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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint will get three days of open beta testing
on all platforms starting on September 26th, according to an
announcement on the official website. There is also a new live-action
Squad Up Trailer
(NSFW) featuring Lil Wayne in the role of Leroy Jenkins. They offer complete
details on what content will be included in the beta along with apologies that
progress will not carry over to the full game when it launches. Here's what to
expect: We just announced that from September 26th to September 29th, we will be
conducting the Open Beta of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint for Xbox One,
PS4, and PC.
Thanks to everyone’s feedback from the Closed Beta, our teams were able to
apply many changes and improvements to the game. All of which can be found in
our upcoming Closed Beta to Open Beta improvements article – coming on September
19.
Below are the details on pre-load and access times, as well as content that
will be available for you to play.
GAMEPLAY CONTENT
During the Open Beta, you have access to several regions, missions, and modes to
test out in 4 player co-op or solo! For everyone who already participated in the
Closed Beta, you will find the new additional content in the Open Beta marked
below.
PVP - NEW!
For the very first time our Beta players will be able to try out Tom Clancy’s
Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s PvP mode, Ghost War! Battle it out against other Ghosts
in this competitive mode to test your skills.
- Four Maps: Skell Port, PMC Camp, Cold War
Bunker and Deserted Harbor.
- One Mode: Elimination.
Continue here to read the full story.
A
post on the Activision Blog discusses the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
beta that's about to come to Windows. This offers a detailed rundown of
PC-specific features that will allow players to fine-tune the game to their
control preferences and system. Speaking of systems, this includes minimum
and recommended system specifications: Here are the minimum specs
needed to play the Beta:
- Requires DirectX 12 compatible system
- OS: Windows 7 64-Bit (SP1) or Windows 10
64-Bit (1709 or later)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 2500k or AMD equivalent
- Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 2GB / GTX
1650 4GB or AMD Radeon HD 7950
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- HDD: 45GB HD space
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
And here are recommended specs:
- Requires DirectX 12 compatible system
- OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest Service Pack)
- CPU: Intel Core i7 4770k or AMD equivalent
- Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 4GB / GTX
1660 6GB or AMD Radeon R9 390 / AMD RX 580
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- HDD: 45GB HD space
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
Herogrinder: Tactical Combat Arenas is an online, simultaneous turn-based,
multiplayer, tactical arena combat game that will be free-to-play when it launches
on Steam. In the meantime there's a demo
on Steam that allows you to customize a character for the game, and they are
running a contest to a
3D printed model to the best creations of the month.
This trailer shows
off the game's reality TV/gameshow premise, and here are more details on Herogrinder, not
to be confused with Subhoagie or Sandwichsandwich: Herogrinder is an
online free-to-play simultaneous turn-based multiplayer tactical arena combat
game developed in Unity3D. The game takes place in a retro cyberpunk setting
where players manage and fight with custom grown, programmable organisms called
bioroids.
In Herogrinder, players enter tactical combat arenas solo or with a team of 4
bioroid fighters to play versus and co-op matches, or tournaments. Bioroids are
fully customizable in design, abilities, and equipment so each one is totally
unique in style and tactical characteristics. As contestants win battles, they
gain credits and experience to level up and to access and restock equipment.
With each new level achieved, players can upgrade their bioroids with
conditioning programs (feats) and items, along with clearance levels for
experimental technologies. There are also over 20 preset character advancement
progressions for those who want to level up quickly.
Using simultaneous turns, there are no wait times between actions. Players can
assign all their actions at the same time and the round is resolved
simultaneously as well, in a highlights video that is unique to the player’s
view. Offensive and defensive ready actions with multiple presets can be used to
counter enemy moves and get ahead of their game.
Continue here to read the full story.
ZA/UM announces that Disco Elysium will boogie onto Windows PCs on October 15th
through GOG.com and
Steam.
Here's a Release Date &
Features Trailer along with some details on this game, which at one time
carried the title No Time for the Furies (not to be confused with
No Time for the Furries): Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking open
world role playing game with an insane amount of choice and consequence. You’re
a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city block
to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders
or take bribes. Be a hero, a prophet, a madman and the greatest detective the
world has ever seen.
