Ubisoft offers a "post launch update" for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the Viking action/adventure. This is two years in the making, as the game first launched on November 10, 2020. Today's post signals the end of the line for the game, saying the patch that it will receive on December 6th will be the final content update for the game. Word is: "This epilogue will tie up some of the storylines developed throughout the game and offer closure to your time among the Raven Clan." Along with this news of the conclusion of the game's storyline, is the unfortunate revelation that it will not be as replayable as hoped. This is because Ubisoft has determined that it will not be practical to implement the New Game+ mode for which players have clamored. On the other hand, the final update will allow players to keep their hoods up at all times. So, yay? Here's more on the decision about New Game+:

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has been built as a unique Assassin’s Creed experience, one that is very different from its predecessors in its structure, offering new ways of engaging with the world and its characters. When investigating the implementation of New Game+, we realized that the depth of the game gave us limited options to make replayability unique and rewarding.

We understand this news will come as a disappointment; however, we hope that the new content released in the past months, including never-before-seen experiences like Forgotten Saga, has provided an exciting and challenging experience for those seeking more replayable content.

PlanetSide 2 originally launched on November 20, 2012, and this update from Daybreak outlines all the festivities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MMOFPS sequel (thanks Dave). This includes an Ultimate Empire Showdown which will stream tomorrow, a double XP weekend that's currently underway, a 10th anniversary decal that's now in the Depot, and the launch of a new game mode called Capture the Conduit. As you may have already inferred, this is a thematic variant on the Capture the Flag formula. Here's more on how it works:

Each Conduit Outpost has at least one Podium and one Repository (or "Repo",) but some bases have more.

Podiums hold Conduits that attackers must steal from the defenders. Conduits can only be off a podium for a limited amount of time, and any captured Conduits respawn after a short delay.

Each outpost has a certain number of captures, referred to as "strikes," against a base before it's conquered by attackers. The faction that captures the last Conduit will conquer the base.

Sand Sailor Studio announces ASKA, an upcoming addition to the surprisingly crowded Viking-themed survival genre. You can keep up with the project through its Steam Listing. That says it's due next year, but a closed alpha test is planned for next week. It starts on November 24th, which is Thanksgiving here in the U.S., but not a thing elsewhere, including the developer's native Romania. Those interested in taking part should join the game's official Discord to sign up. Here's the ASKA Announcement Trailer and here are more details:

ASKA lets up to four players work together, commanding villagers and preparing their tribe for the ancient threat that winter will bring. This includes assigning jobs to villagers, constructing workshops, mines, farms and castles, exploring the world to discover hidden loot and resources, and fighting mythical enemies. Together, you will not just build a village, but a functioning society that you are a part of.

As you expand your tribe, you will have the ability to sail your own customisable viking ship and discover new lands in this fantastical procedurally generated world. Build outposts across these new lands and set up supply lines between settlements to transform your viking society from a village into an empire. Building a strong and stable society will give you a better chance of survival when Dead Winter hits and your tribe faces not only the harshest of elements, but the dark inhabitants of this world that have been lying in wait.

Continue here to read the full story.

League of Geeks announces Jumplight Odyssey, a starship adventure/simulation coming to PC Early Access via Steam in 2023. This roguelite is "inspired by genre staples" like RimWorld, and The Oregon Trail and "classic 70s sci-fi anime." It also seems to have a little Muppet Show to it, as it will also feature PIGS IN SPACE! The Official Reveal & Story Trailer offers a cinematic introduction. Here's more:

Take the helm of a Jumplight Starship as it flees its destroyed homeworld and lead your people to their salvation, the fabled Forever Star. Chart a course forward, jump to mysterious new systems, recruit crew members, and build out the ship’s interior while avoiding space pirate attacks, black holes, and the relentless pursuit of Admiral Voltan and the warmongering Zutopans in a roguelite colony sim inspired by genre staples and classic 70s sci-fi anime.

