Arma’s ‘Rats map’ April Fools’ is now a real Tiny Wars mode you can play

RPS was on holiday yesterday, which is fortuitous timing because it was April 1st and it meant we missed all the “jokes” (lies) the games industry likes to spread on that day each year.

Credit to Arma developer’s Bohemia Interactive, however. Their April 1st announcement was that the latest update for Arma Reforger was Tiny Wars, a game mode in which you controlled tiny toy Army Men as they waged war around a proportionally huge home. As ever, this isn’t really a joke, but it also wasn’t exactly a lie, because you can actually play Tiny Wars for real now.

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Nightmare Kart, the Game Formerly Known as Bloodborne Kart, Officially Has a Release Date

Nightmare Kart, which was known as Bloodborne Kart until its creator scrubbed the branding in 2024, officially has a release date.

Developer Lilith Walther, aka PSX Bunlith, announced on X/Twitter that the “legally distinct” kart racer will be releasing on May 31 on Steam and Itch.io. The announcement touts 20 racers, 16 maps, a full campaign mode with boss fights, and a versus battle mode. It also includes a short trailer that you can watch below.

In addition to the release date, Bunlish shouted out Bloodbo… ahem, Nightmare Kart’s soundtrack, which was composed by Evelyn Lark. To celebrate the release date announcement, Lark posted a sample of the title screen theme as well as a link to a video featuring the full song.

Nightmare Kart was originally set to release in January as Bloodborne Kart before being delayed to account for the branding change. The delay has had some benefits, though, allowing Walther to bump the racer count from 12 to 20.

Despite the name change, Nightmare Kart is spiritually a follow-up to the popular Bloodborne PS1 Demake that launched in 2022. The demake, which reimagined the modern horror classic with 32-bit visuals, was well-received by the community and Walther announced the kart racing project soon after.

As for Bloodborne itself, a sequel or potential remake feels further away than ever, with series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki saying that FromSoftware simply doesn’t own the IP. So even if Nightmare Kart is ultimately legally distinct, it’s a nice treat for fans who have been waiting for close to a decade for a follow-up.

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.

Former Dragon Age director’s new game has Zelda’s physics powers and Colossus’ climbable bosses

Former Dragon Age director Mike Laidlaw is making a new fantasy game. Eternal Strands is third-person adventure pitched as a mixture of Shadow Of The Colossus and Monster Hunter with Tears Of The Kingdom’s physics powers. The trailer, which you’ll find below, certainly has giants you can clamber across and spray with goop.

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Friday the 13th: Resurrected Is a Mod That Aims to Revive Delisted Horror Game, Release Date Coming Soon

Despite its delisting and the impending shuttering of its servers, fans of Friday the 13th: The Game have reason to rejoice, thanks to a fan project.

Friday the 13th: Resurrected is a free-to-play modded build of Friday the 13th: The Game, and the team behind the project announced yesterday that it plans to reveal the release date for the mod on Monday, April 15. Along with providing dedicated multiplayer servers, Resurrected also promises to introduce a roster full of exclusive fan-made content, such as new characters and skins.

Last year, publisher Gun Interactive announced it was delisting the game on December 31, 2023, due to the publisher losing the Friday the 13th license. While the servers are still up and running, the same statement also revealed that the servers would shut down on December 31, 2024.

Naturally, this mod has limited access if you did not buy Friday the 13th: The Game before its delisting last December. Nevertheless, it’s a nice win for fans of horror games and those that enjoyed what Friday the 13th: The Game offered.

Friday the 13th: The Game was released in 2017, though its entire life cycle was plagued by legal disputes over the ownership of the iconic slasher horror franchise. The legal disputes got so bad that the developer had to halt the development of new content for the game in 2019 before ultimately canceling the post-launch content altogether in 2021. The new content that was supposed to be added to the game includes a werewolf mode inspired by gameplay found in Inner Sloth’s Among Us.

In our review of Friday the 13th: The Game, IGN wrote: “Lopsided gameplay and egregious bugs almost kill the mood of Jason’s murder spree in Friday the 13th: The Game.”

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240328-2200)

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_2404ZN25398.4073.240328-2200
  • Available: 4 p.m. PT – April 2, 2024
  • Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – April 3, 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.

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Omega users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Settings – Access Restrictions

We have added two new access restrictions options for installing and uninstalling games and apps. To find them, navigate to Settings > System > Access restrictions.

