Stay in cover. It’s coming. THERE. You see it? A tumbleweed, the deadliest of creatures to roam the desert. Stay quiet, it might roll up on us! Well, at least we’ll stand some chance of survival, thanks to a patch Peak‘s devs have just put out in response to the Mesa update being deemed to damn hard.
If you missed this update emerging atop the release summit the other day, it adds in the cannibalistic co-op climber’s first new biome, offering a different challenge to the alpine cliffs folks have been scaling since the game burst onto the scene. Key to surviving this desert is not to succumb to the heat, get blown up by dynamite, or fail in your attempt to recreate Indy’s boulder scene with some mobile shrubbery.
Brace Yourself Games is continuing its stellar lineup of Rift of the NecroDancer crossover DLC with a brand new Everhood collaboration.
The succinctly named ‘Everhood Music Pack’ adds four new tracks to the falling notes rhythm game, all of which will be available to purchase separately or as a bundle. The DLC is now live on Steam, and the developers have announced that it will be falling onto Switch “at a later date” — so keep an eye out.
The dawn of the second Battlefield 6 open beta weekend is here. Before it got underway, EA made a few tweaks based on feedback from last week’s bout of FPSing about, with the headliners being some playlist changes and the introduction of custom match searching.
It’s no massive reinventing of the big battlewheel, but hopefully should make a positive impact on the time folks have in this bit of the beta, which sees the Empire State map debut alongside week one’s offerings. Rush and squad deathmatch modes are also joining the fray.
Around a week ago, 146,000 people mourned the death of a horse they’d never met. This might be the best single thing that has ever happened in videogames, although I don’t imagine the horse would give a shit. Grass Wonder was a famous Japanese racehorse, but it’s likely the majority of those that mourned his death online are only fans of Japanese horse racing by proxy.
Hey, Agent 47. That’s a really nice scarf. Battlefield 6 is getting written about a lot these days so I’m seeing quite a few screenshots of buildings being blown up. I’m not sure exactly why, but I seem to have developed a visceral distaste for images of buildings being blown up recently. At times like these, it’s nice to look at a nice scarf.
These games all continue to grow and if you need a reminder of just how big they are, the Japanese company recently shared a ‘Platinum Titles’ update on its official website. These are Capcom games that have officially surpassed sales of one million units.
As we’ve entered the 15th year of PlayStation Plus, we’ve got even more great content for members to look forward to.
This month, unleash brutal finishers in the reimagined Mortal Kombat 1, swing through Marvel’s New York skyline as the iconic web-slinger in Marvel’s Spider-Man, or gear up to repel swarming alien forces in Earth Defense Force 6. All these titles and more are available in August’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup. That includes Sword of the Sea, which releases day one into Game Catalog. Meanwhile, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 bring retro survival horror to PlayStation Plus Deluxe. All titles will be available to play on August 19*.
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On the same day, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will also be available as a Game Trials for PlayStation Plus Deluxe members. Enjoy up to 5 hours of gameplay with this time-limited trial, and if you decide to purchase the full game, your progress and trophies will carry over.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalog
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Mortal Kombat 1 | PS5
Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series’ most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favourite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalised fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
*Mortal Kombat 1 is releasing in Singapore August 13 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
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Marvel’s Spider-Man | PS5, PS4
Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games, and Marvel have teamed up to create an authentic Spider-Man adventure. This isn’t the Spider-Man you’ve met or ever seen before. This is an experienced Peter Parker who’s more masterful at fighting big crime in Marvel’s New York. At the same time, he’s struggling to balance his chaotic personal life and career while the fate of millions of New Yorkers rests upon his shoulders.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered will be available to PS5 players, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition available to PS4 players.
*Marvel’s Spider-Man is releasing worldwide August 19.
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Sword of the Sea | PS5
Surf across magnificent waves of sand and glistening waters on an epic quest to restore a lost ocean in Sword of the Sea. From the visionary artist behind ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Journey – Sword of the Sea is an atmospheric surfing adventure with high-speed Hoversword movement inspired by skateboarding and snowboarding. Carve your way forward on the ancient and powerful Hoversword, which moves like a snowboard, skateboard, and surfboard all in one. Build momentum to reach top speed and catch big air off the crests of giant waves. Pull off radical flips, spins, and grab tricks with ease as you shred halfpipes, ramps, and wall rides. It’s the perfect balance of exhilarating action and fluid, meditative movement.
*Sword of the Sea is releasing worldwide August 19.
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Earth Defense Force 6 | PS5, PS4
Set three years after the events of the previous entry, Earth Defense Force 6 unfolds in a decimated world on the brink of collapse, where humanity’s population has been nearly wiped out. Take on the role of an Earth Defense Force soldier in this explosive third-person shooter and battle towering alien threats, alone or in co-op. Stand your ground with courage and wisdom.
*Earth Defense Force 6 is releasing in Singapore August 26 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
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Unicorn Overlord | PS5, PS4
From the masterminds that brought 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Odin Sphere, and Dragon’s Crown, ATLUS x Vanillaware presents the rebirth of tactical fantasy RPG. Fight against fate and embark on a royal adventure to regain your reign alongside trustworthy allies. Unicorn Overlord combines the timeless tactical RPG genre with overworld exploration and innovative battle system for a unique epic fantasy experience in the iconic Vanillaware style.
*Unicorn Overlord is releasing worldwide August 19.