You’ve never played anything like it.
- Over 60 hours of game time in a unique urban
fantasy setting.
- An open world you can approach in any order – the
bad part of the bad part of town with unforgettable characters.
- One massive open-ended case and tons of side
investigations.
- Countless tools for role-playing: 24 mad skills to
upgrade, over 80 different clothing items to wear, 12 tools to use, 8
psychoactive substances to discover, more than 50 unique "thoughts" to
analyze and so on.
- A hauntingly beautiful original soundtrack by
British Sea Power.
Continue here to read the full story.
Frontier Developments announces beta testing of Planet Zoo begins on next
week, promising access to anyone who preorders the Deluxe Edition of the
theme park sim on
Steam. This sounds similar to Early Access, but the beta will run from
September 24 to October 8th, so it ends well before the game's official launch
on November 5th (not to mention the extra ten bucks the Deluxe Edition will set
you back). A new Beta
Gameplay Trailer shows things off and the announcement has more on the beta
and other deluxe bonuses: The Planet Zoo Beta begins next week on
September 24 and running through October 8. The beta will feature the first
scenario from Planet Zoo’s Career mode, a biome from Franchise mode and is
available to fans who pre-order on Steam.
- Career Mode: A new story awaits in Planet
Zoo’s narrative-driven Career mode. Players will be introduced to a cast of
colorful characters in a globe-trotting campaign, placing them in charge of
zoos around the world. The Planet Zoo Beta includes the first scenario,
introducing players to zoo management and a selection of animals from the
full game, including a number of as-yet unrevealed animals.
- Franchise Mode: And sandbox meets
simulation in Franchise mode where players can build, manage, research and
develop their own zoo franchise alongside a global community of Planet Zoo
players. The Franchise mode Beta features Planet Zoo’s online Animal
Exchange where players can trade animals to increase genetic diversity and
well being in their zoo. At launch, Franchise mode will introduce Daily
Challenges and weekly Community Goals that will unite Planet Zoo community
behind a shared objective.
Pre-Order Details:
Planet Zoo is available to pre-order now on the Steam online store. The Planet
Zoo Deluxe Edition includes the Planet Zoo game plus bonus content, including:
- Beta access on September 24.
- Three exclusive animals: Komodo Dragon, Pygmy
Hippopotamus, Thomson’s Gazelle.
- High-quality wallpapers.
- Original Soundtrack by JJ Ipsen.
Continue here to read the full story.
BANDAI NAMCO announces Unexpected Visitor is coming next week to ACE COMBAT 7:
SKIES UNKNOWN, bringing the latest DLC to the aerial combat game. Here's
a trailer on the DLC
and the Season Pass showing off a mission. Named after the ruination of many a
date night, here are the details on Unexpected Visitor: ACE COMBAT
wouldn’t be ACE COMBAT if it didn’t feature over-the-top missions & bosses and
the next batch of heart-pounding missions that are on the way will be packed
with explosive action. The missions will feature a myriad of mission types and
enemies, including the appearance of a submersible aircraft carrier that’s sure
to wreak havoc in the skies of ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN. The next ACE COMBAT
7: SKIES UNKNOWN DLC mission, “Unexpected Visitor” is coming to the Americas on
the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PCs via STEAM on September 25, 2019.
Continue here to read the full story.
Chameleon Games announces that Tamarin will launch in Q4 of this year, offering
a third-person action/adventure created by Rare veterans. A new
Adventure Trailer
shows off the game's titular tamarin in action. Here's word on this chance to
monkey around: Chameleon Games announces the launch of third-person
action-adventure Tamarin™ in Q4 2019 with the release of a new adventure
trailer. Leap into action with the world’s cutest monkey, Tamarin, on a quest to
save his home and family from the industrialization of the forest by invading
insects. Tamarin will launch on PlayStation 4 and PC for $29.99 / €28.99. A
Deluxe Edition that includes the soundtrack will be $39.99 / €35.99.
