Author: Game Infliction

The Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Is Up for Preorder at Best Buy

Apparently it’s not too late for Nintendo to be releasing new editions of their Switch Lite console. Right now Best Buy is offering preorders of the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition handheld console for $209.99. That’s $10 more than the base price of the stock Switch Lite, but that’s more than justified by the fact that this edition includes a 12 month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The membership alone costs $49 and for most people, Switch Online is well worth the price of admission. Currently only Best Buy has it in stock, unless for whatever reason you prefer to purchase it from an overseas vendor.

Preorder the Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Console

The Switch Lite Hyrule Edition was announced during the June 18 Nintendo Direct alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. We originally saw it available overseas in the UK, but this is the first time we’ve seen a vendor here in the United States offer one up for preorder. This particular edition is adorned in a gold colorway very similar to the Switch OLED Hyrule Edition. It is a gorgeous metallic finish that looks even better than in the photos. Aside from the tiny Triforce logo, the front of the case is free from any busy embellishments. The rear sports a single large embossed Hyrule Crest. It’s all tastefully done and the best looking Switch Lite so far.

Differences between the Switch Lite, Switch and Switch OLED

The Switch Lite’s major draw is that it’s $100 less expensive than the Switch and $150 less than the Switch OLED. It’s compatible with most Nintendo Switch games and it runs off the same hardware, so performance is identical. The three main tradeoffs of the Switch Lite is that (1) the controllers are not detachable, (2) the console can’t be docked and played on a TV and (3) the display is smaller (5.5″ vs 6.2″ on Switch and 7″ on Switch OLED). If you were intending to use the Switch solely as a handheld console, you might be better off just getting the Switch Lite. Even though the controls aren’t detachable, the Switch Lite does support wireless Bluetooth, so you can always purchase another pair of Joy-Cons, a Switch Pro controller, or a compatible third party wireless Switch controller, and you can still play untethered.

12 months of Switch Online membership Are Included

The bundle includes a 12 month Switch Online membership. You will absolutely need this if you plan on accessing the online portions of your favorite games. That includes being able to play online against other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, downloading other people’s creations in Minecraft or Mario Maker 2, or visiting someone else’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Other perks include access to the NES, SNES and Game Boy emulator libraries, which include classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO and Donkey Kong Country. You’ll even be able to play these games offline for up to seven days after you last logged into your Nintendo Switch Online account. Members also get access to exclusive deals and offers at the eShop, cloud saving, and access to the NSO mobile app.

You also get the Switch Online Expansion Pack

Here’s a rundown of what’s included with the bonus expansion pack:

  • Classic Nintendo 64 games
  • Classic Game Boy Advance games
  • Classic SEGA Genesis games
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course pass
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise access
  • Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion access

Looking for more Switch Lite deals? This Switch Lite bundle includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons for only $159. You better hurry, because it expires tonight.

Switch Is Now Nintendo’s Longest-Serving Flagship Home Console

The Famicom’s crown has been taken.

The Switch is now Nintendo’s longest-serving home console – with some caveats to consider.

This revelation comes thanks to peerless research from our friends over at VGC, who have determined that the Switch has surpassed the Famicom in terms of time on the market before the arrival of a successor.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox

Brace yourself for a bloody crusade. Deathbound launches worldwide on August 8th on Xbox Series X|S! Wishlist Deathbound today and craft unbreakable synergy within the brutal world of Zieminal.

Deathbound is all about the party system, massive combo attacks, and a great story, all set in a unique techno-fantasy environment that blends sci-fi and medieval elements to create a dark and immersive atmosphere.

Join us as we explore Deathbound‘s key features that will convince you to take up the fight in the Forbidden City.

Deahtbound screenshot

The Essence

Acquire the skills, memories, and identities of fallen warriors from across Akratya. Merge their unique personalities and combat styles, switching between them effortlessly.

