A Silent Hill 2 Remake modder has continued the tradition of turning a game’s big bad into Thomas the Tank Engine, this time replacing Pyramid Head with the children’s cartoon character.
The Pyramid the Tank Engine mod from ZombieAli is available to download on Nexus Mods and, as per the description, it simply “replaced Pyramid Head with Thomas the Tank Engine.”
The pyramid head does remain, however, but comes across more like a bold fashion choice for Thomas as opposed to the focal point of a horrific monster. “As the mod prophecy once foretold, thou shalt always put Thomas into moddable games,” ZombieAli said.
The Thomas the Tank engine mod is only one of many to hit the Silent Hill 2 Remake, with other mods removing things like hair sheen and the fog, and one even turning the game into Sunny Hills.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
I will not lie to you, gentle reader. When I first laid eyes on Secret Door’s Sunderfolk, while lurking to the rear of a gaggle of journomancers at a preview event last week, I let out an ostentatious sigh. Fortunately, I still mask up to preview events, and am thus free to adopt all kinds of snotty facial expressions without being set upon by burly PRs and shoved into the minifridge for later disposal. To sum it up, Sunderfolk is a hex and turn-based 2-4 player digital boardgame with fantasy animal characters and deckbuilding elements, reminiscent of Gloomhaven. Conceived during the pandemic lockdowns as a way to “bring back game night”, but without the traditional 30-minute unboxing ritual, it’s played on the big screen but controlled using a dedicated smartphone app, with players stroking and swiping to move characters and play cards.
With massive sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, the holiday season of savings is kicking off. In the meantime, though, there are still quite a few discounts for PlayStation fans to check out. And with the brand new PS5 Pro up for preorder now with a hefty price tag, there’s really no better time to take advantage of PS5 deals.
The PS5 Pro has finally, officially been announced with a monumental price tag of $699.99. If you’re itching to get your preorder in, today’s the day! Preorders are live at a variety of retailers we’ve listed out below. The console will officially release on November 7.
It was also revealed during the 9-minute presentation that the new console does not come with a disc drive or the vertical stand. So we thought it best to point you in the direction of these items so you can purchase them now in the event they sell out. The PS5 Disc Drive will cost you $79.94 and the vertical stand will set you back $29.94.
Preorder PlayStation 5 Digital 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
For those looking to get their hands on the 30th Anniversary PS5 console, preorders are now live for that as well. They’re selling out fast, though, and already sold out at quite a few retailers, so be quick to pick one up if you find one still available.
See it at GameStop – Pro membership required, restocking 600 units each hour until sold out
DualSense Controller 30th Anniversary Edition Preorders Now Live
Styled to evoke nostalgia for the original PlayStation console, the 30th Anniversary Edition DualSense is now live for preorder. Unfortunately, it’s sold out everywhere right now, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for when the next wave of preorders come in.
SSD prices have been rising in 2024 but, with significant discounts available, now is the perfect time to buy. This is one of the best deals on a 2TB SSD at the moment: You can score the 2TB Seagate FireCuda 530R PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $139.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. This deal isn’t the only one worth checking out right now, either. You can see even more of our favorite SSD deals below.
Best PS5 Headset Deals: 60% Off the Razer Kaira Pro Dual Wireless Gaming Headset & More Deals
There’s no shortage of PS5-compatible headsets. If you’re constantly having to turn down the volume when you play, you might want to pick up one of these, then you can listen to your games as loud as you darn well please. And if you’d like to see even more options that are worth buying, check out our collection of the best gaming headsets.
If you’re looking to trade in your old PlayStation consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.
While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you’ll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.
With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we’re trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We’ve got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and we keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you’re trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
Intel have announced their latest batch of desktop CPUs, the Core Ultra 200S series, and it’s got the component giants singing quite a different tune. Instead of trying to stuff in ever more threads, and ever more PC-incinerating clock speeds, the Core Ultra 200S family – spearheaded by the Core Ultra 9 285K when it launches later this year – will dial back certain specs compared the 14th Gen range. Instead, the focus will be on power efficiency and lowering temperatures.
