FreshRSS

Normální zobrazení

Jsou dostupné nové články, klikněte pro obnovení stránky.
PředevčíremIGN All
  • ✇IGN All
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – The First PreviewRyan McCaffrey
    It's about to kick off in the centre of Kuttenberg, the sprawling medieval city at the heart of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Menhard the sword master has offered to teach protagonist Henry of Skalitz a few tricks with the blade, but the lesson has been interrupted by Kuttenberg's official fencing guild. They won't let Menhard teach so much as a pommel strike, despite him having a charter from King Wenceslas to do just that. Moreover, they're going to fine the old Fechtmeister for breaching their
     

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – The First Preview

21. Srpen 2024 v 09:00

It's about to kick off in the centre of Kuttenberg, the sprawling medieval city at the heart of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Menhard the sword master has offered to teach protagonist Henry of Skalitz a few tricks with the blade, but the lesson has been interrupted by Kuttenberg's official fencing guild. They won't let Menhard teach so much as a pommel strike, despite him having a charter from King Wenceslas to do just that. Moreover, they're going to fine the old Fechtmeister for breaching their rules.

Things are getting heated, with the chance of a real swordfight breaking out growing by the second. But Henry has an idea. "Menhard wasn't teaching me anything," he blurts out. "We were duelling because I insulted his honour!"

Unconvinced, the guild master asks what the duel was about, at which point I'm given an array of choices for Henry to respond with. Reacting quickly, I decide to have Henry say that he slept with Menhard's daughter. I don't know whether Menhard has a daughter, but it seems like the sort of thing medieval people would get into a duel over, so I roll with it.

The guild master buys my bald-faced lie and waives the fine...

It works. The guild master buys my bald-faced lie and waives the fine, though Menhard is still prohibited from teaching longsword in the city. With a fight avoided, I turn to Menhard expecting him to be grateful. Instead, he's furious. It seems Menhard really does have a daughter, and the very idea of Henry sleeping with her has genuinely insulted his honour. Oops. With their relationship damaged, Henry must desperately placate the raging swordmaster before they can focus on more important matters, like plotting how to get back at Kuttenberg's fencing guild.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is shaping up to be an even bigger RPG than the original, a 100+ hour epic featuring massive battles, sweeping Bohemian landscapes, and a fully simulated medieval metropolis. But at Warhorse Studios' preview event hosted in the real-life city of Kutná Hora (the modern Czech name for Kuttenberg) it was this throwaway detail that stuck with me the most. Warhorse claims every choice the player makes in its RPG will feel like it matters, and this dramatic response to a decision I barely thought about was the first (but not the last) indicator that KCD2 could well deliver on this promise.

It'll be several hours before KCD 2 opens-up to you in this way, however. Warhorse provided access to two separate chunks of the game, the first of which took place right at the beginning. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 opens in medias res, with an explosive castle siege where you defend the ramparts with crossbow and longsword. Warhorse says KCD 2 will feature substantially larger battles than the previous game, and this initial sequence was an impressive taster of playing at a larger scale, from booting down siege ladders from the castle wall, to firing crossbow bolts into a crush of enemy soldiers as they come barrelling through the gate.

Following this exciting opening, KCD 2 rewinds to connect with the end of the first game, as we rejoin Henry and his friend and liege lord Sir Hans Capon on a mission to deliver a letter to neighbouring lord Otto von Bergow. This initial hour is strictly linear and heavy on cutscenes, but it keeps you engaged through the feelgood vibes of Henry and Hans' friendship. Like the first Kingdom Come, the sequel is written in a very humanistic style. Henry remains a deeply affable, fish-out-of-water protagonist, while his position as Sir Hans' squire leads to an interesting blend of camaraderie and tension between the two.

Together, the pair have big "lads on tour" energy, clearly revelling in the rare freedom their position and assignment affords them in medieval society. It isn't all fun and games, however. An encounter with a retinue of Bergow's knights emphasises the danger that lurks around every corner, as the two have to convince the armed horsemen that they aren't bandits. It's the first of many elaborate dialogue sequences, with numerous player choices and a lot of exposition. Indeed, while KCD's conversations are generally interesting, I did wonder if they might benefit from some sterner editing at times.

KCD2 is built to be played with no foreknowledge of the original. As such, the opening hours fold in several refresher tutorials, such as Henry and Hans having a friendly duel that reintroduces you to KCD's unique swordfighting system. This has been refined for the sequel, reducing the number of directions you can swing your sword from five to four, and making actions like parrying and riposting easier to pull off. While it's been years since I played the first game, I was nonetheless able to hold my own against Sir Hans after a few minutes of instruction, suggesting that Warhorse's changes have indeed made the system easier to grapple with. The sequel also introduces bespoke fighting systems for certain non-sword weapons like maces, letting players who don't fancy mastering the blade to adopt the simpler approach of cracking skulls.

KCD2 is built to be played with no foreknowledge of the original.

The introduction culminates in Henry and Hans taking a bath in the river, followed by a goofy scene where they sneak through the reeds along the riverbank, drawn by the sound of peasant women singing nearby. The scene quickly takes a darker turn, however, as the pair's camp is attacked by bandits, whereupon they're forced to flee into the woods wearing nothing but their pants. It's a sequence that shifts between dramatic and comedic multiple times, and the game handles those tonal changes well.

Through a series of unfortunate events, Henry and Hans end up in the care of a local peasant woman, where we get a chance to see the quieter side of KCD2. One of the original’s strengths was how it strived to immerse players in moment-to-moment play, and KCD2 seems just as indulgent in this regard. Simple actions like eating stew from a pot and picking herbs to make potions are depicted with intensely detailed first-person animations, while the Bohemian forests you explore are verdant and alive with birdsong. There's a chance to experiment with the updated alchemy system, which is even more tactile and involved than the first game, with you sprinkling ingredients into a big cauldron, before adjusting its height with a lever to change the heat level. Later, when Henry has to fight and kill a couple of bandits who come looking for him, an optional objective unlocks to bury the bodies away from the peasant woman's home, and you can go through the entire process of putting these wayward souls to rest.

Everything in this initial demo suggests KCD 2 will retain the original’s capacity for letting players steep in its medieval setting. What it didn't show was anything wildly new. For this, the second demo was more promising. This fast-forwarded the campaign to the 50-hour mark, where Henry arrives in Kuttenberg. This medieval metropolis is the largest urban space seen in the series yet, a bustling environment where every NPC has their own daily routines and behaviours.

It's here where Henry encounters the swordmaster Menhard and becomes embroiled in the dispute over who has the rights to teach longsword in the city. To settle the disagreement, Menhard hatches a plan, and asks Henry to steal the fencing guild's official sword and hang it on the wall of the Rathaus (the town hall). This, Menhard explains, is the formal way of issuing a challenge of arms to the town, a challenge which Menhard could then accept to prove his martial superiority.

Of course, this means sneaking into a guildhall filled with master swordsmen, which Menhard wisely suggests you do at night (though you are free to try it in the daytime if you wish). Yet even in darkness, clandestine activities are a risky business in Kuttenberg. Anyone walking around at night is expected to carry a torch, and not doing so will get you in trouble with the guards. Having successfully evaded the city watch, I then have to climb over the wall of the guild house, pick the lock on one of several potential entrances, find the sword, and escape.

Here, the open-ended nature of KCD 2 becomes much more apparent, with the quest feeling closer in spirit to a game like Dishonored than the more directed sequences of the early game. The first time I attempt the theft, things go south quickly. I pick the lock but attract the attention of one of the nightwatchmen, who relocks the door after searching for me. I pick the lock again, and proceed three steps into the building before I'm rumbled. I try to fight my way out with fisticuffs, managing to knock out one of the nightwatchmen, but another has roused the town guard, who come barrelling in with swords drawn to quickly cut me down.

The quest can alter in multiple ways depending on your actions, both in narrative choices and general play.

In my second attempt, I'm more careful, and succeed in lifting the sword unnoticed and hanging it on the wall of the Rathaus. This would be a natural endpoint for the quest, but it proves to be far from over. Succeeding in the theft leads to a multi-stage longsword tournament between Menhard and the swordmasters' guild, and you can choose to be sworn in under Menhard's stewardship and fight for his honour and right to teach longsword in the city. Moreover, the quest can alter in multiple ways depending on your actions, both in narrative choices and general play. If you steal the sword but are spotted doing so, for example, the guild will accuse you of the theft when Menhard accepts their challenge. Consequently, the swordmasters' guild is given heavier armour during the tournament, making the fight more difficult on your end.

This elaborate structure isn't entirely surprising; quest design was one of the first game's strengths too. Nonetheless, it certainly feels like the sequel is operating at a higher level amid the busy streets of Kuttenberg. And if Menhard's quest is reflective of the sequel's 100+ hour total, then Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 could end up being something rather special indeed.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Best Computer Vacuums and Dust Blowers for Your DeskBrian Barnett
    Whether you work from home or in an office, your desk will quickly become messy and cluttered with all sorts of things. Bits of paper, crumbs, pet hair—you name it. Thankfully, there are tiny vacuum cleaners, dust blowers and dusters that are made for these small surfaces, and maybe even your laptop and accessories. You can use brushes and wipes, but you’ll likely get a more powerful clean with a compact cleaner or tool. If you aren't sure an actual handheld or tiny vacuum is what you need, anot
     

The Best Computer Vacuums and Dust Blowers for Your Desk

21. Srpen 2024 v 03:45

Whether you work from home or in an office, your desk will quickly become messy and cluttered with all sorts of things. Bits of paper, crumbs, pet hair—you name it. Thankfully, there are tiny vacuum cleaners, dust blowers and dusters that are made for these small surfaces, and maybe even your laptop and accessories. You can use brushes and wipes, but you’ll likely get a more powerful clean with a compact cleaner or tool.

If you aren't sure an actual handheld or tiny vacuum is what you need, another practical cleaning device to consider is a duster or electric dust blower. These are stronger and less wasteful than compressed air cans and can double up as a keyboard or PC cleaning option. The below picks are small enough to fit at your desk and strong enough to fight the mess!

Best Computer Vacuums and Dust Blowers

🔥 Editor's Pick: DataVac Dust Blower

IGN's Commerce Manager, Eric Song recommends this environmentally-friendly dust blower, which draws over 450W from the kilowatt. Plus, he said it's been working well since he bought it (back in 2012). Eric also mentioned a bonus use for this one: using it to blow dry his dog after a bath! Who knew? You can check out his favorite model below, which is on sale right now at 30% off:

More Small Vacuums for Cleaning Your Computer and Desk Space

If you want something lightweight, powerful and easy to use, the below choices provide options for whatever your needs are right now. Most of these vacs are cordless and rechargeable, so there's no extra hassle. Whether you're looking for an all-in-one duster and vacuum or one that comes with different nozzles, you'll find something to help clean up your desk space and beyond.

Tiny, Cute Contenders:

If the above options don't do the trick, these three small desk vacuums are perfect for surface area messes on your desk, coffee table and beyond! Plus, they're super affordable.

Lastly, if you do want to go the compressed air route, but make it fancier, there's a deal on an electric compressed air duster right now:

  • ✇IGN All
  • A Super Cheap Switch Pro Controller, The Lowest FC 25 Prices, 94% Off Borderlands, and More!Adam Mathew
    Our week continues, fellow bargain hunters, with an average Wednesday of nowhere near average savings. Top of my list includes that Borderlands Pandora Collection—because we all may as well blast through the entire franchise as prep for Borderlands 4. I'm also all about that PSDiscount on No Man's Sky, the game that just keeps on giving. Stupid amounts of value for money there. Get amongst it already. In retro news, I’m celebrating the 15th birthday of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, o
     

A Super Cheap Switch Pro Controller, The Lowest FC 25 Prices, 94% Off Borderlands, and More!

21. Srpen 2024 v 03:31

Our week continues, fellow bargain hunters, with an average Wednesday of nowhere near average savings. Top of my list includes that Borderlands Pandora Collection—because we all may as well blast through the entire franchise as prep for Borderlands 4. I'm also all about that PSDiscount on No Man's Sky, the game that just keeps on giving. Stupid amounts of value for money there. Get amongst it already.

In retro news, I’m celebrating the 15th birthday of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, one of the best DSi downloads you could nab. Minis March Again bolstered the original article with four more game worlds of 10 stages apiece. Along with the brilliant DIY level creator that let me wirelessly share my conundrums with friends, this was just more of the same—old school Nintendo game design with pitch perfect puzzle platforming and high sheen visuals. Please remake more of this sizeable series on Switch, Ninty.

This Day in Gaming

- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (DSi) 2009. Similar

- Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (PS3/4) 2014. Get

- The Bard’s Tale (PS4,PSV) 2017. Get

- Burnout Paradise Remastered (PC) 2018. Get

Table of Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

Back to top

Purchase Cheap for PC

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card.

Back to top

Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

Back to top

Pure Scores for PlayStation

Expiring Recent Deals

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

Back to top

Legit LEGO Deals

Expiring Recent Deals

Back to top

The Top 10 Games in Australia

(According to IGEA and Game Sales Data.)

  1. GTA V
  2. Hogwarts Legacy
  3. Elden Ring
  4. College Football 25
  5. COD MW3
  6. GTA Online
  7. Red Dead 2
  8. South Park: The Fractured But Whole
  9. NBA 2K24
  10. Hitman WoA Part 1

Back to top

Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

Starfield Update 1.13.61 Full Patch Notes Details New Settings and Other Additions as Starfield Becomes Carfield

21. Srpen 2024 v 01:58

Earlier today, Bethesda announced that in the lead-up to Starfield's upcoming Shattered Space DLC, players would be treated to the game's first land vehicle, the Rev-8, in an update coming later tonight. Well, it's now later tonight, and Starfield's 1.13.61 update is now live.

The big centerpiece of this patch is, of course, the Rev-8. It's the game's first land vehicle, and we got our first look at it earlier today in a trailer. It's kinda cute, bouncing around craters and things with its little hover jets and turret. Take a look:

The update isn't just car-centric, though the Rev-8 is a pretty big deal. There are a number of new settings being added such as a frame rate target setting allowing players to pick between 30, 40, 60, or uncapped on VRR displays. Non-VRR displays will still be able to select between 30 and 60, though players are warned screen tearing may occur on non-VRR displays if 60 is selected. There's also a new setting allowing you to prioritize between visuals and performance, and toggling Vsync on and off. And there are new Xbox Series S performance options added as well.

Gameplay-wise, the majority of the changes appear to be fixing various bugs or minor other adjustments to make gameplay a bit smoother.

Today's update comes ahead of a much larger DLC expansion entitled Shattered Space, which we learned today would be releasing on September 30. Shattered Space was first revealed back in June at the Xbox Games Showcase and is the game's first story expansion. It takes place on the homeworld of House Va'Ruun and includes a new planet, weapons, spacesuits, gear, and more.

We gave Starfield a 7/10 in our launch review, saying that it "has a lot of forces working against it, but eventually the allure of its expansive roleplaying quests and respectable combat make its gravitational pull difficult to resist."

The full patch notes are below.

New settings:

  • Frame Rate Target: You can now choose between 30, 40, 60 or an Uncapped frame rate on VRR displays. If you do not have a VRR display running 120hz, you will still be able to select from 30 or 60. Screen tearing may occur at times when selecting 60 on a non-VRR display.
  • Prioritize: You can now prioritize between
  • Visuals and Performance while trying to maintain the frame rate target. If you’re choosing a frame rate target of 60 or above, we recommend changing this to Performance. Prioritizing Visuals keeps the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Prioritizing Performance lowers internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Both modes may adjust internal resolution dynamically when scenes or action get heavier as well. When switching between modes, you will see the lighting change briefly as the system catches up to the new mode.
  • VSync: You can now toggle between VSync off or on. Choosing off will separate the game frames from the monitor's refresh rate and may result in screen tearing. Toggling On will synchronize the frame rate to the monitor's refresh rate avoiding screen tearing but limiting number of frames.

Features

  • Added the new Rev-8 Vehicle which can be purchased from the ship technician
  • Added Xbox Series S performance options

General

  • General performance and stability improvements
  • Creations UI fixes and improvements

Gameplay

  • Addressed an issue that could prevent fully scanning the planet Beta Marae I
  • Gameplay Options: Addressed an issue with Legendary weapons that could cause the Well Fed and Hydrated effects to refresh
  • Gameplay Options: Addressed an issue with switching weapons that could cause the "You are now Hydrated" notification to appear frequently
  • Gameplay Options: Addressed an issue that could cause Sustenance effects to stop working in NG+ variants
  • Fixed an issue with reloading the Novastrike sniper rifle
  • Resolved an issue that caused other characters to hold the Novastrike rifle incorrectly
  • Fixed a visual issue with the Magshot reload animation in zero-g
  • Extreme Temperature Entry Spacesuit can now be put on displays
  • Addressed an issue that could cause multiple items to spawn on display stands
  • The Rattler displayed on the Trackers Alliance headquarters wall can now be interacted with
  • Gravity Well no longer pulls NPCs into the ships in the Chop Shop
  • Adjusted map location markers in cities to improve fast travelling
  • The apartment in The Well in New Atlantis now has a map marker
  • The marker for Shepherd's General Store in Akila should display properly
  • Fixed an issue that caused the Rapid Legendary effect to not properly apply to melee weapons
  • Addressed an issue that could cause Lyle Brewer to become hostile to the player as a follower
  • Updated the status text for the Shielded Grip and Large Shielded Grip mods for the Plasma Cutter
  • Adjusted the balance on Mysterious Tracker’s Voice audio
  • Resolved an issue that could cause unexpected noises upon entering the Lodge for NG+ variants

Ships

  • Fixed an issue that could cause Ship docking bridges to remain extended
  • Addressed an issue with modifying a landed non-home ship that could cause a duplicate ship model to appear on the landing pad
  • Shipbuilder: Ship module variants and flip versions will now correctly revert to the original when pressing the Cancel button
  • Ship Decoration: Addressed an issue with the Ecliptic Claymore that could allow objects to be placed outside of the ship

Graphics

  • Fixed an issue that would cause the Frame generation setting to be turned off when DLSS was selected for Upscaling (PC)
  • Fixed lighting for ship and station interiors in photo mode
  • Improved quality of reflections in shallow puddles
  • Addressed an issue with upscaling that could cause visual artifacts on planets when viewed from space
  • Helmets will now toggle correctly for companions who are downed in photo mode

UI

  • Addressed an issue with the Ship and Inventory menus on 21:9 resolutions
  • Fixed an issue with how large Carry Capacity is displayed in the inventory with large font enabled
  • Addressed an issue with how The Cue Ball and Ping Pong Ball display in the inventory menu

Outposts

  • Flood lamps decoration items will now correctly toggle off and on at outposts featuring a power source

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

  • ✇IGN All
  • How Much Are You Willing to Spend on a LEGO Set?Jacob Kienlen
    We're living in an age where playing with LEGO bricks has become an adult hobby just as much as one for kids. Because of that, there are more and more LEGO crossovers with popular brands every month resulting in some of the most expensive LEGO sets we've ever seen. In fact, the most expensive set you can currently buy from the LEGO store is priced at a whopping $850. While not everyone can afford a set that costs as much as an iPhone, the popularity of these pricey sets means that a lot of folks
     

How Much Are You Willing to Spend on a LEGO Set?

21. Srpen 2024 v 01:02

We're living in an age where playing with LEGO bricks has become an adult hobby just as much as one for kids. Because of that, there are more and more LEGO crossovers with popular brands every month resulting in some of the most expensive LEGO sets we've ever seen. In fact, the most expensive set you can currently buy from the LEGO store is priced at a whopping $850. While not everyone can afford a set that costs as much as an iPhone, the popularity of these pricey sets means that a lot of folks are willing to fork over some serious cash for them.

Whether you're a fan of LEGO bricks or know someone who is, what is the limit you'd pay for a set? Although the most expensive sets are often the more attention grabbing options, there are a lot of great cheap LEGO sets you can get for $25 or less.

What Do You Think?

Our poll only goes up to the $100 price point, but what is your limit for a new LEGO set? Let us know in the comments! For reference, the two most expensive sets you can buy are both Star Wars LEGO sets. The Millenium Falcon and the AT-AT are both priced at $850 right now. While these expensive LEGO sets do sometimes go on sale, that is still a lot of money to spend on a bunch of gray bricks.

For an idea of some of the latest options available to buy, you can check out our guide to the newest LEGO set releases for August and beyond.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Will Have to Wait 12 Months or More for Some Of Ultimate's Biggest ReleasesMichael Cripe
    Microsoft says those who subscribe to its Game Pass Standard tier won’t see day-one game releases for up to a full year – if not longer – after they launch.Xbox clarified what day one releases will look like going forward in a recent Xbox Wire post. While Game Pass Ultimate players will continue to see brand-new experiences launch on the service at no additional cost, those who subscribe to the Standard tier will wait up to 12 months or more to see those same titles arrive. Microsoft first revea
     

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Will Have to Wait 12 Months or More for Some Of Ultimate's Biggest Releases

21. Srpen 2024 v 00:38

Microsoft says those who subscribe to its Game Pass Standard tier won’t see day-one game releases for up to a full year – if not longer – after they launch.

Xbox clarified what day one releases will look like going forward in a recent Xbox Wire post. While Game Pass Ultimate players will continue to see brand-new experiences launch on the service at no additional cost, those who subscribe to the Standard tier will wait up to 12 months or more to see those same titles arrive.

Microsoft first revealed Standard in July as an option without day one releases, leaving many fans to wonder how long they would have to wait. Now we know.

“Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other game entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date (can be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title),” Microsoft explained today. “We’ll continue to share with all Game Pass members when games are being added and available to play for each plan.”

Game Pass Standard is set to go live in the coming months and follows a series of price increases also announced in July. When Standard does arrive, it will leave Xbox players with four options to choose from: Core ($9.99/month), Standard ($14.99/month), PC ($11.99/month), and Ultimate ($19.99/month). So while console owners looking to save $5 per month may find that Standard tier enticing, they should know that they'll have to wait quite a bit longer to play highly anticipated titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

We'll learn more about how Standard operates when it arrives. Microsoft has tweaked its Game Pass offerings more than a few times, so if you’re still confused about how it all works, you can read our breakdown here. Then, be sure to see why the FTC wasn’t happy with the recently announced price increases and why some analysts think they were inevitable.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save Up to 50% Off UltraGear Gaming Monitors During the LG Back to School SaleEric Song
    As part of the LG 4th of July Sale, LG is discounting a wide assortment of their UltraGear gaming monitors -- including their top-end OLED models -- for up to $500 off. There's also a bonus coupon code: "HECA14701" that takes off an extra 10% on top. You better hurry though, because the most popular models are already starting to go out of stock, and it's very possible that the coupon code will expire soon.LG UltraGear OLED Gaming MonitorsLG Ultragear Gaming Monitors 30" and BiggerLG Ultragear
     

Save Up to 50% Off UltraGear Gaming Monitors During the LG Back to School Sale

Od: Eric Song
21. Srpen 2024 v 00:05

As part of the LG 4th of July Sale, LG is discounting a wide assortment of their UltraGear gaming monitors -- including their top-end OLED models -- for up to $500 off. There's also a bonus coupon code: "HECA14701" that takes off an extra 10% on top. You better hurry though, because the most popular models are already starting to go out of stock, and it's very possible that the coupon code will expire soon.

LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitors

LG Ultragear Gaming Monitors 30" and Bigger

LG Ultragear Gaming Monitors 24" and Bigger

Gaming Monitor FAQ

What's the difference between G-Sync and FreeSync?

FreeSync and G-Sync are similar, using VRR technologies to synchronize the refresh rate of the display and the frame rate of the PC or console you’re gaming on. Both types of monitors have the same VESA Adaptive-Sync technical standard, and most FreeSync displays work as G-Sync-compatible, or vice versa, even if manufacturers can’t make the claim outright.

The only exceptions are G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors, which require additional hardware, only work with Nvidia GPUs, and handle adaptive sync through a display’s entire refresh rate — other VRR usually taps out around 48Hz. That means these monitors are often pricier.

What’s the best resolution for a gaming monitor?

The ideal resolution for your display really depends on your needs. If you’re after ultra-high refresh rates or have a more modest graphics card, 1080p is the way to go. These monitors are also going to be the most budget-friendly option.

For those that prefer a stunning, crisp display, 4K monitors keep pixel peeping to a minimum and are ideal for a 27-inch screen size or bigger. However, you won’t hit 500Hz like some Full HD offerings, and to enjoy a speedy refresh rate – like the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM offers – you need to be willing to drop a good chunk of change. Driving those high frame rates will also be taxing on your system.

That leads us to the perfect middle ground: a 1440p display. You’ll enjoy a sharper resolution than 1080p, and hit impressively high frame rates. You will still need a mid-range or better graphics card, but if you have the hardware, these monitors are great for competitive gaming. Plus, you’ll find they’re often cheaper than UHD options.

Is HDR worth it?

HDR, or High Dynamic Range typically brings more vivid colors, improved brightness, and better contrast than SDR, or Standard Dynamic Range on supported monitors, making images pop. In HDR games, that increased clarity provides richer details for a more enjoyable viewing experience and can possibly give you an edge over opponents. For those who gravitate towards those cinematic games, it’s worth it to find a solid HDR monitor.

However, not all monitors that claim HDR support deliver a true HDR experience, so finding an option with ample local dimming zones and high peak brightness or an OLED panel is your best bet to make the most of HDR. Check out our guide on HDR for more info.

Want to know our favorite picks? LG is a stable brand in our best gaming monitors roundup, but there are plenty of other options out there. The best gaming monitors deliver stunning picture quality, speedy response times, and a host of gaming features to show off all the capabilities of the rig you’ve invested in. So, whether you’re after best budget gaming monitor while you save up for a new CPU or GPU, or an absolute beast of a display to help you reach the top of the leaderboards in Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3, we’ve tested and researched a range of options, bringing you the best of the best.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Civilization 7: The First PreviewRyan McCaffrey
    There's nothing quite like the moment right before sitting down to see a new Civilization game for the first time – particularly since this is the longest we've ever had to wait for a new one – and I'm happy to say I came away with a pretty positive outlook on Civilization VII. It's a more daring, risky take on the formula than any of the past few iterations have been, and I think that's definitely the way to go, considering those older games aren't going anywhere and are still quite playable. F
     

Civilization 7: The First Preview

20. Srpen 2024 v 23:00

There's nothing quite like the moment right before sitting down to see a new Civilization game for the first time – particularly since this is the longest we've ever had to wait for a new one – and I'm happy to say I came away with a pretty positive outlook on Civilization VII. It's a more daring, risky take on the formula than any of the past few iterations have been, and I think that's definitely the way to go, considering those older games aren't going anywhere and are still quite playable. From Ages that completely transform your chosen civ, to a bold, readable, but grounded new art style, Firaxis is already putting their best foot forward.

The historical 4X space has gotten a lot more crowded since Civ 6, and it seems apparent Firaxis has been paying attention to what others dipping a toe into the genre have been doing. That leads us to the biggest single change Civ 7 is introducing: like in 2020's Humankind, you won't be playing a single civilization for your entire campaign.

There are three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. The devs were quick to point out that Ages aren't exactly equivalent to Eras in past Civ games, since they're quite a bit longer and more distinct. By turn 125 on Standard speed, I was still in 1150 BCE according to the RP clock, for instance. A campaign should take about the same amount of time as in past Civ games. You'll pick a new civ to play for each Age, with its own bonuses, units, and map graphics. The thing that will stay with you is your initial choice of leader, a 3D avatar for your entire campaign that comes with their own set of permanent bonuses.

The leaders themselves remain visually consistent through the ages – you won't see Hatshepsut in a pant suit in modern times, for instance. And they're all civilization agnostic. Hatshepsut's bonuses synergize well with those of the ancient Egyptian civ, so you'll have some incentive to match a leader to their historical people if you're min-maxing. But you can play her as the leader of any civ. After all, you might be finishing the campaign as the United States, so there will be some mixing and matching regardless.

HEAD OF STATE

Firaxis is also taking the opportunity to include some leaders who weren't necessarily top-level political figures this time, so we don't just end up with the exact same cast. Ben Franklin was specifically called out, though we haven't seen him fully animated yet.

What isn't totally agnostic is your choice of a new civ in the coming age, addressing one of my gripes with Humankind – that you could go from Celts to Chinese with little or no narrative context. Every starting civ will have at least one "natural" path that's always available to them. Egypt can naturally transition into Songhai, and then Buganda. But everyone can also potentially earn access to certain later-age civs that are unlocked by gameplay choices. For example, cultivating several horse resources in Antiquity can allow you to become the Mongols for the Exploration Age. Other interesting progression paths mentioned included starting as Rome, then becoming the Normans, and finally the England.

Transitioning between Ages will come with a period of Crisis, and I got to see just the beginning of one of them for Antiquity: The Rising Storm. Depicting the fall of the great empires of old, it required me to take one Crisis policy card (similar to Civ 6's Dark Ages), where all of them were bad, so it was kind of a "pick your poison" moment. At the same time, new groups of independent people – who have completely replaced barbarians, and can be dealt with militarily or diplomatically – started spawning around my hinterlands.

LONE AND LEVEL SANDS

Transitioning to a new Age doesn't only give you new mechanical bonuses, though. Lead designer Ed Beach used the city of London as an example of how you build cities in Civ 7. Comparing maps of Roman London to medieval London, very little of the former city is left standing. And the same is true if you compare medieval London to modern London. New civilizations are built over the ruins of the past. And through a concept called "overbuilding," that's literally what we'll be doing in the later ages of Civ 7.

Cities are still sprawled across multiple tiles like in Civ 6, but there are now only two types of districts: Urban and Rural. Urban districts can hold up to two buildings at the start of Antiquity, increasing over time, and might gain special meta attributes based on what you build there. For Egypt, I was able to establish a unique funerary district by building both of their civ unique buildings in the same place. So a "science district" isn't a thing you plop down that is going to start out being focused entirely on science. It's just an urban district that you chose to specialize toward science with synergistic buildings.

Rural districts are more or less what used to be called tile improvements. Remember builders? They're gone! Moving citizens around between tiles? Also gone! Instead, what now happens is, when you would gain a new citizen through population growth, you immediately plop down a new district (which will be empty if it's urban – you still need to spend production on city buildings), or possibly add a specialist to an existing one if you have unlocked the civics for it.

In the build I played, you could only place districts adjacent to existing ones, which on the one hand creates tighter and more believable urban cores. I didn't really think this restriction made sense for rural districts, though. I'd like to be able to place those a bit further out, since the look of outlying mines and farms, I think, creates a really nice scene. And the way it is currently, you can't really save room for future urban sprawl, so I ended up with kind of a weird-looking checkerboard of urban and rural, which doesn't feel especially authentic.

Settling new cities also now starts them out as a Town, which doesn't have a production queue and instead turns all of its production into gold. You can still buy things in a town directly with gold, and the cost of upgrading it to a city will be reduced by how much you've built it up this way already. I found this to be a nice option, since I don't really like managing 15 different production queues.

AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN

Overall, Civ 7 looks great so far. Civ 6's art style was, shall we say, divisive, and I was more on the negative side, for sure. All these years later, I still think Civ 5 looks better than its direct successor. Civ 7 has taken another stylized, but much more grounded and tactile, approach. The main influences on the art style were painted miniatures, model trains, dioramas, and museum displays. And everything on the map is great to look at. I really did feel like I could reach down and pick these little guys up to get a closer look at them.

It's the first Civ game in a while that really feels "next gen" in a visual sense. The mountains look a bit less… mountain-y? More like isolated peaks than the nice, realistic ranges you'd get in previous games. But that's my only gripe so far.

The leaders, continuing on the tradition of Civ 6, are rendered with tons of detail and personality. We got a look at Hatshepsut of Egypt, Amina of Zazzau (the "natural" leader for Aksum), Augustus of Rome, and Ashoka of the Maurya. On the diplomatic screen, both of the negotiating leaders are now shown interacting, which adds a nice bit of extra dramatic flair.

Diplomacy has also been greatly reworked from Civ 6.

Diplomacy has also been greatly reworked from Civ 6. Influence is now a baseline currency produced by certain buildings, and you spend it on direct actions that target another civ. Firaxis wants to reduce the emphasis on transactional horse trading, so every time you do something diplomatically, it's more of a specific jab or handshake. Influence also has a fairly low cap, and is use it or lose it, encouraging you to engage in diplomacy regularly.

One really interesting example of this was a treaty Amina kept hitting me with when we were on less than great terms, which would cause my relationship with my BFF Augustus to deteriorate unless I spent a larger ante of influence to counter it. This presents some diabolical ways you can play other civs against each other.

The other really great twist with Influence is that you can spend it during a war to increase your side's War Support, which works like a diplomatic tug-of-war. If one side has invested a lot more influence than the other, the side with less war support will suffer scaling penalties to combat effectiveness and happiness in their cities. So diplomacy is now key to the military game as well, which I love.

AD ASTRA

Even with only three hours of hands-on time, I could probably talk for six or more about Civilization 7. There's so much I haven't even touched on yet, from commanders that can "pack up" entire armies for easier transport across the map, to Culture and Leader-specific perk trees. So keep an eye out for much, much more about Civilization 7 between now and release.

  • ✇IGN All
  • New Mafia Game Revealed, Set to Release in 2025 | gamescom 2024Alex Stedman
    A fourth Mafia game, titled Mafia: The Old Country, was officially unveiled at gamescom Opening Night Live today as the ceremony's big closing announcement. It's set to arrive in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.It'll take place in Sicily in the 1900s, although we didn't get a lot of information outside of that. More details will be revealed in December, likely at The Game Awards.Are you ready to commit your life to this family?Get ready to play Mafia: The Old Country | #gamescom20
     

New Mafia Game Revealed, Set to Release in 2025 | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 22:03

A fourth Mafia game, titled Mafia: The Old Country, was officially unveiled at gamescom Opening Night Live today as the ceremony's big closing announcement. It's set to arrive in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.

It'll take place in Sicily in the 1900s, although we didn't get a lot of information outside of that. More details will be revealed in December, likely at The Game Awards.

Are you ready to commit your life to this family?

Get ready to play Mafia: The Old Country | #gamescom2024 pic.twitter.com/79GcCB1a2c

— Xbox (@Xbox) August 20, 2024

"Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," reads the trailer's YouTube description. "Fight to survive in this dangerous and unforgiving era, with action brought to life by the authentic realism and rich storytelling that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for."

It marked a massive and generally unexcepted reveal to close out gamescom Opening Night Live. A new Mafia game had been hinted at in the past, but this is the first official unveiling of The Old Country.

2K Games started the Mafia series all the way back in 2002, followed by Mafia II in 2010 and Mafia III in 2016, the most recent mainline Mafia game. Mafia III was also the first to be developed by 2K's Hangar 13, which also developed the remake of the first Mafia game, Mafia: Definitive Edition, in 2020.

Hangar 13 General Manager Roman Hladík and Head of Production and Media Director Tomáš Hřebíček previously confirmed that the studio was working on an "all-new Mafia project" in 2022, with Hladik saying at the time, "While it's a few years away and we can't share anything more right now, we're really excited to keep working on this beloved franchise and to entertain our players with new stories."

We're still awaiting more information, of course, but the reveal of its setting will no doubt get fan theories spinning. In the meantime, check out our roundup of everything announced at gamescom Opening Night Live.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle First Look Preview: It’s So Riddick and I Love it for ThatRyan McCaffrey
    The last time the developers at MachineGames made an Xbox-exclusive first-person action-adventure based on a movie character, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of the entire original Xbox/PS2 console generation. That game was The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, back when the core of MachineGames was still at Starbreeze. I bring this up because after I got to see an extended demo of the studio’s newest project, the also-Xbox-exclusive Indiana Jones and the Great Circ
     

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle First Look Preview: It’s So Riddick and I Love it for That

20. Srpen 2024 v 22:00

The last time the developers at MachineGames made an Xbox-exclusive first-person action-adventure based on a movie character, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of the entire original Xbox/PS2 console generation. That game was The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, back when the core of MachineGames was still at Starbreeze. I bring this up because after I got to see an extended demo of the studio’s newest project, the also-Xbox-exclusive Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I couldn’t help but be strongly – and I do mean strongly – reminded of the Vin Diesel-starring original-Xbox classic, in the very best of ways. Indy absolutely screams Riddick, and because of that, The Great Circle went from something on my most-anticipated list to being far and away the game I’m most looking forward to playing this year (specifically, December 9 on Xbox and PC, with PS5 getting it in Spring 2025).

My hands-off demo began in (where else?) a huge underground temple, with the sun shining down onto a small figurine. Indy picks it up and the door closes behind him. He cracks the figurine open with a rock. Inside is a small block of some sort – a key, perhaps? Naturally, this triggers a cave-in, with our hero remarking, “Oh, you gotta be kidding me.”

The player takes over as the camera shifts to first-person (though it will go third-person for platforming sequences). As sand fills the room, Indy shuffles over to a window that’s suddenly become reachable thanks to all the sand. He tumbles into a stand and then a run, a stamina bar showing how much longer Jones can keep sprinting. He uses his trusty whip to make a leap across a chasm as the temple conditions grow more lethal by the second. He goes into a slide to exit the temple just in the nick of time.

MachineGames promises plenty of these kinds of exhilarating action sequences in The Great Circle, which notably – just like in Riddick – rarely involves the use of a gun. Sure, Dr. Jones has his trademark revolver, but, as creative director Axel Torvenius explained, “The key to the combat is to carefully decide your approach,” and added, “It’s very dangerous in this game to fire a gun.” It won’t be done particularly often, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly when the moment comes. “You should firstmost try to use your wits and your whip,” he continued. “To understand that there are optional ways to solve [problems].” Don’t, then, call this Indy game a first-person shooter. It’s a very first-person game, alright, but it’s decidedly not a shooter. It’s a mix of puzzle solving, platforming, stealth, and combat. Just like this team’s first game that starred a certain bald convict who can see really well in the dark…

“The focus for this game is adventure,” said director Jerk Gustaffson. “We want exploration to feel truly rewarding.” As such, one of your primary tools is Indy’s journal. It starts blank but quickly becomes a jam-packed archive of your travels, which will include visits to Egypt and the Himalayas, among several other locales. Furthering the spirit of adventure, there will be times where you’ll wear disguises in order to fit in, like one scene I saw where our favorite professor of archaeology dresses up like a priest in order to infiltrate a heavily guarded area. The adventure focus will even reflect in the gameplay structure of The Great Circle, with MachineGames revealing that the campaign will consist of a mix of linear areas and more open areas that you’re free to wander in.

Meanwhile, you’ll earn Adventure Points by finding journal entry-worthy items and secrets – as well as by taking pictures of key items with your camera – and those points can be spent to upgrade your Indiana Jones to play more like you prefer, be it upping your stealth abilities, combat abilities (like True Grit, which essentially lets you survive an otherwise-fatal blow to get back in the fight), or other skills. MachineGames says there are “dozens” of upgrades to choose from. You can also buy items from shopkeepers, like one I saw that had a monkey beside him at his booth. What these are, though, I have not yet seen.

Much of the combat looks like it’ll involve your fists, but like in Riddick, your foes won’t go down with a simple press of the punch button. You’ll have to skillfully parry, block, and combo your way to victory in hand-to-hand combat. And don’t be afraid to get your whip involved too, by lashing it at opponents’ feet to knock them down, as one example of what it can do for you in gameplay. But your dukes aren’t always going to be your go-to weapons. I saw Indy use a rolling pin in a kitchen to bash a Nazi’s face in. I also watched him pick up a shovel, sneak up behind a Nazi, and whack him on the back of the head. In fact, sneaking looks to be a big part of The Great Circle, with stealth emphasized as a core tenet of gameplay – as it was in Escape from Butcher Bay.

Sneaking looks to be a big part of The Great Circle, with stealth emphasized as a core tenet of gameplay – as it was in Escape from Butcher Bay.

Something Richard B. Riddick didn’t do, though, was bring any friends along with him for the ride. Indiana Jones, on the other hand, will welcome help along the way. I saw a couple of companions at his side throughout my demo across numerous scenes in the game. They’re not always around, but when they’re by your side, I didn’t see enough to know exactly what they’ll be capable of? Are they solely to help advance the plot and allow for more Indy quips? Or will they also offer an Elizabeth-in-BioShock-Infinite-like assistance in combat?

That remains to be seen, but my demo ended with a sequence that showed off a lot of what The Great Circle is going to be all about: adventuring, avoiding traps, and solving puzzles! To find a key that would unlock a temple, Indy needed to sneak into enemy territory disguised as a regular worker. After snooping around for a while, he finds the golden medallion he’s after and takes it quietly (banking +5 Adventure Points). He encounters four bad guys at a table and, this time, walks out of the tent without incident. Upon returning to the nearby temple’s hidden door and inserting the medallion, the door opens. Indy and his accompanying ally go deeper into darkness, using a lighter to illuminate the way. “This hasn’t been disturbed for thousands of years,” the professor remarks. They slowly explore the dark temple before lighting up a torch. At the end of a narrow hallway stands an ornate iron gate. Pulling the lever causes the floor to give way – revealing spikes underneath! The companion saves Indy from being impaled. Indy then uses his whip to hook onto a bar above and then lower himself down to a newly revealed crawl space underneath the floor. He shuffles through, finds a pull chain, yanks it, and the gate opens. Both Dr. Jones and his ally find a mural and take a photo of it (for 10 more Adventure Points).

They come to a sunlit room with a half-obelisk, half-throne in the back of the room, bathed in sunlight. Sunbeams point at a golden mask. The puzzle here is to redirect the sunbeams by tilting the mirrors adjacent to the throne. Your companion grabs the mask after the mirrors are aligned properly. And in a moment of overexcitement, she sits in the throne with the mask and the seat of the throne gives way! As Indy reaches to save her, both end up dragged down to a darkened pit below, where the light of the torch reveals a floor covered in…scorpions. (You thought I was going to say snakes, didn’t you?)

The fact is, this core group of developers at MachineGames – many of whom have been together for two decades – have never missed. From Riddick to The Darkness to the modern Wolfenstein games, this is an incredibly successful team. And now, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a playable Indiana Jones adventure being built using the best parts of the template that this development team used to make its first – and in my humble opinion, best – game of all. I absolutely can’t wait to play it.

Ryan McCaffrey is IGN's executive editor of previews and host of both IGN's weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He's a North Jersey guy, so it's "Taylor ham," not "pork roll." Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Masters of Albion: A New Spin on Fable’s World From Its Original Creator | gamescom 2024Matt Purslow
    The trailer for Masters of Albion, Peter Molyneux’s return to ‘traditional’ style games after a decade-plus stint in mobile development, welcomes you to “the familiar, vast world of Albion.” This world is, of course, the setting of Fable, the beloved RPG series Molyneux served as creative lead on at Lionhead Studios through the 2000s. But today he returns to Albion not to craft a new Fable (that’s Microsoft and Playground Games’ job), but to make something simultaneously new and nostalgic. Maste
     

Masters of Albion: A New Spin on Fable’s World From Its Original Creator | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 22:00

The trailer for Masters of Albion, Peter Molyneux’s return to ‘traditional’ style games after a decade-plus stint in mobile development, welcomes you to “the familiar, vast world of Albion.” This world is, of course, the setting of Fable, the beloved RPG series Molyneux served as creative lead on at Lionhead Studios through the 2000s. But today he returns to Albion not to craft a new Fable (that’s Microsoft and Playground Games’ job), but to make something simultaneously new and nostalgic.