Party System

The essences you absorb shape your party. Deathbound boasts a comprehensive party system, enabling you to develop a playstyle through talent trees. Seamlessly switch between fallen warriors to utilize their skills and abilities. The alliances they held in life will influence their synergy in death.

Dynamic Morphing

Unleash the combined might of fallen warriors with devastating Morphstrikes. Employ various attack styles to execute powerful combos and finishing moves, crushing all who stand in your way.

Brutal World

Zieminal is a world where a technological past intertwines with a medieval present, housing diverse cultures. The Forbidden City of Akratya awaits your exploration. Navigate a city crumbling under the weight of a grand crusade. With its stark brutalist architecture and fusion of technology, Akratya teeters on the brink of oblivion

Deahtbound screenshot

Unforgiving Monsters and Bosses

Confront ruthless enemies designed to test your limits. Each boss in Deathbound embodies one of the five stages of grief, demanding the full attention of any soul brave enough to face them.

You should be ready now to enter the gates of the Forbidden City of Akratya and face the abominations lurking in its streets. Join the bloody crusade on Xbox on August 8th!


Deathbound
Xbox Live

Deathbound

Tate Multimedia Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★

Get it now

Deathbound is a one-of-a-kind party-based soulslike set in a callous world where Faith and Science clash. The forbidden city of Akratya is an unforgiving land that cannot be conquered alone. Bind with fallen warriors found throughout your crusade and dynamically transform between characters seamlessly in mid-combat with the unique 4-hero party system.

The fallen are individual characters with their own unique skill sets, combat styles, and rich history. By absorbing their essence, you inherit the fiber of their very being. Conflicts and synergies between characters greatly impact gameplay, so relationships must be balanced. Strong synergies may offer combat buffs that can spell disaster for the ruthless boss awaiting your steel and magic.

Throughout combat, you will charge a sync meter shared across all characters. During an opportune moment, dispel your sync meter and unleash a devastating Morphstrike using the combined power of the bound fallen warriors. When faced with a formidable abomination, a precisely executed Morphstrike can be the deciding factor between life and death.

The world of Deathbound has been lovingly crafted and influenced by the developer’s homeland of Brazil, a vibrant culture brimming with life, creativity, rhythm, and a rich history. From the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira to the sweeping music cascading through Akratya, Trialforge’s origins shine throughout every aspect of Deathbound.

The post Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

This Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and Super Mario Party Bundle Expires Before Prime Day

Official Nintendo Switch Joy Cons aren’t discounted very often, but Walmart is bucking that trend. Walmart is offering the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons Bundled with Super Mario Party for only $69. This bundle usually retails for $99, and the cost goes up even more if you were to purchase each item separately. This is part of Walmart’s larger sale that competes with Prime Day. This deal is supposed to expire tonight.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons + Super Mario Party for $69

This bundle includes a pair of Nintendo Joy-Con controllers and the Super Mario Party game. The Nintendo Joy-Con controllers are functionally identical to the ones that came with your Switch console. A nice bonus is that the Joy-Cons are decked out in a colorway that’s exclusive to this bundle; there isn’t any other easy way to secure a pair of Mario Red and Mario Blue controllers.

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch console should be familiar with the Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Cons are unlike any other controller on the market. There are three ways to use them; connected to the Switch console, separated with each Joy-Con as its own controller, and combined into a gamepad with the Joy-Con grip that came with your console. They have a lot of fun features like a built-in accelerometer, gyro sensor, independent motion controls,. HD rumble, and NFC touchpoint for amiibo compatibility. Most 3rd party controllers don’t support amiibos at all.

The included Super Mario Party game is the definitive party choice for the Nintendo Switch, with up to 80 mini games that take full advantage of the quirky tech of the Switch controllers to keep things feeling fresh. The game supports up to four players, and in most cases a single Joy-Con controller is needed for each player. That means, alongside your original Joy-Con controllers, this bundle is all you need to max out the player count in Super Mario Party.

