Archived News:

Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024

Xbox App Adds Hundreds of PC Games

Microsoft announces "Some Cool New Changes to the Xbox App," in an update by Chris Charla, General Manager of Content Curation and Programs at Xbox. The changes are largely aimed at PC gamers, as Microsoft remains more convinced than some of us that it can reposition the Xbox brand despite its console associations. Almost 400 titles not previously available through the app are now discoverable, and there are plans to add more. To prove how PC-centric this update is, the quote below only mentions consoles twice:
Earlier this summer, we began working with partners to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app. We're super excited to see what Xbox games come to Windows PC from game creators in the future and to welcome nearly 400 titles that previously weren’t discoverable or purchasable in the Xbox app.

Among this list are dozens of games from veteran Japanese studios Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as games such as Shovel Knight Treasure Trove by Yacht Club the Jackbox Party Pack, The Invincible by Double 11 and many, many more.

Not to mention, more than 100 of these newly added titles are Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning if players buy the Xbox console version, they can play the Xbox PC version as well (and vice versa). Universal Xbox ownership, as well as universal cloud saves on Xbox, and cross-play between Xbox versions on console and PC (and other platforms, at the developer’s discretion) are awesome features players love.

TankHead Rolls Out

TankHead is now available, and this Windows vehicular combat roguelite has set up its beachhead exclusively on the Epic Games Store. This puts the player behind the joystick in control of a drone tank doing battle in an inhospitable environment (we'll just have to trust Alpha Channel that this is fictional and they're not pulling an Ender's Game on us). Check out the Launch Trailer for a look and wrap your tankhead around the description:
Embark on a thrilling journey as Whitaker, piloting a drone-controlled tank through the desolate ECA. Battle fierce enemies, scavenge valuable parts, and fight to survive in this fast-paced sci-fi world, as you strive to reach the mysterious Highpoint.

As Whitaker your goal is to fight to reach Highpoint, to do that you must traverse the ECA – an area where humans cannot survive. Whitaker must project his mind into a Needle, a robust drone capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of the ECA – and of piloting your Tank. Use your Needle and Tank to combat the vehicles and creatures of the ECA to reach Highpoint.

Explore the ECA a world torn apart by war and a mysterious cataclysmic event that left it uninhabitable by humans. Where humans must “tele-project” their minds into drones in order to survive and pillage the remains of a once great society.
Continue here to read the full story.

NEON ABYSS 2 Announced

Veewo Games announces the chance to once more enter the abyss when NEON ABYSS 2 enters PC Early Access next year. This promises what made the original action/platformer a success along with "new features, formidable enemies, powerful gods, updated loot and hidden secrets." The Steam Listing is live, as is the Reveal Trailer with a look at gameplay. Here's more:
A sequel to the 2020 roguelike run ‘n’ gun hit, this installment raises the stakes in every way. Frantic run ‘n’ gun gameplay returns with a twist - an all-new weapon system lets you decide your own combat style. Get up close and personal with melee weapons or unleash chaos from a distance with a range of unique firearms. Mix and match combat styles using an arsenal that lets you tear through the Abyss in your own way. Item synergies are back and wilder than ever. Hunt down powerful items and stack them to make combinations that make every run one-of-a-kind.

Players will once again dive into the Abyss with their favorite companions by their side – Hatchmon. These adorable and vibrant companions evolve into powerful allies, adding an extra layer of excitement to every run.
Continue here to read the full story.

Miscellaneous Releases

  • Wisper on Steam (Windows). "Wisper is a relaxing 3D open world filled with magical creatures, unique people, and their secrets. Learn about them and the world they live in. Save villages from corruption on your journey to become a Wisper."

Rumor Mill

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: We are Legion Released

We Are Legion is now available for Windows on Steam, adding the first DLC and another subtitle to Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, the Windows strategy game based on the hit-or-miss Terminator film franchise. Here's a Gameplay Trailer with a two-minute look at what to expect. Read on for more on the enhancements like IEDs this brings to, in this case, fighting the insurgency:
Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: We Are Legion is the first DLC for Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance. In this DLC, players will have the opportunity to take control of Legion, with the sole objective of eradicating human resistance. We Are Legion features a new single-player campaign, an evolved army management system that deepens strategic gameplay, and new tactical options, including modifications for the Legion Tank and Artillery, smoke screens, and a self-destruct mode for Legion vehicles.
Continue here to read the full story.