Masters of Albion aims to be something of a Molyneux Greatest Hits; a project that revisits ideas from many of the prolific designer’s past games and reinterprets them for the modern age. The result seems to be a mashup of Dungeon Keeper, Black & White, and Fable – a city-building god game that’s also a third-person RPG. Yup, Molyneux’s trademark wild ambition is definitely back.

It’s best to approach Masters of Albion one piece at a time. Let’s start with the god game stuff, born of the design DNA Molyneux created with Populous back in 1989. Played from an isometric perspective, you look after a growing population – building them up from a tiny village to a collection of bustling towns. Establishing supplies and constructing buildings form the basics, but there’s a variety of fun, very Lionhead-esque ideas, such as designing what your villagers will eat in a digital kitchen (with anything from soup and sandwiches to rats on the menu).

Crafting towns that are both economically and physically strong is vital. “We've got this very simple mechanic where by day everything's peaceful, you can explore, you can plan, you can build, you can create,” Molyneux tells me in an interview ahead of Masters of Albion’s reveal. “And then by night, everything will attack everything you own.”

Trolls, zombies, werewolves, and other horrors all descend as the sun goes down. And that’s where another familiar idea comes into play. Just like in Black & White, your avatar within the world is a giant floating hand that can cast miracles. Smiting foes with divine bolts of lighting and flamethrowers is just as important a task as using those deity digits to fit together houses and factories in build mode.

“I think the hand can be a lot more than just picking things up,” says Molyneux, referring to the more simplistic version featured in Black & White and his aims to evolve it for Masters of Albion. “I think we can enhance it. We can make people feel really powerful [and] creative with that hand.”

Eye in the Sky, Boots on the Ground

The short trailer revealed as part of gamescom 2024’s Opening Night Live doesn’t really detail how this next-generation hand has evolved beyond its 20-year-old predecessor. What it does show is a surprising callback to 1997’s Dungeon Keeper that promises to turn Masters of Albion into a wild genre hybrid.

“I loved the Hand [in Dungeon Keeper],” enthuses Molyneux. “I loved being able to pick things up. I loved being able to possess things, but it didn't feel like they comfortably lived together. [...] So what I decided to take is possession mode, but take it in a way that improves and enhances it, makes it meaningful and deep.”

You can point at any living creature in your kingdom and take direct control of it.

In Masters of Albion, you can point at any living creature in your kingdom and take direct control of it. That could be a villager, a soldier, or even one of Albion’s beloved chickens. More likely, though, it’ll be your hero; a customisable character with their own RPG skill tree, weapons, and armour. They are, effectively, a Fable-like protagonist. And when you possess them (or, yes, a chicken), the camera drops from your eye-in-the-sky god perspective and swings behind them, settling into a familiar third-person camera.

“Possession enables you to play the game rather like the Fable combat system,” Molyneux explains. “You can use magic and you can fight, you can blend the two styles together.”

But possession mode isn’t just about taking command of a warrior to push back your enemies. “You can explore,” Molyneux explains. “And in exploring this vast land of Albion, inspired by Fable, which was inspired by old England, there are many, many places to explore and find.”

The world of Albion is shrouded by a fog of war in which your god hand has no power. It’s through the possession of your hero that you’ll explore what’s hiding in that fog, pushing the clouds back to unlock more and more land for your hand to interact with. And so the two modes depend on each other; you can’t build cities in god mode without exploring via possession mode, and your hero needs to be equipped with new weapons that must be forged in god mode (or, indeed, baked – that returning Fable sense of humour means you can send your hero to war with a baguette blade).

Importantly, Molyneux doesn’t want possession mode to feel like an optional extra. “You can play the majority of the game in that third-person view, which is fantastically exciting,” he says.

“I think my realisation after all these years is I don't want to create a game which forces you, the gamer, to be a certain sort of player,” he explains. “I want you to think, ‘Well, I'm not interested in god mode, I'm interested in possession mode, I'm interested in fighting, I'm interested in creating the armour and the weapons that my hero is going to use in possession mode.’ That's fine.”

Playing God in Old Albion

The demonstration of possession mode in Masters of Albion’s trailer is both impressive and clunky (perhaps to be expected; it is being developed by a lean 20-person team rather than a AAA studio, after all.) That considered, I’m cautious with my expectations. I can’t yet imagine this RPG side being totally fulfilling if played as the primary mode. But Molyneux and his team at 22cans have ambitions of working with the same RPG fabric that Fable was cut from. That means a significant relationship with the concepts of good and evil, with physical transformations based on your choices.

“Your hand will morph, your hero will morph,” Molyneux promises, a feature that echoes both Fable and Black & White. “The whole landscape will morph to reflect what you are doing.”

He hopes, though, that things will be much more nuanced than Black & White’s titular binary ethics. “We have these factions in the game, the Lords’ faction and the Commoners’ faction, and which you are going to support allows us to measure whether you are a person of the people or a person of the aristocracy. So there's a lot more interesting things going on.”

There are also systems that breed consequences not directly linked to any kind of moral ethos. “You can design whatever building you want and these buildings have functions, so you can make a building that's a farm and a mill and a factory and a pub and an inn and a housing block,” explains Molyneux. “And it can be one monstrous building. But be careful. The more you put things together, the more you stress those buildings, the more pollution they cause, and the whole landscape will morph to reflect the pollution you've got.”

Perhaps this is what Molyneux means by finding a way to be more nuanced – pollution isn’t quite as clear cut as, say, forcing children to work in factories and eat rats, but it’s still a philosophical issue that divides opinion.

It's an interesting universe that Fable touched upon and really I think Masters of Albion extends and expands that.

Masters of Albion sounds like classic Peter Molyneux; a shoot-for-the-stars concept album of ideas from across the industry (or, at the very least, across the UK’s Guildford region where he has always worked). And with classic Molyneux comes ideas you can’t help but wonder if they could possibly work out. This time it’s a question of legality rather than scope: Albion is the setting of Fable, which is owned by Microsoft. So how are Molyneux and 22cans able to set this new game, unaffiliated with Microsoft, in Albion? Is it perhaps a different world, just with the same name?

“Fable was set in Albion, Masters of Albion is set in Albion,” Molyneux clarifies.

So this is the same world. And the reason 22cans can use Albion, at least according to Molyneux, is because Albion is the historical term for Great Britain. “[It’s] like saying if you set a game in America, you can't set any other game in America,” he says. “So Albion can't be copyrighted. It's the name for England and Wales and that's how we get away with it.”

By this logic, the argument seems to be that Fable does not take place in a fantasy world, but simply in historical England – a place that, despite the inclusion of comedy chickens, presumably cannot be copyrighted?

“I don't know if I'm honest, I don't really know,” Molyneux admits. “I hope so. I mean you would think that the responsible person I should be, I would've spent the last six months in lawyers' offices…”

If there are legal complications for 22cans to explore and resolve, they will come in time. For now, Molyneux’s mind is on exploring the untapped depths of the setting. “It's an interesting universe that Fable touched upon,” he says, “and really I think Masters of Albion extends and expands that.

“But it's not actually Fable 5 or anything like that,” he emphasises. “But if you've played Fable, then definitely Masters of Albion will be familiar to you. One of the things that we have got and we absolutely wanted a nail was the humour. I think in the Fable games, it's not so much about telling jokes, it's more about giving you, the player, the ability to do ridiculous and funny things. And we've got that in Masters of Albion in absolute spades. I think we’re really nailing that.”

Masters of Albion may not be a new Fable game, but it is a new spin on Fable’s world – a spin that reunites Peter Molyneux with the god game ideas that he built a career on. We’ll need to see much, much more of this strange genre hybrid before we can say if its ambitions are attainable, but it's nonetheless exciting to see one of gaming’s most prolific creators return with something so distinctly of his inventive mind.

Matt Purslow is IGN's Senior Features Editor.

Peter Molyneux Insists His New Game Isn’t Set in the World of Fable, Despite Being Called Masters of Albion | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 22:00

Peter Molyneux is back, this time with a new god game called Masters of Albion that he’s talking up at gamescom 2024. Sound familiar? Anyone who’s played Fable, one of the many games from Molyneux’s much-loved back catalog, will know Albion well.

Albion is the setting for the Fable series, originally developed by legendary UK studio Lionhead before Microsoft shut it down in 2016. Microsoft is currently working on a brand new Fable game, in development at Forza Horizon maker Playground. So, is Masters of Albion a Fable game?

In a new interview with IGN, Molyneux explained his thought process:

“So Albion is the old English name for England and Wales and Cornwall. And I think it's a really interesting world. It's an interesting universe that Fable touched upon and really I think Albion in Masters of Albion, it extends and expands that, but it's not actually Fable 5 or anything like that.

“But if you've played Fable, then definitely Masters of Albion will be familiar to you. One of the things that we have got and we absolutely wanted a nail was the humor and a lot of what the humor is. I think in the Fable games, it's not so much about telling jokes, it's more about giving you the ability, the player, to do ridiculous and funny things. And we've got that in Masters of Albion in absolute spades really. I think we're really nail that.

“So there's a lot you can do with your hero, which is very funny. Some of it can be very cruel, some of it can be very kind. There's a lot you can do with your hand that can be kind and cruel. And I really love the detail that we can go into.”

Albion can't be copyrighted. It's the name for England and Wales and that's how we get away with it.

IGN followed up to ask, directly, whether the Albion in Masters of Albion is the Albion players have explored in the Fable games.

Molyneux replied:

“Yes, yes. Fable was set in Albion, Masters of Albion is set in Albion.”

But how? Surely Microsoft might have something to say if Masters of Albion is set in the Albion from Fable?

Molyneux said Albion as a setting doesn’t belong to anyone.

“Albion is like saying if you set a game in America, you can't set any other game in America,” he said. “So Albion can't be copyrighted. It's the name for England and Wales and that's how we get away with it.”

It sounds like the Albion in Masters of Albion isn’t exactly the Albion in Fable, then, rather yet another humor-filled fantasy take on old England.

Speaking of Fable, we asked Molyneux how it feels to see another company make a Fable game, following Lionhead’s demise.

“I'm fascinated to see what Playground does with Fable,” he replied. “I'm absolutely delighted that the franchise is continuing to grow. I mean, that makes me so proud, to be involved with the brilliant people that made Fable and we made something that was worthy for someone as brilliant as Playground to make it.

“I hope they make it their Fable. I hope they keep the humor, the trailers that I've seen so far look stunning. But I'm curious about the gameplay and I'm curious about what their Fable looks like and plays like and feels like, as opposed to what Lionhead would look like and feel like. What an incredibly diplomatic answer that was!”

Peter Molyneux is one of the most controversial video game designers around, with a reputation for over-promising and under-delivering across his career. He created the seminal god games Populous, as well as the likes of Dungeon Keeper and Theme Park while at Bullfrog.

After founding Lionhead, Molyneux worked on Black & White, the Fable games, and The Movies, as well as a number of canceled projects. Molyneux left Lionhead in 2012, following the completion of Fable: The Journey, to work at new studio 22cans.

22cans itself is a highly controversial studio, with god game Godus failing to leave early access on Steam. Molyneux was also heavily criticized for failing to make good on a promise to change the life of the winner of experimental mobile game Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube?

Now, after something of a hiatus, Molyneux is speaking to the press once again to talk about his new game. Be sure to check out IGN’s interview with Peter Molyneux in full to find out more about Masters of Albion. And catch up on everything announced at Opening Night Live for more.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Finally Gets a Release Date for Xbox...and PlayStation | gamescom 2024Taylor Lyles
    After its proper reveal earlier this year, MachineGames has finally provided a release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which is coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S on December 9, 2023. Additionally, we learned that it's coming to PS5 in Spring of 2025.As part of Xbox's Gamescom 2024 announcements, the company confirmed the game's release dates, as well as confirmed various reports that it was coming to PlayStation. Reports of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's release date first surf
     

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Finally Gets a Release Date for Xbox...and PlayStation | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:55

After its proper reveal earlier this year, MachineGames has finally provided a release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which is coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S on December 9, 2023. Additionally, we learned that it's coming to PS5 in Spring of 2025.

As part of Xbox's Gamescom 2024 announcements, the company confirmed the game's release dates, as well as confirmed various reports that it was coming to PlayStation. Reports of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's release date first surfaced in May when The Verge reported the project was targeting a December release window.

Alongside the release dates, Xbox and MachineGames have provided a new trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The trailer, narrated by Troy Baker, discusses his feelings on stepping into the boots of Indiana Jones.

This reveal of a PS5 release is especially interesting, given Xbox head Phil Spencer previously insisting that MachineGames' next project would remain an Xbox console exclusive. The move is part of Xbox's broader initiative for some of its first-party games to make their way onto other platforms, including Doom: The Dark Ages, Grounded, Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and Hi-Fi Rush.

Set between the events of Indiana Jones's films Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Last Crusade; players control the titular character on another globetrotting adventure to uncover the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set in a first-person perspective. Troy Baker has been cast to play Indiana Jones in the game, while in the films, Indiana Jones is portrayed by actor Harrison Ford.

The project was first announced in January 2021, when it was revealed that MachineGames, in collaboration with LucasFilm, was working on a video game based on Indiana Jones. Todd Howard, a key employee at MachineGames' sister studio, Bethesda Game Studios, serves as the game's executive producer.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The First Berserker: Khazan Announces Closed Beta on Console Ahead of Early 2025 Release | gamescom 2024Wesley Yin-Poole
    The First Berserker: Khazan appeared at gamescom 2024 kick-off show Opening Night Live to reveal details of a technical closed beta test on console ahead of the game’s early 2025 release date.The new trailer, showcased during ONL, is below:The First Berserker: Khazan is described as a “hardcore action role-playing game” with a 3D cel animation graphical style and a dark fantasy setting. The developer is Neople, which is behind the enormously popular multiplayer beat ‘em-up Dungeon Fighter Online
     

The First Berserker: Khazan Announces Closed Beta on Console Ahead of Early 2025 Release | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:49

The First Berserker: Khazan appeared at gamescom 2024 kick-off show Opening Night Live to reveal details of a technical closed beta test on console ahead of the game’s early 2025 release date.

The new trailer, showcased during ONL, is below:

The First Berserker: Khazan is described as a “hardcore action role-playing game” with a 3D cel animation graphical style and a dark fantasy setting. The developer is Neople, which is behind the enormously popular multiplayer beat ‘em-up Dungeon Fighter Online, known in South Korea as Dungeon & Fighter. Indeed, The First Berserker: Khazan is set in the DNF universe. Fighting game DNF Duel is similarly set in the DNF universe. The publisher is Nexon, the company behind recently released looter shooter The First Descendant.

The technical closed beta test is set for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X from October 11- 20. Expect a release on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S at some point in early 2025.

Here’s the official blurb:

The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies. Survive the relentless pursuit of imperial forces, navigate conspiracies aimed at killing Khazan and overcome the harsh environments encountered.

Catch up on everything announced at Opening Night Live via our round-up.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Amazon Series Secret Level Reveals Animated Stories For God Of War, Sifu, Warhammer And MoreMichael Higham
    Secret Level is an anthology series coming to Amazon Prime Video, and it brings several games to animated form to tell new short stories for those games. The series was finally revealed with a teaser trailer during Gamescom 2024's Opening Night Live showcase. It comes from Blur Studio, the creators of Love, Death, and Robots, which is another animated anthology series that was well-received. Bringing that ethos to video game stories is what Secret Level sets out to do and it will release on Dece
     

Amazon Series Secret Level Reveals Animated Stories For God Of War, Sifu, Warhammer And More

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:30

Secret Level is an anthology series coming to Amazon Prime Video, and it brings several games to animated form to tell new short stories for those games. The series was finally revealed with a teaser trailer during Gamescom 2024's Opening Night Live showcase. It comes from Blur Studio, the creators of Love, Death, and Robots, which is another animated anthology series that was well-received. Bringing that ethos to video game stories is what Secret Level sets out to do and it will release on December 10.

Several games were teased in the premier trailer, which you can watch above. Secret Level will have 15 episoides and includes the following games and series:

  • God of War (PlayStation Studios)
  • Sifu
  • Warhammer 40K
  • Unreal Tournament
  • New World: Aeternum
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • The Outer Worlds 2
  • Pac-Man
  • Honor of Kings
  • Armored Core
  • Mega Man
  • Exodus
  • Spelunky
  • Crossfire
  • Concord

For more on all the news coming out of Gamescom 2024, be sure to check out our roundup of everything announced during Opening Night Live 2024.

  • ✇IGN All
  • First Look at Batman VR Game Arkham Shadow Gameplay, Voice Cast Revealed | gamescom 2024Wesley Yin-Poole
    Meta Quest 3-exclusive VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow now has a gameplay trailer, courtesy of an appearance during Opening Night Live at gamescom 2024.The gameplay video, below, shows off combat that will be familiar to fans of the Arkhamverse games, retooled to work in virtual reality. We see punching, gliding, grappling, stealth takedowns, as well as Batman’s famous Detective Vision, all displayed in first-person for a VR headset.Batman: Arkham Shadow is a new entry in the Arkham series made fa
     

First Look at Batman VR Game Arkham Shadow Gameplay, Voice Cast Revealed | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:30

Meta Quest 3-exclusive VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow now has a gameplay trailer, courtesy of an appearance during Opening Night Live at gamescom 2024.

The gameplay video, below, shows off combat that will be familiar to fans of the Arkhamverse games, retooled to work in virtual reality. We see punching, gliding, grappling, stealth takedowns, as well as Batman’s famous Detective Vision, all displayed in first-person for a VR headset.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a new entry in the Arkham series made famous by developer Rocksteady, and is developed exclusively for Meta Quest 3 by Camouflaj and Oculus Studios. Arkham Shadow is a prequel to 2009’s groundbreaking Arkham Asylum, and takes place between the events of 2013’s Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum.

Fittingly, Origins voice actor Roger Craig Smith reprises the Batman role here. This is a younger Batman than the one seen in the main Arkham trilogy, but more seasoned than the relative rookie hero we saw in Arkham Origins. This Batman takes on the Rat King, a “dangerous new criminal with a cultish following.”

We also have the full cast reveal: Troy Baker as Harvey Dent; Tara Strong as Dr. Harleen Quinzel; Mark Rolston as James Gordon; Khary Payton as Otis Flannagan; Earl Baylon as Lyle Bolton; Chelsea Kane as Barbara Gordon; and Martin Jarvis as Alfred Pennyworth.

“Experience the origins of these legendary characters — and discover which (if any) of them turn villain before the credits roll,” Meta teased. Batman: Arkham Shadow also has a slightly narrowed release window of October 2024.

For more, check out IGN’s extensive Batman: Arkham Shadow - 5 Details We Found In the New Trailer feature. And be sure to check out our Opening Night Live 2024 roundup to see what else was at the show.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is of course set to launch after Rocksteady's own Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, a controversial Arkhamverse live-service looter shooter that flopped to the tune of $200 million.

While publisher Warner Bros. has said Rocksteady will release Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's first year of post-launch content, it has yet to announce the studio's next game. According to Bloomberg, staff at the studio are currently working on a director’s cut of the phenomenally successful Hogwarts Legacy, while leadership pitches a return to single-player following this live service misstep.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Monument Valley 3 Finally Has a Release Date, And It's Netflix Games Exclusive | gamescom 2024Rebekah Valentine
    Five years ago, ustwo games announced it was developing a third entry in the critically-acclaimed puzzle series, Monument Valley. Now, after all that waiting, it's finally coming out on December 10, 2024, and it will be exclusive to Netflix Games at launch.In a trailer at Opening Night Live today, we got our first real look at Monument Valley 3. It's both familiar and new, featuring a new little protagonist named Noor carrying a lantern. Per a press release, Noor is searching for a new source of
     

Monument Valley 3 Finally Has a Release Date, And It's Netflix Games Exclusive | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:17

Five years ago, ustwo games announced it was developing a third entry in the critically-acclaimed puzzle series, Monument Valley. Now, after all that waiting, it's finally coming out on December 10, 2024, and it will be exclusive to Netflix Games at launch.

In a trailer at Opening Night Live today, we got our first real look at Monument Valley 3. It's both familiar and new, featuring a new little protagonist named Noor carrying a lantern. Per a press release, Noor is searching for a new source of power "before the light of the world fades, forever." As before, the player uses the touchscreen to move M.C. Escher-like environments around and create paths for the character to progress.

Monument Valley 3 seems to use similar spatial and visual puzzle styles to its predecessors, but it looks like the lantern-carrying protagonist will occasionally have to lead other characters effectively through the mazes. The very first game starred a single protagonist, while the second featured a mother and her child navigating mazes together and explored themes related to their relationship. Both games were critically acclaimed for their design, with Monument Valley 2 winning the Game Award for Best Mobile Game in 2017, and winning best Puzzle at the 2018 Webby Awards.

Monument Valley 3 will technically be coming to both iOS and Android like its predecessors, but at launch will only be available via the Netflix Games app. Additionally, both Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 will come to Netflix Games on September 19 and October 29, respectively. Netflix, as we've previously written, has struggled to lure in large amounts of subscribers, and has reportedly been discussing internally whether or not to add in-app purchases or ads to its games platform in the future.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Marvel Rivals Release Date Set for DecemberBo Moore
    Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6, 2024. The release date was revealed today at Opening Night Live during Gamescom 2024, along with a new gameplay trailer featuring Captain America, The Winter Soldier, and a massive Doctor Doom moving chess pieces on a cosmic scale. Coming from developer NetEase, Marvel Rivals is a 6v6 hero shooter in the same vein as Overwatch, with many of Marvel's finest heroes and villians slinging powers to achieve team-based objectives. Marvel Rivals will be ava
     

Marvel Rivals Release Date Set for December

Od: Bo Moore
20. Srpen 2024 v 21:16

Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6, 2024. The release date was revealed today at Opening Night Live during Gamescom 2024, along with a new gameplay trailer featuring Captain America, The Winter Soldier, and a massive Doctor Doom moving chess pieces on a cosmic scale.

Coming from developer NetEase, Marvel Rivals is a 6v6 hero shooter in the same vein as Overwatch, with many of Marvel's finest heroes and villians slinging powers to achieve team-based objectives.

Marvel Rivals will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Game Store. For more information, check out our preview of the game from earlier this year, and for more from Gamescom, head over to our roundup of everything announced at Opening Night Live.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Starfield's Shattered Space DLC Reveals September Release Date | gamescom 2024Alex Stedman
    Shattered Space, the highly anticipated upcoming DLC for Bethesda's Starfield, will officially be releasing on September 30.The announcement was made today at gamescom Opening Night Live, where it was also revealed that a new vehicle, the Rev-8, will be made available in a free update tonight. We got to see the vehicle in action in footage unveiled at gamescom, showing off some fun world exploration. Shattered Space, too, got a brief tease in the footage, although it didn't show too much outside
     

Starfield's Shattered Space DLC Reveals September Release Date | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:16

Shattered Space, the highly anticipated upcoming DLC for Bethesda's Starfield, will officially be releasing on September 30.

The announcement was made today at gamescom Opening Night Live, where it was also revealed that a new vehicle, the Rev-8, will be made available in a free update tonight. We got to see the vehicle in action in footage unveiled at gamescom, showing off some fun world exploration.

Shattered Space, too, got a brief tease in the footage, although it didn't show too much outside of a darker tone, with much of the focus begin on the Rev-8.

Shattered Space got its first trailer back in June during the Xbox Games Showcase, and it'll focus on a mysterious new faction called House Va'Ruun. "Investigate a frightening cosmic threat, explore a new planet, and find unique weapons, spacesuits, and gear in this all-new adventure," Starfield's official website explains in a page dedicated to the Shattered Space expansion.

Bethesda confirmed it was working on the story expansion in 2023, but we've been waiting for a release date since then. It's set to arrive both on Xbox and PC.

We gave Starfield a 7/10 when we reviewed it last year, writing at the time that it "has a lot of forces working against it, but eventually the allure of its expansive roleplaying quests and respectable combat make its gravitational pull difficult to resist."

For more from gamescom, check out our roundup of everything announced at Opening Night Live.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Sid Meier's Civilization 7 Release Date Announced, Gameplay Trailer Revealed | gamescom 2024Wesley Yin-Poole
    Sid Meier's Civilization 7 appeared during Opening Night Live to help kick off gamescom 2024 with a first-look gameplay trailer and a release date.Firaxis’ strategy sequel launches February 11, 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with the deluxe edition including five days of early access (what amounts to an effective release date of February 6).Based on the new trailer, Civilization 7 features a more grounded art style than the
     

Sid Meier's Civilization 7 Release Date Announced, Gameplay Trailer Revealed | gamescom 2024

20. Srpen 2024 v 21:07

Sid Meier's Civilization 7 appeared during Opening Night Live to help kick off gamescom 2024 with a first-look gameplay trailer and a release date.

Firaxis’ strategy sequel launches February 11, 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with the deluxe edition including five days of early access (what amounts to an effective release date of February 6).

Based on the new trailer, Civilization 7 features a more grounded art style than the divisive Civilization 6 look. We loved Civilization 6 when it came out back in 2016, saying it would "go down in history as the most fully-featured launch version in the series." Though the series has changed leadership hands a number of times over the years, it remains beloved and successful. In fact, the first human equipped with a Neuralink brain implant apparently stayed up all night playing Civilization 6 with the technology.

Be sure to check out IGN’s Opening Night Live roundup to see everything announced during the show.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

  • ✇IGN All
  • J.B. Smoove Is Making and Potentially Starring in a High on Life Animated Comedy - ReportMichael Cripe
    An animated series based on Squanch Games’ High on Life is reportedly in the works with Curb Your Enthusiasm's J.B. Smoove attached as a producer.These first details on the video-game-to-show adaptation come from Deadline, which says that Smoove will produce the project via his Alternate Side Productions banner. He starred as Gus in Squanch’s first-person shooter upon its release in 2022, and although the site says there is a “good chance” he’ll play a part in the series, he’s not officially joi
     

J.B. Smoove Is Making and Potentially Starring in a High on Life Animated Comedy - Report

6. Srpen 2024 v 02:35

An animated series based on Squanch Games’ High on Life is reportedly in the works with Curb Your Enthusiasm's J.B. Smoove attached as a producer.

These first details on the video-game-to-show adaptation come from Deadline, which says that Smoove will produce the project via his Alternate Side Productions banner. He starred as Gus in Squanch’s first-person shooter upon its release in 2022, and although the site says there is a “good chance” he’ll play a part in the series, he’s not officially joined the cast yet.

In addition to live-action roles in movies like Date Night and Spider-Man: Far From Home, Smoove has provided his voice talents in projects like Max’s Harley Quinn, Teen Titans Go!, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012).

Smoove shared a statement about how High on Life will shoot its shot in animation:

“When Squanch Games originally reached out to JB Smoove (I like to talk about myself in the third person) about voicing a character in their incredible video game High on Life, my first question was what does my character look like? They told me that I would be a fish that shoots…which makes perfect sense to me! As a Vegan I feel a fish should have the right to defend itself! I mean right?! And now that I’m partnered with Squanch Games and Striker Entertainment to bring the hilarious High on Life to series it feels like it was inevitable!"

“High on Life is wild, weird, and wonderful, and the series is going to be that and more!

Smoove continued: “They invited me to join them in the gaming universe and now I’m helping them move into the TV world! It’s a case of a game recognizing game! High on Life is wild, weird, and wonderful, and the series is going to be that and more! Get ready to laugh your way through space with some unforgettable characters like myself! We are locked and loaded and ready to go!”

Alternate Side is handling the executive producer role along with Striker Entertainment’s Russell Binder and Mandy Bardisbanian. Squanch is also involved in the animated show’s development, with the original game’s narrative director, Alec Robbins, attached as well.

High on Life released for PC and Xbox in late 2022 and arrived on PlayStation consoles July 2023. Story DLC content, titled High on Knife, then followed in October. The animated show has no release date and has not officially confirmed who will join its cast. The game, however, is known for its list of talent, which includes notable appearances from stars like Tim Robinson, Michael Cusack, Mike Stoklasa, Zach Hadel, Tom Kenny, Nolan North, and more.

High On Life began as a video game two years ago, and in our 8/10 review, we explained why we loved the “laugh-out-loud funny” story it had to tell. Though its journey into animation will mark a major change from its humble start in games, it’s not quite the first time the series has explored other mediums. Robbins helped bring the franchise to comics, too, and you can learn more about its off-shoot stories here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Every Deadpool and Wolverine Blu-Ray Collection You Can Still BuyJacob Kienlen
    Now that Deadpool & Wolverine is in theaters, you may be looking to add some of the previous movies to your Blu-ray collection. Thanks to the overly confusing X-Men movie timeline, there is no single set you can currently buy that gets you all of the movies featuring Deadpool and Wolverine.To help guide you to the best overall Deadpool and Wolverine Blu-ray sets for your needs, we've gone ahead and listed out every collection currently available online. We only focused on the sets that you c
     

Every Deadpool and Wolverine Blu-Ray Collection You Can Still Buy

6. Srpen 2024 v 01:45

Now that Deadpool & Wolverine is in theaters, you may be looking to add some of the previous movies to your Blu-ray collection. Thanks to the overly confusing X-Men movie timeline, there is no single set you can currently buy that gets you all of the movies featuring Deadpool and Wolverine.

To help guide you to the best overall Deadpool and Wolverine Blu-ray sets for your needs, we've gone ahead and listed out every collection currently available online. We only focused on the sets that you can buy new, which doesn't include the Adamantium Blu-ray collection that is currently out of stock everywhere. There also isn't currently a Blu-ray set available that includes Logan, so you will have to pick up that film separately for now if you want to complete your Wolverine collection.

Deadpool Blu-ray Collection

If you're more of a fan of Deadpool than Wolverine, The Deadpool 2-movie collection is your best bet. This set includes both Deadpool 1 and 2 on Blu-ray and is significantly cheaper than buying both of those movies separately. While there is likely going to be a new set released alongside the new movie, it won't be for quite some time seeing as we haven't heard any mention of a Blu-ray release date for Deadpool & Wolverine.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection (10 Movies)

For fans of the X-Men movies, there is also the popular X-Men Blu-ray collection that features 10 of the films on Blu-ray. This includes the original trilogy, X-Men: First Class, X-Men Origins: Wolverine Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, The Wolverine, and The New Mutants. So you get pretty much all of the X-Men movies that feature Wolverine except for Logan. This is by far the most Wolverine movies you can get for under $50. You can always add on a Blu-ray copy of Logan to complete your set.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection (6 Movies)

The other option for X-Men fans is to ditch the extra films and just pick up this set of the core 6. This Blu-ray collection only includes the original trilogy and the newer trilogy, so you won't get X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, Dark Phoenix, or The New Mutants. The main draw of this collection over the 10-film collection above is that you can watch the movies in the U.S. without a region-free Blu-ray player.

Where Can You Stream These Movies Online?

If you don't want to purchase the physical versions of these films, you can always stream them online. Now that Disney owns both Marvel and Fox, you can currently watch all of the X-Men movies as well as the Deadpool movies on Disney+. A basic Disney+ and Hulu plan with ads starts at only $9.99, but you can also get the new Disney+ bundle that includes Max for just $7 more.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Daily Deals: Xbox Game Pass,GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, Shin Megami Tensei, Nintendo Switch, and MoreEric Song
    Here are this week's best daily deals, including up to 40% off Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (post price hike), a new lowest price on a Spider-Man themed RTX 4070 Ti GPU, $200 off Alienware's top-end 32" 4K OLED gaming monitor, 33% off the Shin Megami Tensei: Vengeance Steelbook Launch Edition for all platforms, and more.3 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $33.49Woot! (which is owned by Amazon) is offering the best deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Right now you can get a 3 month code for only $36.
     

Daily Deals: Xbox Game Pass,GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, Shin Megami Tensei, Nintendo Switch, and More

Od: Eric Song
6. Srpen 2024 v 01:25

Here are this week's best daily deals, including up to 40% off Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (post price hike), a new lowest price on a Spider-Man themed RTX 4070 Ti GPU, $200 off Alienware's top-end 32" 4K OLED gaming monitor, 33% off the Shin Megami Tensei: Vengeance Steelbook Launch Edition for all platforms, and more.

3 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $33.49

Woot! (which is owned by Amazon) is offering the best deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Right now you can get a 3 month code for only $36.49. Microsoft recently raised the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $19.99 per month, so now you're saving 40% off a 3 month membership. Note that you can purchase multiple codes and apply them to your account, up to a maximum of 36 months. This deal expires on August 10 or sooner if the quota is met.

Note: There is a coupon code "VIDEOGAMES" that takes $3 off one order. If you purchase multiple gift cards, this code will only work on a single gift card.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Steelbook for $39.99

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is on sale for all platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. This is the "Definitive Edition" of the Shin Megami Tensei game that was released back in 2021. Updates include a brand new storyline with several new sidequests, an increased level cap to 150 as well as a harder difficulty mode, new demons, new skills, and more. This version also comes packaged in a slick steelbook case.

ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU for $673.20

Today Amazon is offering a ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB AMP AIRO GPU for only $673.20. This is the least expensive RTX 4070 GPU on Amazon right now, with the next best price going for over $50 more. This particular model is a limited edition Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse collab with themed backplate, tote bag, and more. Even with the release of the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER refresh, the RTX 4070 Ti is still an outstanding card for up to 4K gaming. At this price, it's a much better value too.

32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K OLED Monitor for $999.99

As part of its Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is taking $200 off the 2024 Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD OLED gaming monitor. It's normally $1199.99, but today you can get it for $999.99. This is one of the very few 4K OLED gaming monitors under 42" on the market, and at this price it's also the least expensive. If you're looking for the best gaming monitor for 2024, this should definitely be on your short list.

Apple iPad 10.9" 10th Gen for $299

The latest Apple iPad is back down to Prime Day pricing. Currently, Amazon has the 10th Gen Apple iPad for only $299.99. This iPad was originally priced at $449.99 when it launched back in 2022, but recently Apple slashed the price by $100 to $349.99. Now you can get it for an extra $50 less. This is another chance for you to score an excellent deal on the most affordable current gen iPad, even if you missed out on Prime Day.

Arzopa S1 15" 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor for $59.98

Amazon is offering an excellent deal on this Arzopa 15" 1080p USB Type-C portable monitor. It's normally $129.99, but right now you can get it for only $59.98 shipped. That's the best price we've ever seen for this particular model, and the lowest price compared to other legit 15" USB Type-C monitors on Amazon. This is a great portable display for your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld.

Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station $141.55

Walmart is offering an excellent price on the Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station. Right now it's listed at $149. Log into your (free) account and the price drops even further to $141.55. This is a well rated power station because it's equipped with safer and longer lasting LiFEPO4 batteries.

Nintendo Switch Lite with Animal Crossing for $159

Walmart is offering the Nintendo Switch Lite (Timmy's and Tommy's Aloha Edition) console for only $159. This is an outstanding deal because this particular bundle also includes a digital copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. A standard Nintendo Switch Lite console with no game still costs $199.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Movie About the Legal Case That Killed Gawker in the Works, With Ben Affleck Rumored to Play Hulk HoganMichael Cripe
    Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity is working on a movie that will tackle controversial former wrestler Terry Bollea a.k.a. Hulk Hogan and his legal battle against Gawker Media.As reported by Variety, Artists Equity’s work on the film is underway following its acquisition of a screenplay written by Charles Randolph (The Big Short, Bombshell). The project is in active development under the name Killing Gawker and is set to be directed by Good Will Hunting alum Gus Van Sant.Killing Gawker
     

Movie About the Legal Case That Killed Gawker in the Works, With Ben Affleck Rumored to Play Hulk Hogan

6. Srpen 2024 v 00:58

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity is working on a movie that will tackle controversial former wrestler Terry Bollea a.k.a. Hulk Hogan and his legal battle against Gawker Media.

As reported by Variety, Artists Equity’s work on the film is underway following its acquisition of a screenplay written by Charles Randolph (The Big Short, Bombshell). The project is in active development under the name Killing Gawker and is set to be directed by Good Will Hunting alum Gus Van Sant.

Killing Gawker is based on the book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue by Ryan Holiday. Its major players are listed in the title, and according to rumors initially shared by Jeff Sneider in his The InSneider newsletter, Affleck will be the one to portray Hogan.

However, it's unclear if Affleck or his frequent collaborator, Damon, will appear in the movie as no casting information has been confirmed.

Gawker’s legal troubles began when it published a sex tape featuring Bollea, an act that he quickly moved to fight back against. The resulting suit, which investor Peter Thiel backed, led to the wrestler winning a total of $140 million from the media company in 2016. Gawker filed for bankruptcy shortly after. Though a relaunch was attempted in 2021, the site was shut down again in 2023.

Artists Equity has yet to reveal a production schedule for Killing Gawker, so a release date has not been announced. While we wait to see if Affleck really will play Hogan in the movie, you can see our list of some of the biggest movies coming in 2024.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save Over 50% Off This 15" USB Portable Monitor (Works with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck)Eric Song
    Amazon is offering an excellent deal on this Arzopa 15" 1080p USB Type-C portable monitor. It's normally $129.99, but right now you can get it for only $59.98 shipped. That's the best price we've ever seen for this particular model, and the lowest price compared to other legit 15" USB Type-C monitors on Amazon. This is a great portable display for your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld.Arzopa S1 15" 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor for $59.98This 15" 1080p monitor works a
     

Save Over 50% Off This 15" USB Portable Monitor (Works with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck)

Od: Eric Song
6. Srpen 2024 v 00:25

Amazon is offering an excellent deal on this Arzopa 15" 1080p USB Type-C portable monitor. It's normally $129.99, but right now you can get it for only $59.98 shipped. That's the best price we've ever seen for this particular model, and the lowest price compared to other legit 15" USB Type-C monitors on Amazon. This is a great portable display for your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld.

Arzopa S1 15" 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor for $59.98

This 15" 1080p monitor works as a secondary display for your laptop, tablet, phone, gaming console, or pretty much any device that has either a USB or HDMI output. If your device has a USB Type-C output with Power Delivery, than you may only need a single USB Type-C cable (included) for both power and data. If your USB Type-C output doesn't support Power Delivery, then a USB Type-A to Type-C cable is also included for additional power. If your don't have a USB Type-C port at all, an HDMI cable is included, however you will need to supply your own USB wall charger to provide power to the display.

The monitor is designed to be portable. It weighs only 1.3 pounds and measures 0.3" thin. It sports a sturdy metal frame and even includes a smart cover that doubles as a stand. The 15" display boasts a 1920x1080 resolution with 60Hz refresh rate, an IPS panel that offers respectable viewing angles and color gamut, and an anti-glare matte surface. It even has built in speakers.

Because this monitor can connect via USB or HDMI, it supports a lot more devices than your typical monitor. You won't need to install any app or drivers, either. It's definitely worth the price if you want an inexpensive second screen to boost your productivity without weighing you down.

An Excellent Portable Monitor for Your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck Gaming Console

This monitor works quite well with both the Steam Deck or Switch consoles. I'd recommend using the wall charger to power the monitor, otherwise you'll be draining the gaming system pretty quickly (you can use the one provided with your Steam Deck or Switch console). The 1080p and 60Hz specs on the monitor is more than good enough, since neither the Switch nor the Steam Deck supports refresh rates higher than 60Hz. If you're looking for other USB monitor options, check out our picks for the best portable monitors of 2024.

Looking for more deals of Switch and Steam Deck accessories?

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon Season 2 ReviewErik Adams
    This review contains full spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2.Sometimes in the UK they say that a person is “all mouth and no trousers”: They promise a lot but never deliver. Season 2 of HBO’s House of the Dragon is often all-mouth-and-no-trousers TV. Sure, there’s a really accomplished cast, wearing costumes clearly crafted by experts and standing in gloriously realised environments. But they’re just going around in circles, week after week. There are beautifully written monologues that l
     

House of the Dragon Season 2 Review

5. Srpen 2024 v 23:52

This review contains full spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2.

Sometimes in the UK they say that a person is “all mouth and no trousers”: They promise a lot but never deliver. Season 2 of HBO’s House of the Dragon is often all-mouth-and-no-trousers TV. Sure, there’s a really accomplished cast, wearing costumes clearly crafted by experts and standing in gloriously realised environments. But they’re just going around in circles, week after week. There are beautifully written monologues that lead to dilly-dallying and a lack of resolution; there’s good writing but far less good storytelling. There are entire episodes worth of chat that could have been an email – or OK, a raven. It’s all entertaining in the moment, but it doesn’t feel like a full season of forward momentum. No one wants TV told at the same, sluggish pace at which George R.R. Martin has been writing lately, even if there are fabulous scenes encountered along the way.

Think about where we are at the end of the season relative to eight episodes ago. The “Black” Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) started off devastated by the death of her son Lucerys in last season’s finale, but was reluctant to start a devastating all-out war among the dragon-riding Targaryen clan in order to claim her rightful throne. It has taken her the entire season to accept the need for battle: even in the final episode, “The Queen Who Ever Wars,” she says that she hoped the new dragon riders she had recruited would act as “deterrents” to the “Green” wing of the family who have, as she sees it, usurped her throne. After eight episodes, she’ss still talking about avoiding the fight, despite all those moments in earlier episodes where she wishes she’d been trained more for battle. That kind of vacillation is one way to show she’s her weak father’s daughter, but it doesn’t make for a gripping series lead. Her estranged husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), spends the whole season moping around Harrenhal before a single final vision changes his mind (why did the old gods not lead with that one?). In that same span of time, her Master of Ships and newly appointed Hand of the Queen Corlys Velaryon (Steven Toussaint) has been rebuilding a single boat and ignoring his illegitimate sons – though at least now we’ve met them, so that’s something.

On the other side of this slowly brewing civil war, there’s been growth of a sort. Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has somehow become even more awful, what with slaying the dragon Meleys and her rider, Rhaenys (Eve Best), in the middle of the season (the tragic and heroic high point of the show so far) and almost murdering his brother King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). By the end of the season, he has his mother and sister scared for their lives, while his convalescent brother is advised to hurry his recovery in case Aemond sneaks in to finish him off in the night. Still, none of that is a surprise after last season, and as long as he rides the biggest dragon in Westeros he has the firepower to back up his villainous instincts. The Dowager Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) appears to accept, in the end, that all her plotting has failed and that all she can do is try to keep as many of her children alive as possible (and to protect as many as possible against Aemond), but there’s at least a hint in the finale that she may have ensured the flight of Aegon and the others first.

After two seasons, the so-called Dance of Dragons is still only a matter of minor skirmishes. The endless interesting characters and intricately moving parts are all just spinning in place. House of the Dragon isn’t necessarily boring, thanks to those beautifully written scenes and that casting, but when you think back on an episode it’s hard to remember much that really happened, because not much is happening.