Other Nintendo Switch related sales and news that might interest you:

Planet Coaster 2 Announced: New Trailer Reveals Water Park Attractions and Fall 2024 Launch Window

Frontier Developments has announced Planet Coaster 2, a sequel to its 2016 theme park-building simulator, with a release window of autumn 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.

Frontier announced the news with a reveal trailer highlighting pre-alpha engine footage of some of the new water park attractions. The video shows off a pool area for attendees to float around in as well as a steep, stomach-churning waterslide, but the team also promises other features, including lazy rivers, wave pools, water coasters, changing rooms, sunbeds, lifeguards, and more.

“Building upon its highly successful predecessor, Planet Coaster 2 gives players the ability to push the boundaries of creativity like never before,” Frontier explains. “Be inspired by spectacular real-world parks and create vibrant guest plazas with enhanced building and pathing tools. Intuitive piece-by-piece building tools and mesmerising new themes make it simple for players to elevate their park building to the next level.”

Planet Coaster 2 aims to enhance the experience players remember from the series’ last outing, so while new watery tools will freshen up the theme-park management gameplay, some fan-favorite rides will return, too. Other new tools include animatronics, smoke, water jets, and unique sounds to ensure guests stay happy.

Frontier also promises three game modes to enjoy: Career mode, Franchise mode, and Sandbox mode. Career sees players completing specific scenarios, while franchise challenges players to build out a worldwide park network. Sandbox, meanwhile, lets thrill-seekers design parks to their heart’s content.

Finally, Frontier says playing with friends will be “easier than ever” in Planet Coaster 2. That’s thanks to the ability to visit friends’ parks and compete in Franchise mode leaderboards. Even Sandbox mode includes the option to jump into shared levels, allowing for cooperative building across platforms.

Frontier plans to reveal further details in Frontier Unlocked livestreams, which are set to premiere on the last Wednesday of every month. We enjoyed Planet Coaster upon its launch in 2016, giving it an 8.5/10 in our review. At the time, we said, “Planet Coaster is a wild ride of delightfully customizable roller coaster theme parks and light economics.”

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.

Anger Foot review: Two kicks forward, one kick back

You ever do that thing on a fairground ride or rollercoaster where you sort of pull your neck and face back in preparation for extreme motion? Welcome to kick-exalting FPS Anger Foot. Violence is brutal and cartoonish. Slight mistakes kill you instantly. The soundtrack slaps. There’s an easy Devolver labelmate orientation point here, but if Hotline Miami was a cocktail of chemical euphoria and gut guilt, like realising you’ve accidentally pocketed someone’s lighter at a festival, Anger Foot is doing whippits out of balloon animals then having a great time rhythmically headbutting a portaloo for a few hours. Similarly, it’s also a bit of a masochistic ordeal to put yourself through. But, man. What a buzz.

Read more

Talking Point: The Switch eShop Could Be Great With These Few Tweaks

Get with the times.

If you head onto the Switch eShop now, chances are you probably won’t have a good time. Unless you go into it knowing what you want to buy ahead of time, the significant slowdown and copious shovelware making up the majority of the ‘Recent Releases’ section will likely be enough to scare you off long before you discover anything worth purchasing.

There are a lot of games on the eShop in 2024; far more than we’re comfortable with, frankly. It might be difficult to imagine now, but when the Switch launched in 2017 with little more than Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Fast RMX, Snipperclips, 1-2 Switch, and a handful of other software titles, the eShop actually ran pretty smoothly. This, coupled with its simplistic design, actually made the user experience reasonably pleasant. Sure, it might have lacked the personality of the Wii U and 3DS eShops, but it worked, and that’s really all that matters.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown

Monster Jam: Showdown Screenshot

How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown

Summary

  • Learn how the team at Milestone blends off-road arcade racing with iconic Monster Jam trucks for Monster Jam Showdown.
  • Iconic racing locations include Death Valley, Colorado, and Alaska featuring a variety of original modes where things will get bigger and even more extreme.
  • Monster Jam Showdown will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as of August 29, 2024, with Early Access available from August 26, 2024. Digital pre-order opens today on the Xbox Store.

