Publisher Hyper Real has revealed Telebbit, an intriguing 2D platformer that utilises teleportation as its main gameplay hook.
Launching on the Switch eShop on 24th October 2024 and developed by IKINAGAMES, it’s currently giving off heavy Celeste vibes, albeit with a more cyberpunk-esque aesthetic with a hefty dollop of attitude. Heck, it looks like it’s even got bits of fruit floating around the stages that require collection.
Since it exploded onto the scene with its stunning debut trailer in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has had an air of something different about it. At first glance, the gameplay is reminiscent of other action role-playing games, but its monkey protagonist, visual fidelity and wide variety of enemies have continued to excite players eager to explore the rich fantasy world inspired by the classical Chinese novel, Journey to the West. As the game prepares to launch on PS5 and PC on August 20th here’s a few things we’ve noticed that set Black Myth: Wukong apart from other games in the genre.
Respec and Retry
Many players have already identified the similarities between Black Myth: Wukong and other action RPGs, and in some cases the comparisons are apt. Black Myth: Wukong is designed to be challenging, and its gauntlet of big bosses with even bigger health bars will keep you on your toes. But with every unsuccessful attempt at besting your foe, you have the option to take a new direction.
As the Destined One defeats enemies throughout the world and accrues experience, they level up and gain Sparks which are used in the Self-Advance skill tree to awaken more abilities and spells. What makes Black Myth: Wukong different however is the ability at any point to visit a Keeper’s Shrine (the game’s equivalent of a bonfire or checkpoint) and ‘Reignite the Sparks’, returning all the spent Sparks to you, ready to reallocate.
If one particular boss is a problem for the primate protagonist, take the opportunity to explore new combat options and tailor your abilities to the fight at hand. Not only does this mean you have a wider range of options in combat, but it also means you’re never locked in to one type of playstyle as you’re free to shake it up whenever you want.
Put a Spell on You
Throughout your adventure as the staff-wielding and spell-casting simian you’ll encounter a wide variety of enemies, known as Yaoguais, who are diverse in their designs and their attacks. To counter the threat they pose, the Destined One has a number of abilities to invest in, from unlocking Staff Stances that switch up heavy attacks, to spells that can be used to control the battlefield.
The spells themselves are derived from Chinese mythology, and are designed to complement that game’s proactive and nimble combat. Immobilize is a control spell that freezes enemies, and even bosses, in place, interrupting their attacks and opening them up to attacks of your own. Cloud Step is a mobility spell that leaves a decoy of the Destined One behind while they turn invisible, so you can reposition and unleash a powerful attack from thin air. Then there are the transformations which turn you into monsters you have defeated along your journey.
Unlike other action RPGs where the pressure is high but options are limited, Black Myth: Wukong encourages players to cycle through all the abilities on offer and take the fight to enemies. With only dodging available to avoid attacks, playing offensively and utilizing spells as part of a combat strategy is key to succeeding against these formidable foes.
Transformations
One of the most fascinating aspects of Black Myth: Wukong is the protagonist’s ability to transform into monsters, taking on their abilities and using them against enemies. These transformations are inspired by the original classical Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and happen in two ways. In the first instance, defeating certain enemy bosses and taking their weapon grants a transformation spell that is used to morph into them, so you can embody their look and abilities.
The second form of transformation is done with Spirit Skills. After building up enough Qi during combat, unleash the powerful signature ability of a Yaoguai. To unlock more Spirit Skills, defeat challenging monsters and absorb their left-behind spirits–similar to Sparks, the spirits of Yaoguais can be cultivated and swapped out at Keeper’s Shrines.
With a unique mythological Chinese setting, fluid animations and varied combat options, Black Myth: Wukong is looking to make its own mark on the action RPG genre, and you can experience it soon when it launches on PS5 and PC on August 20th.
Any gags I could make about an update that lets Total War: Warhammer 3’s dawi play tall are far too obvious for the discerning comedic palette that brought you such bangers as that time I just wrote “(penis)” a bunch so the Overkill’s Walking Dead page wouldn’t quote me out of context, so let’s just dive right in to the details. The strategy game’s 5.2 update is on the horizon, and tagging along with it are the first of the “extra bits” the team teased in June. I’m very excited about them. They sit somewhere between the usual patch fare of stat tweaks and errata, and the weightier faction facelifts that come alongside paid DLC. They’re also focused right where Immortal Empires needs them the most: depth, rather than width. In the dawi’s case, quite literally.
For years, our PC storage has wobbled and buckled beneath the tyranny of gigantic Call Of Duty installs. Like 13th century peasants straining to convey huge, teetering loads of freshly quarried LMGs, our SSDs cry out for justice. Perhaps scenting imminent rebellion and a mass audience desertion to low-poly shooters with more civilised file sizes, Activision have relented. Future installations of the much-padded FPS will be “smaller and more customised”, though in a last cruel stroke of villainy, they want you to download a large update to prepare the ground.