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Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key | PS5, PS4
The final summer, the final secret… Ryza’s final adventure is about to begin! The story begins when a group of islands called Kark Isles appear near Ryza’s—the protagonist’s—hometown. Seeing this as a threat to their home, Ryza and her friends investigate the isles and discover ruins with a huge gate. Just as Ryza approaches the gate, a strange voice echoes in her head, telling her to reach the Code of the Universe. What is it that lies beyond the gate, and what does the “Code of the Universe” mean? In hopes of finding a way to save their home, Ryza and her friends set off on a great adventure that revolves around a Key and the roots of alchemy.
*Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is releasing in Singapore September 9 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
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Indika | PS5
Indika is a third-person, story-driven game set in a strange world where religious visions clash with harsh reality. It tells the story of a young nun who sets off on a journey of self-discovery with the most unusual, horn-headed companion by her side. On the outside, Indika seems to be a typical nun attempting to adjust to a difficult and monotonous monastery life. Humble and innocent in her appearance, do not be deceived as this young girl has also made a highly unlikely acquaintance—as she speaks with the devil himself. Indika’s unusual connection with the Evil One leads her on an errand beyond the safe walls of the monastery. The world she discovers can only be described as a wild combination of comedy and tragedy straight out of the novels by Dostoyevski and Bulhakov.
*Indika is releasing in Singapore September 9 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
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Harold Halibut | PS5
Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. It’s been 250 years since your home – an ark-like spaceship – fled an Earth on the verge of cold war to find a habitable planet to preserve the human race. You are Harold, a young lab assistant for the ship’s lead scientist, Jeanne Mareaux. While most of the ship’s inhabitants have reconciled themselves to a life lived aboard the sunken ship, Mareaux still works tirelessly to find a way for the ship to leave the planet and find a new, dryer home.
*Harold Halibut is releasing in Singapore September 9 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
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Coral Island | PS5
It’s time to leave big-city life in Pokyo behind and start a new chapter of your life on Coral Island! Be who you want and create the idyllic farm of your dreams, where you’ll tend crops, nurture animals, and build a bond with the natural world around you. Help revitalize the nearby town and its surrounding coral reefs, and forge relationships with a vibrant community of more than 70 fellow people who call Coral Island home. Farm. Decorate. Craft. Explore. Relax. Your future—and the future of Coral Island—is what you make of it.
*Coral Island is releasing in Singapore August 26 and on August 19 in other Southeast Asia markets.
PlayStation Plus Deluxe
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Resident Evil 2 | PS5, PS4 (PS)
Two months after the terrifying Mansion Incident, two people made their way to Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, a newly-assigned officer in the Raccoon Police Department, and Claire Redfield, who has been trying to track down her missing brother. Little do they know of what nightmares Raccoon City has in store for them… Experience Resident Evil 2, first released on the original PlayStation, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
*Resident Evil 2 is releasing worldwide August 19.
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Resident Evil 3 | PS5, PS4 (PS)
A little over a month and a half after the Mansion Incident, another nightmare unfolds at almost the same time as Resident Evil 2 as Raccoon City faces destruction due to the threat of the ‘T-virus’. You take on the role of former S.T.A.R.S. member Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape the devastated city while investigating the mystery behind the Umbrella Corporation. Witness the climax of the Raccoon City story with your own eyes. Experience Resident Evil 3 Nemesis, first released on the original PlayStation, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
*Resident Evil 3 is releasing worldwide August 19.
*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Deluxe lineups and individual title release dates may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day.
Following the hugely popular Battlefield 6 Open Beta Weekend 1, developer DICE has outlined the changes and additions fans can expect for the upcoming Weekend 2, and confirmed its start time.
Weekend 2 kicks off today, August 14, at 8am UTC (1am PT), and runs until Sunday, August 17.
In a blog post, DICE outlined the playlist adjustments it has made for Weekend 2 and set out its reasoning. The thing to know here is the All-Out Warfare playlist will include Breakthrough, Conquest, and Rush.
“During Week 2, we’re delivering more variety and choice for how you’d like to play with more playlists rotating between multiple different game modes,” DICE said.
“As an example, the All-Out Warfare playlist will include both Breakthrough, Conquest, and Rush. The in-game descriptions for each mode will tell you which modes are included in the rotation.
“Rotating through multiple modes within playlists helps us understand what our community enjoys as we shape the launch experience, and enables us to keep more fan-favorite modes available at the same time.”
DICE said rotating through playlists daily is specific for the Open Beta “while we’re still able to test and gather feedback, and is not planned for launch.”
Battlefield 6 Open Beta Weekend 2 Playlists Overview:
Day 1, Thursday 14th
Conquest
Rush
Attack & Defend (Breakthrough, Rush)
Close Quarters; Fast-paced playlist on smaller maps (Domination, King of the Hill)
Meanwhile, DICE has added custom search options for Weekend 2. The developer stressed that this is now a Server Browser, which some fans are hoping to see.
“Based on your previous feedback and to give you more control over map and mode selection, we’re introducing a new feature called Custom Search,” DICE said.
“This feature allows you to choose your favorite combinations of maps and modes. For example, if you want to play Conquest on Siege of Cairo, then matchmaking will prioritize putting you in a match with this combo, if available. Note that this is not a Server Browser (which is not being tested this week).
“During Open Beta, Custom Search will be available for Open Weapon mode playlists so you can mix and match maps and modes as you prefer.”
The Battlefield 6 Open Beta hit over half a million concurrent players on Steam last weekend, so it will be interesting to see whether Weekend 2 can beat that figure. Either way, there’s huge interest in the first-person shooter, which bodes well for its October launch.
If you’re thinking of jumping in on PC for the first time, be aware you need to enable Secure Boot to play.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