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:

Game Clubs

  • Fixed an unexpected ‘Like’ tooltip that could appear in the Watch area when focus is on the filter.

Home

  • Fixes to address some tiles on Home not navigating as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks.

System

  • Various stability and performance fixes.

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.

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 (2404.240328-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Surprise Steam Hit Content Warning Garnered 6.2 Million Downloads in Free Period

Landfall’s surprise April Fools release Content Warning has been claimed by more than 6 million Steam users in only 24 hours.

The party game’s publisher announced the major milestone in an update post on its Steam page, saying that more than 6.2 million players have already added the Lethal Company-like to their profiles. The team was able to move so many copies because Content Warning was free to keep for those who were able to claim a copy within the 24-hour window. Regardless, with no prior announcements, Content Warning’s success is staggering.

For those who may have stayed away from the internet on April Fools Day, Content Warning sees you and up to three friends grab handheld video cameras and try to capture hilarious and spooky moments. It’s all in the name of content, creating the perfect environment for chaos. It’s a formula that seems to be working, too, as SteamDB says the game has already reached a peak of 204,439 players, with more than 138,000 playing at the time of this story’s publication.

“It’s been a real treat watching all of your videos and we are so happy that we’ve managed to create something that makes people have fun together,” Landfall said.

Content Warning’s free-for-a-day offer has now come to an end. However, those who missed out on the deal can still download a copy for only $7.99 on Steam.

Landfall’s move to gift their new project to so many for free makes a lot of sense. With more than 6 million players out there already making videos, it’s that much more likely we see viral Content Warning clips make their way to all corners of the internet.

As the developers prepare for future updates, there are a few early issues they’re looking into. This includes problems with the voices, connectivity issues, footage not extracting, and camera footage not being visible. Thankfully, Landfall says it has leads on many of these complaints and plans to deliver some fixes as soon as tomorrow morning.

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.

Best TVs for PS5 2024: Pick The Right TV For Your PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 offers an immersive window into a cavalcade of eye-popping worlds. Whether you’re swinging through the streets of New York in Marvel’s Spiderman 2 or taking on the pantheon in God of War: Ragnarok, you’re going to want a screen that provides such experiences with the visual justice they deserve. The best TVs for PS5 capture high-intensity moments in exquisite definition, elevating superhero action sequences and, of course, the emotionally charged heart-to-hearts that follow.

TL;DR – These Are the Best TVs for PS5:

There are boatloads of exciting features to consider when buying a new TV to use with your PlayStation 5. Before making the ultimate choice, we recommend considering the lighting and orientation of your room and whether you intend to mount your TV. No matter how fantastic the specs of your desired screen are, awkward lighting and frustrating architecture can get in the way of your fun. Never fear, though, as we’ve kept these considerations in mind while rounding up the best TVs for PS5.

The Best TVs for PS5:

1. LG 65″ C3 OLED Evo

Best TV for PS5

Pros:

  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs if you have multiple consoles
  • 120Hz Refresh rate allows PS5 games to look fluid

Cons:

  • Similar to LG’s previous iteration in design and quality

The LG 65” C3 OLED Evo is a fantastic TV in its own right and a great companion for your PlayStation 5. The 4K OLED display on the C3 is a boon for games and movies, boasting vibrancy and definition across each dramatic frame. It’s a top-of-the-range option that exacerbates the cinematic splendour of the PS5’s best games, from Alan Wake 2 to Returnal. You can also take advantage of the screen’s silky smooth 120hz refresh rate where supported, which is handy for high-intensity shooters. If you have a few next-gen consoles or streaming devices to juggle, the C3’s four HDMI 2.1 ports will come in handy, too. There’s no need to cable-manage when jumping between your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X or pivoting to your Apple TV for a Netflix session.

The C3 has a thin profile and sits on a minimalist stainless steel stand that looks and feels both expensive and modern. While we love the 65”, the C3 comes in a great range of sizes, starting at 42” and going up to 83”, and you can find the right size to suit your setup.

