Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 ‘Future Saga’ DLC Officially Revealed

The first of four chapters is “coming soon”.

Bandai Namco has announced brand new DLC is on the way to the Switch version of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.

It’s officially titled “Future Saga” and will be delivered in four chapters, with Chapter 1 “coming soon”. Here’s a tiny bit of PR along with the video above which reveals Vegeta (Super Saiyan God) and Goku Black (Super Saiyan Rosé) will join the roster in their Ultra Supervillain form.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Celeste Creators’ Next Game Delayed: ‘This Game Ain’t Coming Out in 2024’

Developer Maddy Thorson acknowledged that it’s time to “face the music” in a blog posted on Thursday, announcing that Earthblade — the next game from the team behind the acclaimed platformer Celeste — won’t be making its 2024 release date.

In her detailed update, Thorson acknowledged some of the hurdles that the project has faced, at one point admitting that she apologized to the team as she dealt with challenges in her personal life. She also recevealed that her studio, Extremely OK Games, has hired veteran indie developer Kyle Pulver, who among other things is the “world champion of Towerfall.”

“Kyle quickly approached us with big ideas, which can be scary for everyone involved. But it was clear that he’s not here to derail the project. He’s identifying our vision and the problems preventing the game from living up to it, and working with us to pinpoint solutions. Plus his fresh eyes have inspired all of us to see things anew,” Thorson wrote.

First announced back in 2021, Earthblade is a “2D explor-action” game with a pixel art style and a soundtrack from Celeste composer Lena Raine. It was subsequently revealed in a trailer at the 2022 Game Awards, though not much else has been seen of it since. It was originally expected to be out in 2024 before the announced delay.

Thorson, who is a transgender woman, wrote that her transition “involves a lot of change, uncertainty and doubt, and it’s easy to see how that has bled into Earthblade.”

Despite the setbacks, we all still believe in this project, and more importantly in each other

“I was despairing about this and apologizing to the team recently, but [developer Pedro Medeiros] said something that helped me shift my thinking. He told me that this uncertainty was always going to be part of the process and that it wasn’t solely coming from me — we’ve all had to fight through uncertainty together to make Earthblade. Even if we could go back and do everything ‘perfectly’ from the start the result would be a different game. Despite the setbacks, we all still believe in this project, and more importantly in each other,” Thorson wrote.

Thorson did not reveal a new release date, but did say that she feels like she’s at the “start of a new era.” It is certainly slated to release on PC. For more, check out our Celeste retrospective published last year, which includes interviews with Thorson, Raine, and more.

Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

The Best Marvel Board Games

Marvel leapt from comics to film, becoming the highest grossing film franchise of all time. It should come as no surprise that it has similarly jumped to the tabletop, garnering a massive amount of attention and money. These stories and characters translate well to board gaming. They allow for bombastic expression and tense drama.

The diversity on offer is strong. There are smaller and more accessible games, larger and more heady ones, and plenty of titles with attractive miniatures and gorgeous illustrations. This list includes 8 of the top Marvel games on the market. There is something here for nearly anyone. |

TL;DR: The Best Marvel Board Games

The Best Marvel Board Games

Marvel United: Spider-Geddon

Marvel United is a rules-light and affordable adventure game that works superbly for nearly any age. Each player takes on the role of a unique superhero and work together to thwart a villain and their henchmen. Heroes are fueled by their deck of action cards, with players utilizing these cards to activate various locations around a city, beat down minions, and confront the main rival. While there are a series of Marvel United titles and many product options, the best starting point is the recently released Spider-Geddon set. This offers a large amount of content with an intriguing set of heroes and adversaries.

Marvel: Crisis Protocol

Ever wonder what it would be like to play Warhammer 40,000 but with Marvel heroes instead of Space Marines? Marvel: Crisis Protocol is the answer. This is a heavily detailed miniatures game that requires players to assemble figures. You can dive deep into this hobby, painting each character with painstaking precision, as well as constructing buildings and elements of terrain to fight over. The ruleset is splendid as it focuses primarily on small teams of mixed heroes. Each character is distinct with their own suite of abilities and powers. It’s a dynamic and exhilarating game with a wonderful flow. For a more thorough look, you can read our review of Marvel: Crisis Protocol.