We already knew Epic Games plans to release its digital storefront on mobile devices via the iOS App Store and Android’s Google Play later this year. Months after the initial announcement, the prolific game and technology company announced today that the Epic Games Store is now available for iOS and Android devices.
In a press release, Epic confirmed that the Epic Games Store is available to download on Android devices worldwide, in addition to iPhones, but only for Apple smartphone owners based in the EU. Epic also provided steps to install the Epic Game Store on mobile devices, citing that the process is long “due to Apple and Google introducing intentionally poor-quality install experiences” plagued with complex settings, lengthy steps, and “scare screens.”
As Epic previously confirmed during the State of Unreal earlier this year, the mobile version of the Epic Games Store (EGS), the digital storefront, is poised to become the “first-ever game-focused, multi-platform store,” expanding its reach onto Android and iOS, alongside its already available apps on macOS and PC. Like the computer app and desktop version, mobile developers benefit “from the same fair terms,” with an 88/12 split revenue share, among other incentives.
Fortnite is back on mobile devices
Beyond the release of the mobile version of the Epic Games Store, the company also revealed today that Fortnite is officially back on mobile devices through the company’s digital storefront. In addition to launching on the Epic Games Store mobile version, EU Android and iOS owners can access Fortnite through the AltStore, a third-party digital storefront available thanks to the DMA.
This marks the first time Fortnite has been available natively on mobile devices after Apple and Google pulled the free-to-play battle royale app from the App Store and Google Play in 2020. Previously, if you wanted to play Fortnite on mobile devices after its removal, you could only play it via two cloud gaming services: Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Alongside Fortnite, Epic confirmed that Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe are also available to download on Android devices worldwide and EU iPhones via the mobile version of EGS and the EU’s AltStore. This is the first time Fall Guys has been made available on mobile devices, following its initial release in 2020 for PS4 and Windows and subsequent ports for PS5, Switch, and Xbox in 2022.
“The tide is turning, and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition. We are grateful to the European Commission for making it possible to launch the Epic Games Store and offer our games to iOS users in the European Union,” Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney wrote in a press release. “Now, European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, as they’ve always been able to do on open platforms like PC and Mac. The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice.”
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
The free-to-play battle royale Fortnite today launches Chapter 5 of Season 4: Absolute Doom. It’s another crossover with the Marvel universe.
In this new chapter, you’ll see all sorts of familar faces (and some even have a unique spin – like a banana with claws) as you face off against Doctor Doom and co. Here’s the official description, along with a look in the trailer above:
Marvel’s diabolical despot Doctor Doom has seized a foothold on the Battle Royale Island after obtaining the devastating power of Pandora’s Box. Whatever it takes, Doctor Doom and his army of loyal henchmen must be defeated! JoinMarvel HeroesGwenpool, the Wakandan royal Shuri, and War Machine to defend against Doctor Doom’s legions in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 5 Season 4: Absolute Doom available today!
Battle against Doom’s domain
Take on Doctor Doom’s domains, and the legions guarding them, in new POIs stationed around the map.
Castle Doom emerges
Castle Doom casts dark shadows over the island, with its forge burning hotter as Doctor Doom’s empowered armor inches closer to completion. Time is of the essence, Heroes.
Battle at The Raft
Doctor Doom has summoned The Raft to the Island, in a bid to recruit like-minded allies amongst a prison of extraterrestrial threats and supervillains.
Explore Doomstadt
Doctor Doom governs over the Latverian village of Doomstadt from his castle on high, surveilling all within his dominion.
Doctor Doom’s henchmen have begun excavating the Island in search of artifacts. When downed, they can be persuaded to change their minds and fight alongside you. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Suit up, Heroes
Our heroes brought a whole lot of firepower to stop Doctor Doom’s assault.
Gauntlets vs Shield
Rain havoc from the palms of your hands with Doom’s Arcane Gauntlets, back and better than ever. A suitable counter is charging into battle with Captain America’s Shield, now unvaulted and updated with new capabilities.
Grab the Dual Micro SMGs
Embrace the spray to make quick work of foes with the Dual Micro SMGs, which comes in a potent pink Mythic version after a rendezvous with Gwenpool. Two guns are definitely better than one.
Equip War Machine’s Arsenal, Auto Turret & Hover Jets
Discover the latest in human-platform weapon systems. Unleash a hailstorm of bullets and rockets at your enemies with War Machine’s Arsenal, shoulder-mount War Machine’s Auto Turret for supporting fire, and turn the tide of battle from above with War Machine’s Hover Jets.
