Category: Video Games

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 496: Welcome to Silent Hill (2)

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

Hey folks! We’ve got a full house for this week’s pod, with the team talking news, next week’s releases, and all the spooktacular games we’ve been playing this month, including Until Dawn and Silent Hill 2.

Stuff We Talked About

  • Next week’s releases:
    • Neva | PS5
  • PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for October:
    • Dead Island 2
    • Two Point Campus
    • Gris
    • Return to Monkey Island
    • and more…
  • Neva devs detail design
  • Beat Saber: Britney Spears Music Pack launch
  • PlayStation Store: September 2024’s top downloads
  • Metaphor ReFantazio: hands-on details
  • Until Dawn
  • Silent Hill 2
  • Darkest Dungeon

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE

Kristen Zitani –  Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Keep Driving is a sumptuous and sleepy RPG roadtrip, inspired by Jalopy and FTL

“Post Void is a masterpiece of compulsive motion and hypnotic, irresistible sounds,” wrote Sin of YCJY Games’s “orgiastic” shooter. “It does something to my brain that I’ve never experienced before.” The developer’s just-announced Keep Driving seems a lot less inclined to scramble your grey matter, though it’s partial to the old rose-tinted goggles. It’s a droll, backward-glancing and slightly ominous 2D management RPG in which you drive to a music festival on the other side of the country. Along the way, you will pick up hitchhikers, upgrade your car, fill your boot with random junk, and participate in turn-based, non-lethal “combat” with dawdling children and obstinate tractors. Here’s a trailer.

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The Slim TSA-Approved Baseus Blade 20,000mAh 100W Power Bank Is Down to $49.79

Right now, Amazon is offering Amazon Prime members this Baseus Blade 20,000mAh 100W USB power bank for only $49.79 after you clip a 10% off coupon and also apply promo code “SGH4BTPY” during checkout. This TSA-approved portable battery features a generous 20,000mAH capacity and a powerful 100W charging rate with Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS. It’s the perfect backup for a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally. Baseus hasn’t been long around enough to develop the same reputation as Anker, but its power banks have been steadily racking up favorable reviews and recommendations. They’re also a lot less expensive than a comparable Anker power bank.

Baseus Blade 20,000mAh 100W Power Bank for $49.79

Amazon Prime member exclusive

The Baseus Blade features a slim and lightweight form factor that measures only 0.7 inches thin and weighs in at 17 ounces. It has four ports: two USB Type-C ports and two USB Type-A ports. The USB Type-C ports deliver a combined total of 100W of power output (charging your devices) and 65W of power input (charging your power bank). The USB Type-A ports deliver up to 18W. The power bank can be brought onto airplaines since it is well below TSA’s 27,000mAh threshold. Despite the thin profile, the Baseus Blade is able to pack in a digital readout that displays a lot of useful real-time information like remaining battery capacity, power input, and power output from each port.

The Baseus Blade can fast charge a Steam Deck or ROG Ally

This is a great charger for gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Switch. Both the ROG Ally and Steam Deck suffer from a short battery life when gaming on the go. During our Steam Deck review, we found games like God of War or Spider-Man would tap out in under two hours. At the end of the day, you’ll never get the full potential out of your Steam Deck or ROG Ally if you’re not equipped with a decent portable charger. The Baseus Blade can fast charge all three at their maximum rate. It supports up to 100W of charging over USB-C, which is more than enough for the Steam Deck’s charging rate of 38W, the Rog Ally’s charging rate of 65W, and the Nintendo Switch’s charging rate of 18W.

The Baseus Blade can fully charge a Steam Deck or ROG Ally

The ROG Ally and Steam Deck both consume about 40Whr going from full to empty. The Baseus Blade has a 20,000mAh capacity or 74Whr battery. If you factor in 80% power efficiency, then you should expect the Baseus Blade to charge either gaming handheld about 1.5 times. That’s why it’s better to get a larger capacity like this than a 10,000mAh power bank, which cannot charge these handhelds from empty to full even once.

Looking for more deals?

This is easily one of the best Steam Deck deals and Nintendo Switch deals available right now, and absolutely worth considering if you find yourself short on power all too often. If you want to compare other options before making the plunge, check out the best power banks of 2024.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

In Starless Abyss, you play hex-based battleships with a fleet of eldritch space monsters

After a hard day’s editing articles about three Disco Elysium spiritual successors – each more politically outspoken than the last, in a kind of Sophisticated Pooh collage of escalating Marxism – I like to kick back with a nice chill game about Lovecraftian space monsters.