Does that make it a bad show? That seems too harsh. Almost any scene involving Smith, Best, or Simon Russell Beale this season is worth watching; actors like Cooke and Abubakar Salim (the latter playing Corlys’ son Alyn of Hull) have charisma to burn. Even potentially one-note villains like Aemond and Ser Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) get moments of grace and complexity this season. And there’s that wonderful bit of dragon-battling in the middle of the season, with the shouting-at-the-screen-excitement of the clash that we’d been promised all this time and the sense that now, finally, shit is about to get real. And then it just… doesn’t.

It's not only about grading this against its mega-successful (to a point) predecessor either. Of course, House of the Dragon is its own thing. It’s drawing from a book that’s written as a historical account, and embroidering that – heavily – with character detail that’s missing or only implied in the source material, and that’s a different challenge from Game of Thrones. But at the same time we’re not coming to Westeros for in-depth analysis of how a reluctant leader decides to go to war. This is not Succession. The attraction of Martin’s world has always been the way that people make cunning plans, only for some utterly unforeseen element to come along and screw them up. Ned Stark works to uncover a plot, but he doesn’t account for Littlefinger. Robb Stark plans a war, but fails to consider the Freys. Everyone focuses on the Lannisters, but doesn’t know about Daenerys. Daenerys is so filled with rage, she loses sight of Jon. Here, the sabotage Rhaenyra faces is self-sabotage, and it makes for less thrilling twists and turns. There are fewer big battle scenes, and way fewer small confrontations along the way too, and that’s a problem for viewers’ excitement levels. It doesn’t have to be Thrones, but it does have to have a compelling story of its own.

The frustrations of the season finale are also hard to get past. Everything actually in the episode is fine; you can’t really complain that you didn’t get some dramatic heavy lifting and actually quite a bit of character payoff. But it leaves a horrible taste in the mouth because it moves all the pieces into place for something exciting to happen and then just… ends. Is it so much to ask for a quick skirmish? A little dragon fight? It’s hard to think of a more frustrating season finale to a major show like this. Yes, it’s given us time with the major characters and finally moved all the pieces in place; good work everyone. But where’s the scene that reminds us the show can be shocking, and that it’s going to deliver thrills as well as promising them?

So it’s not a bad show, then, but drawn out this way it’s less than the show should be or wants to be. You have to wonder if showrunner Ryan Condal stripped the action out of season 2 to save up a literal war chest for next time when there must be more conflict. But then why not spread the battles out across two seasons? We’re halfway through this show’s planned four-season run, but it feels like we’re barely off the starting blocks. As good as the individual scenes are – and they are good, and their dialogue is typically better than Thrones’, too – House of the Dragon will simply never get off the ground and soar if it keeps dawdling along at this pace.

  • ✇IGN All
  • David Lynch Says He Can No Longer Direct in-Person Due to Health IssuesTaylor Lyles
    Though David Lynch has not directed a film in a long time, if he were ever to take the director's chair again, it certainly wouldn't be in person as the prolific director has recently revealed that health issues have caused him not to leave his house. In an interview with Sight & Sound, Lynch revealed that he was diagnosed with emphysema due to Lynch smoking throughout his life. Due to his health issues, Lynch told Sight & Sounds that he can't "go out" of his home as he fears of catching
     

David Lynch Says He Can No Longer Direct in-Person Due to Health Issues

5. Srpen 2024 v 23:44

Though David Lynch has not directed a film in a long time, if he were ever to take the director's chair again, it certainly wouldn't be in person as the prolific director has recently revealed that health issues have caused him not to leave his house.

In an interview with Sight & Sound, Lynch revealed that he was diagnosed with emphysema due to Lynch smoking throughout his life. Due to his health issues, Lynch told Sight & Sounds that he can't "go out" of his home as he fears of catching something such as a cold or COVID, due to being immunocompromised.

"I've gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I'm homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold," Lynch explained.

As a result, Lynch said that he is unlikely to direct another film, but "if it comes to it," he would have to direct the film remotely. Though Lynch revealed that he "wouldn't like that so much."

In a follow-up tweet, Lynch talked more about his condition.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco — the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them — but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire.

I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.

Love,
David

Throughout Lynch's career, he has worked on a slew of projects. This included directing The Elephant Man, for which he won an Oscar for Best Directing Movies, like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and, most infamously, the 1984 adaptation of Dune. Lynch also co-created Twin Peaks, in addition to its film prequel and limited series Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and Twin Peaks: The Return.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is…

— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024

Lynch's last full-length feature film was 2006's Inland. Since then he has directed short films, such as What Did Jack Do? released in 2017 and 2020’s The Mystery of the Seeing Hand. Additionally, Lynch has dabbled in music, announcing in June that he was working on a new album with his frequent collaborator Chrystabell.

Blogroll Credit: Michael Tran / Getty Images

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon Showrunner Explains the Decision to Put That Massive Cameo in Season 2 FinaleAlex Stedman
    Warning: The below article contains full spoilers for last night's House of the Dragon Season 2 finale.Last night’s House of the Dragon Season 2 finale had its biggest cameo yet: Daenerys Targaryen. Well, sort of, at least.Obviously, Daenerys hasn’t been born yet in the world of House of the Dragon, but fans got a glimpse at the Game of Thrones favorite via a weirwood vision from Daemon in the Season 2 capper. The image of Daenerys, with her three freshly hatched dragon eggs – a different perspe
     

House of the Dragon Showrunner Explains the Decision to Put That Massive Cameo in Season 2 Finale

5. Srpen 2024 v 23:14

Warning: The below article contains full spoilers for last night's House of the Dragon Season 2 finale.

Last night’s House of the Dragon Season 2 finale had its biggest cameo yet: Daenerys Targaryen. Well, sort of, at least.

Obviously, Daenerys hasn’t been born yet in the world of House of the Dragon, but fans got a glimpse at the Game of Thrones favorite via a weirwood vision from Daemon in the Season 2 capper. The image of Daenerys, with her three freshly hatched dragon eggs – a different perspective of the scene from Game of Thrones’ Season 1 finale – has quickly become one of the most-talked-about moments from the episode.

The vision also included another image familiar to Game of Thrones fans in the Night King, as well as a glimpse at Brynden Rivers, or the Bloodraven, a character crucial to Targaryen history. During a virtual Q&A with press on Monday, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal was asked about the vision, the decision to pull in Daenerys, and if we should take this as confirmation that she was indeed the Prince Who Was Promised.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN RETURNS #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/pdrYyMAcP4

— westerosies (@westerosies) August 5, 2024

In a wide-ranging answer, Condal explained that the decision came from the need for “some sort of interconnectivity,” and that interconnectivity is the dragons: “We don't know how the events play out in this history, but we do know that at the end of it, there are no dragons left in the world until they're reborn to Daenerys in the end. And I think that is the interconnectivity,” he explained.

But he also touched on an idea that has been explored, as he explained, in media including Harry Potter and Star Wars: the philosophy of “the chosen one, the one who is going to save us from everything, the light-bringer, the Prince Who Was Promised.”

“(We’re interested in) how those ideas are interpreted in George's world, which is, as we know from all the storytelling that he has taken us through to date, that these things are very rarely black and white and 'one thing or the other,' and often can be cautionary tales for how ideas like this are interpreted by people in power,” he said. “Remember that Game of Thrones, a Song of Ice and Fire, House of the Dragon in many ways, or Fire and Blood in many ways, are warnings about the perils of power and people in power, and particularly I think in this world, absolute power. So I will say, we're very interested in how those things play out in this world and how once somebody is given, as we've seen Rhaenyra be given this football to run with that – ‘my father chose me, I was the Prince Who Was Promised, it must be me, this dragon rider was delivered to me’ – and how that's going to see itself manifested over the course of this war."

“We are not trying to make any kind of specific interpretation of a prophecy that has yet to be revealed by its author."

Moderator Joanna Robinson then asked if there was ever a thought to include Jon Snow in that vision as well. Condal responded that it’s “just a more complex idea,” and the focus instead was to focus on that interconnective tissue that is the dragons, and also how Daemon interprets that vision.

"In the world where we meet Daenerys, and she's staring across the Narrow Sea at her lost empire, there are zero dragons,” he explained. “So again, the connectiveness between this family and the family to come. And Daemon's seeing something [where], we know who that is, but Daemon has no idea. That could be his future daughter with Rhaenyra, who has three dragons right now. He doesn't know, but he is sensing that ‘this was something that was shown to me for a specific reason.’ We know Rhaenyra is already running with this idea of the Prince Who Was Promised; if Daemon also believes that is Rhaenyra, as we've seen him say to her in High Valyrian in Episode 8, there's a very interesting thing that can be done with his interpretation of that.”

“So for that reason, I think it was important that it was Daenerys, the image,” he concluded. “We are not trying to make any kind of specific interpretation of a prophecy that has yet to be revealed by its author. And that is George's world and George's space to tell that story. I think we're more interested in playing with the character drama that lives in and around that imagery."

Condal touched on a number of things in the hour-long press conference, including why the Battle of the Gullet wasn’t in Season 2 and the number of seasons they’re currently committed to. For more, check out our review of last night’s finale, where we wrote, “as a mid-season episode it would be glorious, but as finales go, 'The Queen Who Ever Was' is all setup and no payoff.”

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Best Dell & Alienware Deals and Coupons: Gaming Laptops, PCs, Monitors, and MoreEric Song
    Not everyone is the DIY type. If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of best brands we'd recommend. The Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid cust
     

The Best Dell & Alienware Deals and Coupons: Gaming Laptops, PCs, Monitors, and More

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 22:25

Not everyone is the DIY type. If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of best brands we'd recommend. The Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list.

Dell Back to School Sale Starts Now

Dell is kicking off its Back to School Sale with some great deals on Alienware gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors. Students can get many of these configs even cheaper thanks to an exclusive 10% off coupon code. We'll keep updating the page with new deals as they come in.

Dell and Alienware Coupons

Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1299.99

Earlier this year during CES 2024, Dell released its updated second generation Alienware m16 R2 16" RTX 4060 gaming laptop . Today it's on sale for only $1299.99 after $300 in instant savings. The previous m16 R1 excelled at gaming, but it was heavier and bulkier. The new m16 R2 is just as good at gaming, but it's considerably lighter and more compact.

Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1499.99

Here's an Alienware laptop you don't see discounted very often. As part of the Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is offering the Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 gaming laptop for $1499.99 after a $500 instant discount. This is the smallest and lightest Alienware laptop you can get but it is still a very capable gaming rig.

Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4090 Gaming PC for $3099.99

If you're in the market for a super high-end prebuilt PC, here's a great deal for you. Dell has the Alienware Aurora R16 GeForce RTX 4090 gaming PC for $3099.99 after a $350 instant discount. The RTX 4090 is by far the most powerful GPU on the market, and if you wanted to buy a standalone card it would run you over $1600. This PC will obviously run any game you want in 4k at ultra settings.

The R16 is the most current Alienware Aurora gaming desktop. The R16 chassis is 40% smaller in volume compared to previous iterations. It features a simple yet proven airflow design; air is drawn in through a front 120mm fan as well as side intake vents over the GPU area. Both the CPU and GPU are supplied with fresh air from the outside instead of recirculating hot internal air. A generously sized 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler exhausts air out through the top.

Alienware RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC for $2399.99

Dell is offering the Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER gaming PC for only $2399.99 after a $350 instant discount. It's also equipped with the newest Intel Core i7 processor and a generous amount of DDR5 RAM and SSD storage. This is a very powerful gaming PC that can run any game you can throw at it, even at 4k resolution with high framerates and ray tracing enabled.

Alienware RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming PC for $1899.99

Dell is offering the 2024 Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4070 Ti SUPER gaming PC for $1899.99 after a $350 instant discount. It's equipped with an 14th gen Intel Core i7 processor and a 240mm AIO cooler. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER is an excellent GPU that can handle 4K gaming.

Alienware RTX 4070 Gaming PC for $1599.99

Dell has dropped the price on this Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4070 gaming PC to only $1599.99, a savings of $350. This is a good price for a gaming right that can handle 1080p or 1440p gaming rig comfortably.

Dell G16 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $949.99

Dell is offering a Dell G16 GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for only $949.99 after a $350 instant discount. The G16 is Dell's line of 16" laptops that is marketed towards budget gamers. It offers solid gaming performance at a price that's usually about $300-$500 cheaper than a similar Alienware build. It's definitely one of the better budget gaming laptops you can get for under $1K.

32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K OLED Monitor for $999.99

As part of its Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is taking $200 off the 2024 Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD OLED gaming monitor. It's normally $1199.99, but today you can get it for $999.99. This is one of the very few 4K OLED gaming monitors under 42" on the market, and at this price it's also the least expensive. If you're looking for the best gaming monitor for 2024, this should definitely be on your short list.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Dell Back to School Sale Starts Now: The Best Deals on Alienware Gaming Laptops and PCs (Updated)Eric Song
    Dell is kicking off its Back to School Sale with some great deals on Alienware gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors. Students can get many of these configs even cheaper thanks to an exclusive 10% off coupon code. We'll keep updating the page with new deals as they come in.10% Off Alienware Coupon for StudentsStudents in particular have an extra discount they can capitalize on. They're eligible for two unique coupon codes that's good for either 5% off or 10% off select product categories. The speci
     

The Dell Back to School Sale Starts Now: The Best Deals on Alienware Gaming Laptops and PCs (Updated)

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 22:25

Dell is kicking off its Back to School Sale with some great deals on Alienware gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors. Students can get many of these configs even cheaper thanks to an exclusive 10% off coupon code. We'll keep updating the page with new deals as they come in.

10% Off Alienware Coupon for Students

Students in particular have an extra discount they can capitalize on. They're eligible for two unique coupon codes that's good for either 5% off or 10% off select product categories. The specifics are:

  • 10% off Inspiron, XPS and Gaming PCs, Alienware and S Series monitors and Dell accessories
  • 5% off Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, Chromebooks, all other monitors, and 3rd party accessories

Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1299.99

Earlier this year during CES 2024, Dell released its updated second generation Alienware m16 R2 16" RTX 4060 gaming laptop . Today it's on sale for only $1299.99 after $300 in instant savings. The previous m16 R1 excelled at gaming, but it was heavier and bulkier. The new m16 R2 is just as good at gaming, but it's considerably lighter and more compact.

Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1499.99

Here's an Alienware laptop you don't see discounted very often. As part of the Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is offering the Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 gaming laptop for $1499.99 after a $500 instant discount. This is the smallest and lightest Alienware laptop you can get but it is still a very capable gaming rig.

Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4090 Gaming PC for $3099.99

If you're in the market for a super high-end prebuilt PC, here's a great deal for you. Dell has the Alienware Aurora R16 GeForce RTX 4090 gaming PC for $3099.99 after a $350 instant discount. The RTX 4090 is by far the most powerful GPU on the market, and if you wanted to buy a standalone card it would run you over $1600. This PC will obviously run any game you want in 4k at ultra settings.

The R16 is the most current Alienware Aurora gaming desktop. The R16 chassis is 40% smaller in volume compared to previous iterations. It features a simple yet proven airflow design; air is drawn in through a front 120mm fan as well as side intake vents over the GPU area. Both the CPU and GPU are supplied with fresh air from the outside instead of recirculating hot internal air. A generously sized 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler exhausts air out through the top.

Alienware RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC for $2399.99

Dell is offering the Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER gaming PC for only $2399.99 after a $350 instant discount. It's also equipped with the newest Intel Core i7 processor and a generous amount of DDR5 RAM and SSD storage. This is a very powerful gaming PC that can run any game you can throw at it, even at 4k resolution with high framerates and ray tracing enabled.

Alienware RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming PC for $1899.99

Dell is offering the 2024 Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4070 Ti SUPER gaming PC for $1899.99 after a $350 instant discount. It's equipped with an 14th gen Intel Core i7 processor and a 240mm AIO cooler. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER is an excellent GPU that can handle 4K gaming.

Alienware RTX 4070 Gaming PC for $1599.99

Dell has dropped the price on this Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4070 gaming PC to only $1599.99, a savings of $350. This is a good price for a gaming right that can handle 1080p or 1440p gaming rig comfortably.

Dell G16 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $949.99

Dell is offering a Dell G16 GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for only $949.99 after a $350 instant discount. The G16 is Dell's line of 16" laptops that is marketed towards budget gamers. It offers solid gaming performance at a price that's usually about $300-$500 cheaper than a similar Alienware build. It's definitely one of the better budget gaming laptops you can get for under $1K.

32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K OLED Monitor for $999.99

As part of its Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is taking $200 off the 2024 Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD OLED gaming monitor. It's normally $1199.99, but today you can get it for $999.99. This is one of the very few 4K OLED gaming monitors under 42" on the market, and at this price it's also the least expensive. If you're looking for the best gaming monitor for 2024, this should definitely be on your short list.

Why pick a Dell or Alienware gaming PC?

If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of best gaming brands we'd recommend. The Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list for gaming laptops and PCs.

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon Showrunner Defends Season 2's Finale, Explains Why It Wasn't Battle of the GulletAlex Stedman
    Warning: The below story contains some spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, including last night's finale.House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal is aware some fans are disappointed with the largely lacking-in-action Season 2 finale, but he has a message of assurance: the Battle of the Gullet is coming, and it'll be huge.During a virtual Q&A with press on Monday, the day after Season 2's highly anticipated finale aired, moderator Joanna Robinson asked Condal a multi-part question ab
     

House of the Dragon Showrunner Defends Season 2's Finale, Explains Why It Wasn't Battle of the Gullet

5. Srpen 2024 v 21:51

Warning: The below story contains some spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, including last night's finale.

House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal is aware some fans are disappointed with the largely lacking-in-action Season 2 finale, but he has a message of assurance: the Battle of the Gullet is coming, and it'll be huge.

During a virtual Q&A with press on Monday, the day after Season 2's highly anticipated finale aired, moderator Joanna Robinson asked Condal a multi-part question about the Battle of the Gullet, why it wasn't included this season, and fantasy battles in general. While the finale clearly set up the massive naval battle from George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood (as IGN breaks down here), the finale is largely devoid of action, especially when compared to Season 1's capper that saw Aemond's dragon Vhagar kill Lucerys and his dragon Arrax. It led to many fans and critics calling the episode "anticlimactic," and IGN's own review said it was "all setup and no payoff."

Condal gave a long response to the question, which both touched on the challenges of making a big-budget production like House of the Dragon and what fans can expect for Season 3.

"I mean, one of the challenges of making television at any scale, even this scale, which seems to be one of infinite time and resources, it's just never the case. Nobody has infinite time and resources," Condal began. "As a showrunner, you're always in the position of having to balance storytelling and the resources you have available to tell that story, and you're also starting to think about — and one of the things that came into play in Season 2 — is, what is the final destination of this series and where are we going? And I think it was a combination of factors that led us to rebalance the story, knowing where we're going and where that endpoint is, to rebalance the story in such a way that we had three great seasons of television [after Season 1]... to round out and tell this story."

He went on to point how that the show takes a "tremendous amount of resources," and called the Battle of the Gullet one of the most anticipated action events of anything in Fire and Blood. He added that the team is "trying to give it the time and the space that it deserves. And obviously, as anyone who has seen the finale [knows], we are building to that."

"That event (the Battle of the Gullet) will happen very shortly in terms of the storytelling in House of the Dragon. And it should be, based on what we know now, it should be the biggest thing to date that we've pulled off," he said. "And we just wanted to have the time and the space to do that at a level that is going to excite and satisfy the fans in the way it deserves. And we also wanted to build some anticipation towards it."

"The team that we have together, we're gunna pull off a hell of a win with the Battle of the Gullet in the future."

"The show is so complex that we're really making multiple feature films every season, so I apologize for the wait," he concluded. "But I will just say, if Rook's Rest and the Red Sowing are any indication, the team that we have together, we're gunna pull off a hell of a win with the Battle of the Gullet in the future."

Condal is, of course, referring to two of House of the Dragon's most-lauded events in Season 2, with Rook's Rest being the massive dragon battle in Episode 4, and the Red Sowing being the penultimate episode that saw the emergence of three new dragon riders.

At least, for fans disappointed not to see the Battle of the Gullet in Season 2, Condal's quotes seem to confirm it'll likely be the first thing we see in Season 3. Elsewhere in the virtual press conference, Condal also confirmed that House of the Dragon is currently on track to last four seasons, with the third season set to start production early next year.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save $500 Off Alienware's Thinnest and Lightest Gaming LaptopEric Song
    Here's an Alienware laptop you don't see discounted very often. As part of the Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is offering the Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 gaming laptop for $1499.99 after a $500 instant discount. This is the smallest and lightest Alienware laptop you can get but it is still a very capable gaming rig.Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1499.99The Alienware x14 is one of the most portable gaming laptops around, measuring in at only 0.57" at its thinnest point and weighing in
     

Save $500 Off Alienware's Thinnest and Lightest Gaming Laptop

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 21:35

Here's an Alienware laptop you don't see discounted very often. As part of the Dell Back to School Sale, Dell is offering the Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 gaming laptop for $1499.99 after a $500 instant discount. This is the smallest and lightest Alienware laptop you can get but it is still a very capable gaming rig.

Alienware x14 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1499.99

The Alienware x14 is one of the most portable gaming laptops around, measuring in at only 0.57" at its thinnest point and weighing in at 4.22 pounds. A large part of that is due to the smaller 14" display, but this is also a newer x-series model that is categorically thinner and lighter than its m-series counterparts.

This particular laptop features a 14" 2560x1600 QHD+ display, Intel Core i7-13620H CPU, GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. The 13th gen Intel Core i7-13620H has a Turbo Max Frequency of 4.9GHz with 10 cores, 16 threads, and a 24MB cache. This is a low voltage processor that is capable of your everyday tasks and gaming while sipping power.

The RTX 4060 sits between the RTX 3070 and the RTX 3070 Ti so it's definitely no slouch in terms of gaming performance. It's worth nothing that this RTX 4060 GPU has a max TGP of 85W. That's less than what the x16 and m16 laptops offer (115W TGP) so it won't perform as well as its bigger siblings. You'll need a decent amount of GPU power to be able to run games smoothly on the display's bumped up QHD+ resolution, so you will probably need to reduce settings on the most demanding games.

For more deals, check out the best Alienware and Dell gaming deals today.

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon Still on Track for Four Seasons, Likely With Similar Episode Counts to Season 2Kat Bailey
    House of the Dragon is still on track to last four seasons, showrunner Ryan Condal confirmed in a press conference following the series' finale on Sunday.Condal's answer came in response to a question about whether or not the Game of Thrones spinoff, which just wrapped up its second season, will last for five seasons. Both Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin and HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi have previously said they expect it to last a minimum of four seasons, with Orsi saying it "could
     

House of the Dragon Still on Track for Four Seasons, Likely With Similar Episode Counts to Season 2

5. Srpen 2024 v 21:30

House of the Dragon is still on track to last four seasons, showrunner Ryan Condal confirmed in a press conference following the series' finale on Sunday.

Condal's answer came in response to a question about whether or not the Game of Thrones spinoff, which just wrapped up its second season, will last for five seasons. Both Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin and HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi have previously said they expect it to last a minimum of four seasons, with Orsi saying it "could be more."

Condal, however, hedged in his response, saying, "No, I think it's four."

His team is currently in the midst of writing Season 3, which is expect to start production in "early-ish 2025." That would likely put the premiere date for House of the Dragon's third season at some point in 2026.

House of the Dragon Seasons 3 and 4 will retain the same "cadence"

As for how many episodes the final two seasons will be, Condal said he hasn't had conversations with HBO about it, but added, "I would just anticipate the cadence of the show, from a dramatic storytelling perspective, will continue to be the same from Season 2 on."

At eight episodes, House of the Dragon's second season was two shorter than its first. Naturally, plans can change, but with the story it's based on already complete, it faces a less formidable task adapting its source material than its parent series did.

In the meantime, we were broadly positive on House of the Dragon's Season 2 finale in our review, writing, "It felt like loads of pieces were moved into place for the future, a really exciting future at that. And then, yet again, it proved to be all cliffhanger for next time, and a season finale needs to do more than that."

We have tons of House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage here on IGN, including 54 changes from Fire & Blood in Season 2 and our ranking of its various villains. House of the Dragon is currently available for streaming on Max.

Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed Proves Why Razer’s Flagship Mouse Still RulesMichael Higham
    If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – but you can at least tweak it. That’s pretty much been the way of the Deathadder, which has continually been one of the best gaming mice and Razer’s mainstay for well over a decade. Even with modernized features, slight changes to the shape, and upgrades in the tech used, there’s something very familiar about using the new Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed which is to say it’s still a fantastic mouse. While it may not stack up in terms of peak performance out of the box
     

The Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed Proves Why Razer’s Flagship Mouse Still Rules

5. Srpen 2024 v 21:29

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – but you can at least tweak it. That’s pretty much been the way of the Deathadder, which has continually been one of the best gaming mice and Razer’s mainstay for well over a decade. Even with modernized features, slight changes to the shape, and upgrades in the tech used, there’s something very familiar about using the new Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed which is to say it’s still a fantastic mouse. While it may not stack up in terms of peak performance out of the box compared to the recent Viper V3 Pro, this new Deathadder does everything right, resulting in an all-rounder that’s easy to recommend.

Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed – Design and Features

Like the aforementioned Viper V3 Pro, the Deathadder V3 sports a rather understated lowkey design – no RGB or gaudy flair, just a simple Razer logo on the palm area. While I do appreciate a bit of flash to give peripherals some personality, I tend to like the recent trend of more non-descript mice. Admittedly, it’s easy to get confused between this model and the recently released Deathadder V3 Pro but one of the defining differences is in their size. The V3 Hyperspeed still contours nicely for right-handed players with the hump fitting just right for a good grip. But it is slightly more compact by nearly every measurement, which makes a claw grip a little easier to maintain, yet it’s still beefy enough to feel comfortable in hands if I’m using a palm grip. This also means it shaves off some weight, coming in at 55 grams compared to the V3 Pro’s 63 grams.

Similar to other Razer mice, this one uses the “smooth-touch” texture that has a matte finish – without deep grooves or rubber material, it consistently sticks to my hand even in heated situations. Both mouse buttons have a crunchy and bouncy tactile feedback to them thanks to the Razer’s Gen-3 optical mouse switches, which makes left and right clicks satisfying and great for rapid-fire clicking. One minor change I like a lot is that the two side buttons have a bit more of a gap between each other that helps my thumb distinguish between the two, and they’re still in the perfect position to hit easily. The scroll wheel has a grippy and bumpy texture with distinct notches for each registered scroll, which works well for keeping the wheel in place when using it as a button.

It’s not really surprising that the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed is a superb gaming mouse.

The most noticeable feature found underneath the mouse are the extra large PTFE feet – it’s similar to the Viper V3 Pro and was a surprisingly effective change that improved the smoothness of it gliding across my desk mat. I can say the same about the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed, and it makes the mouse a joy to use. There’s also a slot to stow the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, which is convenient when storing the mouse. The unified power button and DPI switch is also on the bottom, which also highlights the fact that there are no Bluetooth capabilities on this mouse. It’s not a huge loss considering it’s a gaming mouse, but it does lose some versatility even if it’s to rid a bit of bloat.

The Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed uses the Focus X 26K optical sensor which is quite as robust as the Focus Pro 30K found on the V3 Pro, but it’s still a high-performance sensor that’s more than worthy of pro-level play. Out of the box, the V3 Hyperspeed sports a 1000Hz polling rate with its 2.4GHz wireless dongle, which is the modern standard in gaming mice for competitive play. It is also capable of up to the coveted 8000Hz polling rate, but it requires Razer’s Hyperpolling dongle that is not included with the V3 Hyperspeed – unless you are very serious about competitive gaming and running a super high refresh rate monitor, you are likely to not reap the benefits of a higher polling rate. And in this particular case, it’s probably for the best since it helps keep the price of the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed down ($99.99 compared to the V3 Pro’s $159.99).

Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed – Software and Battery Life

Customization requires you to use the all-in-one Razer Synapse software, which can be unwieldy at times. It’s straightforward to adjust features on the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed, however. Since there is no RGB lighting on the mouse, customization comes down to DPI settings (of which X- and Y-axes can be changed separately), button assignments, activating Smart Tracking, and power saving options.

A big new feature here is Dynamic Sensitivity which allows the mouse to automatically adapt its sensitivity based on how fast you physically swipe it. There are a few presets for how the acceleration curve works and can even be customized down to your exact liking. This helps make drastic turns in shooter games much faster without having to rely on a higher base sensitivity, so this can be useful for competitive gamers who want to use granular adjustments to improve their game. One other setting worth noting is mouse rotation – the idea is that if you hold your mouse at an inward angle, the sensor can recognize your horizontal movements as if they were on a normal axis. I have more thoughts on both features in the next section.

Synapse is also where you’re going to be able to monitor battery life, and with it rated for 100 hours using 1000Hz polling rate, I didn’t have to worry about the mouse dying after a full charge. I used the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed for four days while gaming and working, which would account for roughly 50 hours, the battery was slightly above 50% charged – it seems Razer’s claims hold up.

Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed – Performance

Once again, I’ve played several ranked matches in Counter-Strike 2 to put the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed through its paces in a competitive setting. And I continued to grind out my daily and weekly raids and dungeon runs in Final Fantasy XIV to see how the mouse fares as an all-rounder. This being yet another iteration of the Deathadder, I was not surprised by how well it performed and how comfortable it was to use regardless of setting.

Counter-Strike 2 is my main shooter and having tested all my mice in competitive play, I can attest to the Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed being as good as anything I’ve used in recent memory. I have noticed an improvement in the tracking and smoothness of my mouse movements when playing CS2 with a higher polling rate like 4000Hz (running 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate), however I don’t feel it’s a defining factor in my overall performance. Between the optical sensor, ergonomics, and solid buttons, the Deathadder has all the foundations covered. Also, 1000Hz polling rate is nothing to scoff at, and the option for up to 8000 Hz is still open with this mouse if you pick up the $30 Hyperpolling receiver. I was still getting them headshots, getting picks around corners, and controlling my recoil pattern to maintain a positive K/D ratio.

Comfort is the main thing I’m looking for in a mouse when I play FFXIV, and as I mentioned earlier, the size, weight, and grippy texture makes it a breeze to use. The perfectly positioned side buttons and their distinct spacing help executing key actions with ease. Running raids for two or three hours felt effortless because it’s so lightweight and ergonomic, but also the reduced friction makes navigating menus and managing inventory

On paper, Dynamic Sensitivity can be a useful feature if quick turns or flick shots are key parts of the shooters you play. However, I find it feels unnatural regardless of the advantage it may offer. And for me who will continue to use different mice, it’s not the kind of thing I want to rely on or get used to. If you’re locked in on a specific game and want to squeeze every advantage possible, then I would suggest at least looking into it, otherwise it may not be worth using.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Lenovo Back to School Sale Starts Now: The Best Deals on Legion Gaming PCs and LaptopsEric Song
    The Lenovo Back to School Sale is underway, and this is a great opportunity to take advantage of some excellent deals on gaming laptops and desktop PCs. There are also some stackable coupon codes going on right now that sweeten the deal. The build quality on a Legion laptop or desktop is generally higher quality than what you'd find from most other prebuilt PCs, and they offer robust cooling options. People like the fact that Lenovo does not use proprietary components in their rigs, so they're m
     

The Lenovo Back to School Sale Starts Now: The Best Deals on Legion Gaming PCs and Laptops

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 20:55

The Lenovo Back to School Sale is underway, and this is a great opportunity to take advantage of some excellent deals on gaming laptops and desktop PCs. There are also some stackable coupon codes going on right now that sweeten the deal. The build quality on a Legion laptop or desktop is generally higher quality than what you'd find from most other prebuilt PCs, and they offer robust cooling options. People like the fact that Lenovo does not use proprietary components in their rigs, so they're much easier to upgrade with easiy obtainable, off-the-shelf components compared to some other popular prebuilt PC brands.

Lenovo Back to School Gaming Laptop Deals

Lenovo Slim 5 Gen 9 16" RTX 4070 Laptop for $1299.49

Lenovo is offering this Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 16" Ryzen Edition RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop for only $1299.49 shipped after coupon codes "BUYMORELENOVO" and "EXTRAFIVE". This is a very competitive price for a Lenovo branded RTX 4070 gaming laptop, especially since this particular model is more compact than your typical gaming laptop, and yet the GPU has a max 130W TGP.

Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 16" RTX 4070 Laptop for $1536.99

The Legion Pro 5 is bigger than the Slim 5, but in return you get a superior display (brighter, higher refresh rate, and better color reproduction), more ports, and a longer battery life. This particular config is also equipped with a more powerful processor and double the RAM. It's priced about $240 higher than the Slim 5, but the upgrades justify the surcharge.

Lenovo Legion Pro 7 16" RTX 4090 Laptop for $2559.99

Lenovo has dropped the price on this extremely powerful Lenovo Legion Pro 7 Gen 8 RTX 4090 gaming laptop for only $2560 shipped after coupon codes "BUYMORELENOVO" and "EXTRAFIVE". The RTX 4090 is still the most powerful mobile GPU on the market, and by a very substantial margin. It's roughly equivalent to a desktop RTX 3090 GPU. It will run games comfortably on the 2560x1600 240Hz display.

Lenovo Legion Pro 7 16" RTX 4080 Laptop for $2255.99

If the RTX 4090 is too pricey or too powerful for your needs, here's a laptop that will also run circles around most games but for $300 cheaper. This Lenovo Legion Pro 7 Gen 8 config is equipped with an RTX 4080 GPU for $2255.99 shipped after coupon codes "BUYMORELENOVO" and "EXTRAFIVE". The RTX 4080 mobile GPU performs about 20%-35% faster than the previous generation RTX 3080 Ti mobile. Compared to desktop variants, the mobile RTX 4080 approaches a performance level similar to the desktop RTX 3070 Ti. The RTX 4080 is actually a huge upgrade from the RTX 4070 so if you're a gamer that wants to use this as your primary rig, then the RTX 4080 is still a very good choice.

Lenovo Back to School Gaming PC Deals

Lenovo Legion 5 RTX 4070 SUPER Gaming PC for $1522.74

Lenovo is offering an Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 gaming PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card for only $1522.74 after coupon codes "BUYMORELENOVO" and "EXTRAFIVE". The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU boasts a max boost clock of 5.3GHz with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 32MB L3 cache. It's cooled by a robust 120mm tower heatsink fan. The RTX 4070 SUPER video card is a significant improvement in performance over the 4070. It's the perfect card for 1440p gaming, where it's about 10%-15% faster than the RTX 4070 or RTX 3080.

Lenovo Legion 7 Gen 8 RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC for $2298.74

This Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 config is one of the most powerful gaming PCs that Lenovo carries on its site currently. It's on sale for RTX 4080 SUPER gaming PC to only $2298.74 after coupon code "EXTRAFIVE". The unlocked 14th gen Intel Core i9-14900KF Raptor Lake "Refresh" CPU boasts a max turbo clock of 6GHz with 24 cores, 32 threads, and a 36MB cache. This is one of the most powerful consumer CPUs on the market right now. It's cooled by a 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler that's better than most DIY enthusiast setups. The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the second most powerful GPU on the market and can easily handle any game at 4K resolution, even at 100+ fps and ray tracing enabled. It's 5%-10% faster in performance than the RTX 4080 thanks to its higher base clock speed, higher CUDA core count, and higher memory bandwidth.

Looking for more gaming PCs? Check out the Alienware Back to School Sale that is running concurrently.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save $300 Off the Lighter and Slimmer 2nd Gen Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopEric Song
    Earlier this year during CES 2024, Dell released its updated second generation Alienware m16 R2 16" RTX 4060 gaming laptop . Today as part of the Back to School Sale, it's on sale for only $1299.99 after $300 in instant savings. The previous m16 R1 excelled at gaming, but it was heavier and bulkier. The new m16 R2 is just as good at gaming, but it's lighter and more compact.Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1299.99The Alienware m16 R2 is lighter and slimmer than the previous generatio
     

Save $300 Off the Lighter and Slimmer 2nd Gen Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 20:35

Earlier this year during CES 2024, Dell released its updated second generation Alienware m16 R2 16" RTX 4060 gaming laptop . Today as part of the Back to School Sale, it's on sale for only $1299.99 after $300 in instant savings. The previous m16 R1 excelled at gaming, but it was heavier and bulkier. The new m16 R2 is just as good at gaming, but it's lighter and more compact.

Alienware m16 R2 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $1299.99

The Alienware m16 R2 is lighter and slimmer than the previous generation m16 R1. The hump behind the display is no longer there, resulting in a 14% reduction in both dimensions and weight. Additionally, the m16 R2 is now equipped with low voltage Intel Meteor Lake CPUs for less power draw and thus less heat and noise. For those of you who didn't like the very noticable RGB bling of the original m16 R1, you can now switch to a more subtle white LED backlighting with a press of a button.

This particular Alienware m16 R2 laptop features a 16" 2560x1600 QHD+ display, the new 14th gen Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is a current-gen Meteor Lake CPU with a Turbo Boost Max clock speed of 4.8GHz with 16 cores, 22 threads, and a 24MB cache. The Core Ultra 7 is the successor to the Intel Core i7 CPU; it offers similar performance while consuming less power, and thus reducing heat and increasing battery life. This is a new processor and future optimizations should only make it faster.

The RTX 4060 sits between the RTX 3070 and the RTX 3070 Ti so it's definitely no slouch in terms of gaming performance. You'll need a decent amount of GPU power to be able to run games smoothly on the display's bumped up QHD+ resolution, so you'll find that having the newest RTX 40 series GPU will come in handy.

Why Pick a Dell or Alienware Gaming Laptop?

Alienware is always one of our top picks. The Alienware m16 made it into our list of best gaming laptops of 2024. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list.

For more deals, check out the best Alienware and Dell gaming deals today.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass Roadmap Revealed Along With Two Story PacksTaylor Lyles
    Star Wars Outlaws is out later this month, and Ubisoft has revealed the road map for those who buy the season pass. Sabacc, pirates, and exclusive day 1 mission await in the Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass. Learn more about the upcoming content here: https://t.co/inRuMpk0qi pic.twitter.com/qupuyrfX9d— Star Wars Outlaws (@StarWarsOutlaws) August 5, 2024 In a blog post, Ubisoft confirmed that the Star Wars Outlaws season pass will include content divided into three release windows. On launch day, se
     

Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass Roadmap Revealed Along With Two Story Packs

5. Srpen 2024 v 20:12

Star Wars Outlaws is out later this month, and Ubisoft has revealed the road map for those who buy the season pass.

Sabacc, pirates, and exclusive day 1 mission await in the Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass. Learn more about the upcoming content here: https://t.co/inRuMpk0qi pic.twitter.com/qupuyrfX9d

— Star Wars Outlaws (@StarWarsOutlaws) August 5, 2024

In a blog post, Ubisoft confirmed that the Star Wars Outlaws season pass will include content divided into three release windows. On launch day, season pass owners will gain access to a character pack and the previously confirmed Jabba's Gambit exclusive mission. Star Wars Outlaws' season pass previously received controversy earlier this year when Ubisoft revealed that it was locking the Jabba above's Gambit mission behind the Season Pass. However, Ubisoft insisted that Jabba the Hutt will be available to all players, not just season pass holders.

More interestingly, Ubisoft confirmed that two DLC story expansions will be released in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, respectively. The first story pack subtitled Wild Card, will see Outlaw's protagonist Kay "hired to infiltrate a high-stakes Sabacc tournament." This story DLC pack will also see Kay cross paths with Star Wars character Lando Calrissian.

The second story, DLC, subtitled A Pirate's Fortune, will have Kay running into an experienced pirate named Hondo Ohnaka, who Ubisoft described as someone "looking to settle old scores with a ruthless gang of pirates."

In our final hands-on preview with Star Wars Outlaws, my colleague Ryan McCaffrey wrote: "Open-world games tend to be jacks-of-all-trades, masters-of-none, and while I'm not sure Outlaws will master any of its gameplay components, it nonetheless not only does them all very well, but it does so with a convincing Star Wars sheen."

Star Wars Outlaws is out on August 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. For more, check out our IGN First coverage from last June, which includes 10 minutes of exclusive gameplay and our piece on how Ubisoft created a brand new canon world for Star Wars: Outlaws.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

  • ✇IGN All
  • John Wick 4 Sequel TV Series Featuring 'Franchise Stalwarts' and 'New Characters' - ReportKat Bailey
    A new John Wick TV series is in development according to Deadline, this one set directly after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4. While it doesn't yet have a home, Lionsgate Television is said to be actively shopping the series to various streaming services.The new show's official logline reads as follows.John Wick has left the world of the High Table in a tenuous position and a collection of new characters will look to make a name for themselves while some of the franchise stalwart characters
     

John Wick 4 Sequel TV Series Featuring 'Franchise Stalwarts' and 'New Characters' - Report

5. Srpen 2024 v 20:09

A new John Wick TV series is in development according to Deadline, this one set directly after the events of John Wick: Chapter 4. While it doesn't yet have a home, Lionsgate Television is said to be actively shopping the series to various streaming services.

The new show's official logline reads as follows.

John Wick has left the world of the High Table in a tenuous position and a collection of new characters will look to make a name for themselves while some of the franchise stalwart characters remain committed to the old-world order. The series will combine new and old and thrust the Wick universe into a new age.

Keanu Reeves is reportedly set to serve as an executive producer on the series, with Robert Levine (Black Sails) serving as the writer and showrunner. John Wick creator Chad Stahelski, who is overseeing the franchise as a whole, will also be involved as a producer.

It's worth noting that John Wick 5 was confirmed to be in development in 2023. It's unclear how John Wick: Under the High Table will connect up with the sequel.

In the meantime, John Wick: Under the High Table is just one of several spinoffs from the acclaimed action series, with films centered on Donnie Yen's Caine and a ballerina out for revenge played by Ana de Armas also in the works. The Continental, a prequel series focusing on Winston Scott (Ian McShane), was released on Peacock in 2023 to middling reviews.

There will certainly be plenty of material for Under the High Table to work with, as John Wick: Part 4 ended on an ambiguous note. Whether or not Mr. Wick ultimately returns, the world he inahabits will live on. For more, check out all the biggest releases of 2024.

Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Olympians Reveal Nerdy Side With Poses From One Piece and Dragon BallAdele Ankers-Range
    Athletes competing at the Paris Olympics 2024 have honored their favorite One Piece and Dragon Ball characters by striking familiar poses.As the globe's greatest athletes continue to compete against one another, anime fans watching from the sides have increasingly found themselves reenacting the Leonardo DiCaprio point meme in real life after recognizing references to popular series like One Piece and Dragon Ball during the summer edition of the Olympic Games.The USA's Noah Lyles, a known Yu-Gi-
     

Olympians Reveal Nerdy Side With Poses From One Piece and Dragon Ball

5. Srpen 2024 v 19:38

Athletes competing at the Paris Olympics 2024 have honored their favorite One Piece and Dragon Ball characters by striking familiar poses.