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Ultima Founding Released

Ultima Founding is now available on GOG.com* and Steam, new DLC adding new units to Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, the Windows and Linux strategy game. The add-on is full-priced, but the base game (which is required) is currently 90% off. There's no launch trailer, but here's a description to help with your mental image of what to expect:
Free the planet Gladius Prime from the Xeno threat with the new Primaris Space Marines units. Now, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius players can deploy the best of the Adeptus Astartes, including Primaris Intercessors, Aggressors, and Inceptors, as well as Redemptor Dreadnoughts and Thunderstrike Speeders.
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

Xenopurge Closed Beta

Traptics announces Xenopurge, a sci-fi real-time tactics roguelite where you command a team of not-Colonial Marines fighting a not-xenomorph in a not-Aliens game inspired by the classic action movie. You can check out the Listing on Steam, which says the release date is "to be announced," though we're told it will be Q2 2025. The Official Teaser Trailer is a little unusual, showing a shakycam interface where you observe and command your squad of seemingly identical clones using a retro vector monitor. A Kickstarter will kick off down the road, but in the meantime, those interested should sign up for closed beta testing by hitting the "request access" button on Steam. Here's more:
Xenopurge is a sci-fi tactical squad-based game where you take on the role of a commander orchestrating humanity’s offence against an alien menace. Operate from the safety of your remote command center, where every action, from issuing orders to monitoring your squad’s survival, is made through tactical displays and live mission feeds. You best make the right calls, or you'll hear your squad's screams in your ear...

By blending real-time strategy with a tight roguelite gameplay loop, Xenopurge challenges you to adapt to shifting mission objectives and lead a team of soldiers against overwhelming odds.

Inspired by the tension and Aliens and the claustrophobic corridors of Warhammer 40K: Space Hulk, the game’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and unnerving horror atmosphere ensure every decision feels critical.
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Ready or Not: Dark Waters Released

Ready or Not: Dark Waters is now available on Steam, adding new DLC to Ready or Not, the tactical shooter for Windows from VOID Interactive. This adds missions set on offshore rigs, adding amphibious complications to your planning. This is shown off in last week's Official Trailer with a (spoiler alert) cinematic look at a hostage hanging. This requires the base game, and there's also a new Ready or Not: LSPD Edition bundling the game, both its DLC packs, and the original soundtrack. Ready or not, here's more:
LSPD intel indicates high risk of criminal activity off the coast of Los Sueños, emboldened by the remoteness of offshore environments. Three major areas being surveyed for threats: natural resources, islands, and watercraft. A UH-60 helicopter has deployed for rapid response and reconnaissance with our SWAT teams.

Players can expect the challenges of bringing order to chaos to extend further when managing amphibious operations whilst also navigating turbulent weather / environmental conditions on the open sea. Offshore locations offer little comfort in the confined spaces within boats, or the turbulent exposure provided by Offshore Oilrigs.
Continue here to read the full story.

Golf With Your Friends 2 Announced

Radical Forge and Team17 announce Golf With Your Friends 2, a sequel to this multiplayer golf game. This is expected to enter Early Access on Steam in 2025 promising the "thrills and spills" for which the sport is notorious. The news is introduced in this video which starts with some live-action skateboarding just to mess with everybody. Let's tee-up the details:
Radical Forge and Team17 Digital have collided to bring you a whole new chapter of Golfing with your friends, enemies and treasured acquaintances. Get ready for 24/7 golfing action, pumped up to the highest heights with totally tubular thrills and spills.

Coming to PC and Consoles near you with new mechanics, weather, and cross-platform online multiplayer. Build your own courses, share them with your friends, and then utterly destroy them with the sneaky hidden hole-in-one setup you built in.
Continue here to read the full story.

EKRUZER Gaming Scooter

EKRUZER announces the launch of the EKRUZER, though this electric scooter claiming to also be a gaming platform is not actually available yet. But you read that right, this is an electric scooter promising Augmented Realty support in what's called a "groundbreaking innovation." These will cost approximately USD$13,000 at launch, and the waitlist opens tomorrow for the first 250 units, which can be reserved by purchasing a $100 baseball cap. If this all screams TikTok, that's because it is and there are no videos on YouTube. To be clear, we're not suggesting anyone preorder, so apologies if it we're steering you wrong and this turns into the next big thing. It's not even clear what the definition of AR is in this case, as this boasts cameras, but the interface is a 7" Android screen:
Gaming platform hardware

  • 7” screen
  • Snapdragon 865
  • 16:9 aspect 1920x1080p resolution, 1k nits brightness
  • Android 12, 8 RAM, 512Gb storage
  • GPS
  • 3G/5G connectivity
  • Front and rear camera
  • Microphone
  • WiFi enabled
  • Bluetooth
  • Integrated speakers
  • USB A and C charging points.
  • Integrated laser tag gaming technology

Out of the Blue

Someone showed up yesterday to see what could be done about the gap I mentioned in our new patio doors that was allowing a surprising amount of heat escape. By reassembling it with a little additional emphasis on where everything goes he was able to fix about 95% of the problem. The wind no longer passes through and any cold around the seam is now barely detectible, where it was formerly oppressively obvious. Whatever issue remains is because one door isn't perfectly true, but his attempts to photograph a plumb line didn't show the problem very well, since it's so slight. He's going to see if the manufacturer thinks this warrants replacing, but even if they don't we consider the current situation satisfactory, so we'll just live with it.

Obituary: Amazing Kreskin Dead: Master of Mind Games Was 89 - The Hollywood Reporter.

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Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

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