That game is Konafa Game’s Starless Abyss – a roguelite tactical deckbuilder published by Descenders and Yes, Your Grace outfit No More Robots. It puts you in command of a fleet of upgradeable spaceships, who must chase away invading Eldritch aliens hex by hex… and also, hex by hex. This is both hex-based and a game in which you can cast hexes, you see. Oh, don’t look at me like that. I had to distil several manifestos into an article half-an-hour ago. I need this.

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Review In Progress: Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo – Pricey But Delightful, And Something Only Nintendo Could Pull Off

Can Hyrule’s destiny really depend on such a lazy boy?

Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, one of Nintendo’s most perplexing yet delightful products in recent memory, was announced and launched simultaneously on Wednesday 9th October.

We’ve managed to bag ourselves one, so if you’re wondering whether this curious new device is worth the whopping $99.99 / £89.99 / €99.99 asking price, then you’ve come to the right place.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Play Metaphor: ReFantazio Today! Here’s What You Need to Know Before Heading In

Play Metaphor: ReFantazio Today! Here’s What You Need to Know Before Heading In

  • Michael CervenSenior Communications Manager, Atlus

Metaphor Hero

To celebrate the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Katsura Hashino, Director of the fantasy RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio, hosted a 30-minute livestream yesterday to dive into the everything from the game’s setting, the United Kingdom of Euchronia, the monsters you’ll face, and how you can fight to see another day. Read on to learn more about Euchronia before jumping into Metaphor: ReFantazio, available now on Xbox!

Hashino-san kicked off the livestream by giving us a quick rundown of where our story begins. The United Kingdom of Euchronia hangs in the balance as usurpers vie for the throne and political upheaval swells. Amidst this chaos, our story follows a young protagonist and his fairy companion Gallica as they embark on a secret mission that could determine the entire nation’s fate.

Metaphor Screenshot

After setting the scene, Hashino-san gives us some advice on how to take on the variety of creatures you’ll face on your journey. When approaching potential threats, you can use Gallica to help scan an enemy’s danger level so you can strike down easy foes or prepare for more challenging opponents. Hashino-san also recommends leveraging surprise attacks and enemy weaknesses to increase your number of actions. However, the United Kingdom of Euchronia is not for the faint of heart – the enemies in Metaphor: ReFantazio were made to pose a challenge to even the most experienced RPG fans. Keep this in mind as you set your difficulty at the start of the game, or adjust the setting as you play through your journey if you find yourself overwhelmed.

While advantages and weaknesses are vital to coming out on top, the greatest tools in your arsenal are the Archetypes – special powers that awaken in various forms. Fourteen core Archetype lineages branch into over 40 total Archetypes, each with special powers that can be swapped across your party based on your combat strategy – and which will dictate which weapon is selected in real-time combat. You’ll need to interact and create bonds with followers throughout your journey to awaken and strengthen these Archetypes.

Metaphor Screenshot

As you learn the ins and outs of combat and Archetypes, keep an eye on the in-game calendar. The story is tied to a day and night cycle, which is progressed by your choices and actions, so choose your next steps wisely. How you spend your time is completely up to you – move through dungeons, interact with friends, improve virtues – but time is always limited.

This is just scratching the surface of all there is to do in Metaphor: ReFantazio, but now you can jump into the race to the throne yourself! Metaphor: ReFantazio is available now on Xbox, and for those who want to try it before they buy it, a free Prologue demo is available. The demo gives you a chance to experience the early hours of Metaphor: ReFantazio, with all progress carrying over to the full game.

Metaphor Screenshot

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a commemoration and culmination of Atlus’ 35-year history and accomplishments, and we are so excited to share our next creative endeavor with you. Our game is currently sitting at a 92 on Metacritic for Xbox and we are thrilled about the response from all our fans. We hope to see you in Euchronia!

If you want to learn more, please watch the full livestream on the Atlus YouTube channel or purchase the game here on Xbox. Also stay tuned to the Atlus West official channels Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.


Metaphor: ReFantazio
Xbox Play Anywhere

Metaphor: ReFantazio

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
43
★★★★★

Get it now

Pre-order and receive consumable in-game item sets.
Utilize them on the epic adventure you’re about to embark on.

1. Archetype EXP Chest Set
・10x Hero’s Incenses (Increases Archetype Experiences by 100)
・5x Hero’s Fruits (Increases Archetype Experiences by 500)

2. Adventurer’s Journey Pack
・30,000 Reeve (In-game currency)
・5x Expensive Medicines (Restores 200 HP to one ally)
・5x Revival Medicines (Revives an ally)
・3x Magical Breads (Gradually recover MP while in dungeon)
・2x Stale Blackbreads (Deals 300 Almighty damage to one enemy)

*Available as the story progresses.
*Available for purchase through October 10, 2024 at 23:59 Local

From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.