As the globe's greatest athletes continue to compete against one another, anime fans watching from the sides have increasingly found themselves reenacting the Leonardo DiCaprio point meme in real life after recognizing references to popular series like One Piece and Dragon Ball during the summer edition of the Olympic Games.

The USA's Noah Lyles, a known Yu-Gi-Oh card aficionado, immediately broke into Goku's trademark Dragon Ball Kamehameha pose upon winning Olympics gold in the men's 100M sprint. And he wasn't the only one, as the French fencing team also performed a group Kamehameha in celebration of their bronze medal triumph.

Noah Lyles ONCE AGAIN celebrating an Olympic Medal with Goku's Kamehameha pic.twitter.com/gcUf8wuNem

— Anime Craze (@crazedanime_) August 4, 2024

At the Paris Olympics, the American athlete Payton Otterdahl does Gear 4 pose !

One piece influence is CRAZY pic.twitter.com/BtgGRyXzOd

— Sam (@yonkoluffyszn) August 3, 2024

The French Fencing Team after winning the Bronze did a group Kamehameha.#DragonBall pic.twitter.com/KL38KtpjBb

— SUPER クロニクルス (@SupaChronicles) August 1, 2024

'Dragon Ball' ULTRA INSTINCT AT THE OLYMPICS pic.twitter.com/2uB16KeZVA

— Anime Craze (@crazedanime_) August 4, 2024

Meanwhile, Team USA shot putter Payton Otterdahl paid tribute to One Piece with a memorable entrance at the sporting event that saw him throw out the iconic Gear 4 Luffy pose. One person on X/Twitter noted that the "influence is CRAZY," while another shared the video and remarked: "One Piece is dominating!"

These shoutouts come after the Olympics' competitive shooters won over pop-culture fans, with their effortless style and impressive skills prompting some talented artists to immortalize them as animated action characters. Others used these illustrations to create posters for a mock anime — one aptly titled "Lock On."

I'D HELLA WATCH A ANIME ABOUT THE OLYMPICS CALLED LOCK ON. pic.twitter.com/7CvMWFfRmm

— TPC | KiS (@KeepsitSimple89) August 3, 2024

The Paris Olympics will end on August 11. That means there is just one week left for the world to compete and, inevitably, deliver more viral moments.

Cover image credit: Getty.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Least Expensive GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU Includes an Eye-Catching Spider-Man BackplateEric Song
    Today Amazon is offering a ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB AMP AIRO GPU for only $673.20. This is the least expensive RTX 4070 GPU on Amazon right now, with the next best price going for over $50 more. This particular model is a limited edition Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse collab with themed backplate, tote bag, and more. Even with the release of the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER refresh, the RTX 4070 Ti is still an outstanding card for up to 4K gaming. At this price, it's a much better value too.ZOTA
     

The Least Expensive GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU Includes an Eye-Catching Spider-Man Backplate

Od: Eric Song
5. Srpen 2024 v 19:30

Today Amazon is offering a ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB AMP AIRO GPU for only $673.20. This is the least expensive RTX 4070 GPU on Amazon right now, with the next best price going for over $50 more. This particular model is a limited edition Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse collab with themed backplate, tote bag, and more. Even with the release of the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER refresh, the RTX 4070 Ti is still an outstanding card for up to 4K gaming. At this price, it's a much better value too.

ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU for $673.20

If you wanted to stick with an NVIDIA card, the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is the least expensive GPU we'd recommend for 4K gaming. This is an ideal choice for playing games at 1080p or 1440p at very high framerates, or 4K gaming at 60fps or more. It's a significant upgrade in performance compared to the RTX 4070 and 3080: about 25% improvement in 4K, 20% in 1440p, and 15% in 1080p. It's also considerably more powerful than the RTX 4070 SUPER, which I think is slightly underpowered for 4K gaming.

On the AMD front, at this price the RTX 4070 Ti is even less expensive than the RX 7900 XT ($690 on Amazon). A big advantage that the RTX 4070 Ti holds over any of the AMD cards is its support for DLSS 3.0, which offers a rather significant boost in frame rate for games that support as well as superior ray tracing performance. Ray tracing isn't really a viable option for lower end cards, but the RTX 4070 Ti has enough horsepower that you could run ray tracing while still maintaining good framerates.

This ZOTAC "AMP AIRO" variant features a rugged triple fan active cooling with an eye-catching magnetic Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse backplate. The metal backplate itself features a passthrough design that allows one of the fans to flow through for ambient air movement. As a side effect, it also helps to cool some of your motherboard components. The ports on this particular GPU are 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI 2.1. This model is also slightly overclocked out of the box.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Daily Deals: PlayStation VR2, Returnal, Demon's Souls, and MoreNoah Hunter
    The weekend is finally here, and new deals have popped up. This time, most of the major deals are for PlayStation 5, as Sony is currently hosting its Back to School sale. Today is your last chance to score on these deals before they're gone. The best deals for Saturday, August 3, include PSVR2, PS5 Slim, Persona 5 Tactica, Returnal, Demon's Souls, and more.PSVR2 for $349.99You can score a new PlayStation VR2 headset for a record-low $349.99 right now at Amazon. This VR headset has all sorts of h
     

Daily Deals: PlayStation VR2, Returnal, Demon's Souls, and More

3. Srpen 2024 v 17:17

The weekend is finally here, and new deals have popped up. This time, most of the major deals are for PlayStation 5, as Sony is currently hosting its Back to School sale. Today is your last chance to score on these deals before they're gone. The best deals for Saturday, August 3, include PSVR2, PS5 Slim, Persona 5 Tactica, Returnal, Demon's Souls, and more.

PSVR2 for $349.99

You can score a new PlayStation VR2 headset for a record-low $349.99 right now at Amazon. This VR headset has all sorts of high-end features, including a 110-degree FOV, 4K HDR visuals, eye tracking, and more. Plus, the PC Adapter is set to release in just a few days, which will allow you to play Steam VR titles through the PSVR2 headset. While it's certainly a tough buy if you play exclusively on PS5, the PSVR2 can make for an excellent PC headset, especially at this price.

Save $50 Off a PS5 Slim Console

Alongside deals on games and PSVR2, you can also save on a PlayStation 5 Slim! Both the Disc and Digital versions are available on sale for $50 off, which is likely the best deal you can grab outside of the Holiday season. If you've been thinking about picking up a PS5 for College Football 25 or the upcoming Astro Bot, now is an amazing time to save $50 and grab a new system.

Demon's Souls for $29.99

Demon's Souls has returned to an all-time low with the PlayStation Back to School sale. For $29.99, you can expirence this Bluepoint Games remake of one of FromSoftware's most memorable titles. Since this title is only on PlayStation 5, you won't be able to play Demon's Souls on PC or other platforms. Slay the demons and explore the world of Boletaria like never before.

Persona 5 Tactica for $19.99

Amazon has Persona 5 Tactica listed for $19.99, matching the all-time low for this title. This action-packed adventure takes the Phantom Thieves into a new adventure with tactical combat. If you enjoyed Persona 5 Royal or Persona 5 Strikers, P5 Tactica should be a game on your radar. Erina, a character new to the series, is a great addition to an already amazing cast of characters.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for $49.99

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is also on sale, priced now at $49.99. This matches the previous low, which occurred during the Days of Play sale earlier this year. Spider-Man 2 features both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as playable characters, with a whole new area of New York to explore. You can swing through the city with new suit abilities like Web Wings and take down criminals all around. You'll need to be prepared, as both Kraven the Hunter and the symbiote Venom are prepared to take you down and rule over NYC.

Save 57% Off Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was one of the first major PlayStation 5 titles, releasing in June 2021. This title featured Rivet for the first time, another Lombax who exists in the universe. Together, Rivet and Ratchet must work to take down Doctor Nefarious and save the galaxy once again. With the classic action gameplay and new features, Rift Apart is an excellent platform you should play if you are a fan of the genre.

God of War Ragnarok for $39.99

Years later, God of War Ragnarok is still one of the best PS5 games you can pick up. This action game acts as the sequel to 2018's God of War, following Kratos and Atreus as Fimbulwinter looms. If you've yet to play this game, this is a great time to pick up Ragnarok at a discount and see why so many players love this series. $39.99 is a fantastic price, and you're not likely to see anything lower outside of major holiday sales toward the end of the year.

Returnal for $29.99

Returnal is also on sale this weekend as part of Sony's Back to School sale. This challenging shooter features a procedural world that changes at every death. To date, this is still one the most tactical games you can buy on PS5, with dozens of hours of action awaiting. At $29.99, it's not likely that we'll see this title go much lower, if at all.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition on Sale for $39.99

Amazon has Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition listed for $39.99, which is one of the lowest prices we've seen. This is an amazing deal since you're essentially getting both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Spider-Man Remastered for under $20 each. Both rarely go on sale for that low, so this is your best option to pick up these games.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Dress to Impress Codes (August 2024)Meg Koepp
    If you're looking for DTI codes, IGN's got you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Dress to Impress codes in August 2024 that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses.Dress to Impress is a popular dress-up Roblox experience where you put on your best outfits and walk the runway in a bid to become a top model on PC, console, and mobile devices.Active Dress to Impress Codes (August 2024)Here are all the active Dress to Impress codes in August 2024 and the rewards
     

Dress to Impress Codes (August 2024)

Od: Meg Koepp
3. Srpen 2024 v 12:00

If you're looking for DTI codes, IGN's got you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Dress to Impress codes in August 2024 that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses.

Dress to Impress is a popular dress-up Roblox experience where you put on your best outfits and walk the runway in a bid to become a top model on PC, console, and mobile devices.

Active Dress to Impress Codes (August 2024)

Here are all the active Dress to Impress codes in August 2024 and the rewards you get for redeeming them:

  • THEGAMES (must complete all three The Games quests): Blue mermaid set
  • KREEK: Bear hat
  • FASHION: Black and white dress
  • LANA: White shorts, shirt, and legwarmers
  • LANABOW: White bow
  • BELALASLAY: Black jacket with pink halter top
  • LALATUTU: White dress
  • IBELLASLAY: Red, green, and blonde hairstyle
  • M3RM4ID: Orange mermaid set
  • TEKKYOOZ: White handbag
  • M0T0PRINCESSWAV: Gold crown
  • LABOOTS: Black boots
  • ITSJUSTNICHOLAS: Black jacket
  • ASHLEYBUNNI: Bunny slippers
  • LEAHASHE: Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • CHOOPIE10K: Pastel dress and lamb bag
  • KITTYUUHH: Black cat
  • C4LLMEHH4LEY: Puffy dress and bear headband
  • SUBM15CY: Necklace and makeup

Expired Dress to Impress Codes

Below, you'll find a list of expired DTI codes that no longer work as of August 2024:

  • EYELASHES

How to Redeem Dress to Impress Codes

To redeem Dress to Impress codes, follow the steps below to claim free rewards in DTI:

  1. Open Dress to Impress and click on the handbag icon on the right-hand side to open the DTI Codes menu.
  2. Enter your code in the "Type here..." field.
  3. Click the checkmark icon to redeem the code.

Why Isn't My Dress to Impress Code Working?

If the code you're trying to redeem in DTI isn't working, it's likely because of one of the two following reasons:

  • The Dress to Impress code is expired
  • There's a spelling mistake in the code

When inputting a Dress to Impress code in Roblox, make sure it's spelled correctly (for example, a capital I isn't a lowercase l and vice versa) and that there are no spaces before or after the code. If your DTI code still isn't working, it's more than likely expired.

How to Get More DTI Codes

To get more Dress to Impress codes, the best way is to join the DTI Discord server. While we check for new codes often, the quickest way to know about new Dress to Impress codes is to follow the Roblox experience's official Discord server.

Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her adventuring around Eorzea in Final Fantasy XIV or making miniatures.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Hunter Era Codes (August 2024)Meg Koepp
    If you're looking for Hunter Era codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Hunter Era codes in August 2024 that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses. Hunter Era is a popular Hunter x Hunter-themed Roblox experience in which you fight and grow your skills to become the very best hunter on PC, mobile, and console.Active Hunter Era Codes (August 2024)Here are all the active Hunter Era codes in August 2024 and the rewards you get for redeeming them:
     

Hunter Era Codes (August 2024)

Od: Meg Koepp
3. Srpen 2024 v 11:00

If you're looking for Hunter Era codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Hunter Era codes in August 2024 that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses.

Hunter Era is a popular Hunter x Hunter-themed Roblox experience in which you fight and grow your skills to become the very best hunter on PC, mobile, and console.

Active Hunter Era Codes (August 2024)

Here are all the active Hunter Era codes in August 2024 and the rewards you get for redeeming them:

  • 35klikes: 10x Skill Spins, 10x Nen Color Spins, 10x Hatsu Spins, 10x Family Spins
  • Update2: 15x Skill Spins, 15x Nen Color Spins, 15x Hatsu Spins, 15x Family Spins
  • FunzyLabs: 10x Skill Spins, 10x Nen Color Spins, 10x Hatsu Spins
  • AmineGuyOnTop: 5x Skill Spins, 5x Nen Color Spins, 5x Hatsu Spins
  • LabsEra: 10x Skill Spins, 10x Nen Color Spins, 10x Hatsu Spins
  • howtfitagain: 2.2x EXP for two hours and five minutes

Expired Hunter Era Codes

Below, you'll find a list of expired Hunter Era codes that are no longer working in August 2024:

  • negativeexp
  • leorioop
  • GenthruOp
  • 30klikes
  • ReworkIslands
  • Update1
  • hunterexam
  • 4klikes
  • 6klikes

How to Redeem Hunter Era Codes

To redeem Hunter Era codes, follow the steps below:

  1. Open Hunter Era and press the M key to access the main menu.
  2. Click on Configs to open the Settings menu.
  3. You'll see a code redemption field at the bottom of the screen. Paste your code into the "Enter Codes" field.
  4. Double check the code is inputted correctly, and then click "REDEEM" to redeem your Hunter Era code.

Why Isn't My Hunter Era Code Working?

If the Hunter Era code you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to two possible reasons:

  • The Hunter Era code is expired.
  • There's a typo in the Hunter Era code.

When inputting a Hunter Era code into Roblox, ensure it's spelled correctly and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If it still isn't working, the code is probably expired.

How to Get More Hunter Era Codes

To get more Hunter Era codes yourself, the two best ways are:

  • Check the Hunter Era Roblox experience page
  • Join the Hunter Era Discord server

While we check for new codes often, the quickest way to know about new Hunter Era codes is to follow the experience's official Discord server, where you can set your notification preferences for new codes.

Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her adventuring around Eorzea in Final Fantasy XIV or making miniatures.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Avowed Delayed to February 2025 to 'Give Players' Backlogs Some Breathing Room'Adam Bankhurst
    Xbox has announced that it is delaying Avowed from later in 2024 to February 18, 2025, to "give players' backlogs some breathing room."Xbox shared the news on X/Twitter alongside a graphic showing all of its currently announced first party Xbox games. "So many games coming! As such, we're moving Avowed to Feb 18, 2025, to give players' backlogs some breathing room," Xbox wrote. "Stay tuned for more from our games across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda & Xbox Game Studios at gamescom, includin
     

Avowed Delayed to February 2025 to 'Give Players' Backlogs Some Breathing Room'

3. Srpen 2024 v 00:19

Xbox has announced that it is delaying Avowed from later in 2024 to February 18, 2025, to "give players' backlogs some breathing room."

Xbox shared the news on X/Twitter alongside a graphic showing all of its currently announced first party Xbox games.

"So many games coming! As such, we're moving Avowed to Feb 18, 2025, to give players' backlogs some breathing room," Xbox wrote. "Stay tuned for more from our games across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda & Xbox Game Studios at gamescom, including our Aug 23 livestream for a look at Avowed."

So many games coming! As such, we're moving Avowed to Feb 18, 2025 to give players’ backlogs some breathing room.

Stay tuned for more from our games across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda & Xbox Game Studios at gamescom, including our Aug 23 livestream for a look at Avowed:… pic.twitter.com/3RnyVwlHRa

— Xbox (@Xbox) August 2, 2024

The current release schedule for all of these games is as follows;

  • World of Warcraft: The War Within - August 26, 2024
  • Age of Mythology: Retold - September 4, 2024
  • Ara: History Untold - September 24, 2024
  • Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred - October 8, 2024
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - October 25, 2024
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - November 19, 2024
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - 2024 TBA
  • Starfield: Shattered Space - 2024 TBA
  • TowerBorne - 2024 TBA
  • Avowed - February 18, 2025
  • South of Midnight - 2025
  • Doom: The Dark Ages - 2025
  • Fable - 2025
  • And More...

Avowed was originally planned to be released in Fall 2024. In June, a blog post accidentally revealed a new date of November 12, 2024, but it was quickly deleted as it appeared to not be set in stone.

Avowed got a new story trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase in June, and a 30-minute gameplay deep dive followed shortly after. The lengthy gameplay showed both first and third-person gameplay in the world of Eora and showcased some of the magical tools players will access to in the RPG.

With Avowed out of the way for now, you can check out what other games to focus on in our look The Biggest Games of August 2024 and beyond. Additionally, you can also check out the rest of Xbox's gamescom plans right here.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Discover New Collectibles for Warhammer, Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and More at IGN Store!Noah Hunter
    Each Friday, we round up the latest items at IGN Store! This week, the newest items include two new Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Custom Controllers, Gen Con 2024 Exclusive Dice Sets, and new Elden Ring and Bloodborne books. Additionally, the hottest items of the week include a new figma of Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Skippy Gel Blaster from Cyberpunk 2077, the Fallout TV Series 2LP Vinyl, and Shirt Club #6 - Elden Dog. Lastly, the Solo Leveling Season 1 Viny
     

Discover New Collectibles for Warhammer, Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and More at IGN Store!

2. Srpen 2024 v 23:40

Each Friday, we round up the latest items at IGN Store! This week, the newest items include two new Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Custom Controllers, Gen Con 2024 Exclusive Dice Sets, and new Elden Ring and Bloodborne books. Additionally, the hottest items of the week include a new figma of Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Skippy Gel Blaster from Cyberpunk 2077, the Fallout TV Series 2LP Vinyl, and Shirt Club #6 - Elden Dog. Lastly, the Solo Leveling Season 1 Vinyl and the 1/2 Scale Assassin's Creed Ezio are set to leave IGN Store very soon. Don't miss any of these amazing products!

What's New: Warhammer, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Controllers

Calling all Warhammer fans: IGN Store now has two custom controllers ahead of next month's Space Marine 2 release! Each controller features artwork from Focus Entertainment's upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 game. If you're excited for Space Marine 2, this is the perfect item for you!

Gen Con 2024 Exclusive Dice Sets

IGN Store managed to snag a few exclusive Gen Con 2024 dice sets! Three items are available: the Gen Con 2024 Ice Dragon Inclusion Sharp Edge Set, the Gen Con 2024 Blacklight Dice Tray, and the Gen Con 2024 Liquid Core UV Reactive Dice. Quantities are extremely limited, as these items are only available at IGN Store and Gen Con!

Elden Ring & Bloodborne Books

Two new books based off hit FromSoft games are now available to pre-order at IGN Store. First, a new book guide based on Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is here! This book features every single item mapped out across the map, with a new map featuring each of the hidden routes you can take in your journey. The other book up for pre-order is perfect for any Bloodborne fan. This complete edition title includes every secret you can ever discover within one of PS4's most popular titles.

What's Hot: Zelda, Cyberpunk 2077, Fallout, and Elden Ring

The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf figma - Action Figure

Tears of the Kingdom fans, the ultimate figma is now available to pre-order at IGN Store. The King has revived, and this figma captures all kinds of details on Ganondorf, including his weapons. Some of the optional parts include the Gloom Sword, Scabbard, Gloom Spear, Demon King's Bow, and more. This figma is set to ship out in September 2025.

Cyberpunk 2077 Skippy Gel Blaster Deluxe Edition

This week, one of the hottest items at IGN Store was the Cyberpunk 2077 Skippy Gel Blaster. This blaster from Zing Toys has numerous features to create the ultimate replica you won't want to miss. First, the blaster features push button voice activation utilizing voice lines from the Cyberpunk 2077 game. These sound bytes make it seem like the blaster really is alive. Additionally, a light up stand is hidden in the charging station, illuminating the Cyberpunk 2077 logo.

Fallout - Original Amazon Series Soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi 2 LP - Vinyl

Next, the Fallout Original Amazon Series Soundtrack 2LP vinyl is back in stock and shipping now! This set includes one Opaque Canary Yellow LP and one Opaque Sky Blue LP, with a total of 21 tracks across the two. Composed by Ramin Djawad, this soundtrack is one you do not want to miss!

Elden Dog - Shirt Club #6

The next tee in the IGN Shirt Club line is here: the Elden Dog! If you're struggling through Shadow of the Erdtree, this shirt is the perfect way to carry a man's best friend right alongside you for support on the journey. IGN Shirt Club tees are exclusive to IGN Store, with free shipping to anywhere in the United States. Each design is only available for a limited time, and any purchase of Shirt Club #6 will net you an exclusive discount on Shirt #7.

What's Leaving: Solo Leveling and Assassin's Creed

Solo Leveling - Original Series Soundtrack 2 LP - Vinyl

The official Solo Leveling Original Series Soundtrack Vinyl is now available to pre-order! This 2LP set contains 19 tracks that were used in the first season of the hit anime. Each translucent blue vinyl is sure to be a standout in your collection. As of now, this vinyl is set to ship out in early September, so be sure to get your pre-orders in now!

Assassin's Creed - Ezio Auditore 1/2 Scale Prestige Line - Statue

A massive 1/2 scale figure of Ezio Auditore from PureArts is now available to pre-order at IGN Store. This figure features a polyresin cast body with realistic silicone skin and glass eyes. Additionally, the clothing is hand-made, with details, down to the stitching, matching that found in the game. Only 500 units are available to purchase, so don't miss out on this highly collectible figure!

About IGN Store

IGN Store sells high-quality merch, collectibles and shirts for everything you're into. It's a shop built with fans in mind; for all the geek culture and fandom you love most. So, whether you're into comics, movies, anime, games, retro gaming or just want some cute plushies (who doesn't?); this store is for you!

  • ✇IGN All
  • How a Murder Mystery Tabletop Game Managed to Outsell MonopolyChris Reed
    If you were called on to guess the best-selling tabletop games on Amazon, you’d probably opt for a household name like Monopoly, or one of its exhausting catalog of identikit variants. Much of the time – sales numbers vary day by day, of course – you’d not only be wrong, but likely astonished to learn that Monopoly, Scrabble and a host of other well-worn names are regularly outsold by a humble series of murder mystery games called Cryptic Killers. "Our bestselling game, Murder of a Millionaire,
     

How a Murder Mystery Tabletop Game Managed to Outsell Monopoly

2. Srpen 2024 v 22:30

If you were called on to guess the best-selling tabletop games on Amazon, you’d probably opt for a household name like Monopoly, or one of its exhausting catalog of identikit variants. Much of the time – sales numbers vary day by day, of course – you’d not only be wrong, but likely astonished to learn that Monopoly, Scrabble and a host of other well-worn names are regularly outsold by a humble series of murder mystery games called Cryptic Killers.

"Our bestselling game, Murder of a Millionaire, has consistently been above Monopoly’s classic board game for quite some time," says Andrew Hobbs, co-inventor of the series. "We’re super proud to be up there amongst the big guys." It also made IGN's list of best murder mystery games.

Perhaps even more astonishing is the fact that this sales behemoth arose from a chance holiday meeting. "Luke Stephenson and I met each other at the beach bar in Mexico, over a beer back in 2012," Hobbs continues. "When the holiday came to an end, we added each other on Facebook and left it there. We both thought we’d never see each other again."

Fate, however, had other ideas. Both men were fond of keeping notebooks to scribble down ideas and inventions when inspiration struck, and it was something that came back to them five years later when they considered starting a business together. Hobbs picks up the tales. “Fast forward a couple more years, and we found ourselves enjoying a few detective style games during the pandemic,” he continues. "We both believed that we could do a great job of creating our own range of games in this genre, so we got to work, and Cryptic Killers was born."

Even at the height of lockdown, however, murder mystery was already a crowded genre, and the games needed a selling point to help them stand out from the crowd. They turned to another in-vogue genre for inspiration. “We knew that true crime on Netflix, Amazon and the like is extremely popular,” Hobbs explains. “We wanted to mimic the type of feeling that you get after watching a great crime documentary, and we knew that if we could do that, we’d be onto something.”

We knew that true crime on Netflix, Amazon and the like is extremely popular

But they also put a lot of thought into how to make sure the game started and remained compelling as players worked their way through the evidence. "Our cases contain multiple suspects with different motives, and players get a sense of achievement each time they’re able to eliminate one of the suspects, so rather than having one win at the end of the game, you have multiple “mini wins” throughout the experience," Hobbs explains. He’s tapping into what psychologists call a feedback loop, where you achieve a small gain and immediately feel like you want to put your new knowledge into practice. It’s pleasurable and addictive, and is one reason why some games have that "one more turn" feeling, but it’s unusual to find it in a murder mystery.

Their initial design, Murder of a Millionaire tasked players with identifying the killer of an unlucky lottery winner from a cast of well-drawn characters, using a varied case file of evidence that included photographs, witness statements and ephemera such as train timetables and newspaper clippings. Solving the case called for a surprising variety of skills, from logical deduction, through puzzle solving and into the good, old-fashioned grunt work of picking out tiny details from images and reams of text.

The amount of information involved can make it feel like the game is best suited to a solo sleuth who can digest it all and not have to repeat reams of text for the benefit of a group, but Hobbs believes a small team works best. “The games encourage conversation,” he observes. “Most games have you competing against your peers; our games are the opposite, needing collaborative play. People digest the information differently to one another. This means that one person may pick up on a clue that someone else didn’t.” The breadth of different approaches required to solve the case also support the group approach, as it benefits from a range of skill sets.

While the case presented was thorough and compelling, some of the image work had room for improvement, even if it was supposed to represent the grainy images of CCTV. That’s partly because the intrepid designers had to literally do it all themselves. "Luke and I both appear as characters in the games because we didn’t have the luxury of being able to hire actors and professional sets," Hobbs laughs. "It is actually Luke’s wife who is laying in a puddle of blood in the crime scene photos from Murder of a Millionaire. As our games have evolved, and budgets have since increased, we’ve been able to invest more time and money into developing higher quality assets."

There were also elements of it that felt like a stretch, such as the idea that the investigating detective would just pass over their notes to a colleague, with no verbal explanation, and leaving them without essential information such as a password, which is one of the game’s opening puzzles. “We created a scenario that was possible, even if it wasn’t probable,” Hobbs explains. “The implausible often adds an element of fun or intrigue to the storyline. Take the story of Ted Bundy. He escaped from custody not once, but twice. He also represented himself in court, and proposed to his girlfriend while she was on the witness stand. If that didn’t seem implausible enough, some of the evidence in the case had been mishandled or lost during the investigation too!”

Leveraging a password as the basis for a puzzle also allowed the designers to explore new avenues of play, adding an online element to the experience. “It makes the games more interactive, more immersive, and allows us to introduce different types of media into the game such as video and audio,” says Hobbs. “It also helps with staging the game play. Sometimes you want players to read a piece of information in a certain order to lead their mind in a certain direction, and that’s not always easy to do if you hand over a case file of evidence where they can read it in any order they wish.”

Murder of a Millionaire sold well initially, but its real success came after a fan featured it on TikTok, showcasing the growing power of that platform to market long-playing tabletop games, despite its short-form video format. "When we first went viral on TikTok, we didn’t even have an account there," Hobbs recalls. "Sales went through the roof and have remained that way ever since. I remember calling Luke, saying we needed to be on TikTok, and we ended up in the early hours of the morning pulling together bits and pieces to set up the account. We are extremely grateful to everyone that posts about us on social media, it really helps small companies like us."

When we first went viral on TikTok, we didn’t even have an account there

From that initial explosion, Cryptic Killers has become a diverse range of mystery modules with a dedicated fan base who like to swap completed scenarios with each other once the solution is out. Hobbs is happier about this than you might imagine. "It hearkens back to the old discussion of whether libraries are a good thing for book authors," he observes. "If someone shares one with a friend, there’s always a chance that friend will come back to buy another one of our cases for themselves. It also helps us to build our community of loyal detectives, and encourages more word of mouth marketing. One way other companies have gotten round this is to create game assets that must be destroyed as part of the playing process. That’s not a route we wanted to go down."

Further scenarios have led to Hobbs and Stephenson looking to add new elements to the gameplay to keep things fresh for fans. One thing they’ve become renowned for is a sense of theatricality, which was missing in their first games. “We’ve added more drama to each of the stories, heightened by introducing unique methods of murder, such as a poisoned saxophone reed,” says Hobbs. “Our later releases are themed to different decades, like the 1920s or the 1960s. This allows us to change up the type of evidence in each of the games.”

Of course, as the games have gone on, Hobbs has particular favorites from the titles he’s worked on. “My personal favorite is Murder at Merivale Manor,” he reveals. “It’s the case set in the 1920s, but you’re trying to solve the case in the present day.” But in terms of individual puzzles, he’s most proud of the double-whammy in Murder in Market Hill. “There is a big plot twist to the game and this particular puzzle incorporates two different puzzles that need to be solved to get to the answer,” he continues. "But I can’t say too much more without giving the game away!"

Despite the popularity of their murder mystery series, Hobbs is aware that he and Stephenson need to explore new territory to keep things fresh. But he’s staying as tight-lipped about what that might involve as he is about his precious puzzles, saying only that there’ll be a new case file soon, followed by the Cryptic Killers range “diversifying” into new areas. Fans of the series will have to do their own sleuthing if they want to try and figure out what that might mean.

Matt Thrower is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in tabletop games. You can reach him on BlueSky at @mattthr.bsky.social.

  • ✇IGN All
  • WWE SummerSlam 2024 Preview and Predictions | Wrestling Wrap UpMatt Fowler
    SummerSlam is mere days away so I’m spittin’ out a nitty gritty ditty all about the “Biggest Party of the Summer” or whatever the tagline was back when the posters used to be Santino on a roller coaster, eyes crossed, looking like he was gonna barf. In two years this event’s going to be two nights, in Minneapolis, so this is a gently special occasion. We don’t know if next year’s ‘Slam will one or two nights. The 2025 Indianapolis deal is weird since it’s, like, they get Royal Rumble 2025 and th
     

WWE SummerSlam 2024 Preview and Predictions | Wrestling Wrap Up

2. Srpen 2024 v 22:28

SummerSlam is mere days away so I’m spittin’ out a nitty gritty ditty all about the “Biggest Party of the Summer” or whatever the tagline was back when the posters used to be Santino on a roller coaster, eyes crossed, looking like he was gonna barf.

In two years this event’s going to be two nights, in Minneapolis, so this is a gently special occasion. We don’t know if next year’s ‘Slam will one or two nights. The 2025 Indianapolis deal is weird since it’s, like, they get Royal Rumble 2025 and then “a two-night SummerSlam and two-night WrestleMania in future years.” So it’s not all three happening in one year. Which leaves ‘Slam ‘25 still open.

My point is that, wherever next year's Slam is, this just might be the final one-night SummerSlam ever, so we should raise our glasses accordingly. A triumphant toast to a lean seven-match card that will be over at a reasonable time for most since it’s EST. And hometown homeslice Miz is hosting so he’ll keep that s*** tight.

It’ll be as easy as a Cleveland…I dunno. I don’t know Cleveland sayings. F*** you? No, that’s every city’s motto. Does Cleveland have a type of food? Like, some weird omelet? A sandwich? A sauce? Is the pizza just tomato soup ice cubes? Anyway, I love cities. I grew up in a major city. My favorite part is when something happens the people are like “Only in [this city].” And it’s just someone being odd or angry.

Okay, so you know how this goes: Some dumb thoughts on each match and then my winner pick followed by the almighty Opposite Momentum pick (which isn’t always calculable if there’s no clear go-home TV violence)...

SummerSlam 2024 Preview and Predictions

Sami Zayn (Intercontinental Champion) vs. Bron Breakker

Given Bron’s big push I can’t readily see Sami Zayn beating him twice. Heck, Zayn’s first victory, at MITB, even surprised me. So I’m going with Bron. And with Sami getting a win over Dominik on RAW, OM is going with Bron too.

Winner: Bron Breakker

OM Pick: Bron Breakker

Logan Paul (United States Champion) vs. LA Knight

Believe it or not, there are even more reasons to boo Logan Paul these days, outside of his natural heel-bilities. And at this point, there’s no one propped up enough to beat this part-timer aside from LA Knight, who still has not seen true dividends since his meteoric rise a year ago. So if Knight can’t do the job then…who? Jay Uso? If he somehow has an interbrand feud with Paul?

Once, there may have been value to keeping the strap on Paul, just for his villainous virtues, but he’s slowly proving to be more PR trouble than he’s worth. Going with Knight here.

Yeah.

Based on SmackDown though, where Paul's Primemoble got stolen by Knight, he's keeping the gold.

Winner: LA Knight

OM Pick: Logan Paul

Damian Priest (World Heavyweight Championship) vs. Gunther

This is a tricky one because Damian Priest’s fate is sort of also tied to Rhea Ripley’s, from a “leaders of The Judgement Day” standpoint. These two came out of ‘Mania 40 with the gold and had only one week together as top dawgs. Will WWE want to reclaim that, and mend the oft-fractured Judgement Day?

There are a dozen ways to go here. Firstly, there could be a DQ and these two could get a rematch. Secondly, Judgement Day could turn on Priest and align with Gunther. Or Liv Morgan. Or both. Priest’s story is that he hasn’t had a clean title defense, despite his wanting to prove he can go it alone. Will this be that clean win? Or will he have to ditch Judgement Day to do this?

The fascistic-coded European criticizing the Puerto Rican "street kid" angle juuuuust barely veers away from being totally icky and it’s helped build up this match in a short period of time. But while Gunther is definitely a future World Champm I think Priest takes this one. Somehow. If he loses, it will probably be because his goons turn on him.

The OM Gods were keeping an eye on Priest beating Gunther’s ass as Raw went off the air, however.

Winner: Damian Priest

OM Pick: Gunther

Liv Morgan (Women's World Champion) vs. Rhea Ripley

Will this mark the end of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour? Or does Liv have one more trick up her sleeve? Is her bitter “breakup” with Dominik all a ruse or is he truly back with Mami (a victory for line cooks everywhere).

I’d like to think Dom’s playing Rhea for a fool and that there’s more value now in Rhea chasing Liv a bit longer. Once, it seemed like Liv may have won over Finn and JD, given their tag team title win, but that ploy hasn’t really been explored any further. Still, I think Dom’s being extra dirty these days and since Liv was a crying, spiteful mess on Raw, the OM overlords are giving this one to her too.

Winner: Liv Morgan

OM Pick: Liv Morgan

Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Championship) vs. Solo Sikoa

The new Bloodline has a ton of talent but Solo, as a usurper, doesn’t have the magnetism of a Roman Reigns. Part of that’s the whole point, but it just seems super-duper doubtful that he’s ending Cody’s run. Solo’s a good, solid adversary for Cody, as the Bloodline still continues on as a beatdown squad, but his main eventer story ends when Roman returns - which may, in fact, be at SummerSlam (especially now that the match is Bloodline Rules). The Bloodline’s big MITB win may have set up this bout, but it didn’t set up a Solo Sikoa victory.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

OM Pick: n/a just an in-ring promo segment, but the Bloodline winning the tag titles gives the OM Pick to Cody

Bayley (WWE Women's Championship) vs. Nia Jax

Sadly, this title match feels lost in the shuffle, though the added Tiffany/MITB contract aspect makes it a bit more intriguing. I feel like I need to watch this week’s SmackDown to get a better handle on this one but overall it just feels like a hard-fought Bayley win, with some Tiffany shenanigans. I’ve already picked my title changes so Bayley’s safe…for now

Winner: Bayley

OM Pick: n/a just a video package, though Nia did give Tiffany a pink MITB case...

CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (special guest ref: Seth Rollins)

Everyone hates everyone in this match and I’d really love to give this one to Drew McIntyre, given how much great work he’s done for the last eight months, practically carrying this feud while Punk’s been on the shelf, but...I just can’t see Punk losing his first one-on-one match in WWE in a decade.

But man, I reaalllly want to give it to Drew. I don’t think I’ve rooted this much for a HEEL to get payback in forever.

Of course, if Drew loses, Seth’s there to take the blame. And the same goes for Punk. Seth’s the buffer here, to protect whoever takes the “L” but regardless of the outcome, let’s give it up for this match in general. This feud. This build. There are four title matches at SummerSlam but this is the “main event.” I hope it goes on last. I think when grudge matches are this big and fun they can close out a show.

One finish could have been the Wyatt Sicks coming in and demolishing everyone, setting up an uneasy alliance between Drew, Punk, and Seth that takes us to Survivor Series but they’re not fighting Gable and the Creed Brothers at SummerSlam. They’ve got ‘em on Raw which means they need to remain babyfaces until then. Right?

Winner: CM Punk

OM Pick: n/a it’s was just a three-way promo (but will Seth remember that he promised never to let Punk get his revenge?)

I put some polls up throughout this whole piece, so vote with your hearts, heads, and whatever other biological region you feel is valid. And sound off below if you’ve got big grownup emotions about the card and whatnot.

KNEELIFT!

Watch wrestling!

  • ✇IGN All
  • A New Darksiders Game Has Just Been Revealed: 'Be Prepared to Ride Again...'Adam Bankhurst
    A brand-new Darksiders has just been revealed at the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, and while we didn't learn much, we do know that we should all "be prepared to ride again..."As detailed by PlayStation.Blog, the currently untitled Darksiders project was given a brief teaser trailer that takes place in a fiery "chamber impossibly old." In this chamber, there are "three colossal stone heads, suddenly set ablaze with otherworldly flames. The Charred Council awake, and roar a single word in unison: H
     

A New Darksiders Game Has Just Been Revealed: 'Be Prepared to Ride Again...'

2. Srpen 2024 v 22:19

A brand-new Darksiders has just been revealed at the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, and while we didn't learn much, we do know that we should all "be prepared to ride again..."

As detailed by PlayStation.Blog, the currently untitled Darksiders project was given a brief teaser trailer that takes place in a fiery "chamber impossibly old." In this chamber, there are "three colossal stone heads, suddenly set ablaze with otherworldly flames. The Charred Council awake, and roar a single word in unison: Horseman."

Darksiders fans will remember the Charred Council as a trio who keeps balance in the universe and prevents one being from becoming too powerful.

As those familiar with the franchise know, the Darksiders franchise stars the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. 2010's Darksiders starred War, 2012's Darksiders II featured Death, 2018's Darksiders III put players in Fury's shoes, and Darksiders Genesis let players control Strife (and War!).

Could this game bring all Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse together for one grand adventure? Or will this be another spin-off title like Darksiders Genesis? We shouldn't have too long to wait to find out, as THQ Nordic said it will have more to "share on where the world of Darksiders is going soon."

This new Darksiders project was just one of the reveals from the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, and it joined an unannounced Tarsier Studios title, Way of the Hunter: Lintukoto Reserve, the Gothic Remake, Titan Quest 2, Wreckfest 2, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Space For Sale, and The Eternal Life of Goldman.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Enter to Win a Custom Spin Rhythm XD PS5 Console and More on IGN RewardsNoah Hunter
    Are you looking for the opportunity to win new games, consoles, and accessories? Look no further than IGN Rewards! Multiple new giveaways and deals are now available for members this July! If you're not familiar with IGN Rewards, it's a platform free for all registered IGN users. You can enter into new giveaways each month, claim exclusive discounts, and so much more!This month, you can enter to win a custom Spin Rhythm XD PS5 Console, a custom Tohou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- Steam Deck, and a
     

Enter to Win a Custom Spin Rhythm XD PS5 Console and More on IGN Rewards

2. Srpen 2024 v 22:14

Are you looking for the opportunity to win new games, consoles, and accessories? Look no further than IGN Rewards! Multiple new giveaways and deals are now available for members this July! If you're not familiar with IGN Rewards, it's a platform free for all registered IGN users. You can enter into new giveaways each month, claim exclusive discounts, and so much more!

This month, you can enter to win a custom Spin Rhythm XD PS5 Console, a custom Tohou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- Steam Deck, and a Cat Quest III Cat Companion Bundle! Check out all the available IGN Rewards for July 2024 below, and be sure to enter before these giveaways close.

Note: Giveaways are exclusive to accounts based in the United States unless noted otherwise.

A Custom Spin Rhythm XD PS5 Console Could Be Yours!

To celebrate the release of the new Spin Rhythm XD DLC, IGN is excited to give away one custom-skinned PlayStation 5 Slim Disc console! Spin Rhythm XD is inspired by classic rhythm titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution, offering a classic experience with fresh new ideas. The game offers fluid, analog-inspired controls with reactive backgrounds as you progress through each handmade level. This giveaway is set to end on August 13 at 12 PM PST.

Win a Custom Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- Steam Deck!

Tohou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- follows famous Tohou protagonist Reimu Hakurei as she faces threats against her shrine. It's up to you to solve the mystery behind these threats and determine the source. One Grand Prize Winner will receive a 256GB LCD Steam Deck, a custom skin, and one Steam key of the game. Additionally, four runner ups will be selected and win one Steam key of Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT-.

Win Cat Quest III-Themed Goodies!

With Cat Quest III set to release next week, IGN has partnered with the team behind the game to offer IGN readers a fun Cat Quest III bundle! One IGN reader will win a $200 prize, which includes plenty of cat-themed items like the Razer Kraken Kitty headphones, a Cat Wanted Poster, a Bandana, and more! There are even items for your cat, like The Black Purrl, a printed ship which can provide any cat pirate with maximum comfort. Additionally, one Cat Quest III Steam Key is included. This giveaway is set to end on September 12 at 12:00 PM PST.

Claim a Free Mecha BREAK Beta Steam Key!

IGN Plus members can also claim a free Steam Key for the upcoming Mecha BREAK beta! This beta is available during the Limited and Open Access phases, set to run from August 3 to August 13. Full access to the game will be available for IGN Plus users starting on August 2 at 7 PM, so you can play the game for the entirety of the beta period. Don't miss your opportunity to try out this explosive action title!

About IGN Rewards

IGN Rewards is a free platform that allows IGN readers to access free giveaways, discounts, and offers. You'll only need to create an IGN account to be eligible for the program. If you'd like to further your IGN Rewards experience, you can check out IGN Plus, where you can earn monthly games, ad-free browsing, and so much more.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Scientists Are Hoping to Safeguard Earth's Biodiversity By Locking It Away in An Ark On The MoonAnthony Wood
    Scientists are looking to create a lunar ark of cryogenically preserved animal samples on the Moon, all in an attempt to safeguard Earth’s declining biodiversity and support future efforts to terraform inhospitable planets.Earth is the only world we're aware of that is known to play host to a magnificent and diverse abundance of life. However, a host of factors ranging from over-exploitation to climate change have forced biodiversity on Earth to plunge into a dramatic decline. Some scientists be
     

Scientists Are Hoping to Safeguard Earth's Biodiversity By Locking It Away in An Ark On The Moon

2. Srpen 2024 v 21:48

Scientists are looking to create a lunar ark of cryogenically preserved animal samples on the Moon, all in an attempt to safeguard Earth’s declining biodiversity and support future efforts to terraform inhospitable planets.

