Mullets aren’t just coming back into fashion, they’re everywhere at the moment, adopted largely by lads who love draft beer and The Football. And seemingly by Mullet Mad Jack, the protagonist of a single-player roguelike FPS who would shove draft beers into the skull of a billionaire robot, then shoot him in the gonads. What I’m trying to say is, Mullet Mad Jack is fashionable and no-nonsense, which makes for a great hang if you’d like to burn some aggression once in a while.
Just in time for the first anniversary.
To celebrate the first year anniversary of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo’s Switch Online service has re-released various themed icons.
If you missed this run the first time around, you now have from 20th May 2024 until 27th May 2024 to grab the first wave featuring plenty of familiar faces. The icons as usual are priced at 10 Platinum Points and the borders and backgrounds will set you back 5 Platinum Points.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
“It gets me very excited”.
In case you somehow missed it, a second Super Mario Bros. Movie is coming to cinemas in April 2026 and it likely won’t be the only big screen outing to follow the original film’s release.
Speaking to GamesRadar+, the movie voice of Mario Chris Pratt mentioned how he could see Nintendo and its partners releasing “lots” of films based on the company’s IP over the next decade:
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Hello, Wanderers, or should I say, Authorizers? Welcome back! I’m SKY, the lead designer at Hotta Studio of Perfect World Games, and I’m bursting with excitement to share some thrilling news with you. Tower of Fantasy version 4.0, Gesthos Sector, is on the horizon, slated for release on May 28.
In this upcoming update, we’re introducing an entirely new breathtaking urban-style open world, all infused with futuristic charm and technological wonders. Version 4.0 also brings with it a diverse cast of new companions, each with their own captivating stories and unique abilities.
We have also prepared a series of events. After the version is released, participating in events, you can get up to 188 draws, 1000 Dark Crystals. We look forward to your participation!
After experiencing the adventures of the Domain 9, I believe you are already familiar with Gesthos—the supercomputer nestled within the headquarters of Hykros. Its recent descent into a state of shutdown due to a virus invasion, potentially causing a severe Omnium crisis. To find the virus that threatens the system, you will become an Authorizer, uploading your consciousness into a virtual world calculated by it—the Gesthos Network World.
Picture this: a realm meticulously crafted by Gesthos, mirroring the pre-Cataclysmic era of Aida in all its glory. Here, Omnium technology reigns supreme, orchestrating a thriving technological revolution amidst unparalleled prosperity.
A friendly tip: after the version 4.0 is released, newcomers won’t need to complete the previous chapters, you’re granted direct passage to the latest marvel—the Gesthos Sector!
And your first stop upon arrival is Aesperia.
Behold towering edifices adorned with shimmering holographic billboards, while a symphony of aircraft dances across the azure skies. Embark on an urban trip along gravity rails, bask in tranquil vacations along the sun-kissed shores of Astra…enjoy the seamless fusion of technological marvels and natural splendor. And for those with an appetite for discovery, you can also delve deeper into this world through puzzle-solving gameplay and exploration tasks.
In your quest to resolve the viral threat, you’ll find yourself entangled in the complex power struggles of Aesperia’s factions. But fear not, as new friends stand ready to aid you in your endeavors.
Meet Roslyn, a fresh recruit of the Federation Police. With a blend of dedication and charm, she tirelessly pursues justice while lending a helping hand to those in need. Recently, it seems she has been demoted to a junior officer due to a failed mission.
While designing the character, our focus lies in capturing her serene yet contemplative aura. Picture her engrossed in thought, idly toying with handcuffs—a subtle allure that is sure to captivate hearts effortlessly. Her love for kitty is unmistakable, a trait reflected in her design. Roslyn wields “Calm Waters”, a weapon crafted from her grandfather’s ship anchor. With a frost/volt attribute, it’s a testament to her maritime heritage.
