our Pirate Academy, which provides invaluable information on topics ranging from sailing to swordplay as you prepare for your maiden voyage. Learn more about Sea of Thieveshere, or join the ongoing adventure at www.seaofthieves.com where you can embark on an epic journey with one of gaming’s most welcoming communities!
Xbox Live Gold membership required to play on Xbox One; sold separately.
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2023 Edition Out Now
Celebrate five years since Sea of Thieves’ launch with this special edition of the game, which includes a copy of Sea of Thieves itself with all permanent content added since launch, plus a 10,000 gold bonus and a selection of Hunter cosmetics. The Hunter Cutlass, Pistol, Compass, Hat, Jacket and Sails will ensure you cut a formidable figure as you set sail for adventure!
About the Game
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose.
Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared world adventure – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?
A Vast Open World
Explore a vast open world filled with unspoiled islands and underwater kingdoms. Take on quests to hunt for lost loot, forge a reputation with the Trading Companies and battle foes from Phantoms and Ocean Crawlers to Megalodons and the mighty Kraken. Try your hand at fishing, make maps to your own buried treasure or choose from hundreds of other optional goals and side-quests!
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life
Play the Tall Tales to experience Sea of Thieves’ unique narrative-driven campaigns, and join forces with Captain Jack Sparrow in Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life, an acclaimed original story that brings Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean sailing into Sea of Thieves. These immersive and cinematic quests provide around 30 hours of the ultimate pirate adventure.
A Game That’s Always Growing
With each Season bringing in new game features every three months alongside regular in-game Events and new narrative Adventures, Sea of Thieves is a service-based game that’s still growing and evolving. Check back regularly to see what free content has been newly added, and see how far you can climb through each Season’s 100 levels of Renown to earn special rewards.
Become Legend
On your journey to become a Pirate Legend you’ll amass loot, build a reputation and define a unique personal style with your hard-earned rewards. Adventurer. Explorer. Conqueror. What will your legend be?
The developers behind Race The Sun‘s minimalist gliding are now taking those high speeds to space in Whisker Squadron: Survivor, a neon-drenched homage to Star Fox. There are feline pilots, low-poly levels, and barrel-rolling in bullet hell heaven. Check, check, and check. Hopefully, the gorgeous animation from the trailer (below) shows up in Whisker Squadron: Survivor’s early access launch on August 21st.
Gundam Evolution shuts down this November just a year after launch.
Bandai Namco said the free-to-play 6v6 shooter will end on November 29, 2023, making it unplayable. Gundam Evolution launched on PC in September 2022, then on console in November last year.
In a note to players, executive producer Kazuya Maruyama said the announcement was made “with great sadness”, and issued an apology to players.
“We wanted to create a title that brought FPS fans and Gundam fans together,” Maruyama continued. “We challenged ourselves to create an authentic Gundam FPS game that could be played globally. Unfortunately, we have determined that it is no longer possible for us to provide a service that satisfies our players.
“We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has played the game and supported us to this point. At the same time, we would like to sincerely apologize to our fans and players.”
Despite the shutdown, Season 6 is still set for August 23, and the final season comes out October 25. “We will do our best to ensure that our players can enjoy Gundam Evolution to the fullest till the very end,” Maruyama said.
Sales of Evo Coins, the premium currency, halt on July 26. Any players have left can still be used up until Gundam Evolution goes dark in November. Bandai Namco said it will not issue refunds on previously purchased coins or items.
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.
Project Winter was a snowbound social deduction multiplayer game that had you questioning and/or betraying your friends to hilarious effect. Developers Other Ocean Interactive are now taking that hidden roles formula and chucking some zombies into the mix with the newly announced The Walking Dead: Betrayal. Its reveal trailer sums up the survival and betrayal tug-of-war quite nicely. Though the heartbroken screams of “NOO NOO” arguably steal the show. Take a first look at the backstabbing below.
For some time now we’ve been considering how best to integrate meaningful and consistent accessibility information for the games we cover on Nintendo Life and across the Hookshot network. Today we’re pleased to announce that we’ve partnered with Family Gaming to bring in-depth accessibility information to readers via our reviews and game pages on Nintendo Life and its sister sites, Push Square and Pure Xbox.
As you may have already spotted in our Pikmin 4 review, both the review itself and the corresponding game page now display accessibility information integrated from the Family Gaming Database API. Covering a wide range of software across platforms, the database currently has just under 1,400 assessed games and counting.
Blizzard will address the backlash to Diablo 4’s latest patch in a livestream set for this Friday, July 21.
Game director Joe Shely, associate game director Joseph Piepiora, and associate director of community Adam Fletcher host the Campfire Chat livestream on July 21 at 11am PDT.
In a tweet (below), Fletcher said the Campfire Chat will address this “feedback”.
“We have been hearing feedback from players regarding some of the changes in 1.1.0 for Diablo 4,” Fletcher said. “We are going to have a Campfire Chat later this week on Friday to talk more about it. We will have more details/timing in the next day. Thanks again for the feedback!”
We have been hearing feedback from players regarding some of the changes in 1.1.0 for #DiabloIV.
We are going to have a Campfire Chat later this week on Friday to talk more about it.
We will have more details/timing in the next day. Thanks again for the feedback!
Blizzard has already issued a hotfix for Diablo 4 that sorts issues caused by the patch. This addresses the reduced drop rate of Aberrant Cinders in Helltide, which was lower than intended, and re-enables the Hatred’s Chosen buff.
Fletcher also confirmed Blizzard intends to remove the level requirement for World Tier 3 (40) and 4 (60) that were stealth introduced with this week’s patch.
We will be removing the level requirement for World Tier 3 & 4.
Diablo 4 players hope Blizzard rolls back a number of the controversial changes made by the patch, but in the meantime Season 1, dubbed Season of the Malignant, kicks off tonight, July 20.
Despite various issues, Diablo 4 enjoyed an enormous launch that saw over 10 million people play in June. Diablo 4 is Blizzard’s fastest-selling game of all time, and has fuelled record revenue and profits for the company. If you’re still playing, check out our interactive Diablo 4 map to start tracking your progress as you play.
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.