When I got the news that we were going to develop a game about Monster Jam trucks, I was filled with a mix of emotions — I was both excited and a bit lost. This would be my first title as Game Director but also Milestone’s first project with these kinds of vehicles. I was already aware Monster Jam had a huge and passionate fanbase all over the world, and all the elements were there for us embark on a unique and interesting journey.

The word ‘unique’ is intrinsically linked to the Monster Jam world. We’re talking about 10.5-feet-tall, 12.5-feet-wide, and 17-feet-long trucks that weigh 12,000 pounds and generate 1,500 horsepower. Only a few people in the world get the chance to get behind the wheel of such giants, and this was the first big challenge we had to face. When you develop a racing game with bikes or cars, at least you have an initial idea of the feelings you want convey. With Monster Jam trucks, you don’t have the starting base that you need to identify key elements for a successful gameplay.

Monster Jam: Showdown Screenshot

The team and myself took a flight to Sweden to watch in-person my first Monster Jam event — this was probably the wisest decision I could have made. What quickly captured my attention was the sense of massive power that those behemoths convey, which immediately became the core of Monster Jam Showdown gameplay. The handling we developed will deliver all the key elements of driving a Monster Jam truck, but at the same time, we tailored the gaming experience to suit everybody’s needs, making the game as enjoyable as possible from the very first races.

In this regard, the work we did on the suspensions was fundamental, as these are one of the most crucial mechanical elements of a Monster Jam truck, and the reason why most of the maneuvers we see are possible. Importantly, we also added both a single-steering option, which controls the front and rear wheels at the same time from one stick, and a double steering option. The double-steering option allows you to control the front and rear wheels separately with both sticks, which mimics the set-up in a real Monster Jam truck.

Monster Jam: Showdown Screenshot

However, this was not the biggest learning I took back with me to Italy. The whole atmosphere of the event and the general feeling of “being part of something” remained stuck in my head, lighting up the final spark I was looking for. Monster Jam Showdown would not just be a racing game with trucks, but would offer players a one-of-a-kind gaming experience, mirroring the real-life events. This became our mission, and we worked hard to offer the same combination of competition and spectacle in the game that you see lives.

On one side, we did that by giving you the opportunity to compete in the most beloved official competitions, such as Freestyle and Racing. On the other side, we put a lot of effort to recreate vehicles and objects destructibility and added some cool arcade elements like boost and combos. The final and probably boldest step was broadening the entertainment beyond official locations and competitions.

Monster Jam: Showdown Screenshot

In Monster Jam Showdown, we give you the chance to drive your favorite trucks in some of the most iconic places on Earth. The barren desert of Death Valley, the stunning forests and crystal rivers of Colorado, and the wintry, wild mountains of Alaska will host a bunch of original game modes where things will get bigger, and even more extreme. Here, our design team crafted dramatic tracks that will immerse you into unprecedented scenarios, allowing you to race side-by-side with the other trucks looking for the smartest shortcut to gain the first position or even to fly over the opponents, leveraging the verticality of the layouts. This is something that will also help when performing the most difficult stunts in the open-air arenas hosting Freestyle events within those three original environments.

Learning about the Monster Jam world has been an exciting journey for us, and we combined such discovery with Milestone’s expertise in racing games to create a diverse arcade package where fans will become the protagonists of the most action-packed motorsports event on four wheels.

Monster Jam Showdown will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as of August 29, 2024, with Early Access available from August 26, 2024. Digital pre-order opens today on the Xbox Store. For more information, please visit MonsterJamVideogame.com.


Monster Jam™ Showdown
Xbox Live

Monster Jam™ Showdown

Milestone S.r.l.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★

$49.99
Pre-order

Wait no more! Pre-order Monster Jam™ Showdown now. In addition to the full game, you’ll get Law & Disorder DLC, including 2 vehicles: Maximum Destruction™ and New Earth Authority Police™!