Keep an eye on the starship’s ever growing crew from an Incredible Cross Sections-inspired viewpoint, managing their needs to ensure Hope remains high. Observe deep social interactions as quirky crew members interact with their friends, lovers, and rivals on a daily basis. Witness meaningful, emergent moments as relationships develop, tragedies strike, and danger awaits on a starship stacked with stories.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Save 25% on Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak on Steam.

• Steam Beta Client Update - November 18th.
• Steam Deck Beta Client Update - November 18th.
• World of Warcraft — Hotfixes: November 18, 2022.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Duke Nukem 3D Legacy Edition V1.2 is available for download.
• Cyberpunk 2077 gets a 4K Body Skin Texture Pack for all characters.

Content creator video.

• Firearms Expert Reacts To Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)’s Guns PART 2.

• Quake for Apple Watch.

Thanks Acleacius.

• Twitter death watch captivates millions.
• Elon Musk starts Twitter poll on whether to bring back Trump.
• An entire Pacific country will upload itself to the metaverse. It's a desperate plan – with a hidden message.
• What the world would lose with the demise of Twitter- Valuable eyewitness accounts and raw data on human behavior, as well as a habitat for trolls.
• Andrew Tate back on Twitter after Elon Musk lifts 5-year ban.

• Nvidia releases RTX 4090 and 4080 firmware update to fix display output bug.
• Magically Master Your Mouse Movement. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• It's Time to Make 3D TVs a Thing Again (may require registration or subscription). Tired, not Wired.

• Hive ransomware crooks extort $100m from 1,300 global orgs. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.

• FTX begins strategic review, seeks court relief to pay critical vendors.

Call of Duty: Warzone 2 Review Bombed on Steam.

• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales review - PC Gamer.
• If you get one Spider-Man game on PC, get Marvel's Spider-Man- Miles Morales - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC Tech Review - Ray Tracing Upgrades - Optimised Settings! - Digital Foundry (video).
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC is another stellar Sony port - Eurogamer.net.
• Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC GPU Testing — Upscaling for Everyone - Tom's Hardware.

• Case: Phanteks Eclipse G500A Performance Review - TechPowerUp.
• CPU Cooler: Alphacool Core Ocean T38 240 mm AIO Review - TechPowerUp.
• Headset: Focal Utopia (2022) Headphones Review - Beryllium Speaker Drivers! - TechPowerUp.
• Laptop: Framework Laptop 2 Review- An Upgradable Laptop - WIRED (may require registration or subscription). Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Monitor: AOC CU34G3S 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor Review- High Contrast, Colorful and Capable - Tom's Hardware.

Happy 24th anniversary to Half-Life, as Valve's breakthrough first-person shooter launched on this date in 1998. Funny thing is that after all these years, they're still waiting for you Gordon... in the test chamber.

Resonance Cascade Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Brunch Links

• Susan Stamberg's cranberry relish recipe returns — with a trip to the archives. Thanks RedEye9.
• 'What shall we have for dinner-' Choice overload is a real problem, but these tips will make your life easier. Thanks Acleacius.
• Lost 8th-century Japanese medical text by Buddhist monk has been found.

Story

• Buffalo snow: Historic storm slams western New York with nearly 6 feet of snow. Please stay safe.

Science

• Artemis: Nasa expects humans to live on Moon this decade. NASA.
• Mars: how we discovered two huge, unusual impact craters – and the secrets they unveil. Thanks Acleacius.

Media

• The pure happiness in being reunited. I'm not crying, you're crying! Thanks VideoSift.
• Unboxing My 3D Printed Prosthetic Arm. Thanks Boing Boing.

Creature Features

• Smart polar bear is a bit too careful while moving over thin ice. Can't be too careful. Thanks Kxmode.

Follow-up

• Ending the climate crisis has one simple solution: Stop using fossil fuels. Thanks Acleacius.
• Pee-wee's Playhouse actor John Paragon laid to rest in a fitting urn, a "Jambi the Genie" Box. Meka Leka Hi Meka Hiney Ho!