Key Features:
-Go on quests, dungeon dive, & hunt for treasures by day. Strengthen relationships, build bonds, & increase virtues by night. Choose your actions wisely, time management is key to achieving your goal.

-Ride your gauntlet runner to faraway dungeons & towns across an expansive world. Discover beautiful landscapes  accompanied by captivating music, immersive UI, & anime cutscenes.

-An exhilarating turn-based combat system with a blend of real-time action. Party customization through “Archetype” powers provides the freedom to personalize your adventure.

-A mysterious & exciting story unfolds in a world where people must fight their own anxiety. Join the high-stakes Royal Tournament that promises hours of captivating exploration and discovery.

From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.

The post Play Metaphor: ReFantazio Today! Here’s What You Need to Know Before Heading In appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Share of the Week: Spooky Settings

Last week, we asked you to venture into spooky gaming settings and share hair-raising locations using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

call_me_xavii shares James wandering through the foggy streets of Silent Hill 2.

m_nt_13 shares a wall of eyeballs peering out in Stray.

JLunarTraveler shares skeletal figures rising in a graveyard from Hogwarts Legacy.

wingsforsmiles shares Alan rushing away from an evil force in the subway tunnels of Alan Wake 2.

DexM_ds shares body bags hanging in a waterlogged cellar in Resident Evil Village.

FranTGP shares an ominous chained up figure in A Plague Tale: Requiem.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Scared

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on October 16, 2024 

Next week, we’re ready to be frightened. Share moments where characters looks scared from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. 

Sure, why not – third group of former Disco Elysium devs announce “revolutionary new RPG studio”

Those two other Disco Elysium “spiritual successors” were but filthy pretenders, or at best, the thesis and antithesis resulting in this afternoon’s triumphant synthesis.* The real Disco Elysium spiritual successor is whatever they’re making at Summer Eternal, a just-announced “art collective/RPG studio” founded by a group of, once more with feeling, former Disco Elysium developers.

The press release for this particular Disco Elysiulike has the most actual names on it of the three we’ve learned about this week. It is also, by some distance, the most outwardly socialist of the lot. It accompanies a website featuring some blood-red all-caps political manifestos and a fairly exhaustive breakdown of Summer Eternal’s worker cooperative structure. Amongst other things, the studio will let people who buy their games form a non-profit within Summer Eternal that gets a share of the revenue, and has a say on company direction.

Read more

Smash Bros. Creator Sakurai Offers Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Nintendo President Iwata as He Winds Down Popular YouTube Channel

In one of his final videos as part of the “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games” YouTube series, Smash Bros. Masahiro creator offered a touching tribute to his friend and former boss Satoru Iwata, who served as Nintendo president from 2002 until his death in 2015.

“It wouldn’t be right to end this channel without touching on this topic,” Sakurai wrote on X/Twitter.

Sakurai, who opened the channel to talk about his experiences developing games, worked with Iwata at HAL Laboratory before the latter moved to Nintendo in 2000 as the head of corporate planning. Sakurai shares several touching memories over the course of the 10 minute video, including their first job interview, how Iwata helped come up with the title of Super Smash Bros., and the last time they saw one another.

While Iwata’s management role typically kept him far away from development, he nevertheless played a key role in Smash Bros. Melee’s development by contributing his expertise as a programmer and solving numerous bugs. Sakurai also remembers how Iwata came up with the “brothers” part of Super Smash Bros., which was meant to convey that the characters weren’t actually fighting, but friends solving a little disagreement.

Mr. Iwata was truly the person who understood me best

Sakurai goes on to recall his shock at Iwata succeeding Hiroshi Yamauchi as Nintendo president, calling it “frankly unimaginable” that a comparative outsider should take over what had been a family-owned business for generations after just two years with the company. Nevertheless, he said, Iwata proved to be a major force at Nintendo, contributing numerous ideas such as the Iwata Asks series, the concept of the Nintendo Direct, and more.

Sakurai finishes by remembering their final drive together, and how they had planned to meet again later that year before Iwata suddenly passed away in July.

“Mr. Iwata was truly the person who understood me best,” Sakurai said. “He was full of virtue, relentlessly hardworking, committed to service, and a man who changed the games industry. If I hadn’t met Mr. Iwata at the start of my career, I’d probably be off doing something completely different.”

Iwata’s influence continues to be felt in games even now, close to a decade after his death. Just this week, Nintendo released Alarmo, an idea that was near and dear to Iwata’s heart. An Echoes of Wisdom easter egg also seemingly paid tribute to his friendship with former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé,

Sakurai’s tribute to Iwata is one of his final videos as he winds down his YouTube channel, which started in 2022 and has 589,000 subscribers. He says that he continues to make games for the time being, but his next project is currently unknown.

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.