Tamarin channels the energy of 3D platformer classics and explorative
Metroidvania shooters. Explore an incredible interconnected 3D world, brimming
with primate platforming and bug-splattering shooter action. Leap with the
agility of a tamarin as you journey into the Northern wilderness on scenic
routes through forests, fjords and mountains. Along the way you will chase
mysterious electrical fireflies, discover a secret underground world of dancing
ants, rescue innocent birds, and restore the tamarins’ once idyllic natural
habitat.
Director Omar Sawi has brought on an all-star cast from Rare’s golden era to
help execute his creative vision for Tamarin and recapture the style and magical
experiences they were famous for. To mention a few, Banjo-Kazooie character
designer Steve Mayles helped craft the iconic new tamarins. Diddy Kong and
Battletoads designer Kev Bayliss provided character concept art. Donkey Kong 64
artist Richard Vaucher leads the art production. And Donkey Kong Country and
Starfox Adventures composer David Wise tunes in with a beautiful and atmospheric
soundtrack – complemented by the impactful sound effects of action-game veteran
Graeme Norgate (GoldenEye 007, Jet Force Gemini, Killer Instinct).
Continue here to read the full story.
Link of the Day:
How Michael Vick’s dogfighting case changed animal welfare. Good for them.
Also, screw
Michael Vick.
Mobile Technologies announces Stalker Online is coming later this year to
desktop PCs, despite their "mobile" name. This MMOG seems to be the Russian
project that ran into its own
controversy a couple of years ago, as the
Official game Trailer
points to this Russian website, which
carries a copyright notice dated 2010-2019. That site is home to
this page where they offer beta signups.
Here's word on the game: Mobile Technologies LLC is excited to announce
the upcoming open-world MMO Stalker Online. Inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1979
film Stalker and the classic Stalker games, Stalker Online takes place in the
world of Zone where the glory days of humanity are long lost, resources are
scarce and dangers are around every corner. Stalker Online is set to release on
Steam this fall.
Featuring a large open world that has been meticulously detailed, Stalker Online
presents a desolate landscape with post soviet 90’s architecture. Players will
have to explore the deep reaches of the zone if they wish to uncover its
mysteries as well as collect valuable supplies to ensure their continued
survival. Venturing out into the zone isn’t without its perils, mutants,
anomalies, and other players await.
Incorporating RPG elements, players will gain experience and develop skills
based on their desired playstyle, learn occupations and engage in free trade
with other players. Stalker Online features realistic weapons and equipment,
which players can upgrade to their liking. Players will also be able to gain
reputation with various game factions, as well as choose to group up with others
or go through the unforgiving world on their own. Having some respite from the
harsh weather and volatile inhabitants is key and players will have the option
to build their own base to retreat to.
Stalker Online Screenshot
A list of features include:
- Massive open world
- Recreated realms of the former USSR
- Accurate post-soviet 90’s architecture
- Realistic weapons and equipment
- RPG elements with experience, skill, and
profession systems
- A player-driven economy with an open-trade system
- Survive a harsh and desolate environment
- Encounter mutants and anomalies
- Solve the mysteries of the Zone
- Interact and group up with other players or fight
against others for valuable supplies
Continue here to read the full story.
Signs of the Sojourner is not due for release until early next year, but
there's now a playable demo for this narrative-based card game
on
Steam. The previously released
Indiegogo Announcement
Trailer offers a look at the game, and
Indiegogo is where to go if you want to support the project. "We will be
using IndieGoGo rather than Kickstarter since it allows us to set a flexible
funding goal," explains Dyala Kattan-Wright, the game's Creative Director.
"Since the game will be released no matter what, this allows us to scale our
additional plans depending on what is raised rather than the typical
all-or-nothing campaigns." The doesn't really explain what to expect in the
gameplay sojourn the demo offers, but it does talk about the game:
Combining sleek card game mechanics, endearing dialogue from narrative
designer Kevin Snow (Where the Water Tastes Like Wine, Pathologic 2) and an
introspective journey of homesickness, growth, and tasty food - Signs of the
Sojourner takes a look at how we communicate with the people around us, and how
much we change for them.
Wipe the dust from your mother's old store and follow her steps by travelling
the roads, meeting new people and collecting snacks to sell when you return
home. The welcoming 'sequence building' mechanic helps you play out
conversations, as you craft your own story during your journeys, rather than
focus on winning each encounter.
