Archived News:
Monday, Jul 22, 2024
Skull and Bones on Steam Next Month [7:23 pm ET] – Share – 14 Comments
Ubisoft xtweets
the news that Skull and Bones will launch on Steam on August 22nd. This
suggests the Epic
Games Store exclusivity for the seafaring action/adventure was six months, as
it launched in
February, 2024 (that's not 18 months as written here originally, apologies
#remedial math). The game's
Steam Listing is live, and the game can now be wishlisted. There's nothing
to indicate that this edition will get any special treatment for the occasion.
Here's a refresher on the game:
Prepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.
Voyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Open Beta This Week [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Arc System Works drops new details about Season Pass 4 coming later this year to
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-, the multiplayer fighting game. This will include
the return of familiar characters as well as the addition of Lucy from the
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime in what's called the first-ever content
collaboration for the series. As noted in
this post on Steam, a new Blazing Edition of the game is now available,
while the previous Daredevil Edition is discontinued. Capping off the announcement is news of a
"TEAM OF 3" open beta that will test a new game mode on PC and consoles from
July 25-29. This will not require ownership of the game, and
this post has
all the details. Here's the Reader's Digest version:
The brand-new "TEAM OF 3" mode will also make its impact soon, pitting six players (two teams of three) against each other in a single match via online versus mode. This mode features a 3 vs 3 team battle system where players fight based on their assigned roles (Main or Assist). The Assist can perform various actions and skills to support the Main player. Main and Assist positions can be changed during the fight. Players can jump into the “TEAM OF 3” Open Beta Test from July 25 (7:00 PM PDT) through July 29 (12:00 AM PDT). This beta test does not require a purchased copy of the GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- base game**, and the test will include all additional characters up to Slayer.
Critter Crops Sprouts [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Critter Crops is now available
on Steam
with a 10% launch discount, offering a Windows adventure/RPG where you play as a
witch growing and harvesting magical Critter Crops, presumably fertilized by
magical critter craps.
This post has a message from the developers and a
Launch Trailer showing
this to be just as oddly whimsical as you are probably picturing. Here's an
explanation:
Sylvie’s story begins as a newfound witch that has been chased out of her hometown for her abilities. When she arrives on Mutter Island she discovers she is capable of growing magical Critter Crops that will aid her in restoring the island to its former glory. Uncover the secrets of the island by growing magical critters in this isometric role-playing/management game!Continue here to read the full story.
Farm, Noodle, Mine, Gather, and Explore the island in order to level up your abilities and uncover more of the mysteries of Mutter Island. Gather resources to help restore Mur Mur Town and use your critters to help you traverse the wild areas of the island.
On Sale [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- The Complete Advanced Algorithms & Programming Bundle (pay what you want and help charity).*
- Save 20% on One-inch Tactics on Steam.
- Chucklefish 13th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale on Steam.
- The Behemoth Publisher Sale on Steam.
- Save 90% on Sword Art Online- Fatal Bullet on Steam.
- Save 75% on Road 96 🛣️ on Steam.
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.
Engagement Ring [7:23 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments
- There Is No Spinning How Poorly Sony’s ‘Concord’ Open Beta Went On Steam - Forbes (may require registration or subscription).
Evening Patches [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- - Ver. 1.38 Patch Notes.
- PAYDAY 3: Update 1.2.1 Changelog.
- World of Warcraft — The War Within Pre-Expansion Content Update Notes.
↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- World of Warcraft — User Interface and Quest Updates in The War Within.
- Baldur's Gate 3 Closed Beta Delay & Patch 7 Highlights. Dice rolls randomly stopped due to a roll of the dice.
Evening Multiplex [7:22 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.
Evening Consolidation [7:22 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Deadpool Designs the Cheekiest Xbox Controller - Xbox Wire. Thanks RedEye9.
Evening Mobilization [7:22 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- FCC Hopes 60-day Unlocking Makes Mobile Service More Affordable - Telecompetitor. Thanks DSLReports.
- Essential Intel: Season 5 Content Drop for Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty- Warzone, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
- NetherRealm is shutting down live-service mobile game Mortal Kombat- Onslaught - Eurogamer.net.
- Samsung is rushing a critical patch to all Galaxy devices amid active exploitation - TechSpot.
Evening Tech Bits [7:22 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Evening Audio Files [7:22 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Audacity version 3.6.1. Thanks Ant.
Into the Black [7:22 pm ET] – Share – 3 Comments
Obituary:
Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, of Motown group the Four Tops, dead at 88 - CNN. End of an era.
Punch Club 2: Iron Fist Strikes [1:00 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
The promised Iron Fist expansion is now available for Punch Club 2,
the fighting management sequel. It's out today for Windows on the
Epic Games Store,
GOG.com,* and
Steam, on consoles, and word is an iOS edition launches on August 22nd.
Steam users get some extra attention, as their edition of the game also receives
a new feature allowing the creation of fully customizable fighting leagues.