The PlayStation.Blog announces the release of the PC edition of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. This includes details from Nixxes Software on this port of Insomniac's acclaimed PlayStation action game. The PC Launch Trailer and the previous Features Trailer take looks at the Windows edition, which is available on the Epic Games Store and Steam. There's also an article on the NVIDIA Website discussing GeForce-specific features it supports. Here's word on this chance to walk a few Miles in another Spiderman's shoes:

The Rise of Miles Morales
Miles Morales discovers explosive powers that set him apart from his mentor, Peter Parker. Master his unique, bio-electric venom blast attacks and covert camouflage power alongside spectacular web-slinging acrobatics, gadgets and skills.

A War for Power
A war for control of Marvel’s New York has broken out between a devious energy corporation and a high-tech criminal army. With his new home at the heart of the battle, Miles must learn the cost of becoming a hero and decide what he must sacrifice for the greater good.

A Vibrant New Home
Traverse the snowy streets of his new, vibrant, and bustling neighborhood as Miles searches for a sense of belonging. When the lines blur between his personal and crime-fighting lives, he discovers who he can trust, and what it feels like to truly be home.

Continue here to read the full story.

Nano nano! The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is now available for Windows on Steam, following an exclusive run on the Epic Games Store. While Crysis Remastered was already available on Steam, this marks the debut of Crysis 2 Remastered and Crysis 3 Remastered in Valve's ecosystem. The individual games and the anthology are all on sale for launch. Here's the Now On Steam trailer and here's more on these updates to the graphically intense shooter series:

Crysis 2 Remastered:
Aliens have returned to a world ravaged by climate disasters. As the invaders lay waste to New York and begin an assault that threatens the total annihilation of humankind, only you have the technology to lead the fight back. Equipped with the upgraded Nanosuit 2.0, customize your suit and weapons in real-time and unlock powerful new abilities in the battle for humanity's survival.

Crysis 3 Remastered:
Returning to the fight as super-soldier Prophet, the search for the alien Alpha Ceph continues, but now you must also expose the truth behind the C.E.L.L. corporation, which has turned New York City into a sprawling urban rainforest sheltered by a giant nanodome. Fight through seven distinct districts and decimate your opponents in a blaze of brute force using the Nanosuit's superior technology, or use stealth to achieve your goals and become humanity's silent savior. Equipped with your powerful and deadly new Predator Bow, there's no wrong way to save the world.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Save 50% on Sea of Thieves on Steam.
• Save 62% on Call to Arms - Complete on Steam.
• Save 35% on F1 Manager 2022.
• Save 35% on The Riftbreaker.
• Black Friday VR Voyager's Pack (pay what you want and help charity).*
• Rocksmith+ Offers Black Friday Deal.
• Black Friday savings on Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

Official patch.

• Project Winter - Power Balance- Vol 2 Update.

• Broforce Forever - Teaser Trailer - Coming Early 2023.
• Far Cry 3: 10th anniversary Studio Retrospective.
• Rainbow Six Siege: Operation Solar Raid CGI Trailer.
• Sea of Thieves Season Eight: Official Content Update Video.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• The importance of directional sound in PUBG - Viva La Dirt League (NSFW). Thanks Ant.

• Team Fortress 2 Festive Fisticuffs 2022 Charity Tournament.

• Best audio settings for Warzone 2: How to hear footsteps clearly.

Thanks Console General.

• PS5 Spider-Man Sequel Recasts Harry Osborne Due To Actor's Age.
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Alpha (2211.221115-2145).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Beta (2211.221115-2145).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Alpha Skip-Ahead (2308.221115-1900).

• Verizon will now let you test drive its 5G network for free.