Stock up on firepower and Medallions
Your rivals best prepare for their… doom. Hit them with pinpoint precision by taking aim with the Monarch Pistol. Track down and eliminate the Doombot in the Castle Doom throne room to get your hands on the Mythic version. Be sure to also grab the Siphon Medallion, which grants health and Shield Siphon from eliminating opponents.
Thaw out the Striker Burst
The Striker Burst Rifle returns in moddable form. Recapture the Raft prison and claim victory over the pristine Emma Frost to earn the Mythic version and her Reveal Medallion. This Medallion occasionally reveals the location of nearby enemies!
Blast-away Shotgun
Also surgical when aiming down sight is the Sovereign Shotgun,a trusty boomstick for themid-range fight. Defeating Mysterio in Doomstadt will reward you the Mythic version and his Stealth Medallion, which gives temporary invisibility while crouched.
Carry-over weapons cache
Several weapons have been unvaulted for Absolute Doom. The Striker Burst Rifle, Shockwave Grenade, and more are at your disposal.
Jump into the action with the Absolute Doom Battle Pass
Earn XP across Fortnite Battle Royale, creator-made islands, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival to unlock rewards in the Absolute Doom Battle Pass, available for 950 V-Bucks. You can earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks back by leveling it up, as well as some pretty super Outfits:
Gwenpool (unlocked right away!): “I played the Galactus Event. That makes me an Avenger, right?”
War Machine: Ace pilot, military veteran, and trusted armored ally of Tony Stark.
Peelverine: Nanamantium-infused skeleton with a ripen-eration mutant ability.
Emma Frost: A devious and brilliant mutant psychic with an unbreakable will.
Captain Jonesy: Take up the shield of justice.
Mysterio: An inventive supervillain with illusions of grandeur.
Shuri: The genius Princess of Wakanda and current Black Panther.
Doom’s Outfit will be earnable from Battle Pass Quests starting in September, where you can take up the mantle of the mad Doctor himself. The Absolute Doom Battle Pass will be available to progress in until November 1 at 11PM PT / November 2 @ 2 AM ET.
Last month, NetherRealm Studios announced Mortal Kombat 1 would be moving onto the second year of the game. As part of this, it will be getting a new story expansion ‘Khaos Reigns’ – including new story chapters and Kombat Pack 2.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered mod H2M, which sought to revive Modern Warfare 2 (2009) multiplayer on PC, has been canceled on the eve of its launch after its developers said they received a cease and desist letter from Activision.
The mod team’s official X/Twitter account broke the news today, letting players know that they are bringing their work to a halt after receiving the letter today. The date of the cease and desists arrival almost exactly coincides with H2M’s August 16 release date, which was announced last Friday. Its X account’s biography now only says “SHUTDOWN.”
“Today, our team members received a Cease & Desist order on behalf of Activision Publishing in relation to the H2M-Mod project,” the team’s last post says. “We are complying with this order and shutting down all operations immediately and permanently.”
The H2M team’s posts date as far back as July 2023 when they announced the project, noting that they had already been working on a Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer remastered mod for a while. At the time, the team said, “If Activision won’t do what the fans want, we the community will.” Although the Call of Duty publisher did remaster the original Modern Warfare 2 campaign and release it in 2020, it never went as far as to remaster its multiplayer component.
H2M aimed to fill the hole with not only upgraded visuals for maps, weapons, and characters fans have loved for more than a decade but also new content, too. It meant new gun camos and animations as well as a crate of new maps based on iconic Call of Duty locations and more. This blend of old and new driven from the perspective of fans had players excited enough to drive sales of Modern Warfare Remastered seeing as the game was needed to play H2M. According to SteamDB, the 2017 title saw a sharp increase in player count in the last few weeks and even managed to climb Steam’s top selling list (via PC Gamer).
Now, however, Modern Warfare Remastered’s recent Steam reviews read “Mostly Negative,” with many recent comments from players calling for Activision to reverse their cease and desist request. Call of Duty fans in general have taken to social media to express their sadness at H2M’s demise, with some prominent content creators asking for Activision to reconsider, too.
We are begging that you guys reconsider this decision @Activision. To be clear we have zero involvement in this project outside of being massive fans. We were excited to produce an ILLCAMS on the H2 mod. Their team made it a requirement to purchase the original MW2 Remastered… https://t.co/M2hbKvYOE0
A few developers behind H2M have also posted their thoughts online, including X user @TheWatchfulWolf and @alstr_. The former posted an apology and then teased that the H2M will now set out to create its own project, saying, “Fine. We’ll just make our own unique game.”
“Genuinely heartbroken,” @alstr_ said. “Over a year of work from a dedicated group of people working for FREE to relive a fan favorite Call of Duty. Not a penny earned despite generating THOUSANDS OF SALES FOR ACTIVISON, all to get shut down AFTER PEOPLE SPENT THEIR MONEY. I’m sorry everyone.”
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.