Here's the Official
Release Trailer and here are details which blatantly ignore the first rule
of punch club:
A new challenger approaches! The “Iron Fist” DLC welcomes returning fighters to an all-new story featuring robots, a worn-down workshop, and a new AI teammate, MoMMi (Modern Massive Microwave). Work together, since two brains (sort of) are better than one, and train a rusty robot into tip-top shape. Compete in the new Robot League to pummel through the Secret Robot Society and discover the AI’s companion’s true intentions for all of humanity.*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.
Spruce up the robotic comrade through cybernetic enhancements available in the new Robot Path, from stat upgrades to powerful punches capable of landing a one-hit KO. Choose from dozens of designs and shapes with a spectrum of colors, new skills and kicks, to highlight the boxing spirit. Together with MoMMi, upgrade the workshop to gain access to additional robotic buffs with a robust skill tree to create the most technical robot fighter ever.
Cataclismo Early Access [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Early Access is underway
on Steam
for Cataclismo, a real-time strategy game with resource management, siege
defense, exploration, and the ability to construct your strongholds
brick-by-brick. This is all shown off in this
Launch Trailer.
There's a 20% launch discount if you pick it up by August 5th, and
this post discusses the state of the Early Access release and changes
planned for a full release, which will be at the beginning of next year at the
earliest. Here's an explanation:
Lead the last survivors in the aftermath of the Cataclismo as a corrupted world seeks to destroy all that remains of humanity. Build fortresses brick by brick, designing intricate, towering structures of wood and stone to fend off waves of Horrors as they attempt to overwhelm your band of survivors. Command powerful units in their stalwart defense, coordinating their varied capabilities as you race from breach to breach. Lead forays into the unknown to secure the vital resources needed to grow your military might and construction capabilities as you hold fast against the ever-growing onslaught – siege after siege, night after night.Continue here to read the full story.
The Operator Released [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The Operator has set up operations on GOG.com*
and
Steam, kicking off a conspiracy-laden adventure for Windows, macOS, and
Linux. In this you are an operative of the FDI hunting a cyber-criminal named
HAL, suggesting developer thinks the feds are more litigious than movie studios.
An unlisted (naturally) video simply called
Trailer 2 has the
latest look at gameplay, and here's more:
The Operator is an immersive narrative adventure where players will be assigned case files from FDI field agents. They’ll need to investigate each crime by digging for clues and piecing together key information. Whether utilising the Video and Photo Analyzer, Citizen and Vehicle Database, ChemScan, Notepad or fully functional computer console, players will have to use every tool at their disposal to solve murders, cyber attacks and the cases of missing people.*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.
To find the truth, players must unravel a complex web of information and evidence, to piece together a story filled with twists and turns. Operators must follow the trail, no matter how unsettling, to unravel the mysterious narratives, and bring fugitives, such as the FDI’s Most Wanted cyber-criminal HAL, to justice.
TEKKEN 8 Free Expansion Plans [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Bandai Namco reveals the return of Heihachi Mishima, the King of Iron Fist, in a
new character reveal
trailer showing off a free expansion coming to TEKKEN 8, the fighting game
sequel. Word is: "For the first time ever in TEKKEN history, TEKKEN 8 adds an
entirely new chapter to its story mode, expanding on “The Dark Awakens”
storyline, which continues the clash between the Kazama and Mishima families.
“The Dark Awakens” story mode expansion will be available as a free update for
all TEKKEN 8 players." The rest of the announcement looks more backward than
forward:
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. revives Heihachi Mishima, the King of Iron Fist, in a new character reveal trailer debuted at EVO 2024. Revealed as the next DLC character, Heihachi will return to the TEKKEN roster in Fall 2024. The DLC is the third since the launch of the game, bringing back fan-favorite characters including Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN™ 8 harnesses Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodelled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments added to the game.Continue here to read the full story.
Apartment Story Announced [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Blue Rider Interactive announces Apartment Story will launch for PC via
Steam on September 26th, promising a "dramatic" feature-length, third-person
thriller. Any current or apartment dweller can appreciate the potential for
drama here. Will the rent go up? What will be scurrying in the kitchen when I
turn out the lights? And, of course, the classic 'are they actually bowling
upstairs?' Gameplay seems restricted to the titular apartment, and the
Release Date & Gameplay
Trailer leans quite hard into the weirdness, showing janky gameplay
featuring actions such as "watch steam rise from pots" and "hold plastic and
call it food." Your well-rounded life also includes gunplay, getting high, and
wanking. As the announcement puts it, this spotlights the game's
"highly-evocative audiovisual identity." Here's more:
Players assume the role of Arthur, a 27-year-old just trying to keep his head above water, whose life takes a twist when he receives an unexpected visit from his former roommate, Diane. She stays a while and together they party, but soon Blondey enters the picture and the good times turn bad very quickly.Continue here to read the full story.
Over a few days, players must navigate escalating real-time narrative events and interpersonal relationships, while maintaining Arthur’s needs and welfare via an immersive, sim-esque management system - which is all brought to life via a highly-detailed, atmospheric, yet grounded PSX-style aesthetic.