Embracing the ship anchor’s distinctive characteristics, we’ve infused the combat dynamics with interactive intricacies. Designed for mid-range engagements, Calm Waters prioritizes agility and versatility on the battlefield. Therefore, we’ve experimented with allowing Roslyn to throw the ship anchor to generate different striking angles, using acceleration to increase the damage.
In crafting her skills, we leverage the anchor chain, using its dual-ended design to unleash a flurry of attacks. The fluid interplay between the anchor’s bulk and the short blade results in a mesmerizing ballet of chaos —a spectacle of elegance amidst the combat.
And then there’s the enigmatic figure of Ace, the elusive thief who has been the focus of Roslyn’s relentless pursuit. Have you taken note of the baseball bat she wields? Ace named it “Poppin’ Stick”, a powerful attack weapon. Despite her status as a top-tier thief, Ace harbors a genuine desire to uphold fairness and justice through her actions, a paradox that adds depth to her character. In fact, she’s gone so far as to assemble a band of like-minded individuals, forming the renowned phantom thief organization known as “Wednesday”.
But here’s where things get truly interesting. Beyond the surface-level cat-and-mouse chase lies a deepe connection between Ace and Roslyn—a relationship shrouded in secrecy and ripe with untold history.
In addition, following the launch of version 4.0, the incredibly popular simulacrum, Lan, will join the free pick SSR weapon pool!
Upon embarking into version 4.0, you’ll gain access to an exclusive Authorizer’s Terminal—an indispensable tool that not only facilitates seamless exploration of new territories but also enhances the precision of map data. Boasting a myriad of practical features, including SMS communication, an Uber-inspired transportation app, and music playback capabilities, this device is your key to unlocking a world of convenience.
But that’s not all. By seamlessly integrating the world setting with main quests, we’ve also designed a new open-world gameplay. From repairing port tower to tracking down escaped robots and crafting stone sculptures, interactive engagements are scattered across the map, offering Authorizers a wealth of enriching experiences.
However, in this era of technology, be prepared to confront a host of challenges posed by intelligent machines. From the vigilant Patrol Droid to the formidable Formation Point Sphere α: Test Type, each presents a unique threat, demanding careful strategy and skillful navigation from players.
We have also prepared various activities. By participating in sign-ins and version-exclusive events, you can get up to 188 draws, 1000 Dark Crystals. But that’s not all—prepare to be charmed by our latest addition: the free dandelion vehicle, Fluffy. Infused with natural allure, this whimsical mode of transportation promises to elevate your adventures with its enchanting presence.
And let’s not forget the debut of the first-ever dual-seater sports car. With its sleek design, fully automatic cruise, and driving functions, this marvel of engineering promises to redefine exploration in Aesperia. From its captivating aesthetics to its unparalleled performance, it’s poised to become the ultimate choice for discerning Authorizers.
Mark your calendars, as Tower of Fantasy version 4.0 is set to launch on May 28! With an array of exhilarating features awaiting your discovery, we eagerly anticipate embarking on this thrilling new journey together. See you in the latest version!
Rumors that a new Doom game is on the horizon are heating up thanks in part to a new trademark filing (via Eurogamer).
The pending U.S. trademark filed by Microsoft’s ZeniMax Media is for a project called “IDKFA.” Longtime fans of developer id Software will recognize the string of letters as a famous cheat code for the original Doom that grants players access to all in-game weapons and keys with full ammo and armor.
To be clear, it’s possible the trademark isn’t related to a new Doom game, but there are a few reasons to hold out hope that a fresh installment may soon be announced. Microsoft has already revealed plans to hold its major games showcase on June 9, meaning we’ll learn more about upcoming Xbox games in only a few weeks.
Leaked court documents from last year also mentioned a mysterious title known as Doom: Year Zero, though details on what this project could be have yet to be revealed. The Verge’s Tom Warren has also repeatedly teased that a Doom announcement could arrive during the upcoming June showcase. Eurogamer says it has heard similar information.
