Sonic Adventure 2 marked Shadow’s debut.
The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie is going to take a lot from Sonic Adventure 2, according to the movie’s producer.
Speaking to GamesRadar+ recently, Sonic 3 movie producer Toby Ascher explained how the third big screen outing for the blue blur would not only be a “giant, fun, incredible movie” but also one that “takes a lot” from the second Adventure title, which originally debuted on the Dreamcast in 2001.
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Get racing today.
Nintendo has added two surprises to the Switch Online N64 service this week in the form of Extreme G and Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls.
Extreme G: Fans of all things fast, start your engines! Push your cyber cycle to the limit and zoom through 12 futuristic looping, twisting racetracks. But watch out, because these battle bikes pack a wallop – each is loaded with weapons, and your rivals are not afraid to use ’em! Beat your opponents to the punch and pick up a bevy of powerups in an attempt to top the rankings and avoid total wreckage. Plus, up to four players can settle the racing score locally** or online.* Whether playing solo or with friends, Extreme-G sets the course for some serious g-force!
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Hi, everyone! Wynn here again. Welcome back to another Xbox Insider Team interview. Today’s chat is with Chad—the very first of our incredible Xbox Insider engineers. How’s it going, Chad?
Doing pretty well, Wynn.
Glad to hear it! Well, let’s jump right in.
Tell the community a little bit about how you joined the Xbox Insider team.
Yeah, so, I joined the team ten years ago. Probably like a month or two after everything initially launched.
Oh, wow. So, you’re pretty OG on the team?
I’m the longest-serving engineer, and I think only Leland has me beat on overall tenure for the team.
That’s really impressive man. You must’ve seen a lot in your time here.
Haha. It’s been a journey. I’ve seen the program evolve from a little applet, where we just had a few visible rings, to where it is now, with a fully blown hub app and multiple different types of flighting. It’s been really rewarding to be part of that transformation.
Let’s talk more about that transformation. How have you seen things change over the years?
In the beginning, the program was a kind of scratch group of different people all trying to just get things working and stood up. We had the flight dashboard setup, but we realized really quickly that we needed an actual app for people to access. So, we worked to build that out. Then when Todd took over, he was really focused on the outward expansion of the program. Game flights, app flights, better infrastructure for all that, Todd pushed a bunch of those initiatives forward. Now, with Brad’s leadership we’ve been working on a lot of the crystallization of process and harmonization aspects.
I love hearing about this kind of history. I didn’t think about it initially, but I guess you’ve worked under everyone who has led the program.
Yup! I’ve seen every manager, every leader, every re-org, etc. that’s happened throughout the years.
Well—since you’ve been here for so long—what’s your favorite moment from your work or like something you’ve worked on that you’re the most proud of?
Hmm. That’s a great question. I think I have two different answers. To answer the “what I’ve worked on part”, it’s really the feedback system as a whole. There’s probably not a single thing in that codebase I haven’t touched over the years, and I’ve been building that from the ground up all the way to now.
But the favorite moment portion is definitely something that’s not related to the work I do at all. Before the lockdowns started, we had these holiday parties every year. Just a small thing with the flight team, a white elephant type deal. The cast may have changed somewhat, but there was also a static core throughout the years. So, there’s this series of cherished memories that I have with all of my teammates from each of those parties that I hold dear.
I’m torn between being mind blown about the feedback reveal and being moved by the holiday party anecdote. I wonder if there’s any way we could start that back up.
It would be cool to see them come back in some form.
Well, we’ve seen what you’ve worked on in the past. Do you have any updates about what you’re currently working on that you can share with the Xbox Insider community?
Lemme think if there’s anything I can talk about publicly. The nature of engineering work isn’t always the most flashy or interesting to everyone, but we are doing a lot of upcoming modernization work on the backend for all things XIP.
Okay. I can get behind that. Sprucing up the infrastructure?
Yeah, exactly. Tech progresses pretty quickly, so you always want to make sure you’re doing things as efficiently as possible. With some of these changes, it’ll end up freeing up our engineering team to work on more “fun” projects later in the year.
That sounds awesome! Looking forward to seeing how that turns out.
Okay, let’s move on to the more rapid-fire style questions. What’s your favorite video game or one that’s impacted your life the most?
This is slightly tangential from the question, but as far as a game that impacted my life, the first thing that comes to mind is a teacher I had in high school. I grew up in a more rural area where we didn’t have many AP classes at the time. I had a particularly cool computer science teacher who saw potential in myself and a handful of other students. He hand-crafted multiple years’ worth of computer-related courses specifically for us. He showed us everything: computer history, visual logic and visual basic, some computer animation and modeling. A lot of the classes were designed around us creating little apps and games. That memory: those games I built with that teacher and my classmates, are what I remember the most.