Earth is the only world we're aware of that is known to play host to a magnificent and diverse abundance of life. However, a host of factors ranging from over-exploitation to climate change have forced biodiversity on Earth to plunge into a dramatic decline. Some scientists believe that we have entered a sixth mass extinction event of life on our planet, in which ecosystems are becoming destabilized and countless species face extinction threats that are accelerating at a rate beyond our ability to counter.

Now, an international group of scientists have come together to propose an ambitious decades-long endeavour which would see partners attempt to preserve our planet’s biodiversity by storing samples taken from across the animal kingdom in a vault on the Moon.

Several institutions already exist in the present day that specialise in storing cryogenically frozen living cells, which can potentially stay alive for hundreds of years before being thawed out. These can be analysed by scientists hoping to recover DNA, cells, or even entire organisms. The problem is that these Earthly facilities require expert human management and ready supplies of electricity and liquid nitrogen. On top of that, they are vulnerable to wars, natural disasters, and a host of other dangers.

A lunar arc situated near the Moon’s south pole, on the other hand, would be isolated from many of these threats, while simultaneously benefiting from the naturally stable -196°C temperatures present in permanently shadowed craters pitting the barren surface. According to the authors of a new paper published in the journal BioScience, these conditions would allow for the design of a passive, low-maintenance base with a reduced emphasis on active cooling technology and manpower relative to its terrestrial counterparts.

Of course establishing any such lunar vault would be a leviathan enterprise, requiring international backing and expertise from entities ranging from nations and agencies, to private and scientific partners. Alongside shouldering the inevitable cost, these partners would need to develop the hardware and technologies required to safely transport the samples to their new home on the Moon, and to ensure that they are adequately protected from solar and cosmic sources of radiation. The effects of microgravity will also need to be explored, potentially by sending samples for a prolonged stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Once operational, the Moon vault would initially be used to preserve biological samples of species that face the greatest threat of extinction. However, the collaboration's overarching goal is to establish a biorepository that will house most of the animal species on Earth, before eventually extending to accommodate plant life.

Looking to the far future, the scientists hope that the arc specimens could one day prove useful to explorers hoping to terraform worlds for human settlement both in our solar system, and beyond. For more science news read up on SpaceX’s plan to bring down the ISS using a powered-up Dragon spacecraft, or find out about how scientists scanned the interior of an ancient tunnel extending beneath the surface of the Moon.

Image credit: NASA, Bill Anders.

Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer

  • ✇IGN All
  • Bungie Is Reportedly Not Working on Destiny 3, Will Focus on Smaller Destiny 2 Updates That May Be FreeAdam Bankhurst
    Following the news that Bungie laid off 220 people, details have reportedly been revealed about the company's future, including that it isn't currently working on Destiny 3, that it will shift its focus from larger expansions to smaller updates for Destiny 2 that may be free, and that a Destiny spin-off was canceled. Bloomberg spoke to ten current and former Bungie employees who asked not to be identified, and they "described a company that grew too fast and tried to develop too many projects at
     

Bungie Is Reportedly Not Working on Destiny 3, Will Focus on Smaller Destiny 2 Updates That May Be Free

2. Srpen 2024 v 21:08

Following the news that Bungie laid off 220 people, details have reportedly been revealed about the company's future, including that it isn't currently working on Destiny 3, that it will shift its focus from larger expansions to smaller updates for Destiny 2 that may be free, and that a Destiny spin-off was canceled.

Bloomberg spoke to ten current and former Bungie employees who asked not to be identified, and they "described a company that grew too fast and tried to develop too many projects at once, spreading resources too thin rather than prioritizing its chief moneymaker, Destiny 2."

Instead of Destiny 3, Bungie Placed a Big Bet on Payback

While there may be many who believed Bungie was hard at work on Destiny 3, especially considering Destiny 2 was released in 2017, the studio decided to shift its focus to something completely new called Payback.

Payback, which was described as taking elements from such games as Warframe and Genshin Impact, was set in the Destiny universe but was meant to "shake up the formula in major ways." Instead of being a first-person shooter, Payback was being developed as a third-person title that would see players using the franchise's characters to explore a large world and work together to "battle monsters and solve puzzles."

This was not being billed as a sequel to Destiny 2, but more of a spin-off. Sadly, Payback was canceled just two months ago so Bungie could prioritize its more imminent games. Instead, it moved much of the payback team to work on Marathon, its PvP-focused extraction shooter live-service game which is set to be released in 2025.

Sadly, Payback was canceled just two months ago so Bungie could prioritize its more imminent games.

With no Payback and no Destiny 3 in the near future, Bungie is planning to continue supporting Destiny 2, albeit in a different way. Despite Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion reviewing very well - we gave it a 9/10 - the studio looks to "no longer pursue paid expansions as it did in the past." According to one of the sources, sales for each expansion have declined year after year.

Instead of this annual release model for big expansions, Bungie looks to "retain and attract players with smaller-scale drops modeled after Into the Light." For those unfamiliar, Into the Light was released ahead of The Final Shape and added the Onslaught activity, the Hall of Champions social space, Parade Armor 2.0, the return of 12 iconic guns with the BRAVE Arsenal, and much more.

Furthermore, Bungie is aiming to release these updates for free alongside overhauling activities it hopes will keep its hardcord player satisfied. There are also "other vague plans" that include a storyline that "will feature characters and worlds that Destiny has not yet explored."

So, instead of big new Destiny 2 expansions, Bungie will put resources into these updates, a smoother onboarding process, and more. In one bright spot, some of the sources said they are "optimistic about the vision for Destiny 2 under new director Tyson Green."

Trouble at the Top

The layoffs have hit the team hard, and most of the people Bloomberg spoke to were critical of Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, saying he "failed to take accountability for his own bad bets" and that he was "overly optimistic in his communication with the staff."

There is also worry because longtime veterans Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy left Bungie this week, and that has led to a lot of "lingering questions about the future of decision-making at Bungie." Now, without some of its leaders, a big hit to audio, narrative, and player support teams, and much more, Bungie staff are now looking at creating world-class experiences with a "smaller staff, tighter schedules, and a company that looks significantly different than it did three days ago."

Most of the people Bloomberg spoke to were critical of Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, saying he "failed to take accountability for his own bad bets."

In addition to the layoffs, Bungie is hoping to move 155 of its employees to Sony Interactive Entertainment, and a seperate group will be part of a team working on an incubation project code-named Gummybears.

Ever since Sony's $3.6 billion acquisition of Bungie, things have not gotten better. Bungie took that cash and "hired hundreds of new staff members and pursued myriad incubation projects, including mobile versions of Destiny, remakes of old games and new franchises." Now, it's most important former and current employees are suffering after some of these plans never saw the light of day or turned out as those in charge hoped. One of the sources even noted that Parsons told staff in a meeting in later 2023 that Bungie had missed its revenue targets by 45% and was losing money.

For more, check out how another former Bungie employee claimed the studio faced insolvency without Sony's acquistion and the games industry's criticism of Bungie mangagement and Parsons in wake of these layoffs.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to [email protected].

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Amazon Has a Cheaper Version of Giant Jenga on Sale Today for Under $40Jacob Kienlen
    I have played a lot of different outdoor yard games in my time, and one of my favorites has always been giant Jenga. It's an easy game you can play outdoors while having a few beers with friends, and the added stress of the increased block size only makes the experience better. The same rules of regular Jenga apply, it's just a lot more dramatic when the blocks come tumbling down.While I don't own the official Jenga branded set of these giant blocks, I do have a knock-off version that works just
     

Amazon Has a Cheaper Version of Giant Jenga on Sale Today for Under $40

2. Srpen 2024 v 19:09

I have played a lot of different outdoor yard games in my time, and one of my favorites has always been giant Jenga. It's an easy game you can play outdoors while having a few beers with friends, and the added stress of the increased block size only makes the experience better. The same rules of regular Jenga apply, it's just a lot more dramatic when the blocks come tumbling down.

While I don't own the official Jenga branded set of these giant blocks, I do have a knock-off version that works just fine and costs a lot less. So while you can certainly buy the $100 version of this game, I'd recommend opting for this currently discounted version on Amazon instead.

Sports Beats Large Tower Game - 28% Off

If you're wondering how big this tower actually is, there are a couple of different answers. If you just have all of the blocks stacked in the ready position, the tower will set at about 2 feet high. However, you can potentially stack it up to 4 feet high depending on how good you are at Jenga. While there are bigger versions of this game, I've found that this is the perfect height for tables and allows you to still play it inside without worrying about the blocks accidentally crushing small animals or concussing young children when they fall.

This set also comes with a carrying case, which allows for easy travel. The version of this game I currently have comes in a box with all of the blocks stacked to full height, which has been really annoying for travel. The blocks contained in this set are split up between 27 plain customizable blocks and 27 blocks with random numbers between 1-8 on them. This allows for a variety of different games you can play where each number pulled requires the player to take some sort of action, or you can simply play the old-fashioned way. The blank blocks are also great for coming up with your own rules unique to your situation, which is great for thigns like weddings or baby showers.

How Does This Set Differ From the Official Giant Jenga Set?

It is worth noting that the cheaper price you pay for this set isn't just because it lacks the official Jenga name. The primary difference here is in the quality of wood. The official Jenga set of the same size has blocks made of hardwood, rather than softwood. This means you're less likely to end up with dents in your blocks when they fall and they are going to be significantly heftier than the Sports Beats model featured above (which uses pine). That being said, the lighter weight blocks are easier to travel with and are likely to cause less damage to their surroundings when they fall, so it's a worthwhile trade off for the price in my opinion.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The PlayStation 5 Consoles Are on Sale TodayEric Song
    Sony just launched a Back to School Sale on several of their PlayStation products, including their consoles. The PS5 Slim Disc Edition has dropped to $449.99 from its $500 MSRP and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition has dropped to $339.99 from its $450 MSRP. These deals will all expire on August 5.Save $50 Off PS5 Slim ConsolesThe PS5 Slim was released in November 2023. Compared to the original PlayStation 5 console, it's 30% smaller in volume and 18% lighter. The design is a bit different too; the co
     

The PlayStation 5 Consoles Are on Sale Today

Od: Eric Song
2. Srpen 2024 v 19:00

Sony just launched a Back to School Sale on several of their PlayStation products, including their consoles. The PS5 Slim Disc Edition has dropped to $449.99 from its $500 MSRP and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition has dropped to $339.99 from its $450 MSRP. These deals will all expire on August 5.

Save $50 Off PS5 Slim Consoles

The PS5 Slim was released in November 2023. Compared to the original PlayStation 5 console, it's 30% smaller in volume and 18% lighter. The design is a bit different too; the console is now clad in four separate cover panels, the two top halves are glossy white and the bottom halves are matte like the original. The specs under the hood are identical. Like the original PS5, the PS5 Slim can be upgraded with an M.2 SSD. The only difference between the Disc and Digital editions is the presence of an optical drive to accommodate physical media like game discs and 4K Blu-ray movies. Fortunately, the Digital Edition can now be equipped with a separate disc drive module that can purchased separately for $79.99.

Looking for more deals on accessories and games? Check out the best PS5 deals today. The other best PS5 deal is undoubtedly the new PSVR 2 VR headset for $200 off MSRP.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Valorant Is Now Officially Available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 After Open Beta PeriodAdam Bankhurst
    Following a quick Open Beta period, Riot Games has surprised fans by officially launching Valorant on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.Valorant Console is now available to players in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil and promises to bring the "same uncompromising, competitive experience that we've provided PC players for years: a precise, team-based, tactical shooter."🚨 Incursion Imminent 🚨VALORANT is now LIVE on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. pic.twitter.com/cX5
     

Valorant Is Now Officially Available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 After Open Beta Period

2. Srpen 2024 v 18:48

Following a quick Open Beta period, Riot Games has surprised fans by officially launching Valorant on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

Valorant Console is now available to players in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil and promises to bring the "same uncompromising, competitive experience that we've provided PC players for years: a precise, team-based, tactical shooter."

🚨 Incursion Imminent 🚨

VALORANT is now LIVE on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. pic.twitter.com/cX5boZXPRI

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) August 2, 2024

As previously discussed, cross-play will not be available between PC and console players as Riot Games wishes to "maintain Valorant's renowned standard for competitive integrity." PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to play together, however.

While that may not be the best news for some, Riot Games has reassured fans that their Friends List, Collection (Skins, Player Cards, Gun Buddies, etc.), Battle Pass progress, and Agent unlocks will carry over. Furthermore, both PC and console players will "receive simultaneous platform releases of all live patch balances, new agents, maps, premium content, and additional live service features."

We’ve received so much valuable feedback from players during Limited Beta, and feel confident to deliver on our gameplay promise for console player," Arnar Gylfason, production director of Valorant, said. "Whether it's hitting that perfect shot, executing a flawless team play, or wiping out the enemy team, we look forward to seeing console players experience the same gameplay thrill as VALORANT PC players.”

Valorant is free-to-play, but Xbox Game Pass members will be happy to know that all current and future Agents will be unlocked.

In our Valorant review for PC from 2020, we said, "Valorant is the most fun I've had with a multiplayer FPS since Valve's Team Fortress 2. The flexibility of its magically-infused cast paired with a deep arsenal makes for a magnificent competitive canvas, if a tricky one to initially pick up. I'm already pondering new strategies to pull off with my friends in the future, and that joyous daydreaming won't stop anytime soon."

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to [email protected].

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Get Early Access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Open Beta With EEGeorge Nash
    The next instalment in the long-running Call of Duty series has been revealed — Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The June Xbox Showcase and Black Ops 6 Direct gave us a deeper look into the upcoming title, with new details on the story and gameplay features never before seen in the series.One of the most talked about features is Omnimovement, Black Ops 6’s new movement system which allows players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction and chain together combat moves. Omnimovement will be present
     

Get Early Access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Open Beta With EE

2. Srpen 2024 v 18:46

The next instalment in the long-running Call of Duty series has been revealed — Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The June Xbox Showcase and Black Ops 6 Direct gave us a deeper look into the upcoming title, with new details on the story and gameplay features never before seen in the series.

One of the most talked about features is Omnimovement, Black Ops 6’s new movement system which allows players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction and chain together combat moves. Omnimovement will be present in multiplayer, campaign, and zombies, fundamentally changing gameplay across all modes.

The campaign takes place in the early ’90s, around the time of the Gulf War and the fall of the Soviet Union. It will see the return of some familiar faces with several new characters added to the crew. During the Black Ops 6 Direct, developers voiced how they focused on mixing things up with a wide range of mission types, varying from storming a palace to planning a bank heist. So, fans can expect locations and mission requirements to keep them on their toes.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will release on October 25, but you can experience the game early by playing the Open Beta. The early access to the beta will be taking place August 30⁠–September 4, and you can get involved in one of three ways: 1) By pre-ordering the game, 2) With a qualifying Game Pass subscription, or 3) Through a special offer from EE.

EE recently announced a partnership with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 that will allow 150,000 fans to access the Open Beta without needing to pre-order or have a Game Pass subscription. It’s available to any EE customer, including new customers who sign up. All you need to do is log in to the EE website or create a new EE ID before August 29, then go to https://ee.co.uk/gaming to register your details.

EE also has pre-orders available now for physical versions on both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and offer the ability to pay in three interest-free payments. If you pre-order a physical version, you’ll get an email with a code that will grant you access to the beta once it’s live.

Alternatively, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will automatically have access to the beta, as well as the full release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on day one. They can also pre-install the game, and seeing that it is lining up to be a hefty download requiring a lot of hard drive space, this can help you get into the action as soon as possible.

If you’re looking to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can get it for £12, cheaper than anywhere else, with the EE app. You don’t have to be an existing customer — all you need to do is download the app and sign up for an EE ID, with no other purchase or contract required.

The Xbox Showcase also revealed new flavours of digital-only consoles — including 1TB Robot White versions of the Series S and Series X. EE will have both available when they launch this holiday season, and pre-orders will open soon.

To stay up to date on pre-order info and upcoming releases, you can sign-up to receive updates from EE. You can curate your notifications to focus on particular consoles or brands, so you only get info related to things you care about. All it takes is a few moments, and you won’t have to worry about missing any big game launches again.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Back in Stock: Lenovo Has a Liquid Cooled MSI GeForce RTX 4090 GPU for $1622Eric Song
    As part of the Lenovo Back to School Sale, Lenovo is offering the highest end MSI RTX 4090 GPU at a price that can't be beat by anyone else right now. You can pick up the liquid-cooled MSI Suprim Liquid X GeForce RTX 4090 24GB video card for only $1622.49 after stackable coupon codes: BUYMORELENOVO and EXTRAFIVE are applied in cart. If it's compatible with your case, this is one of the best 4090 variants you can get. It's also the least expensive 4090 because they're still marked up at other ret
     

Back in Stock: Lenovo Has a Liquid Cooled MSI GeForce RTX 4090 GPU for $1622

Od: Eric Song
2. Srpen 2024 v 18:25

As part of the Lenovo Back to School Sale, Lenovo is offering the highest end MSI RTX 4090 GPU at a price that can't be beat by anyone else right now. You can pick up the liquid-cooled MSI Suprim Liquid X GeForce RTX 4090 24GB video card for only $1622.49 after stackable coupon codes: BUYMORELENOVO and EXTRAFIVE are applied in cart. If it's compatible with your case, this is one of the best 4090 variants you can get. It's also the least expensive 4090 because they're still marked up at other retailers.

MSI Suprim Liquid X GeForce RTX 4090 GPU for $1622.49

The GeForce RTX 4090 is one of our top GPU picks of 2024. It is far and away the most powerful video card you can get right now. No other GPU, either from NVIDIA or from AMD, comes close. As a reference, the RTX 4090 is about 110% faster at 4K gaming than the already impressive RTX 3080. It's about 60% faster than the previous king, the RTX 3090 Ti. That could very well be the single biggest performance upgrade within a single generational gap for the GeForce line of cards. Check out our RTX 4090 review.

The MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 4090 has a self-contained watercooled unit. Make sure you have space in your PC to mount the 240mm radiator. The extra cooling isn't really meant for overclocking, since the 4090 is fast enough. Instead, it's meant for the GPU to run cooler and quieter than air cooling. Because the radiator can be mounted away from the GPU and works to exhaust the hot air directly our of your computer case, your GPU area won't be super toasty. Lower sustained temps also means lower fan noise so -- barring coil whine, which is pretty much luck of the draw -- your GPU will definitely be one of the quieter 4090 GPUs available.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station Is Marked Down to $141.55Eric Song
    Walmart is offering an excellent price on the Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station. Right now it's listed at $149. Log into your (free) account and the price drops even further to $141.55. This is a well rated power station because it's equipped with safer and longer lasting LiFEPO4 batteries.Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station $141.55The Ecoflow River 2 is a power station with a 256WH battery capacity. It has two AC outlets capable of up to 600W max output (300W per outlet), two
     

The Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station Is Marked Down to $141.55

Od: Eric Song
2. Srpen 2024 v 18:25

Walmart is offering an excellent price on the Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station. Right now it's listed at $149. Log into your (free) account and the price drops even further to $141.55. This is a well rated power station because it's equipped with safer and longer lasting LiFEPO4 batteries.

Ecoflow River 2 256Wh LiFePO4 Power Station $141.55

The Ecoflow River 2 is a power station with a 256WH battery capacity. It has two AC outlets capable of up to 600W max output (300W per outlet), two USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port. Although each AC outlet is capable of up to 300W of sustained power output, Ecoflow's X-Boost technology allows it to handle up to 600W of surge power for certain electronics and appliances that require a temporary power boost to start up. The River 2 can be recharged using traditional AC or up to 110W of solar. If using grid power (AC), the 360W input will fully charge the River 2 from 0% to 100% in only one hour. Although it's typically used as a mobile backup power solution when you have no available grid power, it can also work as an always-on passthrough AC power strip as well. It has an EPS function that will automatically swap to battery power when there is a power outage. The shutoff delay is less than 30ms, which is small enough for even sensitive electronics like PCs to remain on the entire time.

The 256Whr battery can power your PC or appliances for several minutes or mobile elecronics (including your laptop) for several hours to days. The River 2 uses the newer LiFePO4 cells instead of the traditional NCM sells you find in the original River. LiFePO4 cells have inherently safer chemistry and have a much higher cycle lifespan than NCM cells. They also have lower calendar aging. The only negative of LiFEPO4 is the lower energy density (heavier weight). That said, the River 2 weighs only 7 pounds, which is very respectable for a battery capacity of this size, and with this deal it's not much pricer than NCM alternatives.

Standard "UPS" battery backups like APC and CyberPower are cheaper because they use traditional lead acid batteries. As opposed to lithium batteries like LFP and NCM, lead acid batteries are super heavy, have a much shorter lifespan, and are far less efficient. This is the primary reason why your UPS battery backup should be replaced every 3-5 years. An LFP battery will generally retain at least 85% of its charge even after 10 years of service, and it will do so with even more usage than a lead acid battery.

The River 2 is a smart battery and thus you can change settings, check on its status, and power on or off outlets remotely, all from your phone. In my personal experience, Ecoflow has good product support and they are continuously rolling out new firmware and software updates.

If you're looking for something pocketable, check out the best portable chargers of 2024.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Trap ReviewErik Adams
    25 years after he broke into the mainstream with The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan remains a fascinating filmmaker – bursting with creative and bold ideas that only occasionally turn into good movies. His latest, the serial-killer-stuck-at-a-pop-concert thriller Trap, goes for something a bit more fast-paced and heightened in tone than we’re used to from the director of Unbreakable, Split, and Old. And for about two-thirds of its 105-minute run time, it’s a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the hunt
     

Trap Review

2. Srpen 2024 v 18:22

25 years after he broke into the mainstream with The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan remains a fascinating filmmaker – bursting with creative and bold ideas that only occasionally turn into good movies. His latest, the serial-killer-stuck-at-a-pop-concert thriller Trap, goes for something a bit more fast-paced and heightened in tone than we’re used to from the director of Unbreakable, Split, and Old. And for about two-thirds of its 105-minute run time, it’s a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the hunt for the murderer known as The Butcher spirals out of control into an absolute mess of a third act.

This decidedly high-concept film stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper Adams, a firefighter who takes his young teenage daughter, Riley (Ariel Donoghue), to see her favorite singer, Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). Except Cooper also happens to be The Butcher – and, as indicated by the massive number of police in attendance, the entire concert happens to be a trap intended to identify and apprehend the notorious serial killer. Much to our delight, this leaves Cooper scrambling to escape the venue without getting caught. It’s an audacious, wonderfully goofy premise, and Shyamalan leans into it. He’s rarely this playful in his films, which – whether they’re good or bad – tend to be rather serious affairs. Seeing Cooper smooth-talking strangers in order to get more information while deftly swiping key cards and walkie talkies to gain an upper hand is really enjoyable.

And it’s all sold well by Hartnett, who seems to be having a ball playing against type. A loving, goofy dad, Cooper has long masked the vicious and cunning killer inside him. Trap initially works by having Cooper juggle both sides of his personality, keeping Riley happy while also constantly scanning for a way out of the arena they’re in. Hartnett does a great job playing a guy whose carefully constructed veneer is so close to being torn down. He gives Cooper just the right manic yet determined feel, and lends the proceedings a nice, darkly comedic edge. And he has a more-than-able scene partner in Donoghue. Shyamalan has always been adept at casting excellent young actors and getting the best out of them – going back to Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense and Abigail Breslin in Signs – a trend that continues here. As Riley, Donoghue gives a natural and endearing performance that creates some emotional stakes for Trap: Cooper is a murderer and clearly deserves to be caught, but if he’s caught, it will destroy this girl’s world.

Does any of this help Shyamalan drop his habit of writing clumsy, decidedly mannered dialogue? No, though it’s not as prevalent as it can be at its worst (I’m looking at you, Old) and there’s almost a reason for it, considering that Cooper himself is putting on a performance. He’s being overly cordial, overly earnest, and overly helpful. This charade, mixed with the winking tone (closer in spirit to Shyamalan’s 2015 comeback, The Visit), defuses a couple of potentially eye-rolling conversations, at least on Cooper’s side of the exchange.

But there are still several notably silly scenes involving a very friendly, very dumb merch-booth guy (Jonathan Langdon) who simply can’t stop telling Cooper vitally important information that’s meant to be a secret. And Trap relies on convenience and coincidence to a laughable extent, as Cooper keeps eavesdropping on a renowned FBI profiler just as she’s saying something she would have doubtlessly gone over with her colleagues long before the concert. The profiler is, amusingly, played by former Disney child star Hayley Mills, whose most famous movie is the original version of The Parent Trap – making her casting feel like a big wink at the audience.

Nonetheless, Trap is quite enjoyable for its first two-thirds. If only Shyamalan could have then delivered a satisfying conclusion. Instead, it feels like he had three or four different ideas for how the movie could end and decided to just include them all, creating a huge jumble in the process. It is bizarre and frustrating how many times Trap feels like it’s launched its big, final-confrontation sequence, only to lead into a sequence that feels like, oh no, this must be how it’s going to end – and then repeat the process over again. There’s a huge shift in perspective in these final scenes, too, which is interesting conceptually but just doesn’t work in execution. As Trap winds down, it suddenly puts a lot of investment into characters we barely know or just met. Worse, it’s at the expense of the characters we’re actually invested in, Cooper and Riley, while throwing in some wild and random curveballs in terms of how certain characters interact with Cooper.

If only Shyamalan could have given Trap a satisfying conclusion.

Playing the concert’s Taylor Swift/Olivia Rodrigo-type headliner is Shyamlan’s own daughter, Saleka, who wrote and performed 14 original songs for Trap. The music is unremarkable, but certainly functional in terms of evoking contemporary Top 40, and Saleka Shyamalan is a strong singer and charismatic performer based on what we see of Lady Raven on stage. However, in one-on-one scenes, she’s unfortunately lacking, coming off stilted during some big moments. It doesn’t help that her dad saddled her with one of Trap’s wackier scenes, in which Lady Raven makes quite a reach in how to interact with someone who’s not an international pop star. On the flip side is Alison Pill, who’s great, per usual, but whose character shows up way too late to receive the dramatic significance and focus Shyamalan attempts to give her. Despite Pill’s strong work in her sliver of screentime, this is someone we needed to meet much earlier if she’s meant to be so pivotal to the story.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save $1100 Off the Massively Powerful Alienware m18 18" RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopEric Song
    As part of its Dell Back to School Sale, Dell has dropped the price on its flagship Alienware m18 R2 RTX 4090 gaming laptop to $2699.99 after a $700 instant discount and a $400 off coupon code "LTAFF400". The Alienware m18 "R2" model was released in January of 2024; this is Dell's highest-end gaming laptop and features the newest 14th gen Intel Core i9 processor paired with the best-in-class GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. It's an absolute monster of a gaming laptop that performs better than most desktop
     

Save $1100 Off the Massively Powerful Alienware m18 18" RTX 4090 Gaming Laptop

Od: Eric Song
2. Srpen 2024 v 18:20

As part of its Dell Back to School Sale, Dell has dropped the price on its flagship Alienware m18 R2 RTX 4090 gaming laptop to $2699.99 after a $700 instant discount and a $400 off coupon code "LTAFF400". The Alienware m18 "R2" model was released in January of 2024; this is Dell's highest-end gaming laptop and features the newest 14th gen Intel Core i9 processor paired with the best-in-class GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. It's an absolute monster of a gaming laptop that performs better than most desktop PCs.

Alienware m18 R2 RTX 4090 Gaming Laptop for $2700

The Alienware m18 is the biggest Alienware laptop you can buy, with an imposing 18" 2560x1600 display and weigning in at 8.9 pounds. The build quality is exceptional, with a bead-blasted anodized aluminum chassis and plenty of RGB accent lighting. The Alienware m18 does a great job of keeping the internal components cool, thanks to a Cryo-Tech cooling sytem that incorporates a vapor chamber with quad heatpipes and four system fans exhausing heat out of the case.

Full specs include an 18" 2560x1600 QHD 165Hz display, Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, GeForce RTX 4090 (mobile) GPU, 64GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. The 14th generation Intel Core i9-14900HX processor boasts 24 cores and 32 threads with a max turbo clock speed of 5.8GHz. It's actually more powerful than any of the newer Intel Core Ultra 9 CPUs that are currently available. You won't find anything better from a mobile Intel chip.

The RTX 4090 is still the most powerful mobile GPU on the market, and by a very substantial margin. It's roughly equivalent to a desktop RTX 3090 GPU. It has more than enough power to run most games at a full 165fps on the 2560x1600 display. Some laptop manufacturers gimp the GPU in order to reduce heat and power requirements. The m18 laptop, however, is not gimped at all. Instead it compensates with an incredibly robust cooling system. This does add weight and power consumption (this one comes with a 330W power brick), but gaming performance is paramount.

Looking for more gaming PCs? Check out the best Alienware deals on gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save $600 Off the Powerful Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PCEric Song
    As part of the Dell Black to School Event, Dell has dropped the price of the Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER gaming PC to only $2199.99 after $600 in instant savings. Alongside the powerful RTX 4080 SUPER GPU, this rig is equipped with the newest Intel Core i9 processor and a generous amount of DDR5 RAM. This PC will run any game out there, even at 4k resolution with high framerates and ray tracing enabled.Students can get an extra 10% off coupon code through this link.Alienware RTX 4080 SUP
     

Save $600 Off the Powerful Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC

Od: Eric Song
2. Srpen 2024 v 18:20

As part of the Dell Black to School Event, Dell has dropped the price of the Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4080 SUPER gaming PC to only $2199.99 after $600 in instant savings. Alongside the powerful RTX 4080 SUPER GPU, this rig is equipped with the newest Intel Core i9 processor and a generous amount of DDR5 RAM. This PC will run any game out there, even at 4k resolution with high framerates and ray tracing enabled.

Students can get an extra 10% off coupon code through this link.

Alienware RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC for $2199.99

The R16 is the most current Alienware Aurora gaming desktop. The R16 chassis is 40% smaller in volume compared to previous iterations. It features a simple yet proven airflow design; air is drawn in through the side intake vents over the GPU area as well as a 120mm rear fan drawing air in and a generously sized 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler exhausts air out through the top. A side benefit is that the GPU is supplied with fresh air from the outside instead of recirculating hot internal air.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900F CPU, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB GPU, 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD. The 14th-gen Intel Core i9-14900F Raptor Lake Refresh CPU boasts a max clock of 5.8GHz with 24 cores, 32 threads, and a 36MB cache. This is Intel's newest i9 chip and it boasts a higher clock speed, more cores, more threads, and more cache than the 13th-gen i9-13900 CPU. The "F" in 14900F simply means that the chip doesn't have onboard graphics (iGPU).

The new GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is 5%-10% faster in performance than its predecessor thanks to its higher base clock speed, higher CUDA core count, and higher memory bandwidth. It still has a long way to go to compete with the $1600 RTX 4090 GPU, but this card gives you more than enough horsepower to handle any game in 4K at high framerates, even with max settings and ray tracing enabled. Check out our RTX 4080 SUPER review for more details.

Why Pick a Dell or Alienware Gaming PC?

The Alienware Aurora R16 was one of our picks for best prebuilt gaming PCs of 2024. Not everyone is the DIY type, and these days prebuilt gaming PC aren't that much more expensive than building your own computer. In fact, depending on the demand of certain components like the GPU, it might even be cheaper. Alienware gaming laptops and desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. The newest Alienware gaming PCs have significantly improved their cooling performance, especially when paired with a liquid cooling solution. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list.

Looking for more gaming PCs? Check out the best Alienware deals on gaming PCs, laptops, and monitors.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Scarlett Johansson Confirms Jurassic World Casting and Teases Movie's 'Incredible' ScriptAdele Ankers-Range
    Marvel alum Scarlett Johansson has confirmed she is starring in the next Jurassic World movie, which she says has an "incredible" script.Reports surfaced in March that Johansson was in talks to join the new Jurassic World movie, which will be the seventh film in the franchise, and now the actress has opened up about her role. Johansson told ComicBook.com she is "excited" about the feature and its story by David Koepp, writer of the original Jurassic Park."I'm an enormous Jurassic Park fan. It's
     

Scarlett Johansson Confirms Jurassic World Casting and Teases Movie's 'Incredible' Script

24. Červen 2024 v 17:12

Marvel alum Scarlett Johansson has confirmed she is starring in the next Jurassic World movie, which she says has an "incredible" script.

Reports surfaced in March that Johansson was in talks to join the new Jurassic World movie, which will be the seventh film in the franchise, and now the actress has opened up about her role. Johansson told ComicBook.com she is "excited" about the feature and its story by David Koepp, writer of the original Jurassic Park.

"I'm an enormous Jurassic Park fan. It's one of the first films I remember seeing in the theater. I remember seeing it so vividly. It was like life-changing. It was mind-blowing. I cannot express how excited I am," Johansson said before teasing the next installment. "The script is so incredible. David Koepp wrote it. He returned after like 30 years to write the script. He's so passionate about it, which is so awesome."

Johansson is still coming down from her decade of service in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but admitted that she has had her eye on the beloved dinosaur franchise for a long time, with her interest first sparking up when Jurassic World opened in theaters in 2015, kickstarting a whole new trilogy 22 years after the first film.

I've been trying to get into this franchise in any possible way for over 10 years.

"I'm such an enormous fan of the franchise and huge nerd for it. I'm just like, I can't even, I'm pinching myself," Johansson said. "I've been trying to get into this franchise in any possible way for over ten years. I'm like, 'I'll die in the first five minutes! I can get eaten by whatever! I'll do the craft service!' I'll do anything for it. The fact that it's happened in this way at this time just is actually unbelievable."

Johansson joins a cast that reportedly includes Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Jonathan Bailey, and Rupert Friend, among other stars. Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is also said to have been circling the project in May, but it is unclear at this stage what role he would play in the movie, which has a July 2, 2025 release date.

The untitled Jurassic World movie is currently undergoing principal photography in Thailand, with Gareth Edwards at the helm.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Dungeons & Dragons to Finally Let Players Drink Potions as a Bonus Action in One D&DRyan Dinsdale
    Dungeons & Dragons players will finally be able to drink potions as a Bonus Action in One D&D, meaning the popular homebrew and Baldur's Gate 3 mechanic is becoming an official rule in the next iteration of the game.As reported by Comic Book, a video from D&D game designers Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins walked fans through some changes to the Player's Handbook, which will be refreshed for the first time in more than a decade in 2024, including the long-requested ability to have a
     

Dungeons & Dragons to Finally Let Players Drink Potions as a Bonus Action in One D&D

24. Červen 2024 v 17:10

Dungeons & Dragons players will finally be able to drink potions as a Bonus Action in One D&D, meaning the popular homebrew and Baldur's Gate 3 mechanic is becoming an official rule in the next iteration of the game.

As reported by Comic Book, a video from D&D game designers Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins walked fans through some changes to the Player's Handbook, which will be refreshed for the first time in more than a decade in 2024, including the long-requested ability to have a cheeky heal as a Bonus Action.

Crawford specifically said that health potions can be used as a Bonus Action in One D&D — which arrives beginning September 17, 2024 with the Player's Handbook but won't launch fully until the Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual arrive on November 12, 2024 and February 18, 2025 respectively — but it's unclear if the rule change will apply to other potions too.

As a health potion can theoretically be drank at the same speed as any other kind of potion, however, it would certainly make sense for the Bonus Action rule to affect all of the magic smoothies. The current 5th Edition of D&D forces players to use a potion as a full Action, meaning players miss a turn of doing potentially more interesting things if they need to heal.

Using potions as a Bonus Action has long been a popular mechanic in players' homebrew or home rules though, and even Baldur's Gate 3, the hit D&D video game which follows most of 5th Edition's rules, let players drink them as a Bonus Action.

The release of the updated rules, meaning the transition from 5th Edition to One D&D, comes alongside the tabletop role-playing game's 50th anniversary. Publisher Wizards of the Coast announced the biggest miniature booster set ever to celebrate, and has been slowly but surely sharing tidbits of information about the new set of core rulebooks.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Starfield on Xbox Series S Can Run at 60fps Thanks to ModsWesley Yin-Poole
    Bethesda recently added a 60 frames per second option to Starfield on Xbox Series X but left the Xbox Series S version out in the cold. Thankfully modders have stepped in to save the day, as they so often do.As verified by the tech wizards at Digital Foundry, Starfield on the less-powerful Xbox Series S can now be played at 30fps thanks to mods (search for ‘Series S' under the mod menu). Using mods, Digital Foundry found Starfield on Xbox Series S hit a baseline of 60fps even on challenging GPU-
     

Starfield on Xbox Series S Can Run at 60fps Thanks to Mods

24. Červen 2024 v 17:09

Bethesda recently added a 60 frames per second option to Starfield on Xbox Series X but left the Xbox Series S version out in the cold. Thankfully modders have stepped in to save the day, as they so often do.

As verified by the tech wizards at Digital Foundry, Starfield on the less-powerful Xbox Series S can now be played at 30fps thanks to mods (search for ‘Series S' under the mod menu). Using mods, Digital Foundry found Starfield on Xbox Series S hit a baseline of 60fps even on challenging GPU-limited areas of the game, such as heavily populated cities, with some less-demanding areas rising to 90fps.

However, it’s worth noting that playing Starfield on Xbox Series S in this way drops the resolution to 1280x720 from 1600x900. "We seem to be finding the limits of FSR 2 upscaling quality, with some ugly artefacting," Digital Foundry reports. "Even so, you are getting a viable performance mode — it's just that the trades are far more obvious to the eye than the Series X version."

The inevitable next question is that if modders can get Starfield running at 60fps, why hasn’t Bethesda? Digital Foundry said the reduced resolution that comes with such improved frame-rate performance means “Starfield simply isn't a particularly attractive game at this point.” Bethesda, Digital Foundry suggests, may not feel this trade-off presents Starfield in as good a light as it requires.

Starfield’s performance on Xbox Series S may not be front of mind for Bethesda in any case. Last week, Bethesda Game Studios chief Todd Howard responded to a backlash over Starfield paid mods, confirming the developer would take a look at its pricing model for Creations content.

On Steam, Starfield’s recent user review rating fell to ‘Mostly Negative’ after disgruntled players hit out at Bethesda for charging $7 for a single Starfield mission. The second mission of the recently released Trackers Alliance is only available as a Starfield Creation and costs $7, or 700 credits.

Looking further ahead, Howard has confirmed plans to release a second story expansion for Starfield following this year’s Shattered Space, and commented on the long development of The Elder Scrolls 6.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

  • ✇IGN All
  • Avowed Dev Once Again Asked About Skyrim Comparison, Points to The Outer WorldsWesley Yin-Poole
    Fallout New Vegas, Grounded, and Pentiment developer Obsidian has responded to a question about the ongoing comparisons between its next game, Avowed, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim by pointing to another of its previous games: The Outer Worlds.In an interview with Game Informer, game director Carrie Patel was asked if Obsidian embraces comparisons to Skyrim or pushes against them. Patel replied by failing to namecheck Bethesda’s all-conquering fantasy role-playing game, instead suggesting fans
     

Avowed Dev Once Again Asked About Skyrim Comparison, Points to The Outer Worlds

24. Červen 2024 v 17:03

Fallout New Vegas, Grounded, and Pentiment developer Obsidian has responded to a question about the ongoing comparisons between its next game, Avowed, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim by pointing to another of its previous games: The Outer Worlds.

In an interview with Game Informer, game director Carrie Patel was asked if Obsidian embraces comparisons to Skyrim or pushes against them. Patel replied by failing to namecheck Bethesda’s all-conquering fantasy role-playing game, instead suggesting fans should think about sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds instead.

“I think the best comparison is The Outer Worlds,” Patel insisted. “I think that gives a much clearer idea of the scope of the game and also the design and layout. Like The Outer Worlds, Avowed has a series of open zones that are connected and unlock over the course of the game, rather than one giant map that you can walk through from beginning to end. And yeah, in terms of the kind of the quest structure, the narrative structure, it's a lot closer to The Outer Worlds, as well.”

This tallies with previous comments from Obsidian staff about Avowed, which takes place in the same universe as the developer’s own fantasy role-playing game Pillars of Eternity. In June 2023, Obsidian boss Feargus Urquhart told PC Gamer the studio’s initial pitch was for Avowed to be a bigger, sprawling open-world fantasy role-playing game like Skyrim, but it ended up being smaller scale.

You can see why some would compare Avowed to Skyrim, though. Avowed is a first-person (although it can also be played in third-person) fantasy RPG with monsters and lots of magical combat. At face value, it has similar first-person melee and magic battles, with the character dual-wielding weapons and spells. There are dialogue choices to make, too, although you can't romance your companions.

In the same Game Informer interview, gameplay director Gabe Paramo answered the Skyrim comparison question directly, saying: “My opinion on that is I don't love it.”

I prefer if we just better just explain what it is our game is doing.

Paramo continued: “Even as I've learned in my role, comparing two games, even for the team – let's forget the player for a second – even for the team it's hard to say, ‘Use this like this.’ You have to break down the mechanic more because people will grab what mechanics they think you're talking about. Without it, if you're not very clear about what it is specifically, you are trying to be inspired by another game.

“Personally, I don't love it because a lot of players can take whatever they want from those games and go, ‘It's gonna have this and this and this.’ I prefer if we just better just explain what it is our game is doing.”

Earlier this month, Obsidian seemingly accidentally revealed the Avowed release date in a hastily tweaked post on the developer’s website: November 12, 2024. Obsidian, now of course owned by Microsoft, will be at gamescom in August to show Avowed on the Xbox booth.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

  • ✇IGN All
  • Blizzard Reveals Diablo 4 Season 5 PTR Details, Including New Questline RequirementWesley Yin-Poole
    Blizzard has announced plans to run a second Public Test Realm for action role-playing game Diablo 4, this time for Season 5.Diablo 4’s first PTR ran in April and let Battle.net PC players play the well-received Season 4 early. Similarly, the Season 5 PTR gives fans a taste of what’s to come June 25 to July 2 for players with a PC Battle.net account only.“The purpose of the PTR is to test updates and features before the launch of Season 5,” Blizzard said in a blog post. “Then we’ll make adjustme
     

Blizzard Reveals Diablo 4 Season 5 PTR Details, Including New Questline Requirement

24. Červen 2024 v 16:33

Blizzard has announced plans to run a second Public Test Realm for action role-playing game Diablo 4, this time for Season 5.

Diablo 4’s first PTR ran in April and let Battle.net PC players play the well-received Season 4 early. Similarly, the Season 5 PTR gives fans a taste of what’s to come June 25 to July 2 for players with a PC Battle.net account only.

“The purpose of the PTR is to test updates and features before the launch of Season 5,” Blizzard said in a blog post. “Then we’ll make adjustments to Season 5 using your feedback before it goes live for everyone. The feedback we receive helps us to fine-tune balance changes, eliminate bugs, and create the best experience possible. Having a PTR gives us a chance to test new systems, and we’re grateful for your time spent playing.”