The last mainline Doom entry arrived in March 2020 with Doom Eternal, which went on to receive two expansions by March 2021. While Microsoft has recently moved to shut down Bethesda’s Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, id Software has remained quiet when it comes to how it might continue its classic FPS franchise.
If a new Doom game is going to be revealed soon, there’s no telling what shape it will take or if it will keep the Doom: Year Zero name that leaked in 2023. Until Microsoft has more to reveal, it’s probably best to take all rumors with a grain of salt.
While we wait to see what id Software is cooking up, you can read our 9/10 Doom Eternal review, where we said “Whether you’re a new Doom fan or a veteran one, Doom Eternal is bound to delight & entertain you. It’s gloriously fun.”
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.
Super Mario 64 players have opened a door that was previously believed to be unopenable, and they did it without cheating.
Detailed by Pannenkoek2012 on YouTube, Discord user Alexpalix1 was able to access the cabin door at the base of Cool, Cool Mountain by using a very specific string of moves and an upset mother penguin (via Tom’s Hardware). Players will likely recognize the location as the same spot where many have dropped a young penguin off of the mountain’s cliff in the Nintendo 64 classic.
The cabin set just to the side of the penguin nest is where you can find Super Mario 64’s unopenable door. It usually serves as an exit for Cool, Cool Mountain’s first stage, Slip Slidin’ Away, awarding players with a Star after they complete the slide and walk through the door. However, Mario is unable to walk back through from the outside, as this half of the door is uniquely missing a doorknob and is blocked by an invisible wall. Anyone who’s played Super Mario 64 has probably tried to walk through the door even if they don’t remember doing it, and now, after 28 years, a solution is here.
Pennenkoek2012’s video walks players through the struggles presented by the legendary door and how Alexpalix1 managed to bypass them. While players have been able to use the mother penguin to make Mario clip through the invisible wall and near the door, they’ve never been able to actually use the door itself to enter the cabin.
Alexpalix1’s new method still guides the penguin up against the cabin, while backflipping in between the blue bird and the building just as others have done before. What they change, though, is Mario’s animation just as he comes into contact with the door’s hitbox. There’s no floor on the other side of the invisible wall that blocks the entrance, and unfortunately for our plumber friend, he needs to be walking when opening a door.
Alexpalix1 tricks the game by turning Mario around just before he falls, allowing him to briefly walk in midair long enough to use the door. The player can levitate for one frame when triggering Mario’s turn-around animation, so even though Mario continues to fall through the floor, the door opens and sends Mario back inside the cabin. Voila!
Players have finally solved a mystery they were never intended to solve after nearly 30 years of work. Unfortunately, it looks like there isn’t really a good reason for anyone to try and replicate Alexpalix1’s strategy. Entering the cabin from the outside does not benefit the player in any way other than providing an alternate entrance to the bottom of the ice slide. As Pannenkoek2012 notes, the doesn’t seem to have any use as a speed-running strategy either, as it’s still quite a bit slower than simply taking the slide down from the top.
For more on Super Mario 64’s endless mysteries, make sure you check out some previously long-lost footage that seems to reveal that Luigi was almost included in the game.
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.
THIEF.
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they’ve been chewing over. Today, Kate discusses one of Mario’s criminal — and criminally underrated — pals…
Sometimes I suspect that, in another life before this one, I was a thief. In this life, I’m a relatively boring, mostly law-abiding person – albeit one who’s occasionally tempted to ‘accidentally’ put in expensive produce as something cheaper when I’m at the self-checkout, AKA God’s little test – but when a game gives me the chance to be light-fingered, I go all in.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Elden Ring developer FromSoftware has unveiled a new Bloodborne-like enemy that is set to appear in next month’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and fans are already talking about how it will terrorize fellow Tarnished.
The studio pulled back the curtain on its latest nightmare on X/Twitter today. An image of the currently unnamed creature reveals a cloaked, cane-wielding being with a glowing head. The Bloodborne comparisons come from its tentacle-like face, giving the enemy an almost Lovecraftian flair.
