Here’s what the critics think.
Square Enix’s legendary game Super Mario RPG returns later this month on the Nintendo Switch, and ahead of the November 17th release, the final round of previews have gone live.
If you haven’t already seen our own “hands on” of this upcoming Switch title, here on Nintendo Life, the good news is it’s shaping up to be something pretty special. In fact, it might just be the most faithful remake we’ve ever played.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
“What is going on in their head?” a commonly asked question when it comes to our feathered pigeon friends and their slightly hypnotic, moderately creepy, and always incessant head bobbing. After years of extensive research on the topic an answer has finally been found, and that answer is music (and probably also bread, but mostly music).
Headbangers Rhythm Royale lets you experience the pigeon-verse first hand. Transporting you – feathers and all – to a world fit to burst with music, melodies, and a medley of chaotic mini-games that will test your memory, rhythm, reflexes, reaction time, and (obviously) your ability to rap on command.
With 23 musical minigames to test your pigeon prowess against, there’s loafs of content to sink your beak into. The mini games will pit you against 29 other player-controlled pigeons, with each round whittling the flock down more and more until just one, the Master Headbanger, reigns victorious.
Peeking into the psyche of a pigeon makes for an exhilarating experience – you’ll need to showcase your im-peck-able memory skills in Yes Commander; master the piano with a slingshot in First Piano Shooter; and be the first to blast off into the solar system in To The Sky to name just a few of the joys that await.
With the free in-game pigeon pass, your efforts on and off the dancefloor will be generously rewarded, by collecting delicious breadcrumbs, (please take our word for it and don’t try and eat them), and in game XP, earned through collecting powerups in game, and acing the bonus rounds sprinkled between mini games, you’ll level up, unlocking unique customisation to help you prune your pigeon to perfection.
With your wings piled high with your hard-earned breadcrumbs, your next stop is sure to be the pigeon store – outfits, hats, glasses, voices, taunts, and more are on the menu, and the mixture of full outfits and individual items, makes for thousands of unique pigeon designs. Want to see T-rex arms on a pigeon? You got it. Or how about an Elvis pigeon? We’ll take one of those, thank you, thank you very much. Castle costume? Your princess can’t be in another castle if you are the castle.
It’s time for you to pigeon dive headfirst into the world of Headbangers Rhythm Royale as it is out now on Xbox Consoles via Xbox Game Pass. Dress up your pigeon, take to the dancefloor, and put your best foot forward as you battle to be the Master Headbanger.
Team17
Included in the preorder is a stylish Sombrero in Green.
About this game:
Have you ever looked at a Pigeon and thought, “what is going on in your head?”
Well, think no more! Headbangers puts you and 29 others into the eye of the Pigeon while you battle it out in rhythmic challenges to find out who is the ultimate Master Headbanger.
Compete against each other in mind- bending musical minigames, screw over your competitors with powerups, and collect Crumbs to customise your very own Pigeon!
Gameplay Features:
Minigames:
Grab your friends and battle through minigame madness through online cross platform multiplayer. With 23 minigames across 4 rounds, each Headbangers level contains a new challenge with a stimulating and unique musical twist! Each round escalates in difficulty, progressing musical frenzy until the final round– keep as cool as a coo-cumber and get that bread!
Minigames will test your memory, rhythm, reflexes, reaction time and most importantly… your rap ability! Simple controls paired with engaging gameplay, means this musical party is available for all!
Customisation:
Design your Pigeon from hundreds of unique items, including outfits, hats, glasses, voices, taunts and more. For every game you play, you earn Crumbs which can be spent in the Shop to purchase full costumes, costume items, taunts, sounds and more! Your Pigeon is your common canvas to mix and match items, allowing players to create and craft your ultimate Pigeon masterpiece, just like the famous painters Pigecasso and Michelangelcrow.
Found yourself at the top of the leader board? Besting your friends? Be sure to spend those hard-earned Crumbs on some in game taunts to rub your wins in your fellow Pigeon’s faces, making your victories so much sweeter!
Progression:
Complete challenges to unlock customisation for your pigeon and progress through the in-game battle pass. Collecting Crumbs and XP through in game powerups, extra bonus rounds, and completing rounds will help you be the most stylish bird in the flock!
Cross play + Multiplayer:
Play with up to 30 Pigeons on any platform. No matter your friend’s device of choice to play on, you can flock together, battling it out to see who is crowned the Master Headbanger!
The post Headbangers Rhythm Royale is Available Day One with Game Pass appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a multi-platform release, but that isn’t stopping Xbox from giving it the full first-party treatment. Xbox users booting up their console today were greeted with a large splash screen prompting them to buy it now that the new campaign is out, and some of them aren’t too happy about it.
“This is dumb. I don’t play Call of Duty; I never bought Call of Duty. I shouldn’t turn on my Xbox and the literal first thing I see be add [sic] for a game, or anything for that matter,” one user wrote.