• Crypto firm Multicoin says contagion fallout from FTX will continue. Thanks Matthew.
• EXCLUSIVE How FTX bought its way to become the 'most regulated' crypto exchange.
• Elon Musk begins unbanning some high-profile Twitter accounts, starting with Jordan Peterson and Kathy Griffin.
• Arc web browser review- a new way of using the internet.

Thanks Console General.

• Nvidia on Melting 16-Pin Adapter- Connectors Weren’t Plugged in Correctly.
• NVIDIA Continuing The Verified Priority Access Trial Program.
• AMD Backs Off RDNA 3 Efficiency Comparison to RTX 4090.
• 15 Year Old Passive Cooler Keeps Intel Arc A380 Silent.
• Oracle VM VirtualBox Changelog-7.0.4. Thanks Ant.
• Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25247.
• Releasing Windows 11 Build 22621.898 to the Release Preview Channel.
• Update to Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 (November 2022).

• FTX court filing: Sam Bankman-Fried transferred assets to Bahamas government after bankruptcy. Thanks Matthew.
• After the Taylor Swift ticket fiasco, the DOJ is reportedly investigating Ticketmaster.
• Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison on fraud charges.

Last Link of the Day: Honest Trailers - Saving Private Ryan.

Cloud Imperium Games announces its annual Intergalactic Aerospace Expo returns today. This gives everyone the chance to test-fly over 120 of the ships in Star Citizen, the perpetually upcoming space exploration and combat game. That's a lot of ships, but the event runs through the end of the month. The IAE 2952 Page has all the details, while a look at the festivities can be seen in this trailer, which promises "surprises and announcements you won't want to miss" along the way. Would you like to know more?

The galaxy’s premier annual aerospace event, the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE), returns from Nov. 18-30 in Star Citizen! The IAE celebrates the ever-expanding number of ships available in Star Citizen, replicating the look and feel of real-world conventions in-game for an immersive experience. Players will be able to explore the digital event as they would any convention, from strolling through fully interactive expo halls and seeing the latest ships on display each day in incredible detail, to meeting up with friends to explore and partake in exciting activities, or chance encounters with strangers that launch new friendships. No matter what career, or side of the law, players choose to pursue in-game, IAE is a time for all Citizens to come together to celebrate one thing they all love – spaceships!

Continue here to read the full story.

Electronic Arts announces Season 3: Escalation will begin on November 22nd in Battlefield 2042, the military shooter sequel. Word is: "Season 3 will include a new map, Specialist, weapons, vehicle, and more, including 100 new tiers of Battle Pass content. All core gameplay-affecting content will be available to all players as part of the Free tier in Battlefield 2042’s Battle Pass. Additional cosmetic items are earnable through a Premium version of the Battle Pass." This page has all the details, and a new trailer shows off gameplay. Additionally, the announcement also reveals a chance to try out the game for free on any platform beginning in December. More on that, including a FAQ, can be found on this page. Here's the schedule:

New players can check out Season 3 and the rest of Battlefield 2042 for free for a limited time*** starting this December. Whether on Xbox, PC (Steam) or PlayStation, players will be able to experience the game, and its multiple seasons’ worth of improvements and content. Free access will be available on the following dates:

• Xbox: Free Play Days, December 1-4
• Steam: Free Weekend, December 1-5
• PlayStation: Free Access, December 16-23

Starting in Season 3 we’ll also be introducing Battlefield 2024 into EA Play, making the game available to EA Play members across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC through Steam, the EA app, and Origin. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will also have access through EA Play.

Continue here to read the full story.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is now available for PC and consoles, so you can pick up the Windows edition of the horror sequel on Steam. This doesn't carry a launch discount, but there's a The Dark Pictures Anthology- Season One with all four games in the series at 37% off. Publisher Bandai Namco and developer Supermassive Games offer an Official Launch Trailer and the following details:

In THE DEVIL IN ME, players are invited to a stunning recreation of the World’s Fair Hotel built by American serial killer, H.H. Holmes. They control the crew of Lonnit Entertainment, low-budget documentary creators who are lured to the hotel with the promise of something truly unique, something that might just boost the ratings of their true-crime show. Their fate is in the hands of the players, who will have to make impossible decisions under pressure, while their murderous host watches their every move.