As for what to expect from the PTR, there’s a new questline that takes place after the events of the main questline and presumably leads into the events of Diablo 4’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which launches October 8, 2024. “Season 5 features a new story where enemies are cut-down, alliances shift, and unlikely friends emerge from the shadows,” Blizzard teased.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to head to Hawezar in World Tier 3 and “investigate a disturbance amongst the cityfolk there” in order to trigger the questline. The World Tier 3 requirement means you’ll need to have completed the campaign and crossed over from World Tier 2 by defeating that difficulty’s Cathedral of Light capstone.

Completing this new questline lets you battle the Infernal Hordes, the new gameplay activity coming with Season 5. Infernal Hordes features seemingly endless waves of enemies, which grow more powerful with each passing day. It sounds very much like a Diablo 4 take on a wave-based rogue-lite: the Infernal Hordes is an activity where you slay hordes while earning Burning Aether to unlock powerful weapons and rewards.

Elsewhere, Season 5 introduces new Legendaries, Uniques, and items. There are quality-of-life updates to endgame bosses, too. Diablo 4 Season 5, which does not have a name yet, launches August 6.

Diablo 4 Season 5 PTR Patch Notes:

1.5.0 PTR Build #55051 (PC) - June 25, 2024

GAME UPDATES

New Items and Tempering Recipes

All Classes

Tempering Recipes

Worldly Finesse - Offensive

  • +X% Critical Strike Damage
  • +X% Vulnerable Damage
  • +X% Overpower Damage
  • +X% Ultimate Damage
Barbarian

Unique Items

Unbroken Chain - Amulet

  • Casting Steel Grasp reduces Iron Maelstrom’s Cooldown by 5-10 seconds. Enemies damaged by Iron Maelstrom deal 15-30% less damage for 6 seconds.

Legendary Aspects

Aspect of Forward Momentum - Mobility

  • Knocking back an enemy grants 25-40% Movement Speed for 3 seconds.

Tempering Recipes

Slayer's Finesse - Offensive

  • Vulnerable Damage
  • Bonus Damage against Injured
  • Bleeding Damage
Druid

Unique Items

Björnfang's Tusks - Unique Gloves

  • Cataclysm is now guaranteed to strike anything in range and you deal 40-80%[x] increased damage for the duration of the effect. While Cataclsym is active, you gain unlimited Spirit.

Legendary Aspects

Aspect of the Rushing Wilds - Mobility

  • Casting a Companion Skill grants 5-15% Movement Speed for 5 seconds, up to 15-45%.

Tempering Recipes

Ultimate Efficiency - Resource

  • Cataclysm Cooldown Reduction
  • Lacerate Cooldown Reduction
  • Petrify Cooldown Reduction
  • Grizzly Rage Cooldown Reduction
Necromancer

Unique Items

Path of Trag'Oul - Unique Boots

  • Bone Prison traps a larger area and fires 20-35 Bone Splinters at enemies trapped within. Increase your Maximum Essence by 2 for 8 seconds each time these Bone Splinters hit an enemy.

Legendary Aspects

Aspect of the Unholy Tether - Mobility

  • Casting Golem's active Skill creates a bond between you for 6 seconds. While the bond is active, both of you are Unhindered and gain 25-40% Movement Speed.

Inexorable Reaper's - Mobility

  • Sever now dashes you forward to attack instead. It becomes a Mobility Skill and costs no Essence, but has a 22-7 second cooldown.

Aspect of Creeping Mist - Mobility

  • Gain 20-35% Evade Cooldown Reduction.
  • You can now Evade during Blood Mist, traveling twice as far. Entering or exiting Blood Mist resets your Evade Cooldown.

Imprisoned Spirit's - Offensive

  • When Bone Spirit explodes inside a Bone Prison, it explodes an additional time, dealing 40-70% of normal damage.
  • Bone Spirit now prioritizes enemies inside a Bone Prison.

Tempering Recipes

Necromancer Wall - Defensive

  • Skill Ranks of Necrotic Carapace
  • Skill Ranks of Drain Vitality
  • Minion Damage Reduction
  • Chance for your Minion Attacks to Fortify you for 3% Maximum Life
Rogue

Unique Items

Shroud of Khanduras – Unique Chest Armor

  • Dark Shroud grants Immune for 3 seconds, but your Evade Cooldown is increased by 9-3 seconds. Evading while Dark Shroud is active leaves behind an explosion that deals Shadow damage and pulls in enemies.

Legendary Aspects

Of Nebulous Brews – Mobility

  • Using a Healing Potion grants 35-50% Movement Speed for 3 seconds. After moving 30 meters, you spawn a Healing Potion.

Galvanized Slasher's – Resource

  • Lucky Hit: Damaging an enemy with a Mobility Skill has a 15-30% chance to fully restore your Energy. Your Maximum Energy is increased by 10-25.

Of Iron Rain – Offensive

  • Smoke Grenade has a 35-50% chance to create an Arrow Storm where it explodes, dealing Physical damage over 3 seconds. Your Arrow Storms continuously apply Vulnerable.

Breakneck Bandit's – Offensive

  • Flurry deals 15-30% increased damage and has a 20% chance to Stun enemies for 3 seconds with each hit.

Mired Sharpshooter's – Utility

  • Caltrops is now a Marksman Skill that periodically throws 5-20 piercing daggers over its Duration, each dealing Shadow damage and applying Vulnerable for 3 seconds.

Tempering Recipes

Subterfuge Expertise

  • Increased Smoke Grenade damage.
  • Increased Smoke Grenade Size.
  • Increased damage for each Dark Shroud Shadow.
  • Increased damage on Next Attack after entering Stealth.

Rogue Persistence

  • Increased Maximum Life Percentage gained while Dark Shroud is active.
  • Increased Maximum and All Resistance Percentage for 5 Seconds from Health. Potions.
  • Increased Skill Ranks of Second Wind.
  • Increased Skill Ranks of Aftermath.
Sorcerer

Unique Item

Axial Conduit - Unique Pants

  • Chain Lightning alternates between orbiting you and seeking up to 3 enemies. When it returns, it drains 6 Mana from you for each active Chain Lightning. After draining 66 total Mana, the bolt explodes for (270%-570%) Lightning damage.
  • Chain Lightning expires if you don't have enough Mana for it to drain.

Legendary Aspects

Aspect Of Tenuous Agility

  • Gain 5-15% increased Movement Speed. This bonus is doubled if you haven't used a Defensive Skill in 8 seconds.

Aspect Of the Firebird

  • Gain the Flame Shield Enchantment for free.
  • When Flame Shield activates, Meteorites fall around you dealing (50%-70%) Fire damage.

Lightning Rod Aspect

  • Chain Lightning has a 5-20% chance to chain an additional time when hitting Crowd Controlled enemies and Bosses, and will seek them as targets.

Aspect Of Elemental Acuity

  • Casting a Pyromancy, Shock, or Frost Skill increases your Mana Regeneration by 10-20% for 5 seconds, once per Element.
  • At maximum stacks, the total bonus is increased to 60-120% for 10 seconds, but all stacks expire after the duration.

Aspect Of the Orange Herald

  • Lucky Hit: Up to a 5-10% Chance when you damage an enemy with a Skill to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skill by 2 seconds. Can only happen once per Skill cast.

Tempering Recipes

Discharge - Weapon

  • +X% chance to cast an additional Charged Bolt (moved from Shock Augments).
  • +X% Teleport size (moved from Shock Augments).
  • +X% chance for Arc Lash to swipe twice.

Conjuration - Weapon

  • +1-2 Hydra Heads on Cast.
  • X% chance for another Ice Blade on Cast.
  • X% chance for another Lightning Spear on Cast.

Conjuration Fortune - Utility

  • +X% Hydra Lucky Hit Chance.
  • +X% Ice Blade Lucky Hit Chance.
  • +X% Lightning Spear Lucky Hit Chance.

Elemental Control - Utility

  • +X Skill ranks to Convulsions.
  • +X Skill ranks to Snap Freeze.
  • +X Skill ranks to Crippling Flames.

Existing Tempering Recipe Additions

  • +X Skill ranks to Conduction - Added to Sorcerer Motion.
  • +X Ice Armor Duration - Added to Frost Cage.

BALANCE UPDATES

General

Barbarian

Skills

Bash

  • Adjusted functionality: After bashing enemies 4 times, your next Bash will Clobber, Stunning enemies for 1.5 seconds. Clobber twice as often while using a Two-Handed weapon.
  • Enhanced Bash
    • Adjusted functionality: Clobbering an enemy grants you 20% Maximum Life as Fortify.
  • Battle Bash
    • Adjusted functionality: Clobbering an enemy generates an additional 10 Fury.

Flay

  • Enhanced Flay
    • Vulnerable duration increased from 3 to 5 seconds.
  • Combat Flay
    • Damage Reduction increased from 3% to 4%.
    • Maximum stacks increased from 4 to 5.
    • Buff duration increased from 3 to 6 seconds.

Endless Fury

  • No longer requires Two-Handed weapons.
  • Fury gain from Basic Skills increased from 10/20/30% to 12/24/36%.

Imposing Presence

  • Maximum Health reduced from 6/12/18% to 5/10/15%.

Legendary Aspects

Wanton Rupture Aspect

  • Frequency increased from every 40-25 seconds to every 30-15 seconds.

Aspect of Grasping Whirlwind

  • Now pulls in new targets three times as frequently.

Steadfast Berserker’s Aspect

  • No longer requires a Lucky Hit, and now always triggers.

Unique Items

Gohr’s Devasting Grips

  • Explosion size is now affected by increases to Whirlwind’s size.

Paragon Nodes

Hemorrhage Legendary Node

  • Now bonus Bleeding damage now caps at 45%.

Weapons Master Legendary Node

  • Fury gain increased from 4% to 8% of Maximum Fury.
Druid
  • Passive Rank bonus for Clarity affix added to Amulets.

Skills

Landslide

  • Damage per hit of Landslide increased from 37.5% to 70%.
  • Damage area increased from 1.5 to 2.
  • Doubled the amount of pillars.
  • Total damage increased from 70% to 280%.

Shred

  • 1st Attack Damage buffed from 28% to 52%.
  • 2nd Attack Damage buffed from 39% to 72%.
  • 3rd Attack Damage buffed from 77% to 143%.

Pulverize

  • Damage buffed from 50% to 92.5%.

Tornado

  • Damage buffed from 35% to 65%.

Lightning Storm

  • Damage buffed from 40% to 74%.

Hurricane

  • Damage buffed from 187% to 346%.

Ravens

  • Can now be cast while moving.

Poison Creeper

  • Can now be cast while moving.

Lacerate

  • Damage area increased from 1 to 2.
  • Casting Lacerate now teleports to the target instead of starting at the caster.

Cataclysm

  • Lightning Strike rate is doubled.

Grizzly Rage

  • Cooldown for this ability now starts after Grizzly Rage ends.
  • Previous - Shapeshift into a Dire Werebear for 10 seconds gaining 20%[x] bonus damage and 20% Damage Reduction. Damage bonus is increased by 3% each second while in this form. Kills extend the duration by 1 second up to an additional 5 seconds.
  • Now - Shapeshift into a Dire Werebear for 10 seconds gaining 30%[x] bonus damage and 20% Damage Reduction. Damage bonus is increased by 3% each second while in this form, up to a maximum of 75%. Kills extend the duration by 1 second, but the duration cannot go above 10 seconds.

Debilitating Roar

  • Damage Reduction decreased from 70% to 40%.

Earthen Bulwark

  • Previous – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, granting a Barrier that absorbs 45% of your Base Life in damage.
  • Now – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, granting a Barrier that absorbs 45% of your Maximum Life in damage.

Cyclone Armor

  • Non-Physical Damage Reduction increased from 10% to 15%.

Passives

Shepherd

  • Previous – Core and Wrath Skills deal an additional 20% damage for each Companion you have.
  • Now – Companion Skills deal an additional 20% damage for each Companion you have.

Skinwalker

  • Previous – When you use a Shapeshifting Skill that changes your form, gain 2-5 Life. If you are at full Life, gain the same amount as Fortify.
  • Now – When you use a Shapeshifting Skill that changes your form, gain 5-20% Life. If you are at full Life, gain the same amount as Fortify.

Aftershock

  • Delay from second set of Landslides slightly decreased.

Lupine Ferocity

  • Reduced amount of hits from 6 to 3 to benefit from the effect.

Vigilance

  • Damage Reduction increased for each Skill Rank from 5% to 7%.

Iron Fur

  • Damage Reduction increased for each Skill Rank from 3% to 4%.

Heightened Senses

  • Damage Reduction increased for each Skill Rank from 2% to 3%.

Legendary Aspects

Metamorphic Stone Aspect

  • No longer removes Wrath skill tag from Boulder.

Paragon

Thunderstruck Legendary Node

  • Now has a maximum bonus capped at 40%.

Human Glyph

  • Damage bonus increased from 6.6% to 9.9%.
  • Damage Reduction increased from 10% to 15%.

Protector Glyph

  • Damage Reduction increased from 10% to 15%.

Werebear Glyph

  • Damage bonus increased from 6.6% to 9.9%.
  • Damage Reduction increased from 10% to 15%.

Werewolf Glyph

  • Damage Reduction increased from 10% to 15%.
Necromancer

Book of the Dead

  • Necromancer Minion attacks can now Overpower.
  • Minions are now more aggressive and will automatically engage nearby enemies.

Golem

  • Active ability - If the Golem is far from the targeted location, it will now leap to the target.
  • Iron Golem - Slam size increased by 56%.

Skills

Sever

  • Primary damage increased from 80% to 110%.
  • Secondary damage increased from 30% to 45%.
  • Lucky Hit Chance increased from 20% to 25%.

Blight

  • Damage over time increased from 105% to 135%.

Blood Wave

  • Damage increased from 150% to 450%.

Passives

Shadowblight

  • Hits required reduced from 10 to 8.
  • Damage increased from 22% to 44%.

Hellbent Commander

  • Previous - Your Minions deal 15/30/45%[x] increased damage while you are Close to them.
  • Now - While you control at least 7 Minions, they deal 10/20/30%[x] increased damage.

Legendary Aspects

Blighted Aspect

  • Bonus damage after triggering Shadowblight 10 times reduced from 60-120%[x] to 35-50%[x].

Developer’s Note: Blighted Aspect has been a disproportionately large source of damage for Shadowblight based Necromancers, giving far more power than we normally give for a single Aspect. To compensate for this change, we are increasing the baseline power of the Darkness Core Skills and Shadowblight with the goal of keeping these builds at approximately the same overall power level.

Aspect of Bursting Bones

  • Bone Prison Burst damage increased from 9-12.2% to 75-120% of Weapon Damage.

Aspect of Empowering Reaper

  • Chance for Sever to create Blight increased from 10-25% to 15-30%.
  • Blight bonus damage increased from 40-100%[x] to 60-120%[x].

Aspect of Hungry Blood

  • Additional Blood Lance damage increased from 33-48% to 40-70%.

Aspect of Grasping Veins

  • Critical Strike Chance after casting Corpse Tendrils reduced from 10-25% to 5-20%.
  • Critical Strike Damage to enemies damaged by Corpse Tendrils reduced from 20-50% to 10-40%.
  • Critical Strike Damage bonus now lasts for 6 seconds, rather than indefinitely.

Cadaverous Aspect

  • Previous - Consuming a Corpse increases the damage of your next Core Skill by 5-10%[x], up to 25-50%[x].
  • Now - Consuming a Corpse increases the damage of your Core Skills by 3.5-6%[x] for 5 seconds, up to 17.5-30%[x].

Torturous Aspect

  • Previous - Iron Maiden is now also a Darkness Skill and deals Shadow damage. Enemies afflicted by Iron Maiden have a 10-25% chance to be Stunned for 1 second when they deal direct damage.
  • Now - Iron Maiden is now also a Darkness Skill and deals Shadow damage. Enemies have a 10-25% chance to be Stunned for 1 second when they take damage from Iron Maiden.

Unique Items

Blood Moon Breeches

  • Bonus Overpower Damage to Cursed enemies increased from 70%[x] to 100%[x].

Cruor's Embrace

  • Core Skill Damage Affix replaced with Ranks to Tides of Blood Passive.

Ring of Mendeln

  • Lucky Hit Chance Affix replaced with Summoning Skill Damage.

Deathspeaker's Pendant

  • Summoning Skill Damage Affix replaced with Movement Speed.

Paragon

Wither Legendary Paragon Node

  • Intelligence scaling is now capped at 1200 Intelligence.
Rogue
  • Maximum Arrow Storms increased from 5 to 7.
  • Preparation
    • Previous – Every 75 Energy you spend reduces your Ultimate Skill's Cooldown by 5 seconds. Using an Ultimate Skill resets the Cooldowns of your other Skills.
    • Now – Spend 75 Energy to reduce your Ultimate Skill's Cooldown by 5 seconds. Ultimate Skills reset other Cooldowns and grant 15% Damage Reduction for 8 seconds.

Skills

Blade Shift

  • Damage increased by 50% (0.2 to 0.3).
  • Previous – Quickly stab your victim for damage and shift, allowing you to move freely through enemies for 4 seconds.
  • Now – Quickly stab your victim for damage and shift, making you Unhindered for 4 seconds.

Developer’s Note: Unhindered allows you to move through enemies and prevents your Movement Speed from being lowered.

  • Fundamental Blade Shift
    • Enemies moved through needed to activate Daze reduced from 5 to 3.
  • Primary Blade Shift
    • Control Impairing Effect Duration Reduction increased from 20% to 30%.

Invigorating Strike

  • Damage increased by 20%.

Enhanced Twisting Blades

  • Return damage bonus increased from 30% to 35%.

Shadow Step

  • Damage increased by 11% (0.72 to 0.8).
  • Enhanced Shadow Step
    • Previous – Damaging an enemy with Shadow Step increases your Critical Strike Chance against them by 8% for 3 seconds.
    • Now – Damaging an enemy with Shadow Step Dazes and applies Vulnerable to them for 3 seconds.
  • Methodical Shadow Step
    • Previous – Enemies damaged by Shadow Step are Stunned for 2 seconds.
    • Now – After Shadow Stepping, you gain 20% Damage Reduction for 3 seconds.
  • Disciplined Shadow Step
    • Previous – Shadow Step's Cooldown is reduced by 3 seconds when it damages an enemy you have not hit with Shadow Step in the last 4 seconds.
    • Now – Damaging an enemy with Shadow Step Stuns them for 2 seconds and reduces its Cooldown by 3 seconds.

Dash

  • Damage increased by 25% (0.32 to 0.4).
  • Additional functionality: Dash Slows enemies hit by 30% for 3 seconds.
  • Enhanced Dash
    • Previous – Enemies damaged by Dash take 15% increased Critical Strike Damage from you for 5 seconds.
    • Now – Casting Dash increases your Critical Strike Chance by 10% for 5 seconds.
  • Disciplined Dash
    • Previous – Dash Slows enemies it hits by 30% for 3 seconds. Any enemy already Slowed will be Dazed for 2 seconds instead.
    • Now – At the end of Dash, Knock Down surrounding enemies for 2 seconds and deal 350% of its damage to them.
  • Methodical Dash
    • Previous – Dealing damage to Crowd Controlled enemies with Dash reduces its Charge Cooldown by 0.5 seconds, up to 4 seconds per cast.
    • Now – Dash has 1 additional Charge and its Charge Cooldown is reduced by 2 seconds.

Flurry

  • Lucky Hit Chance increased from 10% to 13%.

Enhanced Flurry

  • Previous – Each time Flurry damages a Crowd Controlled or Vulnerable enemy, you are Healed for 1% of your Maximum Life, up to 12% Maximum Life per cast.
  • Now – Each time Flurry damages an enemy, it has a 10% chance to apply Vulnerable for 3 seconds and deals 1% increased damage for 5 seconds after hitting a Vulnerable enemy, up to a total of 50%.

Advanced Flurry

  • Previous – Evading through an enemy will cause your next Flurry to deal 30% increased damage and Stun enemies hit for 2.5 seconds.
  • Now – Successive casts of Flurry increase its damage by 15% and reduce its Energy cost by 10%, up to 3 times.

Improved Flurry

  • Previous – Flurry deals 20% increased damage to Vulnerable targets. If Flurry hits any Vulnerable enemy, it will make all enemies hit by that cast Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
  • Now – Casting Flurry dashes you to the target and Heals 10% of your Maximum Life.

Caltrops

  • Damage increased by 13% (0.4 to 0.45).
  • Disciplined Caltrops
    • Critical Strike Chance bonus increased from 5% to 10%.

Dark Shroud

  • You can now only lose 1 Dark Shroud shadow every 1.5 seconds.
  • Enhanced Dark Shroud
    • Previous – Dark Shroud's shadows have a 14% chance to not be Consumed.
    • Now – Each active Dark Shroud shadow grants you 5% increased Movement Speed and also has a 15% chance to not be Consumed.
  • Subverting Dark Shroud
    • Previous – Each active shadow from Dark Shroud grants you 4% increased Movement Speed.
    • Now – You Heal for 10% of your Maximum Life when a Dark Shroud shadow is removed.
  • Countering Dark Shroud
    • You only need 1 active shadow to get the bonus Critical Strike Chance instead of 2.
    • Critical Strike Chance increased from 8% to 10%.

Smoke Grenade

  • Additional functionality: Smoke Grenade now deals 45% Physical damage, has a 25% Lucky Hit Chance, and its Skill Ranks now give increased damage and Cooldown Reduction.
  • Enhanced Smoke Grenade
    • Previous – Enemies affected by Smoke Grenade take 25% increased damage from you.
    • Now – Enemies hit by Smoke Grenade take 25% increased damage from you for 5 seconds.
  • Countering Smoke Grenade
    • Previous – Lucky Hit: Dealing direct damage to enemies affected by Smoke Grenade has up to a 25% chance to reduce its Cooldown by 1 second, or by 3 seconds instead if the enemy is Vulnerable.
    • Now – Hitting an Elite or Boss with Smoke Grenade reduces its Cooldown by 5 seconds.
  • Subverting Smoke Grenade
    • Previous – If an enemy is Vulnerable, Slowed, or Chilled then Smoke Grenade will Daze them for 20% longer.
    • Now – Smoke Grenade now deals Poison damage and applies another 45% Poisoning damage over 5 seconds.

Poison Imbuement

  • Poisoning Duration increased from 5 to 6 seconds.
  • Enhanced Poison Imbuement
    • Previous – Poison Imbuement's Poisoning Duration is increased by 1 second.
    • Now – Casting Poison Imbuement generates 30 Energy, increased by 2 for each Nearby Poisoned enemy.

Poison Trap

  • Damage increased by 36% (0.11 to 0.15).
  • Subverting Poison Trap
    • Poison damage bonus increased from 10% to 15%.
  • Countering Poison Trap
    • Chance to reset Imbuements increased from 30% to 40%.

Penetrating Shot

  • New functionality: Now deals 10% increased damage per enemy it pierces.
  • Enhanced Penetrating Shot
    • Previous – Penetrating Shot deals 10% increased damage for each enemy it pierces.
    • Now – Casting Penetrating Shot and hitting a Boss or Elite with it has a 25% Chance to fire an additional shot for free.

Rain of Arrows

  • Casting Speed has been increased by 30%.
  • Lucky Hit Chance increased from 2% to 4%.
  • Cooldown reduced from 55 to 50 seconds.

Passives

Concussive

  • Renamed to Unstable Elixirs.
  • Previous – After Knocking Back or Knocking Down an enemy, you gain 4% increased Critical Strike Chance for 4 seconds.
  • Now – Using a Healing Potion Stuns surrounding enemies for 2 seconds and increases your damage by 6% for 5 seconds.

Rapid Gambits

  • Previous – Your Evade Cooldown is reduced by 0.5 seconds when you Daze an enemy.
  • Now – Evading through an enemy Dazes them for 2 seconds. Your Evade Cooldown is reduced by 0.25 seconds when you Daze an enemy.

Trick Attacks

  • Previous – When you Critically Strike a Dazed enemy they are Knocked Down for 0.5 seconds.
  • Now – Dazing or Stunning an enemy increases your Critical Strike Chance by 2% and Critical Strike Damage by 2% for 5 seconds, both up to 12%.

Impetus

  • New functionality: Added visuals to show when the effect is ready.
  • Previous – After moving 12 meters, your next Non-Basic attack deals 7% increased damage.
  • Now – After moving 15 meters, your next Core or Ultimate attack deals 8% increased damage. While the damage bonus remains, your Agility and Subterfuge Skills deal 4% increased damage.

Malice

  • Previous – You deal 3% increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
  • Now – You deal 4% increased damage to Vulnerable or Knocked Down enemies.

Alchemical Advantage

  • Previous – You gain 1% increased Attack Speed for each enemy you've Poisoned, up to 15%.
  • Now – Dealing Poison damage increases your Attack Speed and Lucky Hit Chance by 1% for 8 seconds, up to 5%.

Developer’s Note: The maximum stack potential increases by 5% with each Skill Rank.

Second Wind

  • Previous – Every 100 Energy you spend grants you 5% increased Lucky Hit Chance for 5 seconds.
  • Now – Every 100 Energy you spend grants 15% of your Maximum Life as a Barrier for 3 seconds.

Aftermath

  • Previous – After using an Ultimate Skill, restore 30 Energy.
  • Now – While an Ultimate Skill is on your Action Bar, you Heal for 0.5% Maximum Life every second. After using an Ultimate, restore 25 Energy.

Weapon Mastery

  • Dagger damage to Healthy enemies increased from 5% to 6%.

Key Passives

Victimize

  • The Explosion damage of Victimize has been increased by ~50% to compensate for a bug fix, detailed below.

Momentum

  • Previous – Cutthroat Skills grant a stack of Momentum for 8 seconds if they either hit a Stunned, Dazed, or Frozen enemy, or hit any enemy from behind. While at 3 stacks of Momentum you gain 20% increased Damage Reduction, 30% increased Energy Regeneration, and 15% increased Movement Speed.
  • Now – Casting a Cutthroat Skill grants a stack of Momentum. Casting a Non-Cutthroat Skill removes a stack of Momentum. For each stack of Momentum, you gain 3% Damage Reduction, 3% Maximum Energy, 3% Energy Regeneration, 3% Movement Speed, up to 30%.

Legendary Aspects

Enshrouding Aspect

  • Previous – Gain a free Dark Shroud shadow every 3 seconds when standing still. Each Dark Shroud shadow grants 2.5-4.0% increased Damage Reduction.
  • Now – Using a Healing Potion makes a free Dark Shroud shadow. Each shadow grants 2.5-4.0% increased Damage Reduction.

Of Arrow Storms

  • Previous – Lucky Hit: Your Marksman Skills have up to a 25% chance to create an Arrow Storm at the enemy's location, dealing Physical damage over 3 seconds. Your Arrow Storms deal 30-40% increased damage.
  • Now – Lucky Hit: Your Marksman and Cutthroat Skills have up to a 25% chance to create an Arrow Storm at the enemy's location, dealing Physical damage over 3 seconds. Your Arrow Storms deal 45-60% increased damage.

Vengeful

  • Arrow Storm Damage increased from 25-40% to 45-60%.

Ravager's

  • Damage bonus to Shadow Step increased from 2.5-10% to 4.5-12%.

Trickster's

  • Previous – Caltrops also throw a cluster of exploding Stun Grenades that deal total Physical damage and Stun enemies for 1 second. Your Stun Grenades deal 25-40% increased damage.
  • Now – Caltrops and Smoke Grenade receive Stun Grenade benefits and throw Stun Grenades that deal Physical damage and Stun enemies for 1 second. Your Stun Grenades deal 25-40% increased damage.

Of Noxious Ice

  • Poison damage bonus to Frozen enemies increased from 15-30% to 20-35%.

Of Bursting Venoms

  • Toxic Pool Poisoning damage increased by 24%.

Of Volatile Shadows

  • Dark Shroud shadow Explosion damage increased by 50%.

Of Stolen Vigor

  • Previous – Each stack of the Momentum Key Passive Heals you for Life per second and grants you 5% Damage Reduction.
  • Now – While at maximum stacks of the Momentum Key Passive, your Cutthroat Skills deal 20-35% increased damage and you become Unstoppable for 3 seconds every 8 seconds.

Unique Items

Saboteur's Signet

  • Previous – Casting Flurry has a 15-30% chance to release Stun Grenades that deal Physical damage and Stun enemies for 1 second. Your Grenade Skills have a 2% Lucky Hit Chance.
  • Now – Casting a Core Skill has a 15-30% chance to throw Stun Grenades that deal Physical damage and Stun enemies for 1 second. Your Stun Grenades gain 5% Lucky Hit Chance.

Windforce

  • Ranks of Concussive changed to Ranks of Malice.
  • Vulnerable Damage changed to Dexterity.
  • Previous – Lucky Hit: Hits with this weapon have up to a 30-40% chance to deal double damage and Knock Back the target.
  • Now – Barrage has a 30-40% chance to Knock Back or Knock Down enemies with each hit and deal double damage.

Scoundrel's Kiss

  • Explosion radius increased by 10%.
  • The visual effect for the Physical damage has been improved to be more consistent.

Writhing Band of Trickery

  • Decoy Trap damage increased by 8%.

Word of Hakan

  • Previous – Your Rain of Arrows is always Imbued with all Imbuements at once.
  • Now – Your Rain of Arrows is always Imbued with all Imbuements at once and receives your Arrow Storm benefits.

Paragon

Tricks of the Trade – Legendary Node

  • Previous – Your Marksman Skills grant your next Cutthroat Skill 25% increased damage. Your Cutthroat Skills grant your next Marksman Skill 25% increased damage.
  • Now – Your Marksman Skills grant your Cutthroat Skills 25% increased damage for 8 seconds. Your Cutthroat Skills grant your Marksman Skills 25% increased damage for 8 seconds.

Cheap Shot – Legendary Node

  • Previous – You deal 5% increased damage for each Nearby enemy that is Crowd Controlled, up to 25%.
  • Now – You deal 5% increased damage for each Nearby enemy that is Crowd Controlled, up to 25%. A Nearby Staggered Boss provides the maximum bonus.

Exploit Weakness – Legendary Node

  • Previous – Whenever you deal damage to a Vulnerable enemy, they take 1% increased damage from you for 6 seconds, up to 25%.
  • Now – Lucky Hit: Direct damage to a Vulnerable enemy has up to a 45% chance to increase your damage by 1% for 25 seconds, up to 50%. At 50 stacks, this bonus resets and you Execute all Nearby Non-Boss enemies.

No Witnesses – Legendary Node

  • Is now capped at a maximum damage bonus of 35%.

Developer’s Note: This is to compensate for increased sources of Ultimate Skill Damage added to the Rogue Paragon Board this season.

Leyrana's Insinct – Legendary Node

  • Is now capped at a maximum damage bonus of 35%.

Culler – Rare Node

  • Execute Chance changed to Ultimate Damage.
  • Magic Nodes in this cluster that gave Execute Chance now give Ultimate Damage.

Ruin – Rare Node

  • Damage to Healthy changed to Ultimate Damage.
  • Magic Nodes in this cluster that gave Damage to Healthy now give Ultimate Damage.
Sorcerer
  • Crackling Energy base damage increased from 20% to 30%.

Skills

Ice Armor

  • Max Life Base Shield amount increased from 25% to 40%.
  • No longer gains increased Shield based on damage.

Charged Bolts

  • Base damage increased from 30% to 38%.
  • Enhanced Charged Bolts
    • Explosion damage increased from 150% to 175% of Charged Bolt's damage.

Spark

  • Base damage per hit increased from 10% to 12%.
  • Enhanced Spark
    • Damage increased from 8% to 10%.
  • Glinting Spark
    • Previous: Spark grants 2% increased Critical Strike Chance per cast for 5 seconds, up to 8%.
    • Now: Spark grants 2% increased Critical Strike Chance per cast for 5 seconds, up to 8%. At max stacks, your Spark hits grant 1 Mana.

Blizzard

  • Base damage increased from 130% to 150%.
  • Enhanced Blizzard
    • Blizzard damage to Frozen enemies increased from 25% to 40%.

Hydra

  • Base damage increased from 14% to 16%.
  • Summoned Hydra
    • Burn damage increased from 60% to 100%.

Inferno

  • Base damage increased by 20%.

Flickering Arc Lash

  • Previous: Gain 6% Movement Speed for 5 seconds for each enemy hit with Arc Lash, up to 18%.
  • Now: Arc Lash grants 5 Mana if your swipe hits at least one enemy. When you hit 3 or more enemies or a Boss, your next swipe also deals 50% more damage.

Chain Lightning

  • Now tracks how many Chain Lightnings are out.
  • Greater Chain Lightning
    • Previous: Each time Chain Lightning bounces, it deals 5% increased damage for its duration.
    • Now: Each time Chain Lightning bounces, it deals 10% increased damage for its duration, up to 30%.
  • Chain Lightning Enchantment
    • Now has a 4 second Cooldown.
    • No longer tracks Mana or sends out Chain Lightnings if the instance of Mana Drain is from an Auto Cast skill.

Ice Armor

  • Max Life Base Shield amount increased from 25% to 40%.
  • No longer gains increased Shield based on damage.

Flame Shield

  • Cooldown begins when Invulnerability ends.

Enhanced Lightning Spear

  • Previous: After Critically Striking, Lightning Spear gains a 5% increased stacking Critical Strike Chance for its duration.
  • Now: Casting Lightning Spear spawns an additional Lightning Spear and increases their Critical Strike Chance by 15%.

Wizard's Blizzard

  • Previous: While Blizzard is active, your Core Skills cost 20% less Mana.
  • Now: While Blizzard is active, you gain 1 Mana Regeneration for every 20 Maximum Mana.

Teleport

  • Cooldown increased from 11 to 14.
  • Base damage increased from 25% to 35%.

Passives

Convulsions

  • Stun chance increased from 5% to 7%.

Crippling Flames

  • Immobilize chance increased from 5% to 7%.

Snap Freeze

  • Freeze chance increased from 5% to 7%.

Static Discharge

  • Chance to spawn Crackling Energy increased from 5% to 6%.

Shocking impact

  • Damage for each Rank increased from 40% to 50%.

Combustion

  • Base Burning damage increased from 20% to 40%.

Vyr's Mastery

  • Previous: Close enemies take 15% increased damage from your Shock Skills and deal 20% less damage to you. Critical Strikes increase these bonuses to 20% and 25% respectively for 3 seconds.
  • Now: When you Critical Strike an enemy with a Shock Skill you become Charged and take 25% less damage for 5 seconds. While Charged, Critical Strikes have a 10% chance to causes the damage to arc as Lightning damage to another Nearby enemy, or if there are no other targets you hit the target again for 250% of the damage.

Developer’s Note: Shock Sorcerer is often highly incentivized to play in close combat. This rework aims to open up the Shock Sorcerer playstyle, allowing for both close and ranged options while maintaining the defensive capability of the original design that players love.

Legendary Aspects

Charged Aspect

  • Movement Speed bonus increased from 10-20 to 15-25.

Aspect Of Efficiency

  • Mana Cost Reduction increased from 10-25% to 35-50%.

Aspect of Engulfing Flames

  • Burning damage to enemies below 50% Life increased from 15-30% to 30-45%.

Aspect Of Abundant Energy

  • Previous: Crackling Energy has a 35-50% chance to chain to an additional enemy.
  • Now: Crackling Energy has a 35-50% chance to deal 40%|x| increased damage and chain to an additional enemy.

Aspect Of Splintering Energy

  • Previous: Casting Lightning Spear always spawns an additional Lightning Spear and increases your damage with Shock Skills by X for Y seconds.
  • Now: Critical Hits with Lightning Spear cause Lightning to arc from it dealing X damage to its target and up to 5 other enemies. This damage is increased by your Critical Strike Damage Bonus.

Aspect of Binding Embers

  • Previous: Flame Shield lets you move unhindered through enemies. Enemies you move through while Flame Shield is active are Immobilized for X seconds.
  • Now: Flame Shield grants you unhindered for its duration. Enemies you move through while Flame Shield is active are Immobilized for X seconds.

Aspect Of the Frozen Wake

  • Ice Spike damage increased from 60%-80% to 80%-100%.
  • Now has 15% extra damage to Ice Spikes instead of 15% extra Chill.

Aspect Of the Frozen Tundra (Deep Freeze)

  • Ice Spike damage increased from 60%-80% to 100%-120%.

Glacial Aspect

  • Now has 15% extra Chill with Ice Spikes instead of 15% extra Damage.

Paragon

Burning Instinct

  • Burning Instinct Critical Strike bonus reduced from 1% per 25 Intelligence to 1% per 50 Intelligence and now caps at 40%|x|.

Ceaseless Conduit

  • Crackling Energy damage reduced from 3% per 20 Intelligence to 1% per 25 Intelligence and now caps at 60%|x|.

Elemental Summoner

  • Now caps at its damage bonus at 30%|x|.

Icefall

  • Damage with Frost Skills increased from 15%|x| to 18%|x|.

Unleash Glyph

  • Increased the damage bonus from 7% to 8%.
  • Increased the Mana Regeneration from 7% to 25%.

Tempering Updates

  • Developer’s Note: We are looking to expand what Affixes are available within the Utility Category to bring more depth and variety to Tempering.
    • Barbarian Innovation – Barbarian Utility Recipe
      • Earthquake Duration - from Wasteland Augments
      • Kick Vulnerable Duration - from Furious Augments
      • Frenzy Duration - from Berserking Augments
      • Flay Duration - from Bleed Augments
    • Nature Magic Innovation – Druid Utility Recipe
      • Hurricane Size - from Storm Augments
      • Lightning Storm Duration - from Storm Augments
      • Petrify Duration - from Earth Augments
      • Cyclone Armor Active Size - from Nature Magic Wall
    • Rogue Innovation – Rogue Utility Recipe
      • Invigorating Strike Duration - from Basic Augments
      • Twisting Blades Return Time Reduction - from Core Augments
      • Flurry Size - from Core Augments
      • Heartseeker Duration - from Basic Augments

Endgame Bosses

  • For updates on our Endgame Bosses, you can read more about those changes here.

Helltide

  • For updates on Helltide, you can read more about those changes here.

Loot Rewards

  • For updates on Loot Rewards, you can read about those changes above here.

User Interface and User Experience

  • Floating Combat Text has been updated to be more consistent and be more legible.
  • Settings for Floating Combat Text have been added to allow players to further customize what sort of floating text they want to see.
  • The Stats window now has a highlight for when the Armor Cap has been reached.
  • The sections in the Stats window can now be collapsed and expanded as desired.
  • Mythic Unique Items now have new visual effects and have a unique look in the Inventory for them to stand out more.
  • Legendary Aspects can now be favorited and filtered while interacting with the Occultist.
  • Shift-clicking a skill will now add 5 points (or as many as possible) to it in the Skill tree.
  • The notification for unlocking and upgrading Aspects has been improved to be more prominent.

Miscellaneous

  • Tortured Gifts in Helltide no longer contain Obols.
  • This season's Nightmare Dungeon rotation remains the same as the previous season.
  • World Bosses are now more resilient to damage.
  • Experience rewards for side quests, including Priority Quests(i.e. Gem Crafting Quest) and Class quests, have been increased.
  • Skills that grant Immunity, e.g. Flame Shield and Blood Mist, now only go on cooldown once the Immunity effect ends.
  • Potions can now be used while Crowd Controlled.
  • Certain tutorial quests, e.g. the quest for crafting a gem, are now tracked account-wide for completion status.
  • Various Dungeons have had tweaks to their layouts to further streamline them.
  • More Weapon Types are now available to more Classes.
    • Druids can now use Polearms, 1-handed Swords, and Daggers.
    • Necromancers can now use Maces and Axes. This includes Butcher's Cleaver being usable for Necromancers.
    • Sorcerers can now use 1-Handed Swords and 1-Handed Maces. This includes Azurewrath and Doombringer being usable for Sorcerers.
  • Inherent Affixes on multiple Weapon Types have been changed.
    • Axes inherent Affix changed from Damage to Healthy Enemies to Damage Over Time.
    • Wands inherent Affix changed from Lucky Hit Chance to Vulnerable Damage.
    • Scythes inherent Affix changed from Life on Kill to Summoning Damage.
    • Staffs inherent Affix changed from Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies to Damage Over Time.
    • Bows inherent Affix changed from Damage to Distant Enemies to Critical Strike Damage.
    • Polearms inherent Affix changed from Damage to Injured Enemies to Vulnerable Damage.
    • Focus and Totem inherent Affix changed from Cooldown Reduction to Lucky Hit Chance.

BUG FIXES

Gameplay

Barbarian
  • Fixed an issue where Fury Regeneration would malfunction when assigning the Tactical Rallying Cry Upgrade.
  • Fixed an issue where the 5 second internal Cooldown for the Aspect of Ancestral Echoes was not listed in the Aspect's description.
  • Fixed an issue where stack granted by the Aspect of Limitless Rage could be inconsistently acquired.
  • Fixed an issue where Charge could be used to bypass interaction channels, such as opening Helltide Chests.
  • Fixed an issue where Earthstrikers Aspect could waste its guaranteed Overpower trigger on autocast instances. This includes triggers from Overkill and Ring of the Ravenous.
  • Fixed an issue where bonus Fury generated by the Aspect of Berserk Fury didn't grant Fortify when used in conjunction with the Aspect of Numbing Wrath.
  • Fixed an issue where Whirlwind didn't scale with Passive and temporary Attack Speed.
  • Fixed an issue where the damage modifier for the Rumble Glyph was additive when fighting Crowd Controlled enemies. Rumble's Damage bonus is now capped at 30%[x].
  • Fixed an issue where Death Blow wasn't being consistently reset when enemies were killed by shockwaves created by Overkill.
Druid
  • Fixed an issue where the tooltip for Aspect of the Changeling's Debt was missing the damage type indicator when using advanced tooltips.
  • Fixed an issue where projectiles from Tyrael's Might behaved erratically when used with Shred.
  • Fixed an issue where the tooltip description for Enhanced Poison Creeper was missing information.
  • Fixed an issue where the Rabies did not fully benefit from the Toxic Claws Passive.
  • Fixed an issue where the the pull effect from Airidah's Inexorable Will had a larger area of effect than intended.
  • Fixed an issue where Enhanced Rabies was scaling beyond the 60% bonus if the Damage over time duration was extended.
  • Fixed an issue where weapon drops for Druids were skewed towards 2-Handed Weapons.
  • Fixed an issue where Lightning Storm didn't scale with Passive and temporary Attack Speed.
Necromancer
  • Fixed an issue where Skeleton Reapers could get both bonuses when using the Second upgrade option.
  • Fixed an issue where the bonus Critical Strike chance from Supreme Bone storm did not trigger if Bone Storm was recast while another Bone Storm was still active.
  • Fixed an issue where the Grasping Veins Aspect could apply its bonus without using Corpse Tendrils.
  • Fixed an issue where Hellbent Commander's effect could still function when removing points after entering a new zone.
  • Fixed an issue where the Aspect of Frenzied Dead had an irrelevant addition of "Summoning" to its description.
  • Fixed an issue where the Cooldown Reduction granted by Rapid Ossification didn't apply to Bone Spirt when cast with 100 or more Essence.
  • Fixed an issue where the Untimely Death Aspect was not gaining stacks when the player Healed values smaller than 1% of your max life.
  • Fixed an issue where Reap didn't scale with Passive and temporary Attack Speed.
Rogue
  • Fixed an issue where the Methodical Dash upgrade didn't reduce the Cooldown of Dash by the full, intended amount.
  • Fixed an issue where Puncture could generate multiple combo points when additional resource generation was high.
  • Fixed an issue where Rapid Fire used with Scoundrel's Kiss and the Repeating Aspect behaved inconsistently.
  • Fixed an issue where Shadow Clone didn't deal damage with Rapid Fire.
  • Fixed an issue where Rapid Fire did not have a range limit when used with Scoundrel's Kiss.
  • Fixed an issue where Scoundrel's Leathers would properly function when a Core Skill hit a target that wasn't explicitly aimed at.
  • Fixed an issue where Forceful Arrow made targets Vulnerable after 2 hits instead of 3.
  • Fixed an issue where Caltrops didn't trigger Movement Speed from the Aspect of Explosive Verve.
  • Fixed an issue where Improved Penetrating Shot didn't display its duration on the Skill icon on your Action Bar.
  • Fixed an issue where Victimize was double dipping its damage multiplier. A compensatory buff to Victimize was made here, as mentioned above.
Sorcerer
  • Fixed an issue where Vyr's Mastery applied to Non-Shock Skills.
  • Fixed an issue where Ice Armor's tooltip suggested the Barrier value would increase when dealing damage.