Some users pointed out at that Starfield also received the splash screen treatment when it launched back in September, and that it was ultimately relatively brief. Others, however, expressed hope that such splash screens wouldn’t be the norm going forward, calling them intrusive.
“I don’t think it’s that big of a deal if it’s an event or 1p release but I can see why people wouldn’t like it tbh,” another user wrote.
When we tested it for ourselves, the prompt to buy Call of Duty appeared immediately with no button presses other than switching the machine on. IGN has reached out to Xbox for comment.
The splash screen wasn’t the only big promotion that Modern Warfare III received on Xbox. A dynamic background featuring Captain Price is also available for download.
Xbox’s Call of Duty marketing push follows its official acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which saw Microsoft acquire the publisher for $69 billion. PlayStation’s Call of Duty marketing deal won’t expire until 2024, but that isn’t keeping Xbox for advertising Call of Duty, which is among the crown jewels of its new acquisition.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is releasing in stages, with early access to the campaign kicking off today, November 2, for those who have pre-ordered the game. It will pick up the story from Modern Warfare II while introducing new elements such as Open Combat Missions. Multiplayer will be available November 10.
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.
“Star Ocean” is a fantastic name, evoking a sense of adventure, 16-bit blue skies, the majesty of space. “The Second Story R” is a terrible subtitle, evoking WhatsApp messages where I accidentally press ‘send’ too soon. Combined they produce Star Ocean: The Second Story R, a beautiful-seeming 2.5D remake of a Square Enix PlayStation JRPG. It’s out on Steam now and there’s a demo.
Payday 3‘s launch was rough, with long queues awaiting would-be heisters in the always-online game, and issues with progression and absent systems awaiting those who could login. Starbreeze Studios have now begun the process of making good on promised fixes to those criticisms, with patch 1.0.1 live now. It mostly includes “minor fixes”, but lots of them.
Citing production issues for two of its massively popular games, Wizards of the Coast has delayed Dungeon & Dragon’s The Deck of Many Things and Magic: The Gathering’s The Lost Caverns of Ixalan.
The first delay was announced on D&D Beyond, where the Wizards of the Coast team reported that after an internal review of early copies of the The Deck of Many Things expansion, it found that “the product didn’t meet our manufacturing standards,” adding that “making this right will delay the release of the physical product, both directly from Wizards as well as our retail partners.”
Then yesterday, in a separate announcement on its Magic: The Gathering website, Wizards issued a similar announcement for the upcoming commander decks for The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, pointing to “production issues” as the reason for the delay. In this case, the game maker expects the product to miss its planned pre-release window by at least a week, setting expectations with fans that “In North America, Commander decks for The Lost Caverns of Ixalan will have limited availability during Prerelease, with more availability expected following release on November 17.”
Wizards of the Coast did not immediately respond to IGN when asked if these production/quality control issues were related. It’s unclear if there’s a larger supply chain issue, or if these fairly uncommon production delays are merely coincidental. In either case, players will have to wait a little bit longer for at least these two add-ons to Wizards’ most popular games.
Not all Dungeons & Dragons expansions have seen production issues, as Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse recently launched without incident. Likewise, Magic: The Gathering has pumped out a seemingly endless stream of card sets and crossovers, most recently announcing an enormous partnership with Marvel.
Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.
Pretty as a picture.
Super Mario RPG on Switch is just two weeks away, and this remake of a 1996 classic looks and feels as good as it did back on the SNES.
How do we know? Well, we’ve managed to spend a good few hours with the remake so far, and we’re having an absolute blast with it. We have 10 minutes of gameplay to show you, all from the opening hours of Mario’s first turn-based adventure.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Picture this: you’re about to embark on an extraordinary odyssey, stepping into the sandals of a legendary hero in Achilles: Legends Untold. This game is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, inspired by the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, where you’ll encounter mythical creatures and legendary characters around every corner.
But here’s the real kicker – the combat in this game is a true work of art. It’s not just your typical button-mashing; it’s a fusion of action RPG and the visceral thrill of souls-like games. Every move you make, whether it’s a dodge, roll, block, or sprint, depletes your stamina. Managing your stamina wisely is crucial to surviving the challenges that await. And when the heat of battle engulfs you, unleashing your fury to wield epic weapon skills becomes the key to success.
Speaking of weapon skills, there’s a mind-boggling array of them, each with unique effects. These skills set your hero apart and give you a whole arsenal of combat strategies. Plus, there’s a skill tree that lets you customize your hero’s combat style even further.
But it doesn’t stop there. During battles, you’ll encounter status effects that can turn the tide of the fight. Using these strategically can give you the upper hand in the most intense combat situations.
And the weapons! Achilles: Legends Untold offers a plethora of choices, from swords and spears to axes and shields. The magic here lies in your ability to mix and match these weapons in almost any way you like. Different combinations result in unique animations and movesets, creating a gameplay experience tailored to your style.