Continue here to read the full story.
A new
Beyond Development Update 2 has the latest from Hello Games on their ongoing
work on No Man's Sky, and the Beyond update for the space exploration
game. There are details on a new version 2.12 patch that's now live. They also
have images and details on a bunch of free rewards they are giving away in a new
event that's underway as of today. Here's more on that: It has been a few
weeks since our last
blog post,
and we wanted to share a little more news from the studio.
The team here are still working intensely to address high-priority issues, as
well as to improve the overall polish and quality of life of the game. Update
2.12 has been released to all platforms today, with the long list of fixes and
improvements available at the end of this post. However, we also have a larger
feature to announce…
Community Research
Very soon, we will be launching a community event, with new content
available to earn from the Space Anomaly. Each mission completed at the Nexus
will contribute to a cross-reality target for all Travellers. Universal progress
will unlock a series of exotic items synthesised by Polo’s robotic companion,
available to purchase with Quicksilver.
As with every update, all this new content is completely free for all existing
players – there are no microtransactions in No Man’s Sky.
The event commences today, and has no set deadline for completion. Progress may
be tracked from the
Galactic
Atlas website, or from the Quicksilver Robot itself.
VG247 has details from Reddit on clues that Crypto is the next playable
character coming to Apex Legends, Respawn's battle royale shooter. They
use posts by
FrozenFroh and
ExoMadaraTv. Here's some of what they've put together on this: The
Apex Legends subreddit is full videos of people’s encounters with Crypto, who
can be seen in Labs (east) behind protective glass working on something. To
reach them, you need to kick open a door inside, which leads to a room where you
can briefly watch him.
When they’re spotted, they quickly escape through a conveniently placed nearby
exit. On the screen above him, you can see something called World’s Edge being
referred to as the key, with an image that Reddit user ExoMadaraTv points out is
identical to Titanfall space elevator, the same one you can see from the map
Eden in Titanfall 2.
Crypto’s drone is also in the room with him, which indicates that some of the
earlier leaks are accurate, to a certain degree, at least. One other hint
Respawn dropped this week is having the banners (displaying top squad etc.) in
King’s Canyon shutdown, which is believed to also be Crypto’s work.
It’s worth keeping in mind that Crypto may not in fact be the character’s name,
that’s just what they were referred to in Apex Legends’ files. The longer
Respawn teases the character, however, the better the name sticks, which could
create a bit of pushback if their final name ends up being something else.
It looks like the theme of the next Total War Saga is revealed, as
a post on Reddit from Mavus shows Troy: A Total War Saga on the cover
of the new PC Gamer magazine (thanks
VG247). There's not much else to go by besides their caption calling this an
"Epic battle in a world of gods and monsters."
Frontier Developments announces the
September Update is now rolling out for Elite Dangerous, their space
exploration game. This adds the promised new starting experience as well as a
new
ARX currency system. Here are the details: New Starter
Experience
We've introduced a new starting experience meaning that it's easier to
pick up Elite Dangerous than ever before!
Under the tutelage of Pilots Federation instructor, Theo Acosta, new Commanders
will be led through a fully-voiced experience before being left to pilot their
own starter ship, the Sidewinder! Throughout the experience, Commanders will
learn the basics of space flight, scanning and combat as listed below:
- Basic flight controls and scanning.
- Supercruise and navigation.
- A combat exercise around a megaship.
- Completing one's first Hyperspace jump.
- Docking at a starport.
- All of the training will include voiceover across
our supported languages.
This new starter experience will also be added to the existing list of
training simulations, found on the internal panel of the Commander's cockpit,
meaning even the most veteran of pilot can still experience it.
Continue here to read the full story.
IGN has details on what appear to be plans for a Batman event coming to
Fortnite, Epic's battle royale/survival game. They cite twitter posts from
Lucas7yoshi and
FNBR leaks that show off datamined
information on the topic from the latest Fortnite patch, showing plans for an
explosive batarang, a grapnel gun, and Gotham City map. They say this may all
arrive on Saturday, noting that September 21st is "Batman Day." Here's word:
The leaks have uncovered a new Explosive Batarang that is said to home in
on enemies, or stick to walls and explode when other players wander too close.