In a shock move for the popular sim, Sega is delaying Football Manager 25 until March 2025, putting its release barely two months before 2025’s Champions League Final.
We have made the tough decision to delay the release of Football Manager 25 until March 2025.
Developer Sports Interactive and Sega released a statement calling it “tough decision” and saying that specific platform dates will follow once confirmed. The statement continued, “In our last Development Update in September, we explained that we needed to push FM25’s original release back to give ourselves more time to deliver the best possible experience for this first installment in a new era of Football Manager. This additional time has not been sufficient to ensure the game quality and experience meets your expectations and our very high standards.”
Developing…
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.
A paper aeroplane falls at my feet, with a note written inside: “Even through everything that has happened… I never stopped loving you.” Kind Words 2 is full of touching and drifting remarks like this, written by other players and tossed into the winds for you to find. If you’re allergic to vulnerability, or find cuteness or the “wholesome” games trend hard to digest, you’ve probably already turned your face away. But if your heart is open, even a smidge, if you carry a deep craving to peer through the cracks in the internet to discover a small realm of common humanity, then Kind Words 2 can show you a glimpse of that warm and welcoming world.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is right around the corner and we are excited. We’ve been lucky enough to go hands-on with the latest entry in the wacky RPG series and we came away with 15 minutes of crisp new gameplay footage for you to see the Bros. back in action.
The above clips are taken from an early section of the game, showcasing two different islands that Mario & Luigi set out to save in the hopes of reuniting the fractured nation of Concordia. You’ll see a decent amount of overworld exploring, some of the turn-based battles with the iconic Bro-specific button inputs and a peppering of the dry humour that we so loved in the series’ GBA and DS titles.
A Guided Tour of Duloc from the Shrek Special Pack for PowerWash Simulator
Jess Green, Associate Marketing Manager
Hey Washers!
You are hereby summoned to the Kingdom of Far, Far Away on a guided tour of Duloc, hosted by the devs of PowerWash Simulator. Kick back with a mug of warm swamp-mud and let us regale you with some behind-the-scenes insight on the development of the Duloc level in the new Shrek Special Pack – Available now!
We collaborated with Universal Products & Experiences to bring the world of DreamWorks’ Animations Shrek to life in PowerWash Simulator, transforming iconic locations such as Shrek’s Swamp, Duloc , Hansel’s Honeymoon Hideaway, Fairy Godmother’s Potion Factory and Dragon’s Lair. FuturLab’s own: Designer Jade Staines and Artist and Sean Ferretti, who both worked extensively on the Duloc level (one of five within the Shrek Special Pack), are here to tell you all about it, while our Concept Artist Nick Peacock gives you a closer look at early concepts for the Knight character model you’ll play as in the Shrek Special Pack.
Duloc is a Perfect Place!
It’s not *quite* the picture-perfect Duloc is inspired by the original Shrek film. Barely recognizable under a layer of filth Ferretti explains:
“Players will find House sigil tags scattered across the walls that belong to the Knights and other references to the films. You’ll find tons of fun details like these in all the levels because everybody in the Art team adores these movies and we had a blast bringing this pack to PowerWash Simulator!”
“It was fun to collaborate with Universal Products & Experiences abd DreamWorks Animation teams to come up with ideas and jokes that the knights had graffitied around Duloc including as many film references as we could,” adds Staines.
The graffiti looks especially cool in conjunction with a new accessibility tool that allows players to change the colour of the dirt highlight, that will come with a patch to the main game at the time of the Shrek Special Pack release.
Shine your shoes, wipe your… visor
Perhaps one of the most iconic moments from the Shrek films (and there’s no shortage to choose from) is the moment that Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc, and are greeted with a catchy tune from the information booth, or as Ferretti puts it…
“That scene has forever been seared into my brain. My colleague Bara (Artist) and I must’ve rewatched this clip at least 50 times altogether while designing the Information Booth inspired by the film but we’re proud to have it included!”
Because the information booth is such an icon of the Shrek films, we really went to town on making it special – this humble landmark alone contains over 80 Dings.