General

  • Fixed an issue where the Aspect of the Crowded Sage was calculating using base Life instead of Maximum Life.
  • Fixed an issue where Damage over Time effects were receiving the bonus from the %Damage Stat twice.
  • Fixed an issue where Needleflare Aspect was doing excessive amounts of damage to bosses when you were being hit a smaller enemies.
  • Fixed an issue where the Elixir of Antivenin could be active alongside other Elixirs.
  • Fixed an issue where Evade could trigger Yen's Blessing.
  • Fixed an issue where Elite Scorpion enemies with the Teleporter Affix didn't actually teleport.
  • Fixed an issue where the High Velocity Aspect was not restricted to Rogues.
  • Fixed an issue where Items could disappear when opening many caches at once.
  • Fixed an issue where Starlight did not properly work with Overhealing effects.
  • Fixed an issue where Aspect of Frosty Strides couldn't be imprinted onto Pants.

User Interface and User Experience

  • Fixed an issue where there was no indication on how to unlock Tempering if the player failed to pick up their first recipe. The quest now properly guides the player to pick up the free recipe.
  • Fixed an issue where, in certain circumstances, Legendary materials could appear in the Lost Items Stash but could not be withdrawn.
  • Fixed an issue where certain tooltips, such as for Berserking, did not properly indicate whether or not their damage was additive or multiplicative.
  • Fixed multiple instances where Aspect tooltips had inconsistent info in their descriptions.
  • Fixed an issue where many Unique Items did not display Class restrictions.
  • Fixed an issue where incompatible Mount armors could be selected in the Stablemaster menu.

Miscellaneous

  • Fixed an issue where materials from Season of the Malignant could drop in the Malignant Burrow.
  • Various performance, visual, and stability improvements.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

<h3>Diablo</h3>

Activision now owns one of 2023's other hottest game franchises in Diablo. The fourth entry launched in June and, while this means there likely won't be another game for a while, Blizzard has promised annual expansions for the action role-playing game. Diablo 4 was a huge hit, with more than ten million players in the first month.
  • ✇IGN All
  • Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is Up for Preorder, Out September 6Hannah Hoolihan
    The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is officially up for preorder with a price tag of $39.99 and a release date of September 6, so you won't have to wait too long before it's in your hands. You can find links to the physical release for Nintendo Switch below. It will be available on other platforms as well in digital storefronts - including Nintendo, Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox - on the same day.This collection features Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Invest
     

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is Up for Preorder, Out September 6

24. Červen 2024 v 16:11

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is officially up for preorder with a price tag of $39.99 and a release date of September 6, so you won't have to wait too long before it's in your hands. You can find links to the physical release for Nintendo Switch below. It will be available on other platforms as well in digital storefronts - including Nintendo, Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox - on the same day.

This collection features Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit with full HD graphics, quality of life improvements, and more. There's even a preorder bonus of five arranged in-game tracks for Ace Attorney Investigations 2. You can preorder the game and learn more about its preorder bonus below.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is Up for Preorder

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Preorder Bonus

When you preorder the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection you'll get five in-game tracks for Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit. These can be played either in game or you can listen to them in the Gallery.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Trailer

What is Ace Attorney Investigations Collection?

As revealed during the most recent Nintendo Direct in June, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection features remasters of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit. Per Capcom's website, the collection features, "full HD graphics along with quality of life improvements and special bonus materials, this two-game collection is the definitive experience!" You can also enjoy upgraded character sprites, a helpful Story Mode, you can check dialogue history, and more. It's a great investment if you've been itching to have these games in remastered formats.

More Preorder Guides

If you're looking for even more games to preorder right now, look no further, we've got a helpful list below of upcoming games available to preorder right now. From the physical release of Alan Wake II to Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble, check them out below.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Andor Season 2 Will Feature More Characters From Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryRyan Dinsdale
    Star Wars star Diego Luna has revealed more characters from Rogue One will show up in Andor Season 2.As reported by Popverse, the Cassian Andor actor said at ACE Superhero Comic Con 2024 that, as the series grows closer to the events of Rogue One, fans will see more characters from that film show up.Andor is, of course, a prequel series to Rogue One, which itself is a prequel to Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope. Season 2 will end just three days before the beginning of Rogue One, thus completin
     

Andor Season 2 Will Feature More Characters From Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

24. Červen 2024 v 16:09

Star Wars star Diego Luna has revealed more characters from Rogue One will show up in Andor Season 2.

As reported by Popverse, the Cassian Andor actor said at ACE Superhero Comic Con 2024 that, as the series grows closer to the events of Rogue One, fans will see more characters from that film show up.

Andor is, of course, a prequel series to Rogue One, which itself is a prequel to Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope. Season 2 will end just three days before the beginning of Rogue One, thus completing the stories of Cassian and his allies.

"I can tell you, Rogue One is coming, so there will be characters there that you will recognize, There will be cool stuff," Luna said.

"For those who love Rogue One, this season is going to be very special. And it’s going to be fascinating to go straight to Rogue One after watching this second season, because you will see Rogue One from a different perspective. I promise you that."

Luna didn't reveal anything more about the incoming episodes, which were pushed out of 2024 by Disney seemingly due to delays caused by the Hollywood strikes of 2023, but he did promise they would be as involved as Season 1's.

"[Showrunner] Tony Gilroy is a fantastic writer, and he created amazing characters that we got to meet in Andor Season 1," Luna said

"It’s going to be a very rich second season, because all those stories matter today. It is a true ensemble piece. It got very complicated in Seaason 1, and everything has to get resolved. Every story matters."

In our 9/10 review of Season 1's opening episodes, IGN said: "Andor is off to a fantastic start thanks to its compelling performances, corporate thriller undertones, and considered filmmaking."

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Lestat's Return on Interview with the Vampire Blows Every Courtroom Drama Out of the WaterEmma Fraser
    This article contains spoilers for Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire on AMC.Television has long favored legal dramas that dish out a case-of-the-week in beloved procedurals like Perry Mason, Law & Order, or The Good Wife. Sometimes, one murder trial is the focus, such as Apple TV+’s splashy new limited series Presumed Innocent by David E. Kelley. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a prosecutor turned defendant in a role played by Harrison Ford in the 1990 movie based on Scott Turow’s best-seller, bu
     

Lestat's Return on Interview with the Vampire Blows Every Courtroom Drama Out of the Water

24. Červen 2024 v 16:07

This article contains spoilers for Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire on AMC.

Television has long favored legal dramas that dish out a case-of-the-week in beloved procedurals like Perry Mason, Law & Order, or The Good Wife. Sometimes, one murder trial is the focus, such as Apple TV+’s splashy new limited series Presumed Innocent by David E. Kelley. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a prosecutor turned defendant in a role played by Harrison Ford in the 1990 movie based on Scott Turow’s best-seller, but this is not the most gripping trial on TV this month. No, that honor goes to the penultimate episode of Interview with the Vampire’s excellent second season. It turns out that humans are not the only ones who must face the consequences of breaking the law.

Season 2 of the AMC adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1976 hit novel introduced the Théâtre des Vampires, a coven doubling as a stage company that Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia (Delainey Hayles) encounter in postwar France. Here, Louis began a now nearly 80-year relationship with Armand (Assad Zaman) that hit a stumbling block thanks to the discovery that Armand had played Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on Louis in 1973.

Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) got to the bottom of what happened in that San Francisco apartment, causing this ripple, so the investigative reporter now turns his attention toward Claudia’s fate. The stage is set to recount Armand’s other source of betrayal and the time he sold out Louis, Claudia, and brand new vamp Madeleine (Roxane Duran) to his coven. Instead of a court of law, the Théâtre des Vampires take the concept of a show trial, producing a scripted play with Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), making his long-awaited return to the Parisian stage as victim and star witness in “Trial! The Treacherous and Unnatural Crimes of the Vampires Louis & Claudia (and Their Fledgling Madeleine).”

Even though this one-night-only production has been meticulously rehearsed, it is the first time Louis and Claudia have seen Lestat since they tried to kill him, and the French vampires’ performance veers off script at multiple points throughout “I Could Not Prevent It.” Considering the defendants are not privy to the text, it is hardly surprising that they cause a few opening night flubs and deviations. In the present, Louis asserts they are props, not characters in a play who are little more than set dressing. Their ankle tendons are “slashed to the bone” to prevent them from moving, and the other vamps use their collective powers to stop the three accused from talking.

It is a thrilling and heartbreaking hour, underscoring why a courtroom drama is an effective storytelling device, even when the outcome is predetermined. The human audience is a collective jury primed to deliver a guilty verdict. However, like the best courtroom dramas, there is gasp-worthy bombshell evidence, confessions, emotional testimony, and biting statements. Final words will haunt all participating — whether they are there of their own free will or not. Furthermore, toggling between Dubai in 2022 and Paris in 1948 gives Louis a much-needed perspective, in which he recants some previous testimony.

While there are three defendants, this episode puts every character on trial, and the verdict is devastating. The only thing Interview with the Vampire is guilty of by the end is not getting released before the Emmy Awards eligibility window. Here are some key takeaways from the penultimate episode.

Lestat de Lioncourt Returns

The first time Lestat appeared this season outside of Louis’ hallucinations (referred to as Dreamstat) was when Armand recalled meeting Louis’ maker for the first time. The year was 1795, and unlike every other vampire in the French capital, he was having a glorious time living it up as a beloved actor relishing every applause. Considering Lestat cofounded the Théâtre des Vampires with Armand, it only makes sense that his entrance is teased out. The shots of him walking to the stage as Louis recounts feeling his presence and recognizing his scent dials up the drama to a fever pitch. The “leering and feral” audience goes wild for Lestat’s entrance, and he immediately has them lapping up every word.

Santiago (Ben Childs) leads the proceedings, relishing his leading role in a traditional barrister’s wig, cape, sheer dress shirt, and oodles of eyeliner. Anyone who has seen Anatomy of a Fall will know the French legal system has some curious quirks, but this has nothing on the scripted takedown of Louis, Claudia, and the guilty-by-proxy Madeleine.

Even though Lestat didn’t die, Louis and Claudia must face the consequences of their attempt on his vampire life — and they did murder the vampiress Antoinette Brown. Claudia is damned by her own words as the collection of her diaries is evidence of their crimes, which are further brought to life via the theatre's signature projection set design aesthetic. But, unlike previous Théâtre des Vampires productions, this one uses colorful illustrations of the misdeeds.

It is a story Louis has previously told, but recollections differ, and Lestat’s testimony hammers home how much the accused have wronged him. However, Lestat doesn’t always play the victim or follow the prosecution's cues. At one point, he shames an audience member who has made a homophobic remark and uses his powers to appear at the back of the theater. It's an incredibly satisfying moment, but it has nothing on a rare moment of humility during an unexpected and unscripted acknowledgment of guilt when Lestat reveals he broke Louis when he dropped him from the sky. Reid deserves a standing ovation for capturing Lestat’s rare shame, staring off into the mid-distance before the vampire tearfully recounts breaking Louis.

Louis’ Present-Day Confession

Another story that doesn’t match what we saw in Season 1 is the steps that led to Lestat breaking one of the “Great Laws” when he turned Claudia. Part of the second law says the “Dark Gifts” must never be given to children because while their minds and spirits age, their bodies won’t. No one wants to be 14 forever, and Claudia's struggles mirror Lestat’s original cautionary words flashing back to when Louis begged him to save Claudia. This subject has been broached before, but when Louis told Daniel about the night Claudia became a vampire, it was a truncated version of the story Lestat tells. “You will regret this for the rest of your life,” Lestat warns before giving Louis their daughter.

Embellishing the facts when telling a story to a big crowd is relatable, as is downplaying what happened when you are one-on-one. Interview with the Vampire is so captivating because it shows different perspectives and how memories can suit the moment and mood you are in. On stage in the late ‘40s, Louis tells Claudia that Lestat is lying, but the 74 years in between have given “unwelcome clarity.” Daniel offers up this phrase, and undoubtedly, what they both learned about Armand fogging their brains in San Francisco has reshaped other memories.

It is incredibly telling that Armand insists that Lestat is embellishing: “Lestat stood on that stage, took all the familiar pieces of Louis’s life, defiled them, bent them into a Lestat-shaped effigy.” Anderson rises to the occasion of this meaty material, showcasing Louis’ disbelief decades ago and his newfound (and painful) understanding.

Notably, this is the only time Dreamstat appears in the present, offering up some fond words about Claudia, cutting between him saying it in Dubai and Paris. The poignant, sparing use of the Dreamstat hallucination occurs after Louis tells Daniel to “go with Lestat’s version, for the book, I think.” It is a confession tinged with regret from Louis, reaching into the past to make up for what has happened, and the real version of what happened probably sits between the two.

What Happens to Claudia?

While Lestat was still knocking about in 1973, there has been radio silence from Claudia in any scene after the 1940s. Even non-book readers have probably guessed that things end as well for her as they did for Baby Lulu in the role Claudia played in over 500 performances. Well, the wait is over, and it is a brutal conclusion explaining why Louis went up to the roof in San Francisco to stand in the sunshine. He was inflicting the same punishment onto his body that he couldn’t save Claudia from.

After Lestat has finished giving his damning evidence, Santiago gives Madeleine the choice to either renounce Claudia to become a member of the coven or receive her punishment. It is all a foregone conclusion when Santiago asks the audience for the verdict, followed by Claudia’s punishment. There is no hung jury or appeals as Claudia and Madeline are both found guilty and sentenced to death. Hayles has been excellent in navigating taking over the role from Bailey Bass, showing Claudia’s struggles to find her place and her joy when that connection is finally made. It is impossible to pick an MVP from this episode as Hayles and Anderson match Reid in swinging between emotional extremes. When Claudia tells the entire room that she will return from the afterlife and kill all of them, I believe her.

Of course, we know Louis will survive, but not the means. When it comes to his punishment, Armand uses his ancient powers to control the crowd. Banishment instead of a death sentence is what Louis must suffer (though being banished to a coffin full of stones is still a death sentence and a much slower one to boot), and his stage exit is forced before Claudia receives hers. Along with Madeleine, they have one last direction to stand beneath an observatory lens, and the manner of execution matches Rice’s novel.

The yellow and blue of their outfits would offer a romantic image if it weren’t so horrifying. When the sunbeam hits, Madeline succumbs fast. It takes time for Claudia to burn, staring at Lestat with her last breath. All that is left is a pile of ash and the clothes on their backs. Santiago is seen snatching up Claudia’s beloved yellow dress (a nice touch that she is wearing the same color frock as the book) before dramatically swishing his cape like the showman he is.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest questions has centered on Claudia’s fate. Now that this has been answered in a devastating fashion, there are plenty of others to consider. Where did Lestat go after the trial? How did Louis escape from the coffin he was meant to die in? And how did Louis forgive Armand for selling them out to the coven? Somehow, they got over a relationship deal breaker, but as this season has proved, the cracks have never gone away, no matter how much they play the happy couple. The trial might be over, but the guilt will never subside for some.

Emma Fraser is a contributing freelancer for IGN, covering everything from TV reviews to asking burning questions about Yellowjackets and Stranger Things. They have a decade of experience as a culture writer with bylines at publications including The Daily Beast, Elle, Little White Lies, and Backstage.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Is Up for PreorderChris Reed
    Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is set to release before the end of the year for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC. The PS4 version, of course, will be perfectly playable on PS5, thanks to backwards compatibility. It also includes new features like online play. The collection is available for preorder from a variety of retailers, in both digital and physical formats. We have all the details below.Preorder Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade ClassicsPS4Get it at Amazon
     

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Is Up for Preorder

24. Červen 2024 v 15:35

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is set to release before the end of the year for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC. The PS4 version, of course, will be perfectly playable on PS5, thanks to backwards compatibility. It also includes new features like online play. The collection is available for preorder from a variety of retailers, in both digital and physical formats. We have all the details below.

Preorder Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

PS4

Nintendo Switch

PC

There aren’t any fancy special editions of the game, but the standard edition is available in both physical and digital format on console.

Game List for Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

  • The Punisher (1993)
  • X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994)
  • Marvel Super Heroes (1995)
  • X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996)
  • Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997)
  • Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of the Super Heroes (1998)
  • Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)

A grand total of seven games are included in this collection, with release dates spanning 1993 - 2000. One notable (non-fighting game) inclusion is The Punisher, a beat-‘em-up game that kicked off the partnership between Marvel and Capcom.

What Is Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics?

These aren't just straight ports of the games – Capcom has added plenty of extra features and quality-of-life improvements. The biggest new piece is online play, so you don’t need to have friends over to go head to head or play The Punisher in co-op. You can play online in casual or ranked matches. There's a leaderboard for high score challenges and screen filters to make the games look more how they did on CRT displays.

Also included is a library of design documents and artwork used in the development and promotion of the games, as well as a music player. There's a training mode, where you can practice your special moves and see things like hit boxes for each character. And for newcomers who don’t want to learn all the special moves, there’s a one-button feature you can enable to help them keep up with veterans. All of the arcade games are available in their English or Japanese versions as well.

Other Preorder Guides

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Apple Becomes the First Tech Company Charged With Violating EU's Digital Markets Act RulesTaylor Lyles
    The European Commission announced today that Apple has become the first technology company charged with violating the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a press release, the European Commission announced that Apple's App Store "steering" policies have violated rules outlined in the DMA, writing that the iPhone maker prevents "app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content." In addition to today's preliminary ruling, the Commission also an
     

Apple Becomes the First Tech Company Charged With Violating EU's Digital Markets Act Rules

24. Červen 2024 v 15:31

The European Commission announced today that Apple has become the first technology company charged with violating the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

In a press release, the European Commission announced that Apple's App Store "steering" policies have violated rules outlined in the DMA, writing that the iPhone maker prevents "app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content." In addition to today's preliminary ruling, the Commission also announced it has opened a new investigation into Apple pertaining to its "core technology fee," claiming it is non-compliant under the DMA.

"We have reason to believe that the AppStore rules not allowing app developers to communicate freely with their users is in breach of the DMA," Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton commented. "Without prejudice to Apple's right of defence, we are determined to use the clear and effective DMA toolbox to finally open real opportunities for innovators and for consumers."

“Act different” should be their new slogan🍏

For too long @Apple has been squeezing out innovative companies — denying consumers new opportunities & choices.

Today we are taking further steps to ensure AppStore & iOS comply with #DMA pic.twitter.com/e741oV9r9l

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) June 24, 2024

Apple did not immediately respond to IGN's request for comment.

Formal charges against Apple for not complying with the EU were to be expected; last March, the EU announced it was probing Apple, in addition to Google's parent company Alphabet and Meta, for violating the new antitrust laws in the DMA. Last week, the Financial Times reported that EU regulators were gearing up to formally charge Apple for allegedly "stifling competition" on its App Store.

The DMA is a new regulation that went into effect last year and is designed to make the digital sector more competitive and fair. Specifically, the law is aimed at cracking down on over 20 tech companies, including Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft, which the EU deemed as "gatekeepers" that were required to loosen up its policies to promote more fair competition. The EU requires these gatekeepers to have fully complied with the DMA rules by March this year.

Among one of the effects of the DMA includes giving developers the option to launch their own third-party app stores within the App Store or Google Play. Most notably, Fortnite developer Epic Games and Microsoft announced plans to launch their own third-party app stores within Apple and Google's digital storefornts.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon's Biggest Villain Just Got Way More PowerfulRosie Knight
    This story contains spoilers for House of the Dragon.In a series where there are dragons, murderers, and bloodthirsty ratcatchers who don't shy from killing children, you might be a little surprised to learn that the worst villain in the series is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The white-cloaked soldiers of Westeros are supposed to be the most noble and honorable of all, but one of their number, Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), is a two-faced misogynist snake who has used his considerable c
     

House of the Dragon's Biggest Villain Just Got Way More Powerful

24. Červen 2024 v 15:06

This story contains spoilers for House of the Dragon.

In a series where there are dragons, murderers, and bloodthirsty ratcatchers who don't shy from killing children, you might be a little surprised to learn that the worst villain in the series is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The white-cloaked soldiers of Westeros are supposed to be the most noble and honorable of all, but one of their number, Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), is a two-faced misogynist snake who has used his considerable charm and good looks to maneuver himself into the bed of two queens who are both way out of his league. And now he's utilized his clearly impressive skills in the bedchamber to weasel his way into one of the most powerful positions in the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms: the Hand of the King.

Criston Cole's rise to villainy — and my deep hatred — began in Season 1 of House of the Dragon when he decided to seduce the young heir to the throne, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock). While she may have seemed headstrong and independent in the canon of the series, she was 15 and he was 23. While you may imagine that the least mature of the two was the teenage girl, you are in fact incorrect as Criston proved when he suggested that Rhaenyra run away with him to Dorne to sell oranges instead of taking her rightful place as the first female heir to the Iron Throne.

It's that arrogance which defines Criston Cole and his insufferable impact on Westeros and the Dance of the Dragons. He was known as the Kingmaker in Fire & Blood — the fictional historical texts the series is based on — for his support of Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), and in both that canon and the TV series he's rewarded by his role as Hand of the King. But the series has wisely expanded what we know about Criston, revealing him to be a conniving and petty soul whose life is defined by being rejected by Rhaenyra. While their relationship was only rumored in the often unreliable pages of Fire & Blood, in House of the Dragon it's made clear and sets him up as a misogynistic, homophobic, and pathetic foe whose obsession with Rhaenyra is one of the main reasons that the kingdom is on the cusp of a war that will kill thousands of people.

His Season 1 arc was a smart play on the realities of "chivalry" versus the expectations of the trope. At first he was presented as a dashing, charming, and useful addition to Rhaenyra's life, someone who could keep her counsel and entertain her away from the drudgery of court life. But once she refused his legitimately deranged proposal to run away with him and become fruit merchants, he became consumed with rage,infuriated that he "broke his vow of chastity" that is key to the Kingsguard role for nothing but a fling. Then, when Rhaenyra dared to suggest they continue their affair, he insulted her and claimed he would never be her "whore," which of course is deeply ironic to anyone who has watched Season 2 of House of the Dragon where he is now happy to play paramour to Alicent (Olivia Cooke), something he's now been doing for a solid decade and a half.

That connection to Alicent began when he spilled his secret to her, revealing that he and Rhaenyra had been sleeping together, sowing the seeds for one of TV's most toxic and petty couples. His true heel turn began in that moment and was cemented when he murdered the male lover of Rhaenyra's fiance, Laenor Velaryon (John MacMillan), at their pre-wedding feast simply because he was so angry that they'd found a bit of happiness in the suffocating Targaryen Court.

After betraying Rhaenyra and joining the Green faction alongside Alicent, Criston Cole has spent his days slut-shaming Rhaenyra, hypocritically sleeping with another Queen while hiding behind the heavy wooden doors of Red Keep. He's encouraging the worst tendencies of the already deranged Targaryan boys, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Aegon, though they'd likely be less receptive if they knew he was slipping their mother his long sword every night. The pair's most recent escapades haven't been dampened despite the fact Alicent and Cole were getting busy as Helaena (Phia Saban) and her children were attacked by assassins. Seeing as Cole's job is actually not about giving the Dowager Queen pleasure — although good for her — and is instead meant to be centered on protecting the royals, this is a rather large oversight. But rather than being punished, he is rewarded with Aegon giving him the role of Hand of the King.

Bitter and unhappy people are dangerous even without immense power. Seeing as Cole and Alicent are both so obsessed with Rhaenyra that the latter has taken her bedroom in the Red Keep, this can’t bode well for everyone involved. And just in case he hadn't made his cruelty and thoughtlessness clear enough Episode 2 ends with another example of just how dangerous he really is.Two more bodies fall on his proverbial sword after he sends Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) to do a little Prince and the Pauper scam, taking the place of his twin brother, Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor), in order to kill Rhaenyra in revenge for the murder of young Prince (Jaehaerys). Did he ask Alicent? No. Did he do this solely to deflect from the fact he wasn't around to protect Helaena? Yes. Are both twins now dead while Rhaenyra lives with the knowledge that Alicent presumably sent an assassin after her? Yes. So, once again, the war will move another deadly step forward thanks to the actions of Criston Cole.

Crafting particularly despicable characters has always been something that Game of Thrones has excelled at, but Criston Cole doesn't fit into the mold of a maniacal serial murderer like Joffrey or a brash and cruel would-be child killer like Season 1 Jamie Lannister. Instead, he's a much more interesting and awful character who feels terribly recognizable: a liar who hates women and yet can't stay away from them, who will do whatever it takes to hold on to the little bit of power he has, especially if it allows him to continue to take his revenge on Rhaenyra who dared to scorn him all those years ago. So, as House of the Dragon continues to successfully center the two women at the heart of the story, of course one of the biggest villains is an arrogant and desperate man who can't deal with the fact he's just a side character in the ongoing war between the Team Green, Team Black, and the women leading both.

Rosie Knight is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything from anime to comic books to kaiju to kids movies to horror flicks. She has over half a decade of experience in entertainment journalism with bylines at Nerdist, Den of Geek, Polygon, and more.

  • ✇IGN All
  • War Thunder Dev Apologizes After Using Explosion From Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster in Key ArtRyan Dinsdale
    War Thunder developer Gaijin Entertainment has apologized after using the explosion from the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in key art for the World War 2 massively multiplayer online game.A forum post from community manager magazine2 said Gaijin "accidentally" used the explosion as it was part of a reference pack used by its artists. The explosion, which killed all seven crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger when the spacecraft broke apart 73 seconds after take-off, had a fairly
     

War Thunder Dev Apologizes After Using Explosion From Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster in Key Art

24. Červen 2024 v 14:33

War Thunder developer Gaijin Entertainment has apologized after using the explosion from the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in key art for the World War 2 massively multiplayer online game.

A forum post from community manager magazine2 said Gaijin "accidentally" used the explosion as it was part of a reference pack used by its artists. The explosion, which killed all seven crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger when the spacecraft broke apart 73 seconds after take-off, had a fairly distinct shape and was thus recognized by War Thunder players when used in the key art.

"Hey guys, we have accidentally used the explosion from the Challenger disaster in one of our key art images," magazine2 said. "Please accept our sincere apologies for this. The picture was part of an aerial explosion reference pack used by our artists and the context was lost.

We have accidentally used the explosion from the Challenger disaster in one of our key art images. Please accept our sincere apologies for this.

"We’ll be altering this artwork as soon as we can and will take measures to ensure that this doesn’t repeat again in the future." Gaijin didn't say what these changes would be and the image is still available on official channels.

This isn't the first time controversy pertaining to real world events has surrounded War Thunder, though it's usually in hot water due to real military documents leaking through its forums.

Documents related to the M2A2 Bradley Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle were posted on the forums in December 2023, for example, and while not legally classified, still contained in-depth details the military considers sensitive.

Another instance saw an image of the DTC10-125 Tungsten Penetrator alongside a technical document detailing its specifications appear in June 2022. That followed others on War Thunder's forums that revealed classified information on British Challenger 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Inside Out 2 Surpasses Dune: Part 2 as Highest-Grossing Movie of 2024 So FarAdele Ankers-Range
    Inside Out 2 has surpassed Dune: Part 2 to become the highest-grossing movie of 2024, and it only took eight days to secure that title at the U.S. box office.As reported by Variety, the animated tentpole from Disney and Pixar has so far earned $724 million at the worldwide box office, including $355 million in the U.S. and Canada, overtaking Dune: Part 2's $711 million global haul (with $282 million from the U.S. and Canada) to become the most successful movie of the year.Inside Out 2 followed i
     

Inside Out 2 Surpasses Dune: Part 2 as Highest-Grossing Movie of 2024 So Far

24. Červen 2024 v 14:31

Inside Out 2 has surpassed Dune: Part 2 to become the highest-grossing movie of 2024, and it only took eight days to secure that title at the U.S. box office.

As reported by Variety, the animated tentpole from Disney and Pixar has so far earned $724 million at the worldwide box office, including $355 million in the U.S. and Canada, overtaking Dune: Part 2's $711 million global haul (with $282 million from the U.S. and Canada) to become the most successful movie of the year.

Inside Out 2 followed its massive opening weekend with more staggering ticket sales in its sophomore outing, raking in $100 million in the U.S. and Canada and $164 million from other territories in its second weekend at theaters. These takings put it on track to become the first movie of 2024 to join the $1 billion box office club.

Last weekend, Inside Out 2 scored the second-biggest opening of all time for an animated film behind the $182 million Incredibles 2 brought in back in 2018. Pixar's latest also secured the biggest U.S. opening of 2024 and became the first film to cross $100 million in its first few days (since Barbie's achievement last summer).

Inside Out 2 takes audiences further inside the mind of Riley, now a teenager conjuring an entirely new range of emotions. IGN recently toured the Pixar Animation Studios campus in California and caught up with director Kelsey Mann to take a closer look at the new characters, plus the designs that didn't make the final cut.

Audiences have hardly been able to contain their emotions over Inside Out 2. The movie is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its visuals, cast, and clever storytelling. IGN's review of Inside Out 2 called it "a smart but emotionally stunted sequel" with "a few inventive ideas that make for hearty amusement."

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Mods Have Begun — and Yes, Most Make It EasierWesley Yin-Poole
    Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is just a few days old but, predictably, mods for the expansion have already started coming in.Most of the mods targeting Shadow of the Erdtree on Nexus Mods right now make the expansion easier. That’s no surprise, given the reaction so far. As IGN has reported, Steam user reviews currently have a ‘mixed’ rating after a flood of complaints about the rock hard bosses as well as PC performance issues.Belger’s ‘Easy Shadow of the Erdtree’ mod, for example, decre
     

The Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Mods Have Begun — and Yes, Most Make It Easier

24. Červen 2024 v 14:25

Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is just a few days old but, predictably, mods for the expansion have already started coming in.

Most of the mods targeting Shadow of the Erdtree on Nexus Mods right now make the expansion easier. That’s no surprise, given the reaction so far. As IGN has reported, Steam user reviews currently have a ‘mixed’ rating after a flood of complaints about the rock hard bosses as well as PC performance issues.

Belger’s ‘Easy Shadow of the Erdtree’ mod, for example, decreases all enemy damage in the DLC by around 25%. “Many players complain about enemies in SOTE dealing too much damage,” Belger said in the mod description, “so if that’s your case, you can try this mod that lowers it significantly.”

Belger added that their mod can also be used by players to learn boss patterns without dying so often. They can then uninstall the mod and take on Shadow of the Erdtree’s rock hard bosses “the way FromSoftware intended.”

Elsewhere, existing mods for the base game were updated to work with Shadow of the Erdtree. For example, CheezeOfAstora’s mod lets players recover runes immediately upon death, so there’s no need to go to the exact spot of death to recover the runes. This is “not an easy mode,” CheezeOfAstora insisted. Syyyke’s ‘All in One Cheat Version’ very much is an easy mode, however.

Older Elden Ring mods that make the game easier are also seeing renewed interest now Shadow of the Erdtree is out in the wild, including GreyEnigma’s effort that reduces grinding by giving you various helpful items. And here’s a useful mod: byDelamain’s ‘DLC Ready Save File’ lets players skip Shadow of the Erdtree's boss kill requirements.

Elden Ring modders, then, are stepping in to help with what many are saying is the hardest experience FromSoftware has ever created. Ahead of Shadow of the Erdtree’s release, director Hidetaka Miyazaki signaled the DLC would significantly test players’ abilities. "The new challenges for the player are going to be the boss encounters as well as the different kinds of threats that the world will impose on people," Miyazaki told CNET. Some of these bosses are aimed at players who've completed most of the base Elden Ring, meaning FromSoftware has "kind of really pushed the envelope in terms of what we think can be withstood by the player," he added.

If you don’t want to go down the mod route, we believe Shadow of the Erdtree's Scadutree Blessings are the answer to the Elden Ring DLC's difficulty (Scadutree Blessing bolsters the recipient's abilities to deal and negate damage). You can check our guide to track down every last Scadutree Fragment.

Shadow of the Erdtree has certainly enjoyed critical acclaim, and has become the highest-rated video game expansion of all-time after overtaking Witcher 3 DLC Blood and Wine on Metacritic. IGN’s Shadow of the Erdtree review returned a 10/10. We said: “Like the base game did before it, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree raises the bar for single-player DLC expansions. It takes everything that made the base game such a landmark RPG, condenses it into a relatively compact 20-25 hour campaign, and provides fantastic new challenges for heavily invested fans to chew on.”

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

  • ✇IGN All
  • Square Enix Asks Fans Not to Spoil Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail as Early Access LoomsRyan Dinsdale
    Square Enix has asked Final Fantasy 14 players not to spoil the highly anticipated Dawntrail expansion upon its early access launch on June 28, 2024.A blog post from Square Enix outlined the early access period, which begins at 2am Pacific / 5am Eastern / 10am UK and is available to anyone who preorders Dawntrail, but closed with a message asking players to be considerate to those waiting for the full launch."During the early access period, there will be no restrictions on what content you can d
     

Square Enix Asks Fans Not to Spoil Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail as Early Access Looms

24. Červen 2024 v 13:42

Square Enix has asked Final Fantasy 14 players not to spoil the highly anticipated Dawntrail expansion upon its early access launch on June 28, 2024.

A blog post from Square Enix outlined the early access period, which begins at 2am Pacific / 5am Eastern / 10am UK and is available to anyone who preorders Dawntrail, but closed with a message asking players to be considerate to those waiting for the full launch.

"During the early access period, there will be no restrictions on what content you can discuss, post, or stream while following the Material Usage License Agreement," Square Enix said, making clear spoilers will be out in the wild.

"However, we ask that early access users please be considerate and do their best to avoid posting spoiler-related content as there are those players who may start at the official launch or play at their own pace."

The expansion officially launches July 2, 2024, but as it includes a major extension of the Final Fantasy 14 story, a whole new map, the Viper and Pictomancer jobs, plenty of raids and dungeons, and more, it will likely be much later before many players can experience everything.

Dawntrail promises to add a difficulty spike to the long-running MMO too, while a major graphical overhaul will refresh the entire Final Fantasy 14 experience. In March, chief developer Yoshi-P joked that Square Enix had hoped to release the early access a week earlier, but… “Elden Ring DLC.”

That was a reference to Shadow of the Erdtree, which came out on June 21. "We figured everybody would be interested in playing the Elden Ring DLC... I'll give you one week!"

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Fallout Showrunners Confirm Robert House for Season 2Wesley Yin-Poole
    Prime Video’s Fallout TV show ended with a clear nod to a much-loved Fallout video game, but there are still many questions left unanswered by Season 1. One thing we do know now is that a major character from the games — and who only makes a brief appearance in Season 1 — will play a part in Season 2.Warning: Spoilers for Fallout Season 1 follow.In an interview with Variety, showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet confirmed Robert House “will be involved” in Season 2. Fallout video
     

Fallout Showrunners Confirm Robert House for Season 2

24. Červen 2024 v 13:24

Prime Video’s Fallout TV show ended with a clear nod to a much-loved Fallout video game, but there are still many questions left unanswered by Season 1. One thing we do know now is that a major character from the games — and who only makes a brief appearance in Season 1 — will play a part in Season 2.

Warning: Spoilers for Fallout Season 1 follow.

In an interview with Variety, showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet confirmed Robert House “will be involved” in Season 2. Fallout video game fans know Robert House as Mr. House, one of the main characters in Obsidian’s Fallout New Vegas. In that game, Mr. House runs New Vegas as a brain plugged into a supercomputer that has extended his existence from the pre-war era into the post-war era.

Robert House makes a cameo appearance in the Fallout TV show during a pre-war scene in which the then RobCo Industries boss plots with Vault-Tec management and the heads of other companies to not only survive the inevitable nuclear apocalypse, but maybe even trigger it.

“Many of our lead characters are Vegas-bound,” Wagner said. “Las Vegas in the world of Fallout is Robert House’s town. Robert House will be involved in Season 2.”

Season 1 ends with a Power Armor-clad Overseer Hank stomping towards New Vegas, with The Ghoul and Lucy MacLean in hot pursuit. Wagner’s tease suggests newly knighted Brotherhood of Steel member Maximus will also end up in New Vegas. All roads, then, lead to a post-apocalyptic showdown on what's left of The Strip.

The question is, what form will Robert House take in Season 2? Will the TV show follow New Vegas’ lead and have the character star as a 200-year-old consciousness kept alive by machines? Or will the showrunners come up with some other way to have Robert House knocking about Vegas during this point in the Fallout timeline? After all, the mystery of how New California Republic chief Moldaver survived for over 200 years remains unresolved.

As the showrunners have said before, they would have loved to have squeezed Fallout’s iconic Deathclaw into Season 1, but couldn’t manage it due to having to establish the world. But deathclaws are also confirmed for Season 2, and like so much of Fallout Season 1, they won’t be CGI.

“To be honest, the deathclaw is an element we were troubled by not finding the right space for it in season one, and we very deliberately wanted to box ourselves in,” Wagner admitted. “And sometimes, as writers, you do that. You set yourself a challenge and you just say, ‘Well, now we got to.

“So, that actually has helped us a lot because we’re already developing ways, iterating ways to actually get the deathclaw up on its feet. Make it the most cool and impactful thing and it actually has given us the runway so we’re not just delivering a script and saying, ‘Oh, God, there’s a deathclaw.’ It’s like, ‘We know there is a deathclaw, so get ready.; These things take a lot of iterating, a lot of time to do it and to do it right versus just having it be a CG squiggle running across the screen.”

I like taking side trips and just exploring something that was mentioned in passing and making a thing out of it.

The final tease comes from Walton Goggins, who expertly plays Ghoul/Cooper. He suggested the Ghoul will once again get side-tracked in Season 2, as he did while dragging Lucy around the wasteland in Season 1.

“There are mysteries from Season 1, there are things that seem benign but may carry weight in Season 2, and things that are worth dedicating an episode to that seem outside of the overall trajectory of this experience. I like taking side trips and just exploring something that was mentioned in passing and making a thing out of it. And I know Graham and Geneva and Jonah [Nolan] are down for that too. So we’ll see what happens.”

Fans have plenty of theories about the Snake Oil Salesman’s mysterious serum, for example. To keep you going until Season 2, be sure to check out IGN’s wide-ranging, spoiler-filled interview with Bethesda Game Studios executive Todd Howard and executive producer and director Jonathan Nolan.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

  • ✇IGN All
  • Looks Like Palworld Is Coming to PlayStationWesley Yin-Poole
    One of the developers of Steam and Xbox hit Palworld has teased the release of a PlayStation version.Pocketpair community chief Bucky tweeted adding blue-colored hearts to Palworld’s existing black (PC), green (Xbox), and white (Mac) hearts. Blue is, of course, the color of PlayStation branding. With this context, a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 release now seems likely.🖤💚🤍Palworld🤍💚🖤I want to add more hearts, but not sure what colour would fit...hmm...how about....🖤💚🤍💙Palworld💙🤍💚🖤Looks good I
     

Looks Like Palworld Is Coming to PlayStation

24. Červen 2024 v 12:06

One of the developers of Steam and Xbox hit Palworld has teased the release of a PlayStation version.

Pocketpair community chief Bucky tweeted adding blue-colored hearts to Palworld’s existing black (PC), green (Xbox), and white (Mac) hearts. Blue is, of course, the color of PlayStation branding. With this context, a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 release now seems likely.

🖤💚🤍Palworld🤍💚🖤

I want to add more hearts, but not sure what colour would fit...hmm...how about....

🖤💚🤍💙Palworld💙🤍💚🖤

Looks good I think!

👀

— Bucky | Palworld (@Bucky_cm) June 22, 2024

Palworld, dubbed ‘Pokémon with Guns,’ launched in early access form in January 2024 on PC via Steam and on Xbox as a day-one Game Pass title. It saw enormous popularity overnight, becoming one of the biggest game launches of all time. But it’s also one of the most controversial. Pocketpair has said its staff has received death threats amid Pokémon "rip-off" claims, which it has denied. Soon after launch, Nintendo moved quickly to remove an eye-catching Pokémon mod, then The Pokemon Company issued a statement, saying: "We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to Pokémon." IGN asked lawyers whether Nintendo could successfully sue.

Player numbers have tailed off in the last half year, but the addition of a PS5 version would certainly provide Palworld with a shot in the arm. Whether Nintendo would greenlight a release on Switch is another matter entirely, of course.

Meanwhile, Palworld gets a major new update this week, called Sakurajima. It increases the level cap, adds new Pals, a new raid, a new faction and boss, and a whole new island. This update also comes with Xbox-dedicated servers, something the game had conspicuously lacked up to this point.

IGN’s Palworld early access review returned an 8/10. We said: “Palworld may crib quite a bit from Pokémon’s homework, but deep survival mechanics and a hilarious attitude make it hard to put down – even in early access.”

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Down to ‘Mixed’ on Steam as Players Complain About the Difficulty and Performance

24. Červen 2024 v 10:38

It’s been a bruising weekend for many Shadow of the Erdtree players. The DLC’s extreme — and intended - difficulty has sparked a debate about the rights and wrongs of developer FromSoftware’s approach with this Elden Ring expansion. But now that debate has spilled over into Steam user reviews, which currently have a ‘mixed’ rating after a flood of complaints about the rock hard bosses as well as PC performance issues.

Ahead of Shadow of the Erdtree’s release, director Hidetaka Miyazaki signaled the DLC would significantly test players’ abilities. "The new challenges for the player are going to be the boss encounters as well as the different kinds of threats that the world will impose on people," Miyazaki told CNET. Some of these bosses are aimed at players who've completed most of the base Elden Ring, meaning FromSoftware has "kind of really pushed the envelope in terms of what we think can be withstood by the player," he added.