Cats on Duty Next Week; Demo Released [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
ESDigital Games announces Cats on Duty will report for duty for Windows
on the Epic
Games Store and
Steam one
week from today on July 29th, with console versions to follow later this year.
The PC Release Date
Trailer shows off this unusual blend of tower defense and match-3 gameplay,
all with a coat of feline pixel-art paint. If you can't wait to get your paws on
this, there's a playable demo on the
Epic Games Store and
Steam you
can try right now. Here's more:
Cats on Duty is a purr-fectly hilarious and action-packed blend of real-time strategy, tower defense, and match-3 mechanics. Line up with your army of battle-hardened cat soldiers and take a stand to defend your homeland against the forces of great evil! Utilise a multitude of cat varieties to engage in combat against hordes of fiendish creatures. Unleash the power of the whiskers and drive those zombies back to the depths of the underworld!Continue here to read the full story.
Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets Announced [1:00 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Mattel and Outright Games announce Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets,
a single-player, 3D platformer described as "the first Monster High video game
for the current generation of consoles." This will arrive in time for Halloween
on October 29th for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One,
and Switch. This is based on a series of dolls, so expect family friendly fare
for kids of all ages. Here's more:
Players can become besties with Clawdeen Wolf™, Draculaura™, Frankie Stein™, and the rest of the Boo Crew to explore various locations, uncovering the fangtastic secrets of the Hidden Rooms along the way. Choose from six fangtastic monster types to craft a unique character, picking from a fabulous array of spooky hairstyles, haunt-couture clothing, and scareccessories for the ultimate Monster High experience.
On Sale [11:59 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.
Engagement Ring [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- When Sports Games Feel Like Casinos, Players Rarely Win - The New York Times. Thanks Neutronbeam.
Morning Patches [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Official patch.
Morning Gatherings & Events [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Morning Previews [11:58 am ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Morning Mobilization [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Morning Tech Bits [11:58 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.
- More flight cancellations are expected as airlines gradually recover from global tech outage - CNN. Thanks Slashdot.
- After 20 years as a PC user, these are the 10 programs I recommend for every PC - XDA.
- India ed-tech firm Byju's founder faces reckoning as startup implodes - Reuters (may require registration or subscription).
- How to use your current Windows PC as a NAS for your other devices - XDA.
- HWMonitor v1.54. Thanks DSLReports.
Game Reviews [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Hardware Reviews [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Thanks Neutronbeam.
- Handheld: ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld - TweakTown.
- Handheld: Asus ROG Ally X Review - The best gaming handheld thanks to faster RAM and a huge 80 Wh battery - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
- Keyboard: KiiBOOM Phantom 81 V2 Mechanical Keyboard Review - ThinkComputers.org.
- Keyboard: NZXT Function 2 Review- Iterative Improvements on a Beginner's Board - WIRED.
- Laptop: Dell XPS 13 9345 (Snapdragon X Elite) review- Lighter than air — the MacBook Air - Laptop Mag.
- Laptop: Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 (2024) review- A powerful laptop for creators - XDA.
- Mini PC: GMKtec NucBox G5 mini PC review - TechRadar.
- Monitor/Projector: Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart Projector - OCinside.
- Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS PRO X Motherboard Review - $279 US With Premium White Aesthetics - Wccftech.
- Mouse: NZXT Lift 2 Symm Review - TechPowerUp.
- SSD: Netac NV7000-Q 1TB Review - APH Networks.
- SSD: WD Blue SN5000 4TB Performance Results - WD Blue SN5000 4TB SSD review- Western Digital launches a 4TB mainstream drive - Tom's Hardware.
etc. [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Out of the Blue [11:58 am ET] – Share – 10 Comments
The Big Bang Theory- Bob Newhart Had 2 Conditions To Play Professor Proton -
SlashFilm. Such a cool dude and great performer. I was shocked to learn that
playing Professor Proton earned him his only primetime Emmy.
Obituary: Jerry Miller Dies: Moby Grape Cofounder Voted One Of Rock's Guitar Greats Was 81.
Obituary: Jerry Miller Dies: Moby Grape Cofounder Voted One Of Rock's Guitar Greats Was 81.
Primetime Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.Stories
- Delta cancels another 600 flights on Monday in wake of cyber outage - Reuters. Thanks RedEye9.
- For the third time, a car has driven into Honokohau Harbor - News - kitv.com. Thanks Slashdot.
- Soho Waiters Race Keeps London Servers on Their Toes - The New York Times.
Science
- Digging Holes at The Beach Can Be Deadly, And Many People Don't Realize - ScienceAlert. Anakin was right!
- Scientists find small regions of the brain can take micro-naps while the rest of the brain is awake and vice versa.
Media
- TINY GUNS 3 (World War TWO inches).
- When Movie Scenes Were Improvised on the Spot! - The Laugh Planet. Thanks VideoSift.
Follow-up
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