Also found in the Batman kit is the Dark Knight's trusty Grapnel Gun, which will
provide new opportunities to quickly gain height. The item description reads,
"Pull yourself towards a target location and then deploy the Bat Cape,"
suggesting it also provides one of Batman's most iconic costume elements.
There crossover update will also changes the map, with Tilted Towers set to be
replaced by what looks like Gotham City. A list of new "Welcome to Gotham"
challenges offer rewards like sprays and a glider for completing tasks that
include "light a bat signal."
A Summerfall Studios Website is
online, home to a new Australian developer headed up by former BioWare and
Beamdog writer David Gaider and former Beamdog producer Liam Esler (thanks
MCV). There's a conversation with the pair on
Kotaku Australia where they discuss plans for an "illustrated
character-driven adventure" they plan on officially announcing next month. The
website has word on when to expect this reveal and its accompanying Kickstarter:
We’re excited to announce the Kickstarter launch for Summerfall Studios’
first game, an illustrated character-driven adventure, at PAX Australia on
October 11th, 10:30am AEST / October 10, 5:30pm PST. Live-streamed worldwide on
Twitch.
Helmed by David Gaider and Liam Esler, Summerfall Studios will crush your dreams
and tear out your heart… in the very best way.
Steam News announces
the release of Showdown
Bandit, a new stealthy survival/horror game for Windows from Kindly
Beast. Here's the description, which refers to this as "episode one," so there
may be more to expect from this: Showdown Bandit: Episode One
Beware! For years kids tuned in to watch the televised puppet world of Showdown
Bandit, whose colorful cast performed in front of a live audience of ecstatic
children. Then without warning the show was unceremoniously canceled and the
studio, props and puppets were left to rot. Yet somehow the show lives again and
you're in the spotlight. Take control of the Bandit himself and explore the
dilapidated sets of what was once glorious Showdown Valley in this top-down,
stealth-action-horror game from the makers of Bendy.
Try not to lose your wits or your strings as you sneak through the shadowy sets
past a menagerie of eerie enemies and helpful inhabitants. Fight ONLY when you
must! Don't be afraid to explore the creepiest, darkest corners as even the
smallest clues could help you answer the biggest question of all ... who is
really pulling the strings?
A
Steam Community Announcement introduces Survival Mastery, a new progression
feature coming to PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS to serve as "a companion
system" to Weapon Mastery. This is
now available on the test servers for the battle royale shooter and should
come to the live game next week. This also comes along with PUBG ID, "a new way
to express yourself and your achievements." Here's part of the update: What
is Survival Mastery?
Survival Mastery is a progression feature designed as a companion system to
Weapon Mastery. Where Weapon Mastery is all about your proficiency in combat,
Survival Mastery focuses on your story as a player. In other words, our goal
with this system is to help you recognize your own abilities and reward your
success after each match. You get to decide what kind of player you’re going to
be.
The first thing you should notice in this system is your Survivor Level.
Surviving bluezone phases, performing key actions and, well, just staying alive
all play a role in how much XP you’ll earn towards your next Level. The better
you perform, the faster you’ll progress.
Just like Weapon Mastery, all progress related to Survivor Mastery can be found
in the Mastery menu under its own tab.
In addition to displaying your level progress in this tab, you can also track
your recent playstyle through the trait system. Are you the type to pick up
every bit of loot you see or a bit more picky about what goes into your
inventory? Traits paint a picture of how you approach 6 different aspects of
PUBG and the 3 most prominent of those traits are displayed here.
A big thanks to reader JZ Temple for figuring out what was triggering the
malware warning here and posting it to the forums. It turned out to be an image
embedded in the story about
the Borderlands 3 hotfix. We almost never embed external images like that, so it
seems fluky this went so badly, but I guess that's a lesson learned. The image,
which is still present in
the article, is hosted on cloudfront, and trying to open it in a new window
continues to trigger warnings. It's probably a false positive, but I've removed
the link to the image here, so the warnings here should go away, which is all
that matters. Apologies for the scare, and thanks for alerting me to the
problem.
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