But remember, your weapon choice directly influences your combat experience. The animations and attack patterns are intricately tied to the weapons you equip. So, choose wisely, my friend.
Now, let’s talk about your adversaries. In Achilles, you’ll face a diverse array of enemies, each with unique behaviors and tactics. From cunning archers to armored cyclops and swarms of skeletons, every encounter presents a fresh challenge, urging you to adapt and learn to secure victory.
Here’s the kicker: death is not the end in Achilles: Legends Untold. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Every defeat carries knowledge that can be wielded to become a better warrior, making your journey through Ancient Greece all the more rewarding.
As you dive deeper into this odyssey, you’ll discover the joy of customization. Different weapons and their combinations open a world of possibilities. Whether you choose brute force, agile souls-like combat, or become an unyielding defender, your choices will define your hero’s path.
Achilles: Legends Untold is available on Xbox so whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology, games with souls-like combat, or simply love a good story-driven experience, this is a title you won’t want to miss.
So, join the ranks of gamers ready to embark on an epic journey. In this game, your combat finesse, strategic thinking, and your hero’s skills will determine the fate of Ancient Greece. Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
Dark Point Games S.A.
Dive into a world where mastering combat is key to survival. Block and evade attacks, then sever limbs and heads of your foes. Develop your own tactics and achieve success over your enemies. If you fall in battle, rise again, enhance your hero’s skills, try a different tactic, and venture forth once more.
Revel in the spectacular sights. Explore open worlds and take on countless challenges. Become an unbeatable hero!
The post Achilles: Legends Untold – Unveiling the Epic Journey appeared first on Xbox Wire.
BlizzCon, the annual convention held by Blizzard Entertainment as a way for the company to share updates and information on its properties from Diablo to Warcraft, is finally back. For the first time in four years, the event will be held in person in addition to a digital event for those who won’t be venturing down to Anaheim, Calif.
Whether you are watching BlizzCon from home or attending in person, we have all the details below, including the schedule for the entire two-day event and what time each panel starts.
Jump to:
BlizzCon 2023 will be streaming on the BlizzCon website, in addition to the official Blizzard Entertainment Twitch and YouTube channels. If you miss any of the panels or the opening ceremony, don’t worry; Blizzard confirmed fans will be able to watch replays of all the panels.
Here’s a full programming schedule for BlizzCon 2023, which kicks off on Friday, Nov. 3, and will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Friday, Nov. 3:
Saturday, Nov. 4:
As with previous BlizzCons, expect plenty of announcements from the company’s major franchises. We know that Bizzard is working on a new survival game set in a brand new universe, but details have been slim since its official announcement over a year ago.
Diablo IV was released this year, so expect some updates to come from Blizzard regarding its plans for post-launch content. Diablo IV Season 3 news is likely, and the company may use BlizzCon as an opportunity to announce the first expansion, as Diablo boss Rod Fergusson previously mentioned the game will get annual expansions.
This upcoming BlizzCon is also noteworthy as it is the first time Blizzard Entertainment is holding the event after Microsoft acquired its parent company, Activision Blizzard. With an opening ceremony kicking off the event, we expect the company to make nod to the historic acquisition in some capacity.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Over 21 years ago, Sony released Boku no Natsuyasumi 2, a PlayStation 2 game that puts players in the small shoes of a young boy experiencing a coastal Japanese town’s summer. It sold well and became an instant fan favorite thanks to its relaxing setting, but unfortunately for English-speaking fans, it was never localized — until yesterday.
On Nov. 1, YouTuber and fan translator Hilltop released their long-awaited English translation patch for Boku no Natsuyasumi 2 alongside a short trailer.
The long-awaited English translation patch for Boku no Natsuyasumi 2 is now available. pic.twitter.com/YIR4o9mbiT
— Hilltop 🌻 (@HilltopWorks) November 1, 2023
“After eleven months of work, I am beyond proud to present the long-awaited English patch for one of the most special games ever to grace the PlayStation 2,” they wrote on Patreon. “I would like to thank the rest of the team for helping me in making this localization the absolute highest quality possible, with no expense spared and not a single corner cut.”
Hilltop’s patch seems especially detailed, with a small team working to preserve the original game’s nostalgic art style in everything from Boku’s journal entries to menu buttons while translating thousands of lines of dialogue.
I want to highlight the phenomenal work by @oldgamebox and @blametherobots to translate the game’s graphics, particularly the work to maintain the style of Boku’s crayon writing: pic.twitter.com/PAgk8zptqD
— Hilltop 🌻 (@HilltopWorks) April 16, 2023
The patch can be downloaded for free on Hilltop’s Patreon, and so many people have reportedly downloaded it that Hilltop had to establish a second download link after the first was overloaded. It’s currently compatible with both emulators and PS2s, and instructions for installing are included with the download.
Demand for this patch has been high for years — in 2012, we ranked the Boku no Natsuyasumi series among the best games to never get a worldwide release.
Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they’ve contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.
