From its debut in 1997, developer Rare and the terrifying digital avatar of Pierce Brosnan ruled over the console shooter space with the Nintendo 64 tie-in of a then-two-year-old Bond movie, GoldenEye 007. Not only did it justify the genre on consoles while proving that movie games didn’t have to suck, it became one of the defining multiplayer experiences of its generation.
Beyond Good & Evil 2 is considered vaporware by many fans after an incredible 16 years since it was announced back in 2008. Despite Ubisoft’s many vague references to it being still alive, no video game has materialized thus far.
But this week’s announcement of Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition has sparked renewed hope that Beyond Good & Evil 2 is real and may even be re-revealed sooner rather than later. This remaster includes a brand new mission in which players can discover mode about Jade’s past and collective exclusive cosmetic rewards.
Crucially, Ubisoft included a note to press that this new mission “also reveals more about the narrative link to Beyond Good & Evil 2, showing Ubisoft’s enduring commitment to the franchise.”
That line strongly suggests Beyond Good & Evil 2 is not just still alive but closer than ever to launch. The question of course will be what form the game takes, given how many times development has stopped and started over the years. At E3 2017, Ubisoft revealed what looked like an incredibly ambitious project, promising a multi-planet world populated by dynamically-generated characters.
In the meantime, Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition launches June 25 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna and PC through the Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store and Steam, with a physical version courtest of Limited Run Games out July 12. It features the aforementioned new mission, an anniversary gallery, a re-orchestrated soundtrack, support of up to 60FPS, and other “exclusive new content.”
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.
PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant – yeah, let’s circle back to the title – is described in the first sentence of its Steam bio as a “cozy” game. I entertain suspicions of cozy or cosy games, inasmuch as they are increasingly framed as a kind of antidepressant in the face of a darkening world, but that’s OK, because the remaining 17 words in the sentence are: “Operate your planetary defense cannon to fend off an interplanetary invasion from the comfort of your [cozy] bunker.”
Minecraft developer Mojang has released a native PlayStation 5 version in preview form, bringing the game in-line with the Xbox Series X and S version.
The PS5 version adds native 4K resolution support and higher settings for render distances and anti-aliasing, settings already available in Minecraft on Xbox Series X and S. Unfortunately, there’s no word on the addition of ray tracing to either the Xbox Series X or PS5 versions, despite Microsoft teasing the tech years ago.
The first preview of the native PS5 version of Minecraft is available now for testing. If you own the PlayStation 4 version for your PS5, you can test this early version by heading to Settings and then Preview within the game. This preview includes the new Tricky Trials update, but multiplayer is only possible between other players on PlayStation 4 and 5. The exception to this is playing the preview on Realms, which allows you to cross-play with players on other devices. This preview version does not have access to the Minecraft Store.
Explaining the decision to release a native PS5 version in a blog post, Mojang said “we’ll be able to make the game run more effectively on the PS5’s hardware.”
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time with an incredible 300 million copies sold since its early access release in 2009. 15 years later, Microsoft and Mojang have so far resisted the urge to release a sequel, and with good reason — in March last year Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Minecraft had 120 million monthly players.
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.
Back in 2018, the original Crash Bandicoot collection arrived on the Nintendo Switch in the form of the N. Sane Trilogy. It seems many years on, we’ve now got a sales update for the global sales across all platforms including the Switch, and the game has now topped 20 million units globally.
The official social account for Crash issued a message to fans thanking everyone for this “memorable milestone”. It’s also resulted in multiple fans requesting even more revivals and new entries in the Crash Bandicoot series. Most recently, Crash fans got the fourth major title ‘It’s About Time‘ in 2020/21.
Red Hook Studios this week confirmed Darkest Dungeon II would be making the journey across to the Switch this July, and if you’ve still not played the first game and happen to be an NSO subscriber, now is your chance.
Nintendo is currently offering Switch Online members a free trial of the first Darkest Dungeon game from now until 26th June 2024. This latest game trial is available to subscribers in North America and when you boot up the game you’ll receive 100 Platinum Points. There’s also a sale on the game until the same date, offering 70% off the standard edition and 75% off the Ancestral Edition.