MASTER THE MOST ICONIC TRUCKS
The excitement of real-life Monster Jam™ events is ready to explode, thanks to the franchise’s most recognizable icons: the trucks. Grave Digger™, El Toro Loco™, Megalodon™ and many others… Drive the hottest rides in Monster Jam™ racing the current fleet, the legendary history-making trucks, and the wildest fictional beasts from the toy universe. Unlock dozens of trucks and collect countless different liveries!

OFF-ROAD ARCADE RACING FUN
Dive into a unique arcade racing experience made of thrilling off-road races and cool tricks. Squeeze your boost to demolish your opponents, then crash, twist, and distress the environment to gain even more power. Whether you’re a hardcore Monster Jam™ fan or an arcade game enthusiast, this title is primed to deliver immediate driving sensations and an accessible dual-steering racing experience.

FREESTYLE WITH STYLE
Balance your truck with the perfect wheelie, eat some dirt doing crisp donuts, or reach the sky performing the greatest big air ever. The bottom line is: get ready to defy gravity in freestyle mode! Launch yourself into insane jumps, flips & stunts, ruling the leaderboards and becoming a trick master!

SHOW WHO’S THE BOSS IN THE SHOWDOWN TOUR
Start your career in the Showdown Tour! A non-linear adventure that will take you racing across various game modes, both in sport venues and wild nature. Beat your opponents and unlock new trucks, liveries, and perks. Who’s the boss now?

RACE THE WILDERNESS
Racing and jumping in stadiums and arenas is cool, but sometimes you just want to go a bit off-track, right? So, get ready to drive through the most spectacular untamed environments. Racing through the Death Valley’s dust, the forests of Colorado and the Alaskan ice. But watch out, Mother Nature is always lurking: sandstorms, thunderstorms and blizzards are going to make things even wilder!

TONS OF GAME MODES
Monster Jam™ Showdown lets you unleash your sickest tricks and your off-road racing skills among several game modes! Play the original events in the official Monster Jam™‘s inspired stadiums, or go beyond reality with stunts and maneuvers that push the boundaries of what’s possible, even for the most skilled driver. Racing on circuits, avoiding crashes on Figure 8 tracks, or surviving Horde races. But also performing in the Best Trick or the Extreme Freestyle mode!
It’s time to master them all: to kick off your career and challenge with your friends, even in split screen mode.


Monster Jam™ Showdown - Big Air Edition
Xbox Live

Monster Jam™ Showdown – Big Air Edition

Milestone S.r.l.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★

$69.99
Pre-order

Feel the adrenaline rush with Monster Jam™ Showdown – Big Air Edition! Pre-order now and get:
– Full game
– Season Pass
– Law & Disorder DLC, including 2 vehicles: Maximum Destruction™ e New Earth Authority Police™
– Odd Couple DLC, including 2 vehicles: Backwards Bob™ e Big Kahuna
– 3 days of early access

MASTER THE MOST ICONIC TRUCKS
The excitement of real-life Monster Jam™ events is ready to explode, thanks to the franchise’s most recognizable icons: the trucks. Grave Digger™, El Toro Loco™, Megalodon™ and many others… Drive the hottest rides in Monster Jam™ racing the current fleet, the legendary history-making trucks, and the wildest fictional beasts from the toy universe. Unlock dozens of trucks and collect countless different liveries!

OFF-ROAD ARCADE RACING FUN
Dive into a unique arcade racing experience made of thrilling off-road races and cool tricks. Squeeze your boost to demolish your opponents, then crash, twist, and distress the environment to gain even more power. Whether you’re a hardcore Monster Jam™ fan or an arcade game enthusiast, this title is primed to deliver immediate driving sensations and an accessible dual-steering racing experience.

FREESTYLE WITH STYLE
Balance your truck with the perfect wheelie, eat some dirt doing crisp donuts, or reach the sky performing the greatest big air ever. The bottom line is: get ready to defy gravity in freestyle mode! Launch yourself into insane jumps, flips & stunts, ruling the leaderboards and becoming a trick master!