That might be the best answer that isn’t quite an answer to this question I’ve gotten yet. I’m incredibly glad you shared that. I think a lot of people had that one teacher in high school that really connected with them in a meaningful way.
Definitely. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without those experiences in those formative years.
Agreed. Let’s try a little lighter fare. Favorite album?
Renaissance by Beyoncé has been a go-to for a while now. I’m a bit of a house-head and I’ve always loved the Queen Bee, so that album has really been firing on all cylinders for me.
I know purely from my wife’s excitement that the next album in that trilogy is dropping soon.
Yeah, it comes out at the end of the month, but it’s actually a country album instead of a more dance/electronic one. [Note: This interview was conducted prior to the album’s release.]
Haha. It seems I’m far out of the loop when it comes to Beyoncé. I’m like, “The same person who did Single Ladies is doing house and country?”
The Queen Bee has range.
Truly. Let’s move onto the screen. Any favorite shows or movies you like to rewatch?
Avatar: The Last Airbender I can literally watch any time, start to finish. For movies, I’m a Miyazaki guy, and Spirited Away is my favorite.
Oh, you and Austin should do a simultaneous rewatch of ATLA. You can start a podcast!
That’s not a bad idea. Lemme write that down.
I’ll be the first subscriber.
Okay, do you have any hobbies outside of the realm of entertainment media?
I love travelling with my partner and my friends. I’ve actually been to Antarctica before. But traveling is too cliché, right?
Let me just check my notes here. Nope. We don’t have a single other person who says they’ve been to Antarctica.
Haha. I guess it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things even though I do hope I get to go back someday.
I wish we had a little more time to dive into that because I’m so curious about what that was like. Anything else besides being an actual literal globetrotter?
I’ve gone to Burning Man for the past nine years and I spend a decent amount of time working on projects for that.
The environmental dichotomy of Antarctica and Burning Man being your answers is truly perfect.
Thank you.
Well, any last thoughts for our Xbox Insiders before we wrap?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has ever submitted feedback through the program. Whether it was system related, a game flight, or just a one-off, we really do look at all of that and it’s extremely important for what we do as a team. We really can’t thank everyone enough.
I can cheers to that! Chad, thank you so much for stopping back to chat with everyone.
The pleasure’s mine, Wynn!
Xbox Insiders, be sure to be on the lookout for more content all throughout February including more interviews from the team, a trip down memory lane, and so much more. All of our 10th Anniversary content can be found on our Hub Page.
Until next time! Wynn/
The post Get To Know Our Team: Chad – Senior Software Engineer appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Zenless Zone Zero is the next action-RPG from Genshin Impact developers HoYoverse. Where Genshin is all Zelda-style pastoral greens, Zenless is an urban fantasy. It’s expected to release sometime in the first half of 2024, and you can now pre-register on all platforms.
Songs Of Conquest is a strategy-RPG with some of the most handsome pixel art around. Steam tells me I’ve played its Early Access release for 0.7 hours, which was long enough to know that I wanted to play more and would wait for version 1.0. I won’t have to wait much longer. It’s now got a May 20th release date.
Hey there, gamers! Let’s delve into something truly exciting: the unveiling of Lost Twins II, a highly anticipated puzzle platformer from Playdew, an innovative indie game developer based in Pakistan. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of seven years of hard work and dedication, promising players an extraordinary gaming experience that transcends the ordinary. Step into the whimsical realm of Lost Twins II, where you’ll guide the titular lost twins, Abi and Ben, through a mesmerizing adventure filled with intricate puzzles and unexpected twists. With its focus on exploration and discovery, rather than conflict, Lost Twins II invites players to unravel the mysteries of its dualistic-inspired narrative, where seemingly opposing forces merge to create a harmonious and enchanting journey.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Lost Twins II, where wonder and adventure await at every turn. In the mystical realm of Phoenix, a radiant community of sibling phoenixes once flourished, their existence a testament to the eternal dance of life and rebirth. But fate had other plans. A mighty storm, born of unseen forces, tore through their world, leaving devastation in its wake. The once-vibrant phoenixes were frozen in time, transformed into statues of stone, their essence scattered to the winds.
Our story begins amidst this chaos. Twin siblings, Abi & Ben, stumble upon the remains of one such phoenix, hidden within the halls of their parents’ museum. Drawn by a mysterious light, they follow its ethereal trail, leading to the stone phoenix and a portal beyond imagining.