It’s been an incredibly exciting week for Nintendo, with this week’s Direct broadcast giving Metroid fans a first look at the fourth entry in the Metroid Prime series. It’s also a bit of a relief to finally see this game in action after an incredibly lengthy development cycle, including a restart.
Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki is interested in developing a more traditional Japanese RPG, but if such a project does come to be, don’t expect it to be based on a select few past FromSoftware games.
The Dark Souls creator spoke about his desire to explore new gameplay styles during an interview with Rolling Stone. He explains he isn’t interested in leaving his own mark on many previous FromSoftware IP because series like Kings Field and Enchanted Arms are too connected to the work of other developers.
“I think a lot of these games are so intertwined with the directors who almost invented that style of game,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s a scenario where I myself would make a King’s Field. The same can be said about Otogi and Enchanted Arms.
Miyazaki continued: “I don’t think there’s a scenario where I myself would make a King’s Field. The same can be said about Otogi and Enchanted Arms.”
The one exception to this rule is the Armored Core series. Miyazaki served as a planner on Armored Core: Last Raven and chipped in for other games in the franchise, too. As a result, he feels equipped to potentially return to that universe.
“I worked on Armored Core 4 and Armored Core: For Answer,” he added. “It enabled me to put my own interpretation on Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon and develop that.”
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.
You thought the Nintendo Direct was the last big showcase of June? Oh no.
Physical game specialists Limited Run Games held its annual summer showcase earlier today with LRG3 2024 — cheekily named after E3 (RIP). And with a nostalgic opening, it really set the tone for the whole show.
Finally, fellow Tarnished, we’ve reached the day of days—launch o’clock for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. By now, you would have seen our IGN review for this phenomenal 10/10 masterpiece of a DLC that almost feels like a sequel in its own right. Which, let’s be honest, is what you love to hear about a bit of add-on content that’s very reasonably priced.
Another thing many of us love to hear: a touchstone gaming event like this, that’s garnered almost universal praise, has been suitably celebrated with a whizbang edition for diehards. FromSoftware has indeed taken that route with the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition, a not inexpensive bit of kit that we’ll be unboxing and tracking bargains for in a moment. (While stocks last, and hopefully before the scalpers descend, like a horde of head sucking leeches with arms.)
And now, without further ado, let’s get you sorted for prices on this rock solid contender for GOTY 2024. Or, possibly, DLCOTY 2024.
Best Shadow of the Erdtree Standard Prices
– Buy Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree digital on Steam – $59.95
– Buy Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition digital on Steam – $119.95
Best Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Prices
– Buy a PC edition direct from Bandai Namco – $449.95
Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Unboxing
Truth be told, I’ve been all the way through Shadow of the Erdtree already, and I know the subject of this Collector’s Edition like the back of my Malenia’s Gauntlet. Posterboy of the entire DLC and star of at least one lead-up trailer, Messmer the Impaler, is a foe that is both eye-catching in his design and lifebar-destroying in his merciless onscreen assaults.
The Elden Ring universe is chock full of memorable boss battles and bad-ass beasties—Messmer deserves his place both at the top of the boss food chain and in that pool room display cabinet in your own castle.
His Poke-ness rests entombed within a Collector’s Edition box that’s coated in runes and measures 20x27x38 cm. Breaking the seal on this prison reveals a range of items besides Messmer which should be quickly scooped up into your inventory.
The full list includes:
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC code (no base game)
Exclusive hardcover art book
Digital soundtrack
Preorder Bonus Gesture
With regards to the artbook, it’s a high-quality visual odyssey into some parts of the Shadow Realm that I, honestly, still have PTSD from. Wonderful tourist destinations that are to die for, like the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, the Hinterlands, and the always breathtaking Cerulean Coast. They’re all locales you’ll soon come to fear as well as swoon over.