Marvel Champions

This fully cooperative card game has players wielding unique decks for superheroes such as Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and Black Panther. Each hero has a number of specific ability cards representing their various powers in combination with a central character card that can flip between their hero persona and their alter ego. Players manage their hands and decks in order to dish out damage against a central antagonist such as Rhino or Ultron. The villain, which is controlled entirely by a personal deck of cards, pursues their own agenda to threaten the innocent and achieve world domination. For those that are particularly smitten with this title, you can expand your collection with dozens of additional hero packs and larger expansion boxes.

Marvel: Remix

As the smallest game on this list, Marvel Remix is a tidy card game that can be tossed in a bag and taken nearly anywhere. This competitive design has players trying to assemble a hand of heroes, villains, locations, and items. Each card has various symbols that interact with other cards, as well as its own scoring condition. With deft play you can build a hand with several intersecting combinations that yield enormous point gains. Since you only make your way through a portion of the deck and there are a wide range of creative synergies, this little game beckons continual play and exploration.

Marvel Dice Throne

Dice Throne is the successful competitive dice battler that has been kicking since 2018. Just recently the series made the jump to Marvel, featuring heroes such as Black Widow, Captain America, and Thor. Each character has their own set of dice and abilities, and players take turns rolling their dice and assigning the results to their various unique powers. The goal is to deal enough damage to defeat your opponent in this quick and clever head-to-head bout. While play is streamlined and relatively uniform, the asymmetric playstyles for each hero encourage experimentation and add just enough texture to maintain long-term interest. There are some truly empowering moments when you manage to roll your special finishing maneuver and unleash maximum power.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

Zombicide is the popular miniature heavy cooperative survival game where players fight the dead while seeking to accomplish various scenario-specific objectives. Marvel Zombies shifts the series to the popular Marvel storyline where an infection has spread and the heroes have begun to turn into powerful undead legions that crave flesh. Beyond the naturally slick adaptation of the Marvel property to this series, this game flips the traditional Zombicide script by having players take on the role of superhero zombies hunting humans. It features an entirely new hunger mechanism while pushing gameplay into several distinct directions that changeup the formula. This may very well be the best Zombicide yet, as its crammed full of wonderful ideas and shining Marvel miniatures.

Marvel D.A.G.G.E.R.

D.A.G.G.E.R. stands for “Defense Alliance for Global and Galactic Response”, and this is the organization that players are affiliated with this in globe-spanning adventure game. The scope here is larger than any other title on this list, as players travel around the world to put out fires and confront enemies. Villains terrorize cities and launch evil machinations for greater purpose, and heroes such as Daredevil, the Hulk, and Elektra must do everything within their power to shut it down. This is a lengthy game, but it’s one with scope that provides for a more epic adventure with many ups and downs. It delivers a fully realized vision of characters responding to threats and traveling to various regions in order to thwart evil. There is a real sense of being overwhelmed and having to triage threats in order to stay ahead of the curve and prevail.

Unmatched: Marvel

The Unmatched series is a collection of games that pit fighters against each other in head to head bouts. Think Street Fighter on a tabletop, except it trades out Ryu and Ken for heroes of all different time periods and properties. There are sets that feature mythic and literary figures such as King Arthur or Alice from Alice in Wonderland, and there are also sets that highlight pop culture characters such as Grant from Jurassic Park or even Ghost Rider. Yes, there is an entire suite of Marvel characters spread across several products, allowing players to wield icons such as Moon Knight, Spider-Man, and Black Widow. The game itself is smooth and simple as each character is fueled by a deck of asymmetric cards that represent their unique attacks and powers. In just 20 minutes, two participants can square off and beat the heck out of each other utilizing a simple and rewarding ruleset. Over multiple plays you can come to understand the nuance of these characters, just as if you were learning a moveset while playing an electronic fighting game. This is a fantastic, inexpensive product line that is entertaining and lean.

Certain Affinity, Halo: Infinite Co-Developer, Says It’s Struggling to Find New Work, Announces Layoffs

Halo and Call of Duty co-developer Certain Affinity has been hit with a wave of layoffs, CEO Max Hoberman announced.

The studio head wrote about the decision in a lengthy post on the developer’s website, saying that the layoffs affect 25 US-based staff members and “has the most impact on the teams running our business operations.” The Certain Affinity website says the company currently has more than 250 full-time employees, meaning today’s move affects somewhere around 10% of its staff.

The decision marks the first time Certain Affinity has laid off team members since it was established in 2006.