With a burst of radiant energy, you are whisked away to the shattered remnants of the phoenixes’ homeland, where a grand adventure awaits. Joined by the phoenix, now in a transformed state, you’ll embark on a quest to reunite him with his scattered essence and breathe life back into the world of Phoenix.
The game unfolds across three primary zones, each offering a distinct environment inspired by the vivid imagination of the twins. From lush forests to majestic castles, players will explore beautifully crafted landscapes while solving puzzles in each zone.
As you progress, you’ll collect feathers to unlock new areas, unveiling the secrets of this enchanting world one puzzle at a time.
As you guide the twin siblings through dynamic environments, you’ll encounter a myriad of challenges and delights along the way. With the ability to control both siblings, you’ll navigate through enchanted forests, traverse frozen castles, and explore the whimsical realm of Toyland, all inspired by the captivating worlds of Studio Ghibli. Immerse yourself in the beauty of each landscape with an atmospheric soundtrack that sets the tone for your adventure, while unlocking achievements hidden throughout the game. Solve a variety of puzzles, from logic challenges to spatial conundrums, each offering multiple solutions to spark your creativity. With privacy and offline play guaranteed, Lost Twins II invites you to delve into a world of magic, mystery, and endless exploration.
Featuring stunning visuals reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic style and meticulously designed puzzles, Lost Twins II guarantees an unforgettable experience brimming with wonder and delight for players of all ages. With Lost Twins II, you are invited into a world where curiosity and creativity reign supreme. So, are you ready to embark on this enchanting journey and reunite the lost twins? Wishlist now, and get ready for the release later this year on Xbox.
Wishlist now to be the first to embark on this thrilling journey!
Playdew
Inspired by Miyazaki, the art style merges soft, painterly backgrounds with simplified, memorable characters and fluid animations. Each frame is crafted meticulously with pride – specific lighting techniques, thoughtful composition, and immense attention to detail mean that every single moment you’ll spend playing Lost Twins 2 will be a feast for the eyes. The original musical score is atmospheric, soothing, and thematic to complement the art style.
The puzzles in Lost Twins 2 are painstakingly designed, with elegant solutions that make you feel, momentarily, like a genius. They are hard enough to present a challenge but logical enough that you’ll be able to solve them within a few attempts. There is a joy to be discovered in every level in Lost Twins 2.
A signature sliding puzzle mechanic forms the core complemented by mechanics such as pressure switches, water gates, breakable domes, lifts, elevators, and more to ensure that the pace of the game never falters. There’s no repetition in the puzzles, each new puzzle will feel interesting and unique.
The goal is to delight both children and adults with a gameplay experience that is based on discovery, tinkering, and exploration–not on conflict and threat. There are no timers, no enemies, no deaths, not even any dialogues to read – just a poetic, visually breathtaking world full of puzzles challenging your wits. A cerebral and pleasant experience for everyone, never frustrating without proper reward, never dull or monotonous.
The post Wishlist Playdew’s Lost Twins II, Coming this Year appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Amazon is offering the Jackery Explorer 100 31,000mAh Power Bank for $99.99 after you clip the $30 off coupon on the product page. This is the largest capacity power bank we’ve seen that’s TSA carry-on eligible. It also uses superior LiFePO4 battery cells, can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously, and boasts up to 100W charging output via USB Type-C.
At first glance the Jackery Explorer 100 looks like one of those large power stations you might use as a backup battery for your home. But actually, this thing is pretty small, small enough to fit on the palm of your hand. It measures only 5″x3.4″x3.4″ and weighs about 2 pounds. This is a 99Whr power bank, which means it just barely squeezes its way under TSA’s sub-100Whr requirement. With a 31,000mAh total capacity, this is definitely the largest TSA carry-on eligible power bank we’ve posted on IGN.
Unlike most smaller power banks which use lithium-ion cells, the Jackery Explorer 100 uses LiFePO4 cells. They’re usually more expensive and also a bit heavier, but in exchange you get inherently safer battery chemistry and a much longer lifespan, both in terms of number of cycles and calendar aging.
The Jackery Explorer 100 has three outputs: two USB Type-C with PPS and Power Delivery up to 100W total, and a USB Type-A with 28W of charging for a total of 128W. The Steam Deck supports up to 45W max charging, the ASUS ROG Ally up to 65W, and the Nintendo Switch up to 18W. That means ou can charge a Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch at its maximum charging speed. In fact, you could almost charge all three at their maximum charging rate simultaneously.