2. Sony 65″ Bravia X90L

Best LED TV for PS5

Pros:

  • Auto HDR Tone Mapping creates great contrast and clarity
  • Fluid gameplay thanks to a high refresh rate

Cons:

  • The LED panel isn’t as vibrant as an OLED panel

The Sony 65″ X90L is a smart mid-range option for PS5 players who want high frame rates. Offering up to a 120Hz refresh rate, the X90L allows for a buttery smooth and responsive experience when indulging in compatible games. Plus, for improved contrast and clarity, the TV’s Auto HDR Tone Mapping automatically adjusts the High Dynamic Range as you jump between your favourite first-party titles.

One caveat to consider with this particular TV is that it has an LED panel instead of an OLED, which can appear slightly less vibrant when viewed from certain angles. Regardless, the X90L offers deep blacks and bright, life-like colours, which will make the planets pop as you chart the galaxy in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.

3. Sony 65″ Class Bravia A95L OLED

Best OLED TV for PS5

Pros:

  • Bespoke settings menus for individual games
  • QD-OLED screen delivers stunning contrast

Cons:

  • Premium price point isn’t for everyone

If you’re keen to pair a Sony TV with the PlayStation 5, the powerful Bravia XR A95L should be at the top of your list. Two HDMI 2.1 ports support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visual sailing as you play. Moreover, with variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode at your disposal, the A95L will automatically pair the refresh rate and your chosen game to eliminate screen tearing.

Like the Sony XL90, the A95L has Auto HDR Tone Mapping to ensure the best picture from moment to moment. However, what makes this TV stand out amongst the other OLED offerings on our list is Sony’s QD-OLED screen, which provides vibrant hues and improved brightness. If you want to get into the nitty gritty, the A95L also has a bespoke gaming menu that allows you to stick a crosshair on the screen and tinker with other gaming-focused settings.

4. Samsung 65″ QN90C Smart QLED

Best cinematic TV for PS5

Pros

  • 65” QLED display elevates cinematic games
  • VRR and ALLM support helps to prevent screen tearing

Cons

  • Expensive

Boasting VRR, ALLM, and 120hz support, the Samsung QN90C QLED Smart TV provides a worry-free experience when tackling the best games the PlayStation 5 has to offer. So, there’s no need to worry about screen tearing when scaling heights and fighting foes in Horizon Forbidden West. These features are available when using one of four HDMI 2.1 ports on the TV, which is an added bonus for those who like to peruse both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.

Cinematic games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth look striking on the Samsung QN90C, courtesy of its 65” QLED display and Quantum Dot technology, which amplifies details and contrasts deep blacks against rich hues. The QN90C also has some helpful built-in anti-glare technology, so your co-op besties won’t miss out on the drama wherever they choose to sit.

5. Hisense 65″ U7 Series ULED

Best budget TV for PS5

Pros:

  • Lots of bang for your buck
  • Slim, chic design

Cons:

  • ULED Display isn’t great at certain viewing angles

If you want gaming features but don’t want to break the bank, it’s worth considering the Hisense U7 Series as a companion for your PlayStation 5. The U7 might not offer an OLED panel, but its ULED technology is still impressive, utilising Full-Array Local Dimming and mini-LEDs to maintain a high level of contrast across the screen. As such, a dramatic spell or gloomy dungeon bonfire won’t disrupt the atmosphere of the whole scene. The Hisense U7K also supports Dolby Vision, managing HDR and wide colour gamut for increased clarity and colour payoff. Slim in design, the U7K’s minimal bezels give the budget TV a sleek look that won’t distract from what’s on screen. This makes it a fantastic option for streaming content and playing games.

Upcoming TVs For PS5

At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, LG revealed its upcoming range of OLED products, including the M4, C4 and G4. While we haven’t been hands-on with the new range, LG confirmed the devices will have the brand’s Alpha 11 processor, which LG stated was “a 70 percent improvement in graphic performance and a 30 percent faster processing speed compared to its predecessor.”

The brand went on to detail its five-year commitment to updating its TVs’ WebOS, including models from the 2022 lineup. While they didn’t go into specifics, they did say they wanted consumers to get an “up-to-date user experience” and wanted to keep menu navigation modern, too.

How To Pick the Best TV For PS5

When picking a TV to pair with your PS5, pay close attention to important details that have a greater bearing on gaming, like refresh rate, display type, and inputs.