“There are multiple factors underlying this decision to do a layoff for the first time in our 17+ year history,” Hoberman wrote. “Most significant is an industry-wide slow down in the funding of new lead and co-development projects and the reluctance of third party investors to fund games or game companies. This has made it exceptionally difficult to sign new work or secure other forms of funding.”

Hoberman says Certain Affinity is supporting those affected with severance pay and benefits continuation. The company is also making their vested awards under its Stock Equity Plan portable “so they may benefit from the company’s success in the future.”

“We have built an amazing culture where we all come together to support one another in times of need,” he added. “We ask for your understanding and patience while we navigate this unprecedented event. Thank you.”

Most significant is an industry-wide slow down in the funding of new lead and co-development projects and the reluctance of third party investors to fund games or game companies

Certain Affinity has helped shape a number of notable titles through the last 17 years. This includes helping with the development for the Halo and Call of Duty franchises as well as other projects like Prey (2017), Gotham Knights, Doom (2016), Left 4 Dead, Hogwarts Legacy, and more. For example, the team’s work on the base version of Call of Duty: Black Ops saw them creating five multiplayer maps along with various multiplayer features. Certain Affinity also helped with Halo 4 and is responsible creating features and content for its Forge mode alongside various multiplayer game modes.

Certain Affinity is only the latest developer to be affected by the layoffs plaguing the industry. Other developers recently affected include Supermassive Games (Until Dawn) and Cloud Imperium Games (Star Citizen). Sega’s Creative Assembly (Total War) and Hardlight (Sonic Dream Team) studios were both subjected to layoffs in the last day, too, with company’s like Nintendo also announcing that they are undergoing restructuring in some departments.

For more on the job losses sweeping the industry, be sure to take a look took at the human impact of the last year of layoffs. You should also read up on what some developers think of the layoffs and why we’re seeing them happen now.

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.

Guide: Every Game In Nintendo’s ‘Partner Spotlight’ eShop Sale (North America)

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk! Pentiment! Bioshock!

After the announcement of the European eShop’s ‘Blockbuster Sale’, we had a sneaky suspicion that North America would be treated to one of its own before long. Sure enough, the ‘Partner Spotlight Sale’ has kicked off on the US eShop today, bringing up to 80% off a selection of tasty third-party titles.

The sale began on 28th March and will run until 8th April so you have a good bit of time to decide what to spend your bucks on.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN25398.4063.240325-2200
  • Available: 4 p.m. PT – March 28, 2024
  • Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – March 29, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Backgrounds

  • Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.

System

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

  • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
    • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
    • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
      • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

Home

  • We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
    • Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
    • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller Is $30 Cheaper Than the Nintendo Switch Pro and Nearly As Good

Starting today, Amazon is offering the excellent 8BitDo Pro 2 Wireless Controller for only $39.99. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for the Pro 2 controller. It’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch Steam Deck, PC, iOS and Android smartphones, and pretty much any gaming console that supports Bluetooth. Moreover, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is often considered one of the best 3rd party wireless controllers for the Nintendo Switch.

8BitDo Pro 2 Controller (Switch Compatible) for $39.99

The 8BitDo Pro 2 controller is compatible with both the Nintendo Switch console as well as any Windows, Mac, Android, Steam, or even Raspberry Pi device. It uses wireless Bluetooth so it works with the Switch out of the box with no dongle required. At $30 cheaper than the price of a Switch Pro controller, it has a lot going for it. The SN30 Pro 2 supports button remapping, adjustable analog sticks, hair triggers, and macros. It also supports rumble and motion controls on the Switch. It is powered by a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, but you have the option to use two AA batteries in a pinch instead.

In terms of fit and feel, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is excellent. It’s lighter than the Switch Pro controller but it still feels very solid and comfortable in your hands. The D-pad and analog joysticks react precisely, and the buttons have nice clicky tactile feedback. The retro style looks great.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 also brings a couple of new features that weren’t present in the previous generation Pro+ model. That includes the ability to save multiple profiles, a handy little switch that lets you instantly change from Switch to PC pairing, and two additional rear paddle buttons that are also programmable.

Compared to the official Switch Pro controller, it is missing a few features like HD rumble (although it does have standard rumble), amiibo sensing, and the ability to wake the Switch from sleep. In exchange, you get the ability to reprogram buttons and you get a much better D-pad, which is a godsend for precision type games like 2D platformers. The biggest advantage, though, is the price. For Nintendo Switch owners, if you don’t want to pony up $70 for the official Pro controller, this is the next best thing.

Check out more of the best Nintendo Switch deals today.