As well as a new story and star-studded cast, the Season One finale comes with an array of new gameplay features. Characters can now climb, jump, crawl and run through exploration areas that are larger and more complex than ever. Players will need to keep their cool to solve puzzles and using the new inventory system and special character tools at the right moment can save their lives.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer Realmforge Studios and publisher Kalypso announce the New Frontiers expansion for Tropico 6 will blast off on December 1st. This will add the ability to reach for the stars in a new space program for your island republic. Here's the Announcement Trailer with a look at this unexpected development. Here's more:

El Presidente knows you can’t improve on perfection, but you can always expand it! Which is why he has set his sights on taking Tropico to the Moon and winning the Space Race. In the New Frontiers DLC, players can use the new Space Port Complex to construct rockets and delve into research to keep the international competition at bay. Take on 5 challenging missions with the new Mission Mars campaign as you work to launch Tropico into a glorious future and take the famous first step on the Moon. You can even establish the first Mars colony of humankind – also a convenient place to send your political opponents. Meet unique characters, utilize new buildings and customize a fresh look for El Prez and his palace that is out of this world. But be warned, nobody knows what unforeseen circumstances await in the vast expanses of space. You’ll need to be creative if you want to avoid aborting your mission.

Continue here to read the full story.

In a tweet Activision Blizzard announces the SMS Protect feature for Battle.net will begin allowing the use of pre-paid mobile phones to play protected games on the service. The good news is this will allow more legitimate players the ability to play online. The bad news is that cheaters willing to pay for third-party exploits are probably willing to pay for burner phones too. Here's word:

Battle.net will now accept pre-paid phones globally in an update set to finish rolling out tomorrow.

#TeamRICOCHET remains committed to fighting unfair play. Learn more at callofduty.com/ricochet

• The director of Fallout New Vegas would be open to working on the series again.

• Publisher Sale: Electronic Arts games with discounts as high as -75%! - GOG.com.*
• Publisher Sale: Bethesda titles up to 85% off! - GOG.com.*
• Weekend Sale- Hack and Slash titles up to -90% - GOG.com.*

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

• Official Trailer- Netflix's "Sonic Prime" Series.

Official patches.

• Overwatch 2 Retail Patch Notes - November 17, 2022. Come what Mei.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator - November 17th, 2022 Development Update.
• World of Warcraft — Hotfixes: November 17, 2022.

Content creator videos.

• 10 Video Game Promotional Tactics That Backfired HORRIBLY - WhatCulture.

• PETA Wants God Of War Ragnarok To Have A "PETA Mode" To Avoid Violence Against Animals.
• PlayStation’s Black Friday Deals 2022.

• Apple may finally bring monthly security updates to iPhones. Thanks Ant.
• Nvidia RTX 4050 laptop GPU leak suggests it might be here sooner than you think.

Thanks Matthew.

• Youtube Reportedly Drops $160 Million on Activision Blizzard Esports Broadcasting Deal.
• Twitter locks staff out of offices until next week.
• New wave of resignations hits Twitter after Musk ultimatum.
• Is this really the end of Twitter?
• New Twitter accounts will have to wait 90 days before subscribing to Blue.
• Why Elon Musk Is Blowing Up Twitter’s Business (may require registration or subscription).
• 5 Adobe PDF Reader Alternatives That Do More for Free. Thanks Roddy.
• The 5 Craziest and Most Telling Videos of Sam Bankman-Fried (may require registration or subscription).

Thanks Ant.