Speaking of swooning, let’s cut to the main event—that 46cm Messmer the Impaler figurine. For reasons unknown (to me at least) Messmer is an especially lanky sort who would always get selected first in a pick up game of Shadow Realms b-ball. Our boy will tower impressively over the 23cm Malenia figure that came with the original Elden Ring Collector’s Edition, if you’re lucky enough to own that as well.
The visage on display here is one of tall, dark, and gruesome. Messmer is nothing less than a conversation piece, with topic at hand being Well, How On Earth Does One Kill This Bastard? That information I do in fact know, thanks to many an attempt plus trial and error, but I’ll leave you all to discover it yourself.
Starting at the head of the snake (so to literally speak), Messmer has an open faced helm that provides more than adequate protection from Fire, Lightning, and other projectiles covered in your average OH&S guide book. I also love the detailing on the snakes that adorn his crown, the dragon-esque winglets on the sides, and those Centurion galea face-guards.
When it comes to actual facial detail, this is a more than decent rendering of a fiercely brooding demigod. I particularly like the accurate portrayal of Messmer’s unearthly eyes—the same sort of peepers that dragons and runebears have in this universe, which suggests old mate has an ability to Dr. Doolittle with like-minded beasts.
Indeed, we’re already given that impression with the three slithery sidekicks that wind about our subject. One in particular hangs over his right shoulder, in proximity for a quick parseltongue chit-chat. All of these are recreated from the in-game asset that I’m intimately familiar with—particularly the little winglets that protrude from those little death noodles. I’ll not reveal why they’re going to be bad news for you…
When it comes to finery, Mr.’ Snake Hips Himself is draped in the imaginatively named Messmer’s Armor (which, pro tip: provides especially good damage negation to Lightning and Fire, but isn’t the best against Slash). The blood red cloak that furls out dramatically in-game has been recreated quite nicely here in the physical realm. Only Batman rocks a cape with more pizazz than this guy. And when it comes to the fine fur detailing on the cloak edges, John Wayne ain’t got nothing on our fringe game.
Beneath that battle drape is a finely detailed chainmail curiass with additional material accents around the hips. Incidentally, it’s a theme that all the cool kids are wearing in the Shadow Keep this season—you’ll soon meet a cadre of Fire Knights, Messmer loyalists who ape their bosses style without exceeding it. Because upstagers probably get impaled in that workplace.
Moving below the equator, we’re hiding our modesty today with the Roman-esque Messmer Greaves. These are essentially wrapped leather shingards that conjoin with a pair of open toe sandals. Every little pig is accounted for and clearly Messmer has gone with open toe as a means to keep cooler—overheating can and will occur when you’re a pyromaniac who spews flames and ground-pounding explosions all day long.
Last but not least, and speaking of flambe, this figurine is dominated by the presence of the Spear of the Impaler. Long enough to be God’s own letter-opener and devilishly OP enough to be Satan’s favourite pitchfork, this weapon is indeed a 1:1 replica of the in-game stick that jabbed me into a ‘You Died’ many a time.
The intricate (faux) metal work that makes up the crossguard is impressive, as is the detailing of the mid-shaft handle that reveals the true nature of this stick. Yep, this Great Spear is just as much a throwable javelin as it is a CQC shanker. The only thing that could have made it more authentic would be a hint of flame at the business end—because this stick can be made to explode if you have the mind to R2 charge it up.
At the end of the unbox, what we have here is more authenticity than you can poke a red hot stick at. If you want to adorn your game cave with a stark reminder of how many times you had your butt handed to you by Messmer the Impaler, there is no finer way to do it. (And that includes this Messmer Helmet replica that I feel caters more to the cashed-up cosplay crowd.)
Essentially, I think the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition can stand proud and tall alongside FromSoftware’s many other premium figurines, like this especially dashing Dark Souls 3 one.
If Hidetaka Miyazaki speaks true, Erdtree might well be the last piece of the Elden universe we’ll get to experience. I’m certain, then, in the years to come that my eyes will wander over to this figurine and remember back to the great struggle that was. With a thousand-yard stare. As Adagio For Strings plays.
Thanks to Bandai Namco AU for providing a unit for photography purposes.