TV size and screen placement can also affect your experience outside of specs alone, with issues like glare able to thwart your best-laid PS5 plans. We’d suggest testing the room’s natural lighting over a full day to avoid running into any problems. With this in mind, our list includes TVs with multiple sizing options so you can adequately measure up and find a match to fit your living space. When switching between sizes while shopping, be sure to recheck the specs to ensure you are happy with the details of the model.

FAQ

Do I need a specific kind of TV for my PS5?

If your TV has a basic HDMI port, it will work with your PS5 for all intents and purposes. However, a TV’s specs can dictate the visual quality and allow you to access certain features such as VRR and Dolby Vision. For example, if high refresh rate gaming is important to you, your TV will need to have an HDMI 2.1 port and support 120Hz.

Do I need a 120Hz refresh rate TV for my PS5?

While you don’t need a TV with 120Hz capabilities to enjoy games on your PS5, the higher refresh rate will allow you to experience a select number of games, such as God of War: Ragnarok, Fortnite, and Destiny 2, with greater fluidity. However, gaming at 120hz is by no means standard on PS5, with many top-flight titles opting for a lower frame rate that delivers a more reliable visual experience.

Hide among NPCs and knife your pal in this free same-screen multiplayer murderfest

Hey, do you like going shoulder-to-shoulder with a pal to battle in same-screen local multiplayer games? Follow-up question: do you enjoy deceiving your pal while trying to uncover their own deceit? Last question: do you want to throw knives at your pal’s face? If so, check out Neon Knives, a fun free same-screen game for two players where you must both try to blend into a crowd of NPCs while identifying and assassinating your mate.

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Guide: Best Final Fantasy Games, Ranked – Switch And Nintendo Systems

Every single Final Fantasy game, mainline or spin-off, ranked by you.

Update: 2nd April 2024 is the 30th anniversary of Final Fantasy VI — originally known as Final Fantasy III — on the SNES. And to celebrate, we’ve completely revamped our Best Final Fantasy Games list to include not just the mainline games, but also the spin-offs.

Don’t worry, though, this is still a user-ranked list — we’ve just expanded this massively. Now you can vote for every version and every spin-off in the Final Fantasy franchise. Enjoy!

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Helldivers 2 Patch Stealth Drops New and Terrifying Automaton Enemies

Just as the Helldivers 2 community was trying to make sense of mysterious cloaked ships and get to grips with a balance-changing update that adds new planetary hazards, players found more additions to the game developer Arrowhead failed to announce up front in the patch notes.

Spoilers for Helldivers 2 follow.

The Automatons, Helldivers 2’s alien robot faction, now have new aerial gunships at their disposal. These were signaled in flavor text from a recently completed Major Order, and are causing havoc on the battlefield by firing deadly red lasers from above. Thankfully, the aerial gunships can be destroyed, although you’ll need sufficiently powerful weaponry to do so. Heavy duty Stratagems such as the Expendable Anti-Tank and the recently released Quasar Cannon appear to be well-suited to dealing with the aerial gunships. The Spear looks handy, too.

Aerial gunships aren’t the only stealth drop added to the game. Players have also come up against imposing AT-AT-style quadruped tanks. Based on early reports, these beasts take a hell of a lot of punishment, so be prepared to drop the odd Orbital Laser or two when you take one on.

These fun additions are all part of the ongoing Helldivers 2 live service, and tie into its wonderful meta narrative driven by Game Master Joel. Yesterday, April 1, Arrowhead delivered a new Major Order to Helldivers 2 players, giving them a 24-hour window to finally take back Malevelon Creek, the Automaton map dubbed ‘Space Vietnam’ by fans. The planet was liberated in only about five hours. Today, April 2, Arrowhead launched a new Major Order to fend off the Automaton counterattack. Now we know the bots are not messing about.

Meanwhile, it appears Arrowhead made another fun change to Helldivers 2 with today’s patch that it failed to disclose: post-game gore. As players have reported, and IGN has witnessed in-game, Helldivers are now bringing blood and guts back with them when they return from a mission, proudly displayed on armor.

If you’re looking for more on Helldivers 2, check out IGN’s feature on the Let Me Solo Her of Helldivers 2, a player who has answered over 100 SOS Beacons as part of a mission to help others.

Helldivers 2 has become one of the surprise hits of 2024 since launching in February, topping the charts on Steam and reportedly selling around three million copies. According to at least one analyst, it’s still growing. Check out IGN’s Helldivers 2 review to find out why it’s going down so well.

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.