“As soon as I saw the information booth with all the puppets I just knew I had to make them individual objects for all of the Dings! Playing it and hearing them all is sooo satisfying.”
Just like Donkey, we want players to think “Wow, let’s do that again!”
Arise, Washer!
We love making our Special Packs even more immersive with unique character models. In the Shrek Special Pack, you can go forth and conquer grime as a power washing knight, looking right at home, especially in Duloc. Peacock explains the process of creating the character model:
“I looked at real suits of armour, films with armour (live action and animation) and other artistic renditions of armour – useful in seeing how other people have solved complex problems and distilled down its essence. Once I’ve done this, I like to sketch out ideas, and see where my own interpretations take me.”
“I loved coming up with ideas for the washer elements, like the water tank on the back or the sword washer. Both tools used for combat, made to look fun and toylike. It brings in some humour and fun, which I think adds to the experience on a game like ours. I enjoy working this way – like a kid drawing out their playful ideas on paper.”
We hope you’ve enjoyed this access-all-areas look at the new Duloc level! We’ll leave you to discover the magic of the other four levels yourselves. With all that said and done, these closing words from Staines sum up how many of us here at FuturLab feel about the Shrek Special Pack.
“It’s fun watching scenes inspired by a film that I grew up with, become levels that you can run around and explore. Everyone involved with the pack did such an amazing job, I think the players are going to have a blast cleaning it all.”
Xbox Game Pass members can play the base game, PowerWash Simulator, as part of their membership. Shrek Special Pack is available now for a separate purchase on the Xbox Store (a copy of PowerWash Simulator is required to play).
Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find. Build your own power-washing business and unlock new tools, upgrades and more – all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.
TIME TO CLEAN UP THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Build up your business in Career Mode and complete a variety of dirty jobs across the dusty town of Muckingham. There’s no right or wrong; no time pressure or final score, just you and the tools you need to soak away your stress. Want a clean start? Chill out and replay your favourite jobs in Free Play.
POWERWASH AND CHILL
Relax, unwind, and play with friends in Online Co-Op! Lend a helping hand to your closest pal in Career Mode, or up to 6 friends can splash around in Free Play, tackling any job the host has already completed.
KEEP IT CLEAN
For those looking for a little more pressure, beat your best scores in Challenge Mode! Fight grime in different scenarios; wash against the clock in Time Challenge or test your accuracy by using as little water as possible in Water Challenge.
GOOD CLEAN FUN
Graffiti, grime, moss, and mould, no dirt is too tough for your range of washers, nozzles, cleaners, and extensions. Different dirt types have different levels of toughness, so make sure you’re getting tactical with your equipment. Feeling fancy? Then customise your look with washer skins and gloves!
RELAXATION, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
From casual, clean freaks to players looking to get into the nitty-gritty, everyone can pick up and play to feel immersed. Absorb the relaxing atmosphere and stress-free pace as you strip dirt from patios, pavements, vehicles, and public parks. Stress gets to us all, so sit back, relax, and wash your worries down the drain.
THE WORLD IS YOUR CANVAS
Create art by cleaning the way you want. Your nozzles are your brushes; the neighbourhood is your canvas. Unleash your creative talents and transform ordinary dirt into exceptional artwork. Share your techniques and showcase your power-washing prowess and mud-caked masterpieces!
Prepare yourselves, Jedi! The Force is calling you back to exhilarating lightsaber action! We’re excited to announce that Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, offering nostalgic thrills for returning Jedi and a gripping experience for new padawans.
A long-awaited battle is back in full force
Originally released in 2000, get ready to battle your way through iconic locations from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Whether you’re fighting to take back the Theed Palace from the Trade Federation or facing off against hordes of battle droids, destroyer droids, and deadly assassins, you’ll need all the skill and precision of a Jedi to succeed.