SHOW WHO’S THE BOSS IN THE SHOWDOWN TOUR
Start your career in the Showdown Tour! A non-linear adventure that will take you racing across various game modes, both in sport venues and wild nature. Beat your opponents and unlock new trucks, liveries, and perks. Who’s the boss now?

RACE THE WILDERNESS
Racing and jumping in stadiums and arenas is cool, but sometimes you just want to go a bit off-track, right? So, get ready to drive through the most spectacular untamed environments. Racing through the Death Valley’s dust, the forests of Colorado and the Alaskan ice. But watch out, Mother Nature is always lurking: sandstorms, thunderstorms and blizzards are going to make things even wilder!

TONS OF GAME MODES
Monster Jam™ Showdown lets you unleash your sickest tricks and your off-road racing skills among several game modes! Play the original events in the official Monster Jam™‘s inspired stadiums, or go beyond reality with stunts and maneuvers that push the boundaries of what’s possible, even for the most skilled driver. Racing on circuits, avoiding crashes on Figure 8 tracks, or surviving Horde races. But also performing in the Best Trick or the Extreme Freestyle mode!
It’s time to master them all: to kick off your career and challenge with your friends, even in split screen mode.

All content included in Season Pass will be released by February 2025.

The post How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Exhausted Man crawls onto PS5 and PS4 July 25 – full details on movement mechanics

Hello! I’m one of the developers who made Exhausted Man, an absurd sitcom depicting an exhausted life coming to PS5 and PS4 on July 25. In this game, the protagonist can only crawl and does everything while lying down. You can see that in the teaser trailer below.


Exhausted Man crawls onto PS5 and PS4 July 25 – full details on movement mechanics

Today, I want to tell you how I designed such weird characters.

Origin

It all started with a phrase: running out of energy, which became the theme of a respective game jam. I like to participate in such events, as making a game from scratch in 48 hours is a great way to relax.

Based on the theme, I came up with the idea of “people running out of energy” and built a simple character who was slumped on a couch. I posted a screenshot of it and got a lot of likes – not because of my modeling skills, but due to the resonance of exhaustion the character exuded.

I decided to make a game with this exhausted character – so he couldn’t just stay slumped on the couch, he needed to move. We’re all familiar with how our bodies feel when we’re extremely tired, standing up was not an option, so I made him crawl on the floor.

This crawling animation got even more likes. I tested the crawling maneuver on the ground in real life and it hurt all over. But since people liked it, I kept it.

Crawling like a bug

To crawl, especially on walls, humans need to learn from bugs. First, we made a ladybug that can crawl on any surface in a 3D environment.

The character’s head could copy the way the ladybug moves, but there was still a long body behind the head to account for. What bug is like that? Caterpillars. So, we implemented a feature named caterpillar bones, responsible for anchoring the body to the environment based on the head’s position. So, when you see a person crawling in the game, it’s actually based on the inner workings of a crawling caterpillar.

Soft as noodles

For a long time, the character’s body was like a normal person’s, with bendy arms and legs split in two. Although he could only crawl, he was at least somewhat human. Until our artist drew some promo art.

We liked the art so much that we thought it was okay even if it wasn’t so human-like – after all, he’s exhausted, right? So, we broke each bone into small pieces, giving the character’s limbs a noodle-like flexibility. 

Variable energy states

The protagonist needs to complete various events to achieve the goal of the night, and his energy state will change accordingly. For example, eating something raises energy. After eating, the character’s head will shine gold and they’ll gain more speed and strength. On the other hand, when the character fixes a game bug it takes on the opposite effect. The character’s face will become haggard and start to yawn a lot. Yawn bubbles will also knock the character to sleep.

But no matter the energy state of the character, they’ll never stand up! Exhausted Man launches July 25 on PS5 and PS4. Can you help the poor sleepy protagonist make it through the night?