• Qualcomm has a new chip brand.
• Photographer Accurately Recreates his Work with AI Image Generator. Thanks Max.
• Security firms hijack New York trees to monitor workers. Thanks DSLReports.
• Shroud now has his own gaming PC — and a chunk of the company that made it.
• MycelioTronics Wants to Create PCBs From Fungi. Hopefully without tripping any breakers.
• FileZilla Version 3.62.1.

• Is Ubisoft thwarting cheaters with “100 versions” of Rainbow Six Siege?
• Notorious Emotet botnet returns after a few months off. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• Microsoft: Hackers are using this 'concerning' tactic to dodge multi-factor authentication.
• Researchers Quietly Cracked Zeppelin Ransomware Keys.
• Goodbye passwords? 1Password says it will soon support passkeys.
• TSA Found a Double-Edged Knife Hidden in a Gaming Laptop. Guess I'll remove the rifle from mine the next time I fly. Thanks Matthew.

• Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka arrested for insider trading - The Verge.
• Koch-funded group sues US state over mobile 'spyware.' Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• Google struck $360-mln Activision deal to block rival app store, lawsuit says.
• Z-Library operators charged with breaking copyright laws.

• Somerville Review - Some More, Please - Wccftech.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Case: Kolink Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition Mid-Tower - Nikk Tech.
• Case: Phanteks Eclipse G500A Case Review - ThinkComputers.org.
• Headset: 1MORE SonoFlow Review - APH Networks.
• Laptop: Corsair Voyager a1600 Review: Slick Features, Lagginging Performance - Tom's Hardware.
• Monitor: Philips Momentum 279M1RV Review- Packed With Features and Class-Leading Performance - Tom's Hardware.
• Mouse: LAMZU Atlantis Review - TechPowerUp.
• Mouse: Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Review - KitGuruTech (video).
• Smartwatch: Amazfit GTR 4 review- the king of budget smartwatches - The Verge.
• SSD: Crucial P3 vs Crucial P3 Plus 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD - OCinside (German).
• SSD: Silicon Motion SM2267XT DRAMless Laptop SSD Preview - Speed and Efficiency - TweakTown.
• SSD: Solidigm P44 Pro 2TB SSD Review - Performance to Value Leader - TweakTown.

• Blizzard acknowledges no one's playing support in Overwatch 2, and that's a problem…

How do you say FAQ? For me it's never been anything but "fack." But most of the time I hear someone say it they spell out F-A-Q. This seems odd to me, but a little poking around suggests it may be correct. I'm not sure how I'll handle it if it turns out I am wrong. Years ago I corrected my mistaken pronunciation of gib to "jib." And I even try to go by the GIF inventor's counter-intuitive pronunciation of "jif." But a man can only take so much, so this may be a hill I'm willing to facking die on.

Facking Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Breakfast Link

• Aida CD Mat - MARIGO AUDIO LAB. The mind boggles. Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Story

• Earth Now Weighs Six Ronnagrams: New Metric Prefixes Voted In. Where's my Ronnabyte SSD? Thanks Acleacius.
• Buffalo snow: Worst of what could be a historic snowstorm forecast to hit western part of New York today.

Science
Thanks Max.

• Want To Fire Up the Dance Floor- Scientists Figure Out the Secret.
• Vaccine shown to prolong life of patients with aggressive brain cancer.
• Synchrony with chaos – blinking lights of a firefly swarm embody in nature what mathematics predicted. Thanks Acleacius.

Media
Thanks Kxmode.

• They tried to carjack this armored truck but it did NOT go as planned. Never try to jack a GTA player.
• Throw a 20v battery on a 12v tractor and add a fearless 2 year old. #RickyBobby.

Creature Features
Thanks Kxmode.

• Rhino Wakes Up Sleeping Dog. Thanks VideoSift.
• This Husky has talent 😂. Those dogs need special owners.
• Adorable Elephant Learns to Play the Drums. Drumbo (Kx's joke).
• Today I groomed a disabled Duck named Frankie. Thanks RedEye9.

The Funnies

• Savage Chickens: Hollywood Will Never Run Out of Ideas.