Jackery is a well known brand that’s based out of Fremont, California. They’re very reliable and are often a great alternative to the juggernaut Chinese companies like Ecoflow and Bluetti. This power bank is UL 94V-0 certified and includes a 2 year warranty.
For more options, check out our favorite power banks for 2024.
Seal: What the Fun is a brand-new multiplayer party royale game that will let up to 20 players compete in a wide array of hilarious and entertaining mini-games to be the last one standing. There is so much fun to be had in Seal: What the Fun and we’re here to break down why this is one party you don’t want to miss.
Seal: What the Fun, which is set to have a beta test on April 27 and 28 in the Americas, is chaotic, unpredictable, and highly entertaining in all the best ways. Each match will last just 10 minutes and there will be three rounds of awesome fun in every one. Seal: What the Fun supports both solo and team play modes so you have the freedom to play exactly how you want.
While we’ll get to the fun of the rounds in Seal: What the Fun shortly, we have to talk about all the all the charm and customization that’s featured in the game. For the beta test, there will be six characters to try out – Rascal Rabbit, Giant the Bear, Blanco the Dancing Cactus, Joe the Little Boxer, Popo the Magic-Trained Sheep, and Snowball the Tall and Quirky Carrot-Nosed Snowman – and each will boast a personality all their own.
You’ll never get bored, because you can customize each of these characters to your heart’s content with different costumes and items to make your character yours. When you are in the middle of the match, you can let your opponents know how awesome you are with a variety of emo-effects, animation gestures, and more.
Now, as for the rounds themselves, there will be everything from shooting sports to racing, climbing, surviving, and puzzle matching. You’ll not only have to find the fastest and most efficient route through a level, but you’ll also have to keep your eye out for your competition who will be doing the exact same thing. Will you focus on being the fastest player and being ahead of the pack? Or will you be a mischievous player who revels in watching others fail or knocking them out of the game yourself? The choice is yours!
One of the minigames is a life-size Air Hockey Match that will see teams trying to score as much as possible by slamming into the puck, another is a race that feature wild obstacle courses,one where you must continuously jump on trampolines to survive, and a game where you shoot your opponents off a circular platform over bouncy balls that can save you at the last moment. Seal: What the Fun, granting you an extra opportunity to survive. And yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds!
With party games like this, repetition can be a concern. With Seal: What the Fun, however, there are gameplay mechanics that were designed specifically to keep every match fun and unpredictable. For example, there will be random boxes and items that appear in each round that can turn the tide of the match and mean the difference between a sweet victory and a tragic defeat.
The stages will be just as fun as the games, and so far we’ve been treated to a glimpse of two – Playroom and Waterbomb. Playroom is the idealistic version of a childhood bedroom, complete with toys, colorful cubes, cars, planes, and so much more. Waterbomb, on the other hand, is a level based on the iconic Waterbomb Festival that features a lot of water attractions, water guns, and even a concert to add to the fun.
If this Seal: What the Fun party is one you want to join, we encourage you to check out the game’s Steam page and wishlist the game right away and choose to request access to the beta Test below that. For those of you curious, we’ve included the dates and times below;
Americas : APR 27 (Sat), APR 28 (Sun) 15:00~00:00 (GMT-7)
The beta will include 38 rounds, the six characters mentioned above, beta test achievements, and much more. While all save data will be deleted after the beta test, players will unlock, and get to keep, an exclusive “Hat the Piya” Costume item for participating.
The beta test will be a big step towards Seal: What the Fun’s Early Access launch on Steam later in 2024. To keep up to date on everything happening with Seal: What the Fun, be sure to wishlist the game on Steam or join its official Discord server.
Royale-battler Fortnite will soon allow players to hide a handful of emotes the developers concede are “sometimes used in confrontational ways”. This includes the emote reported as the most-used in Fortnite’s seven-year history. That’s either a worrying indictment of the game’s players, or a (more?) worrying indictment of universal human psychology. What is the offending animation? Well, turns out people don’t like being laughed at.
When real life isn’t stressful enough.
You know what? Life’s too simple. Too free of complications and anxiety. Too relaxing! Everything’s just so smooth and calming and tranquil across the globe in the 21st century, you’re probably looking for some grit in your oyster, right? Right?
Okay, perhaps not. But for whatever reason, you might be interested to know the best stressful games on Nintendo Switch — titles likely to get the vein in your temple bulging and make you snap at friends and family. Perhaps you want a list of Switch games to avoid if you’ve had a hard day at the office! Or maybe you’re just fed up with R&R and are looking to spice things up.
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