The abandoned and tragic who forage beneath the umbra pray for the embrace of a new master.
Pre-order #ELDENRING Shadow of the Ertree: https://t.co/ivdzDMJRKZ pic.twitter.com/VffO2K90Zq— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) May 13, 2024
“The abandoned and tragic who forage beneath the umbra pray for the embrace of a new master,” FromSoftware’s post says.
Fans were quick to compare the creature to Bloodborne enemies like Winter Lanterns and Garden of Eyes, which both feature large, eye-covered heads and cloaked torsos. Even the image’s grim setting calls back to FromSoftware’s PlayStation 4 exclusive game, signaling to Elden Ring players that Shadow of the Erdtree will, of course, provide yet another challenging and gruesome experience.
Flashbacks… pic.twitter.com/ij9sJwMxQK
— Ziostorm (@Ziostorm1) May 13, 2024
I’d say they look more like the garden of eyes. pic.twitter.com/ozSQ9OraPd
— TBartels (@TBartels1) May 13, 2024
While it’s nice to see an enemy that calls back to Bloodborne, most fans are hoping this new nameless being isn’t quite as tough to deal with as something like the Winter Lanterns. Those enemies notoriously built up an annoying status effect known as Frenzy just by being near the player. There’s also the location that the new enemy resides in, which looks suspiciously swamp-like and may or may not be poisonous.
That thing will spam status effect, i just know it.
— MarzTheBanished (@martkillswitch2) May 13, 2024
Please don’t be a winter lantern Please don’t be a winter lantern Please don’t be a winter lantern
Please don’t be a winter lantern Please don’t be a winter lantern Please don’t be a winter lantern— Karna (@karna2666) May 13, 2024
Hears humming* pic.twitter.com/dXapnkMg52
— TheColeBrew (@TheColeBrewTv) May 13, 2024
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was announced in February and has a PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X | S release date of June 21, 2024. In typical FromSoftware fashion, we don’t know much about how the DLC will build upon Elden Rings already great foundation. However, you can read some of what we do know here.
For more on Elden Ring, you can read our 10/10 review. We called the open-world action RPG a “masterpiece” upon its release in 2022, saying, “Elden Ring is a massive iteration on what FromSoftware began with the Souls series, bringing its relentlessly challenging combat to an incredible open world that gives us the freedom to choose our own path.”
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.
Almost 14 years to the day after Rockstar’s cowboy epic Red Dead Redemption released on consoles, and coming up on five years after its sequel beat it to PC, it looks like the original Red Dead might finally get a PC release.
In 2022, fans of the 1990s adventure series Monkey Island finally got another game with Return to Monkey Island, which notably marked creator Ron Gilbert’s first time directing a Monkey Island project in 30 years. Now, it looks like Gilbert has another project up his sleeve that’s due out just two (or maybe three) years later.
As pointed out by Time Extension, Gilbert has been sharing progress on an untitled RPG that’s described as “classic Zelda meets Diablo meets Thimbleweed Park,” according to studio Terrible Toybox’s website.
Screenshots of the game shared on Gilbert’s Mastodon account show off a top-down pixel art style reminiscent of classic Zelda titles, flaunting a few quaint houses in a woodsy area as well as some classic dungeons, spooky forests, and a cemetery full of skeletons.
Earlier this week, Gilbert also announced that Elissa Black is joining the team as a quest designer. “This ups the chance by 37% that I’ll finish the game before becoming bored and disillusioned,” his post reads.
According to publisher Terrible Toybox’s website, the untitled game will be released in “late 2024 (or maybe early 2025, this is gamedev after all).”
IGN gave Return to Monkey Island a 9 in our review, saying Gilbert’s return to directing a Monkey Island game “meant a lot to me before I ever clicked to start a New Game, and it meant far more after the end credits rolled.” We also crowned it as the best puzzle game of 2022, and it finally made its way to mobile last summer.
Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they’ve contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun, and they’re currently developing a game called Garage Sale. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.