In Jedi Power Battles, the power of the Force is in your hands. Grasp your lightsaber and cut through enemies in fast-paced, side-scrolling arcade action. The game allows you to play as beloved characters from the prequel trilogy, including Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padme, Panaka, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Celebrating 25 years with all new features
The 2025 release includes new and improved features that enhance the gameplay experience:
Lightsaber Toggle: For returning players who remember playing each Jedi with a distinctive color to their lightsaber, you may also remember those sabers not matching their looks in the films.
For example, the original game showcased Mace Windu with a blue Lightsaber.
For this release, we added a toggle that allows you to swap between his iconic purple saber or the classic blue saber. This also applies to Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, & Adi Gallia’s classic saber colors.
All secret characters and levels unlocked at the beginning: Experience the full game right from the start, with all the original secret characters and levels unlocked, allowing you to dive straight into the battle without delay. Beyond the original lineup, we’ve introduced 13 newly unlocked playable characters! You’ll find the Rifle Droid, Staff Tusken Raider, Ishi Tib, and Weequay, ready to jump into the action, and more character announcements are coming before launch day. Who else is joining the roster? We’ll all find out soon enough.
Gameplay improvements and expanded game modes: We’ve made enhancements to the character models, environments, and game modes based on the expanded post-PlayStation release, while also preserving elements of the original PlayStation UI. Enjoy smoother jumps, better balance, and new main menu art that transforms your battle from all of the original versions of the game. Additionally, we’ve included in-game UI toggle options for greater customization, and we’ve brought back Vs Mode and Training Mode from the expanded post-PlayStation release, adding depth and variety to your gameplay.
Classic couch co-op: The entire 10-level campaign, along with additional bonus mini-games, can be played with a friend in local co-op mode. The joy of teaming up with a buddy to take down waves of enemies is a core part of the Jedi Power Battles experience, and it’s back in full force.
Cheat codes and unlockables: Classic cheats like Big Head Mode, Big Foot Mode, and Lightsaber cheats are ready to be claimed! Additionally, unlock character progressions (combos, stats) by achieving high scores to keep the gameplay fresh and rewarding. Lastly, brand-new for the first time, the Loader Droid Boss is playable via cheat code!
Ready to join the battle?
Whether you’re a returning player or new to the battle, get ready for an adventure in the Star Wars galaxy. We’ve brought this classic back out of our deep love for Star Wars, and we hope you find joy in every lightsaber swing and every battle won.
May the Force be with you—always. Get ready to join the battle on January 23, 2025!
Prepare by pre-ordering Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles on PS5 & PS4 today.
LucasArts’ Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launched in 2000 on the PlayStation before hitting the Dreamcast and the Game Boy Advance. As the title suggests, it’s set during the time frame of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, with a mix of platforming and beat ‘em up gameplay. Playable characters include Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Masters Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, and Plo Koon,
Aspyr’s Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles brings the game to modern platforms with modern controls, 13 newly unlocked characters from the beginning, all levels unlocked, versus and training modes introduced in later releases of the game, and two-player couch co-op.
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles will be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam on January 23, 2025 priced $19.99, just shy of 25 years after the original came out.
Here’s the official blurb, from Aspyr:
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles with this fast-paced lightsaber action game featuring enhanced gameplay, models, environments, game modes, and more. Use the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber against legions of droids, assassins, and other legendary foes as you fight through iconic locations from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace like Theed Palace and more.
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles key features:
Jump into Side-Scrolling Arcade Action in the Star Wars Galaxy: Play as Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, and Qui-Gon Jinn and face off against classic foes in iconic locations from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
All Secret Characters Unlocked & More to Discover: Play with all secret characters and levels from the original game unlocked from the start, including Darth Maul, Captain Panaka, Queen Amidala and more. There’s also 13 new playable characters to unlock after your first playthrough, like the Rifle Droid, Tusken Raider, Ishi Tib, and Weequay!
Play with a Friend in Classic Couch Co-op: Battle side-by-side with a companion in two-player couch co-op for the entire 10-level campaign and bonus mini-games.
New Features & Modes for Modern Platforms: Use classic or modern controls, toggle your lightsaber colors, enter classic cheat codes like Big Head Mode, dive into the VS and training modes from later releases of the game, and discover more surprises in this 25th-anniversary celebration of Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles.
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.