And so it has proved. Over the weekend, players began to complain about the extreme difficulty with bosses and performance issues. “As a huge fan of all soulgames, I would love to like the DLC, but the enemies' damages are completely overtuned, especially for some bosses,'' reads one negative review. “Some have a completely erratic moveset rendering the whole experience just painful without any fun.”

Some have a completely erratic moveset rendering the whole experience just painful without any fun.

“Good DLC, but performance has gone down as of the latest update,” reads another negative review, this time focused on the PC performance problems. “Constant micro-stuttering and frame drops, freezes as well as increases in loading times make it difficult to enjoy and play the game. One of the early boss fights takes place around a puddle of water, which drops frames considerably. Wait for performance improvements before buying.”

Perhaps mindful of the growing negative feedback over difficulty, publisher Bandai Namco tweeted some advice for struggling Shadow of the Erdtree players: “This is a suggestion to level up your Scadutree Blessing.” This tallies with advice IGN itself has offered. Indeed we believe Shadow of the Erdtree's Scadutree Blessings are the answer to the Elden Ring DLC's difficulty (Scadutree Blessing bolsters the recipient's abilities to deal and negate damage). You can check our guide to track down every last Scadutree Fragment.

This is a suggestion to level up your Scadutree Blessing

— Bandai Namco US (@BandaiNamcoUS) June 22, 2024

Meanwhile, the Shadow of the Erdtree review bombing continues, but it’s worth pointing out that at the time of this article’s publication, 65% of the DLC’s 32,722 user reviews are positive on Valve’s platform.

FromSoftware game difficulty has been a hot topic for years, with the likes of Dark Souls, Sekiro, and Bloodborne all called too hard by some. But extreme difficulty has not hindered their sales success. Indeed Elden Ring has sold an incredible 25 million copies, and is by a clear distance the biggest FromSoftware game ever.

Speaking to The Guardian, Miyazaki explained why FromSoftware looks to continuously push players, rather than offer easier difficulties that would theoretically open up its games to a wider audience.

"If we really wanted the whole world to play the game, we could just crank the difficulty down more and more, but that wasn’t the right approach," Miyazaki said. "Had we taken that approach, I don’t think the game would have done what it did, because the sense of achievement that players gain from overcoming these hurdles is such a fundamental part of the experience. Turning down difficulty would strip the game of that joy, which, in my eyes, would break the game itself."

An amusing upshot of the debate around Shadow of the Erdtree’s difficulty is a renewed nostalgia for the base game and its bosses, now said to be relatively easygoing in retrospect.

Shadow of the Erdtree has certainly enjoyed critical acclaim, and has become the highest-rated video game expansion of all-time by overtaking Witcher 3 DLC Blood and Wine on Metacritic. IGN’s Shadow of the Erdtree review returned a 10/10. We said: “Like the base game did before it, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree raises the bar for single-player DLC expansions. It takes everything that made the base game such a landmark RPG, condenses it into a relatively compact 20-25 hour campaign, and provides fantastic new challenges for heavily invested fans to chew on.”

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

  • ✇IGN All
  • The 17 Best Board Games to Play in 2024Chris Reed
    Talk to two different board game fans, and you’ll likely get two completely different all-time top-10 lists to pick through. But talk to enough gamers, and you’ll find patterns start to emerge. Some of the common games will be all-time classic board games. Others will be fondly remembered older games that topped the market in their respective eras. And of course you’ll get a sprinkling of recent titles that are soaking up all the limelight at the moment.All of those categories have games that ca
     

The 17 Best Board Games to Play in 2024

24. Červen 2024 v 10:00

Talk to two different board game fans, and you’ll likely get two completely different all-time top-10 lists to pick through. But talk to enough gamers, and you’ll find patterns start to emerge. Some of the common games will be all-time classic board games. Others will be fondly remembered older games that topped the market in their respective eras. And of course you’ll get a sprinkling of recent titles that are soaking up all the limelight at the moment.

All of those categories have games that can rightfully be called the best board games to play. So we’ve included all of them in our list below, from a genre-defining title that dates back to 1977 to some of the biggest, boldest titles of the last couple of years. Every one a bona fide classic in its own way.

TLDR: The Best Board Games to Play Now

Don't have time to scroll? Here are all the games you'll find below.

Ark Nova

Ever since Wingspan - another entry on this list - designers have realised the value of giving heavyweight strategy games widely appealing themes. The latest and greatest example is Ark Nova, in which players design and run a modern, environmentally-minded zoo. Doing so involves navigating a smorgasbord of the most popular and interesting mechanics of recent years, from action cards that vary in power and timing depending on how you arrange them to spatial and economic elements as you build and populate your wildlife park to attract visitors and plough the cash back into the project. The combination of winning theme, deep strategy and a smidgen of luck has won this legions of fans and acres of acclaim since its 2021 release.

Cascadia

After winning gaming’s biggest prize, the Spiel des Jahres, in 2022, Cascadia’s mix of intriguing strategy and simple gameplay has earned it a spot in the all-time hall of fame. Each turn, you pick from a random pairing of terrain hex and animal token, then add both to your growing wilderness. Sounds simple enough, but to score you’ll need to think carefully about your pick and placement of both in terms of satisfying the game’s random selection of scoring conditions, which require particular patterns and quantities to net the big points. The easy rules and highly varied victory conditions are a winning combination, making the game accessible but also replayable, and there’s even a big list of challenges to work through in a sort of long-term campaign, which is also suitable for solo play. Add in some great art and components, and you’ve got an instant classic.

Summoner Wars

Most collectible and customisable card games will cost you an arm and a leg and still run out of strategic road to travel after too-few games. Summoner Wars solves both of these problems by giving you six faction decks in one box, from the devious Shadow Elves to the barbaric Swap Orcs, and adding an entire manoeuvre layer on top of the card play. Rather than forming a tableau, your cards go directly onto a gridded board, where they move, fight and enact special powers while you also worry about your hand and deck management, since you can lose not only militarily but if your deck runs out. And if you do, well, rather than just re-racking the suggested starter decks you can try tinkering, swapping in and out different faction cards to get the right balance to suit your play style. Once you’re bitten by the bug, there are lots of expansion factions to explore, too.

War of the Ring

It’s hard to believe that the epic narrative of Tolkien’s magnum ops could be re-imagined as a multi-layered wargame and still retain that sense of storytelling wonder, yet that’s exactly what this superb asymmetric title achieves. The free people’s player must balance their roster of heroes between supporting Frodo in his journey to Mount Doom with the need to stir the nations of Middle-Earth into action against the shadow, while Sauron faces a similar decision between crushing foes with military might and diverting resources to hunt for the ring-bearer. Throw in an action-dice system that prevents scripted approaches to play and great narrative beats from each player’s deck of cards, and you’ve got a game that will satisfy fans of Tolkien, strategy games and wargames in one package.

Cosmic Encounter

Lots of games that revolve around grabbing territory tend to involve the kind of tentative alliances and festering enmities that mimic real-world diplomacy. Back in 1977, the designers of Cosmic Encounter had a brainwave: why not get rid of the territory and cut to the chase? The result is this hilarious game of shifting alliances where every player has a game-breaking alien power to leverage in the race to win colonies on five of your opponent’s planets. Crammed with variety, tactical decisions and more dramatic reversals than a prime-time soap opera, Cosmic Encounter may be the only negotiation game you need.

Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham is a redevelopment of the earlier game Brass - now renamed as Brass: Lancashire - a fascinating combination of history and economics in board game form. Players take the role of business magnates at the dawn of the industrial revolution and must build mills while also constructing the transport networks that supply them with raw materials and export their products. That takes money, of course, which you get from your mills in a delightful yet punishingly tough arc of circular strategy. It’s especially interesting when you start buying and selling raw materials to other players, in a realistic simplification of supply and demand economics. Birmingham adds a new industry - beer - and gives players a bit more control over their hand of cards for a tighter, richer strategic experience.

Gloomhaven

The lords of the board gaming pile got that way through an ingenious bit of genre-blending. If you like old-fashioned dungeon crawls with a strong narrative, well, the huge campaign of fantasy adventure has you covered. If you’re a sucker for tactical combat, then its cunning, card-driven face-offs against a staggering variety of foes will thrill you. But if you want heavyweight strategy, then deck-building and resource gathering over the campaign plus the in-scenario exhaustion mechanic gives you plenty of meat. Truly all things to all gamers -- even fans of the best solo board games -- Gloomhaven and it’s bigger, better sequel Frosthaven deserves their staggering level of acclaim. And if the cost is a bit much, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers a smaller campaign at a much smaller price tag. And not for nothing, all of these titles also made it on our best board games for adults list as well.

Frosthaven

This one's not for everyone, but if it's for you then you'll absolutely love it. If you’re one of the rare few who not only have seen everything Gloomhaven has to offer but also remain hungry for more, Frosthaven is the banquet to satiate you. Bigger, bolder and better than the original, if you can find time for it in your life it’s an epic gaming experience like no other. Newcomers to the series, however, would be better suited to Jaws of the Lion, above. In the meantime, check out our Frosthaven review for more info.

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

If combat-based narrative campaigns aren’t your thing, how about working together to purge the world of infectious diseases? Building on the success of the original Pandemic, this introduces “legacy” concepts to the game, in which components are added or removed as you progress through the game, based on your decisions, successes and failures. After a few plays, your copy will be a unique record of your group’s play. So in addition to offering a very personal tale to engage you, Pandemic: Legacy also individualizes your strategic experience. It’s a magical combination that has spawned two further seasons, creating an epic arc of story and strategy to enjoy with a gaming group or even as one of the best family board games.

Twilight Struggle

Billed as a cold war simulation and with bullet-pointed rules, Twilight Struggle can appear daunting to the uninitiated. But there’s a reason it was widely acclaimed as the best game of all time after its 2009 release. Players have hands of event cards that replicate key moments from the conflict, keyed to either their side or their opponent. If you play an opponent’s card you can still make moves on the board but their event also occurs. This makes every hand a thrilling, tactical dance of play and counterplay as you try to move your plans forward while also nullifying enemy events. In addition to the superb strategic workout, you might even learn some history too with this war board game.

Agricola

Another game that spent its time in the “best game ever” limelight is this unlikely game about farming. Stepping back from the theme, however, growing a family to work on a family farm is a dead ringer for the popular Worker Placement mechanism. As a result, Agricola conjures a real sense of growing and developing your humble plantation into a thriving stead, with plenty of interesting strategic bumps to navigate along the way. Its particular genius is its huge decks of cards, only a handful of which are used in each game, which ensures lots of strategic variety and allows you to tailor things like complexity and interaction to your group’s tastes.

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

The genius of The Crew: Mission Deep Sea is in taking a very familiar gaming concept - trick taking card games - and using it to build something entirely novel but easily accessible. In this case, the competitive card game concept you know from classics like Whist and Bridge becomes cooperative. Players get a series of goals to distribute, indicating that they must win tricks in certain patterns or containing particular cards. The players must then work together to ensure those people fulfil those goals without being able to tell each other what’s in their hands. The result is a fascinating game of unlikely depth, rippling with tension and missed cues. And because it’s also simple and cooperative, it’s as much fun around the family dinner table as it is in a hardcore gaming convention.

Lords of Waterdeep

By marrying the sensibilities of Dungeons & Dragons with the mechanics of modern board games, Lords of Waterdeep made a smash hit to last down the ages. Players take the roles of power brokers in the Forgotten Realms’ biggest city, hiring adventurers to defeat perils threatening Waterdeep while building new facilities in the town. It’s these additions that take this unusually thematic worker placement game to the next level, with the new buildings entering play ensuring that new strategies are required each time. Throw in a modicum of minor “take that” cards to spice things up and you’ve got a brilliant game with very wide appeal.

Ticket to Ride

First off, there are a surprising number of train board games on the market. But the most famous by far is Ticket to Ride, a steaming success story among hobby board games. It’s a combination of familiar concepts with players collecting cards, like a Rummy game, in order to try and claim matching routes on a map of the US. But beware: it’s a tight board with relatively few potential connections between the cities that you’ll need in order to complete your allotted routes. And if another player gets there first, you’ll lose potential points instead of gaining them. Easy to learn and exciting to play and with a wide variety of versions and expansion maps, Ticket to Ride is great fun for all ages. It also works well as a two-player board game, or with a group.

Concordia

While conquest games involving ancient Rome are ten a penny, Concordia instead has you manoeuvring a noble family to gain wealth and contacts during the height of empire. Play is conducted using a deck of action cards that you can expand, using wealth from your trades, as the game progresses, allowing you to tailor your strategy accordingly. But the kicker is that your final scoring is also depending on those cards, with different cards earning you points in different ways, from goods in your storehouse to colonist pieces on the board. This creates a fascinating, rich, wheels within wheels layer of strategy, while the resource management elements also let you mess up your opponent’s plans while advancing your own.

Codenames

Blasting onto the scene in 2015, Codenames changed the face of party games forever. In place of trivia quizzes or trivial tasks, it challenged players to come up with clues to interlink a series of apparently unconnected words. So you might link “Trip”, “Rome” and possibly even “Embassy” with the clue “Holiday”. The concept proved so accessible and addictive that it launched an entire new genre of synonym-based word games, each giving different spins on a similar formula. But for ease of teaching and wideness of enjoyment, the original is still the best.

The Castles of Burgundy

Coming into this game of estate-building in medieval France you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the options to grow your castle. Fortunately, it’s a dice-based game where the roll each turn limits your choices of where you can take actions. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a random game: rather, the dice are there to keep throwing you curveballs you have to dodge around as you build a strategy. A classic case of having too much to do and too little to do it with, every action of every round feels weighted with impossible priorities, keeping you stretched right up until the points are tallied.

Looking for more ideas not covered here? Check out our rundown of the best board games for kids.

Wingspan

Wingspan is often sold as a family board game but in truth, it’s a little too complex and challenging for kids and is generally more for board game enthusiasts. It has a perfect weave of tactics and strategy together with a winning theme as you try to attract birds to a nature reserve. Different birds need different foods and habitats but will contribute to your growing ecosystem which becomes a kind of engine, generating resources to allow you to play bigger and more beautiful birds.

Read our review of Wingspan.

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Board Games

There’s so much choice in modern board gaming that picking a game can be overwhelming, not to mention expensive! So to help winnow down the selection, here are a few things to look out for when making your picks.

How Often Will You Play?

Perhaps the most important one is whether it’s likely to see much play. Aspects of this are fairly obvious: whether it appeals to your friends, what’s the target age, if it’s a long game, will you have time for it, and so on. But there’s still more to these facets than may be immediately apparent. For example, you may feel comfortable learning complex game rules, while your fellow players would prefer to get started on a great beginner's board game. Do you want a game to play with your partner, or your wider family, or does it need to be flexible enough to cater for both crowds?

Even then, these are often vexed questions. The play times listed on box sides are often hopelessly optimistic. Similarly, a game’s advertised player count can be very different from the ideal. A good tool to clear this up is the game information database boardgamegeek.com. If you search on a game there then, at the top of the page you’ll find, beneath the player count, a “best” suggestion for the optimal player count according to the site’s users.

How Much Space Do You Have?

There are other many other considerations. Some games take up a lot of table space, for example, which is no good if you play on a coffee or smaller board game table. Others can take a long time to set up and put away. These issues are often mentioned in a review if they’re problematic. And they can stack: you may be able to play a much longer game, for example, if you have space to pause and leave it out on the table to resume later.

Some genres of game require greater research than others. Increasingly, games are being released as lifestyle choices with a steady stream of expansions and new content. Which is great if it appeals to you, but you need to know what you’re getting into. Other games merge into miniature modelling which is a whole other hobby in it’s own right. Editions and versions are another thing worth checking out as many modern games come in standard and deluxe editions or may, in fact, be reprints of older titles.

You also need to think about how a game might fit in with your existing collection, both aesthetically and physically. For the former, consider what makes it different enough, mechanically or thematically, from games you already own to make it worthwhile. For the latter, remember that board games are big, and you’ll need to find space to store it!

How Competitive Are You?

Not everyone enjoys competing against their friends and family in board games. Maybe Uncle Kevin gets too heated when he starts falling behind in points. Maybe the kids struggle to create a winning strategy at the table. While plenty of games have you go up against other players, there are a whole lot of incredible cooperative board games around now to choose from. And if you have a hard time getting people together, you can even find plenty of solo board games that don't require anyone but yourself to have a good time.

Best New Board Games of 2024

There's a always a stead stream of new board games to check out as the year progresses. We've reviewed a couple of the biggest board games of the year below:

Matt Thrower is a contributing freelance board game and video game writer for IGN. (Board, video, all sorts of games!)

  • ✇IGN All
  • House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review – "Rhaenyra the Cruel"arein1633
    A shaken looking maid is carrying a bloodied cloth from a child’s room; castle staff are rounded up and menaced by men in armour and snarling guard dogs. Later, in case you missed it, staff will dismantle a child’s bed and the dead boy’s body will be displayed to the world, severed head clumsily sewn back on. A horrific crime has taken place, and one side in the brewing Targaryen civil war is determined that everyone should know about it – though perhaps not quite as keen as the House of the Dra
     

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review – "Rhaenyra the Cruel"

Od: arein1633
24. Červen 2024 v 04:00

A shaken looking maid is carrying a bloodied cloth from a child’s room; castle staff are rounded up and menaced by men in armour and snarling guard dogs. Later, in case you missed it, staff will dismantle a child’s bed and the dead boy’s body will be displayed to the world, severed head clumsily sewn back on. A horrific crime has taken place, and one side in the brewing Targaryen civil war is determined that everyone should know about it – though perhaps not quite as keen as the House of the Dragon showrunners are to emphasise it because this is yet another episode about aftermath rather than action, grief rather than get-go.

King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), with his usual restraint, smashes up his father’s cherished model of King’s Landing in his rage. His grief is real, but there’s also the terror that he too could have been assassinated. He beats one of the captured assassins to death and orders the execution of all the castle’s pest control workers. Cue weeping and wailing outside the walls; Ser Otto (Rhys Ifans) calls him feckless, self-indulgent, an idiot and an “insolent pup”. Not entirely surprisingly, he is dismissed as Hand of the King. “Fuck dignity; I want revenge,” is Aegon’s position. “My next Hand will be a steel fist.” He tosses the office to Ser Criston (Fabian Frankel). There’s no way that anything could go wrong with that moody oathbreaker in charge. One of his first acts is to send Ser Arryk (Luke Tittensor) to Dragonstone to pretend to be his twin, Ser Erryk (Elliott Tittensor) and assassinate Rhaenyra. The honourable Ser Arryk is appalled but has his orders.

Cole’s regular booty call, Dowager Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke), is also going through it. She is worried that her daughter, Queen Helaena (Phia Saban) will reveal that Ser Criston was in her bed after the assassination; she’s grieving her own loss and her daughter’s unbearable pain (“The child is dead, his pain is ended. But what they’ve done to my girl,” weeps Alicent, her composure broken for once). She reluctantly sees the wisdom in her father’s plan to stage an open casket funeral and show the world the child’s defiled corpse, though Helaena is visibly appalled by the commoners. And she assures Otto that they can get their power back, though he won’t hear his daughter’s attempts to confess a sin (presumably her relationship with Ser Criston). Alicent sees Aegon weeping and leaves him to it, calling her lover to her side again despite both their moral misgivings. There goes the mother of the year award.

It’s tough to get terribly invested in the King’s Landing crowd: the conventionally nicest character is Helaena, but she’s off in another world. Alicent seems to have some good impulses but is also conniving against her former bestie on behalf of children who even she knows are awful. She’s also allied with Ser Larys (Matthew Needham) but terrified of him at the same time. It’s not a good scene.

Meanwhile on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) is appalled that anyone might believe her responsible for Jaehaerys’ murder. But as Daemon (Matt Smith) watches her discussion, she sees the truth in his slightly amused face. Cue their biggest argument ever – which is not unreasonable, given that he killed a literal child. He says he sent “the Queen’s vengeance” but “cannot be responsible” for his killers hitting the wrong target: my dude, legally you absolutely can be. What’s more, he absolutely has damaged Rhaenyra’s cause, perhaps irreparably. She asks, “Do you accept me as your queen and ruler, or do you cling even now to what you think you lost?” We all know that the answer to that is “no” and “yes” respectively, and he stalks off with his dragon, Caraxes.

Rhaenyra honours Daemon’s promise to give Mysaria her freedom – which is a big swing given the proven flexibility of her loyalties. At least the current crisis has forced Rhaenyra to take the reins again, which is good; she also seems to have a firm alliance now with Rhaenys (Eve Best), who gets a little bit more to do on the Black council. Rhaenys and Corlys (Steve Toussaint) also get a fun scene in bed together, using politics as pillow talk. It’s nice to see them given more to do so far this season. That said, while House of the Dragon displays a marked preference for the Blacks in a way that George R.R. Martin’s source material did not, there’s still not a huge amount of character here relative to Game of Thrones. Rhaenyra is so reserved, and her children largely still just sketches. Her council are a mass of barely delineated figures shouting at her, and there’s little sense of the wider stakes for Westeros, beyond King’s Landing and Dragonstone – despite the trip to the Wall last week.

On her way to the boat, Mysaria spots what appears to be Ser Erryk coming up from the shore – which is strange, since she just left him in the castle. She pauses, and it’s not entirely clear if she’s going to go back and warn the castle that a doppelgänger is among them. This felt like slightly loose storytelling: maybe a scene was edited out? Anyway, Ser Arryk infiltrates Dragonstone, though Erryk finds him just in time, and the pair have a brutal duel as one tries to protect and one to attack Rhaenyra. Erryk finally deals his brother a fatal blow, and cradles him as he dies, before falling on his own sword. It should be a devastating finale – and it is, a little, but we haven’t spent enough time with either character for it to really hurt as much as it did when, say, Brienne fought the Hound.

Outside those main story strands, this was a good episode for people not born with a dragon egg in their cradle and an overly complicated family tree. We get another look at Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) and meet his brother Addam (Clinton Liberty), who’s a little easier going than his older sibling. Addam also gets an odd scene where he is interrupted while digging for cockles or mussels or something on the shore by a pale dragon (Laenor’s Seasmoke?) circling overhead. We also get another glimpse of the smith, Hugh (Kieran Bew), who petitioned the King last episode. Here we see his family are struggling to put food on the table and his daughter is sick: – the stakes for him are higher than for any of the Targaryens, not that they’re likely to appreciate that. There’s also one final newcomer, as yet unnamed but played by Love & Friendship’s Tom Bennett, who arrives in King’s Landing and pauses to stare at the bodies of the murdered ratcatchers. It’s a fair guess that there must be more for him to do than that.

It’s a heavy-hearted episode, weighed down by the grief of almost all the main cast

This episode is directed by Claire Kilner, who did three episodes on season one. She manages the chaos of those opening moments well, with a handheld camera following running figures through the Red Keep. But it’s a heavy-hearted episode, weighed down by the grief of almost all the main cast: even Jac (Harry Collett) and Baela (Bethany Antonia) talk about loss. Still, it’s effective in showing the different ways that loss can spur people into ill-advised action or keep them paralysed, and there’s drama in that.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Suicide Squad Isekai Release Date Revealed, Will Stream on Max and Hulu in U.S.Isaiah Colbert
    Warner Bros. Japan has officially announced that the upcoming Suicide Squad Isekai anime series will premiere on June 27 with three episodes, and be streamed on Hulu and Max in the U.S.According to Warner Bros official X's (formerly Twitter) account, the first three episodes of Suicide Squad Isekai will premiere on the streamers on June 27. Internationally, the show will premiere on ADN in France, HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and Aniplus and Laftel in Korea.#SuicideSquadISEKA
     

Suicide Squad Isekai Release Date Revealed, Will Stream on Max and Hulu in U.S.

11. Červen 2024 v 01:15

Warner Bros. Japan has officially announced that the upcoming Suicide Squad Isekai anime series will premiere on June 27 with three episodes, and be streamed on Hulu and Max in the U.S.

According to Warner Bros official X's (formerly Twitter) account, the first three episodes of Suicide Squad Isekai will premiere on the streamers on June 27. Internationally, the show will premiere on ADN in France, HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and Aniplus and Laftel in Korea.

#SuicideSquadISEKAI will be premiering on...
Max and Hulu in the United States✨

⌛Watch the first 3 episode premiere on June 27🔥

For territories out side of the U.S.
Watch on...
☆France: ADN
☆Southeast Asia, Taiwan & Hong Kong: HBO GO·
☆Korea: ANIPLUS&LAFTEL and more! pic.twitter.com/xUPNaZOGuo

— Warner Bros. Japan Anime (@wb_anime) June 10, 2024

Suicide Squad Isekai, animated by Attack on Titan and Spy x Family animation studio WIT, was first announced at Anime Expo 2023. The series follows DC villains Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark as they engage in a perilous mission in a fantasy world connected to Gotham where “swords and magic where orcs rampage and dragons rule the skies.”

The Suicide Squad is given an impossible task to battle by Amanda Waller to explore the fantasy world. Naturally, their rampage-filled exploration leads to their imprisonment by the Isekai kingdom soldiers. In order to earn their freedom, the DC baddies must fight against a fearsome imperial army and liberate the fantasy world in the process. As is tradition, the team has to accomplish their mission within 72 hours lest the Waller detonates the bombs in their necks.

While the anime’s English cast has yet to be revealed, its Japanese cast is filled with some notorious voice actors from popular anime series. Key among them are:

  • Anna Nagase (Riko Amanai in Jujutsu Kaisen) as Harley Quinn
  • Yuuichirou Umehara (Goblin Slayer in Goblin Slayer) As Joker
  • Takehito Koyasu (Dio in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) as Peacemaker
  • Jun Fukuyama as (King in Seven Deadly Sins) Clayface
  • Subaru Kimura (Aoi Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen) as King Shark
  • Chika Anzai (Chisato Nishikigi in Lycoris Recoil) as Katana

Suicide Squad Isekai is slated to have 10 episodes which will air every Thursday on the streamers until its season finale on August 15.

Isaiah Colbert is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow them on Twitter @ShinEyeZehUhh.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Gears of War: E-Day Devs Promise Return to Horror From the Original GamesMichael Cripe
    The Coalition is taking fans back to where it all started with Gears of War: E-Day, and that means revisiting the horrors of Emergence Day and the Locust horde.Brand Director Nicole Fawcette and Creative Director Matt Searcy opened up about the studio’s desire to focus on the “scary” aspects of Gears during an interview with IGN. Searcy says the team wants to “capture a moment in time” and “tell a very intimate story about what happened” to the people in one of Sera’s cities.“For us, it’s like a
     

Gears of War: E-Day Devs Promise Return to Horror From the Original Games

11. Červen 2024 v 00:11

The Coalition is taking fans back to where it all started with Gears of War: E-Day, and that means revisiting the horrors of Emergence Day and the Locust horde.

Brand Director Nicole Fawcette and Creative Director Matt Searcy opened up about the studio’s desire to focus on the “scary” aspects of Gears during an interview with IGN. Searcy says the team wants to “capture a moment in time” and “tell a very intimate story about what happened” to the people in one of Sera’s cities.

“For us, it’s like a what-if story,” he said. “What if the ground opened up and monsters came out? Yeah, it’s set on a fictional, other planet, but there are very human reactions and stories we get to tell. To do that, we need to be able to tell a story that feels like a horror story.”

Searcy continues, explaining that Gears of War: E-Day will still have the heart and sci-fi the series is known for, but it will also focus in on this specific moment in time by telling a story that takes place over only a few days. The decision to lean in more on horror comes from The Coalition’s desire to recapture the feeling of terror many players might remember experiencing when playing through the series.

"But when people tell you what they remember playing, the things that stood out to them, the feelings, a lot of it is about these, kind of dark, almost horror-esque, scary moments.”

“We looked back at what people felt like when they played Gears of War or any of the Gears – Gears 4 included,” he said. “But when people tell you what they remember playing, the things that stood out to them, the feelings, a lot of it is about these, kind of dark, almost horror-esque, scary moments.”

Searcy continued: “So we basically took that feeling, that vision that's in everybody's head, and we're like, ‘That's the game we're going to build.’ We're going to build that game with all the skills we've learned, with all the technology we've built, and sort of go hard at that. So definitely part of the story is about reintroducing the locust to Gears as scary monsters from the ground come up. And then you realize as it goes on, this is not just monsters, there's an army here and it's bigger than anybody thinks it is.”

Fawcette elaborated on how new technology is allowing The Coalition to present the Locusts in new, horrifying ways.

“Through Unreal Engine 5, we now can show the locust at that visual fidelity that is believable as scary creatures from the subterranean,” she said. “And so, like you saw in the trailer, we're really kind of leaning into those horror vibes as fans remember it and as time has moved on. What was scary in 2006 is very different than 2024. There's sort of that just doubling down on how people remember how they feel about it.”

Why E-Day?

Gears of War: E-Day is detouring away from the storylines of Gears of War 4 and Gears 5, but as The Coalition explained in an Xbox Wire post, they won't be abandoning that era of the Gears saga forever. Searcy tells us that the studio chose to go back in time for their next Gears of War game not because they were finished with the previous storyline but because revisiting Marcus and Dom's relationship made sense for the team itself.

“For us, there is a story here, for our studio, of how we found our way to E-Day," he explained. "It was about, sort of, reflection, and part of it is just the energy that rolls up about, this was the story we wanted to tell at this time. So, it wasn't really about picking between these things, it was just a snowball of the stuff that was on the table and this is the one we wanted to do right now.”

"Hell yeah. We want to make this."

Fawcette chimed in, saying that when the idea for Gears of War: E-Day came about, it was a feeling of "Hell yeah. We want to make this."

Searcy continued: "We love those characters, and like I said, it's really nice to have a franchise where we can tell stories of different places. When we're at Gears 4 and 5 we tell these stories, and Tactics, that goes at a different time, and all these sorts of things. For us, it is just the one we wanted to work on now is the one that felt right."

The Coalition revealed Gears of War: E-Day during yesterday’s Xbox Games Showcase. We’ve not seen any gameplay yet, but this first footage promised a return to the series’ roots with a touching moment that saw the return of fan-favorite character, Dom Santiago. It’s been 13 years since fans watched Dom him sacrifice himself for his fellow COG brothers in Gears of War 3, so while Fawcette and Searcy promise a horrific prequel that explores one of humanity’s darkest days, it’s sure to be an emotional journey, too.

Gears of War: E-Day is currently without a release date. For everything else you announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, you can click here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Isn't 300 GB After AllMichael Cripe
    Activision has clarified that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 won’t actually require a 300 GB download despite previous messaging.Players began to panic about the size of this year’s Call of Duty after noticing its Xbox store page yesterday. At the time, the page listed that the game would require a 309.85 GB download for those hoping to hop into the post-Cold War first-person shooter when it launches this fall. That'll put a pretty big dent in the hard drive of most PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X |
     

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Isn't 300 GB After All

11. Červen 2024 v 00:09

Activision has clarified that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 won’t actually require a 300 GB download despite previous messaging.

Players began to panic about the size of this year’s Call of Duty after noticing its Xbox store page yesterday. At the time, the page listed that the game would require a 309.85 GB download for those hoping to hop into the post-Cold War first-person shooter when it launches this fall. That'll put a pretty big dent in the hard drive of most PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S consoles, so players were, understandably, very concerned.

The company has since cleared up the confusion in a post on X/Twitter. Activision’s hit FPS franchise has been known to demand large amounts of storage in recent years, but fans can rest easier known that Black Ops 6 won't take up quite as much space.

Activision wrote, “Correction: The estimated file size currently displayed on the Black Ops 6 pre-order pages does not represent the download size or disk footprint for Black Ops 6. The sizes as shown include the full installations of Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, Warzone and all relevant content packs, including all localized languages combined which is not representative of a typical player install experience.”

📢 #BlackOps6

Correction: The estimated file size currently displayed on the Black Ops 6 pre-order pages does not represent the download size or disk footprint for Black Ops 6.

The sizes as shown include the full installations of Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, Warzone…

— Call of Duty Updates (@CODUpdates) June 10, 2024

The message adds that players will have the freedom to download only Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 without any of its language packs if they desire. Unfortunately, the post does not reveal just how big the game will be but promises to share more information “closer to launch.”

IGN has reached out to Activision for comment.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was revealed as Treyarch’s latest addition to the Black Ops series earlier this year, but our first good look at the game arrived yesterday at the Xbox Games Showcase and Black Ops 6 Direct. This ‘90s-set installment introduces a host of new weapons and features, including omnidirectional movement and new Zombies maps for the return of its round-based mode. As the game introduces a new era of Call of Duty, it also means content from Modern Warfare 2 and 3 will not carry over.

For everything else you missed from the Xbox Games Showcase, you can click here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Xbox Just Had its Best Showcase Ever – and at the Perfect TimeRyan McCaffrey
    Amid multiple leaks and rumors, we had a decent idea of what was going to be at this year’s Xbox Games Showcase with seemingly plenty to get excited about. But when the Showcase finally aired, Microsoft did the near-impossible for any company in a fickle social media-fueled age: they exceeded expectations and drew almost universal acclaim. Eighty-four percent of the 10,000+ voters in my X poll graded it an ‘A’ on the academic scale. Ninety-five percent gave it an ‘A’ or ‘B’. A home run like this
     

Xbox Just Had its Best Showcase Ever – and at the Perfect Time

10. Červen 2024 v 23:58

Amid multiple leaks and rumors, we had a decent idea of what was going to be at this year’s Xbox Games Showcase with seemingly plenty to get excited about. But when the Showcase finally aired, Microsoft did the near-impossible for any company in a fickle social media-fueled age: they exceeded expectations and drew almost universal acclaim. Eighty-four percent of the 10,000+ voters in my X poll graded it an ‘A’ on the academic scale. Ninety-five percent gave it an ‘A’ or ‘B’.

A home run like this would be welcome at any time, but it’s an especially fortuitous one now for both Xbox fans and, no doubt, Xbox employees alike. Confidence had been shaken in recent months, with dedicated fans rankled by Microsoft’s decision to bring some previously exclusive games to other platforms. Worse, Microsoft joined the tragically long list of gaming and tech companies to lay off thousands of employees early in the year and, more recently, shut down four development studios it acquired as part of a $7.5 billion deal just four years ago. Two of those were household names in core-gaming circles: Arkane Austin, who, their recent Redfall misfire aside, had an incredibly impressive track record; and the one that really stuck in the community’s craw, Tango Gameworks. They were not only Xbox’s lone Japanese developer, but they’d had an unquestionably good run, highlighted by their most recent and arguably best game, Hi-Fi Rush.

While Xbox’s best showcase ever can’t erase the human impact on the laid-off developers nor reignite the creative embers that have been snuffed out at the shut-down studios, it is the best way for fans who remain invested in the Xbox ecosystem to move forward with confidence and excitement for the future of the platform. And my goodness did that top-to-bottom brilliant showcase give me confidence and excitement for Xbox.

Call of Duty debuted on Xbox’s stage for the first time since the Xbox 360 era, with Black Ops 6 already looking like it could be one of the biggest and best releases for the series in a half-decade – since Infinity Ward’s excellent Modern Warfare reboot in 2019. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer could barely contain his excitement on stage in announcing Doom: The Dark Ages, a bold, more melee combat-intensive prequel in id Software’s brilliantly revived and historically iconic first-person shooter franchise.

And speaking of prequels, Xbox President Sarah Bond introduced the “one more thing” game for this Showcase: the long-anticipated new entry in the Gears series, which itself was not a surprise. What shocked everyone, though – which the trailer slowly made more apparent – was that we wouldn’t be picking up Kait’s story in Gears 6, but instead we’ll be going back to Emergence Day and the formation of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago’s Delta Squad in a Gears of War prequel – complete with a most-welcome (by me, at least) restoration of the “of War” part of the name.

But the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase didn’t just start big with Black Ops 6 and Doom: The Dark Ages and end big with Gears of War: E-Day – it kept cooking for almost the entire runtime. A new gameplay trailer for Fable floored me, as not only was I not expecting to see any more of it after getting our first tiny glimpse at gameplay at last year’s Showcase, but we got to see quite a bit of Playground’s gorgeous new rendition of Albion. The cherry on top was Microsoft committing to a 2025 release window, which means we can already pencil in Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable for next year – my gut says the former will drop in the Spring, and the latter in the Fall.

Oh, but South of Midnight belongs on that 2025 list too! We got a proper gameplay trailer for Compulsion’s first game since joining the Xbox family after it was announced with a cinematic piece last year, and the art style is incredibly beautiful and wholly unique.

Meanwhile, it didn’t get a release year attached to it (meaning, assume 2026 for now), but the game that stole the fantastic show for me was Perfect Dark. The long-gestating reboot of the beloved Nintendo 64 classic (and decently liked Xbox 360 launch title) has reportedly endured a troubled development, but the co-developers at The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics blew me away by showing off a gameplay-packed trailer that showed off gadgets, first-person shooting, and parkour, leaving me optimistic that we might have a slick combination of Mirror’s Edge, Deus Ex, and the original Perfect Dark on our hands.

Even the inevitable mid-show lull that every showcase like this goes through yielded compelling reveals: the ‘90s-set adventure Mixtape feels like it was made for me specifically, Metal Gear Solid: Delta appears to be both a gorgeous and incredibly faithful remake of the classic Metal Gear Solid 3, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle only “disappointed” me with an otherwise A+ story trailer because we didn’t get a more specific release date than “2024.” But it does reaffirm that within six months I’ll be playing the next effort from MachineGames, a studio that has never missed.

The game that stole the fantastic show for me was Perfect Dark.

In fact, Xbox’s 2024 Games Showcase was so spectacular and packed with huge first-party games that I didn’t even notice that two of their biggest pillars were missing: Halo and Forza. Granted, I wasn’t expecting anything from Halo, as we’re still only 2.5 years past Halo Infinite’s release. But Forza? Surely a new Forza Horizon – arguably Xbox’s most consistently brilliant franchise – is in the works! If you’re Microsoft, you know you’ve had a heck of a showcase when Halo and Forza can stay home and nobody seems to mind.

I suppose there was one rumored thing that ended up not being included: an Xbox handheld. Fortunately, I got a chance to ask Phil Spencer about that directly afterwards, and I’d say he came as close as he could to confirming its existence without formally announcing it.

If this stellar showcase reaffirmed anything for both Microsoft and Xbox fans alike, it’s that a powerful console is great, and Xbox Game Pass offers a nice value option, but a consistent diet of top-shelf games is what matters more than anything else. More of this please, Microsoft.

Ryan McCaffrey is IGN's executive editor of previews and host of both IGN's weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He's a North Jersey guy, so it's "Taylor ham," not "pork roll." Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

💾

  • ✇IGN All
  • Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Release Date Seemingly Leaks Via GameStopAlex Stedman
    It seems like we have a release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, if a recent X/Twitter post from GameStop is to be believed.This afternoon, the retailer posted the trailer and pre-order link to Snake Eater, saying the MGS3 remake will arrive on November 17. The post, which you can also see a screenshot of below, is still live as of press time. As some have pointed out, though, that November 17 date is a bit of an odd one, as if it's indeed November 17, 2024, it'll release on a Sunda
     

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Release Date Seemingly Leaks Via GameStop

10. Červen 2024 v 23:51

It seems like we have a release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, if a recent X/Twitter post from GameStop is to be believed.

This afternoon, the retailer posted the trailer and pre-order link to Snake Eater, saying the MGS3 remake will arrive on November 17. The post, which you can also see a screenshot of below, is still live as of press time.

As some have pointed out, though, that November 17 date is a bit of an odd one, as if it's indeed November 17, 2024, it'll release on a Sunday. On the other hand, it would be fitting, considering it would mark exactly 20 years after the original Metal Gear Solid 3 released. It's in line, too, with a previously announced release window, as PlayStation had it listed as a 2024 game in a trailer at the beginning of this year.

IGN has reached out to Konami for comment.

Metal Gear Solid Delta was one of the many games to get a spotlight at yesterday's Xbox Showcase but, much to the disappointment of fans, a release date was not revealed with the new trailer then. We first learned about Metal Gear Solid Delta in May 2023.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is said to be a faithful remake of MGS3, so much so that Konami isn't even planning on recording new voice lines for it. Despite that, the Delta symbol in the name of the remake (stylized as Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater) is meant to highlight "'change' or 'difference' without changing structure," Konami previously explained.

For more, check out everything that was announced at yesterday's Xbox Showcase.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Get a 34" Alienware QD OLED Gaming Monitor for Only $719.99 After a Dell Coupon CodeEric Song
    Starting today, Dell is offering Alienware AW3423DWF 34" QD-OLED gaming monitor for only $719.99 after you apply a 10% off coupon code "MONITORS10". A variant of this monitor (the AW3423DW) made it into our roundup of the best OLED gaming monitors of 2024. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this particular model.34" Alienware AW3423DWF QD OLED Monitor for $719.99The Alienware AW3423DWF is a 34" 3440x1440 WQHD monitor with a 1ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate. It uses a Samsung qu
     

Get a 34" Alienware QD OLED Gaming Monitor for Only $719.99 After a Dell Coupon Code

Od: Eric Song
10. Červen 2024 v 23:45

Starting today, Dell is offering Alienware AW3423DWF 34" QD-OLED gaming monitor for only $719.99 after you apply a 10% off coupon code "MONITORS10". A variant of this monitor (the AW3423DW) made it into our roundup of the best OLED gaming monitors of 2024. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this particular model.

34" Alienware AW3423DWF QD OLED Monitor for $719.99

The Alienware AW3423DWF is a 34" 3440x1440 WQHD monitor with a 1ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate. It uses a Samsung quantum dot OLED panel. Quantum dot, or "QD", OLED panels are brighter than traditional OLED panels without losing the color accuracy and range and wide viewing angles that OLEDs are known for. The AW3423DWF boasts a 99.3% DCI-P3 color range and is factory calibrated with a Delta E less than 2. It is HDR True Black 400 certified and boasts up to 1,000nits of peak brightness.

If you're not looking for a true 4K monitor, this is one of the best monitors out there. The ultrawide WQHD resolution of this monitor measures out to a respectable 109ppi. You won't need a super powerful or expensive GPU to run games on it; a RTX 4060 Ti or RTX 4070 GPU can achieve perfectly playable framerates. A true 4K monitor, on the other hand, requires a much more powerful video card.

We've reviewed the Alienware AW3423DWF monitor and absolutely loved it, even at its original $1099 MSRP. It's easily one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market, especially at this price point. If you need to also upgrade your gaming rig, you can check out the best Alienware deals that are available right now.

Looking for more options? Check out the best gaming monitors of 2024.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save 20% Off the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones in Time for Father's DayEric Song
    Just in time for Father's Day, Amazon is offering the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless active noise cancelling over-ear headphones for $339 after a $50 instant discount and $40 clippable coupon on the product page. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for the current generation QuietComfort headphones. They are a pretty big upgrade compared to past models and compete with other high-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Bluetooth
     

Save 20% Off the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones in Time for Father's Day

Od: Eric Song
10. Červen 2024 v 22:45

Just in time for Father's Day, Amazon is offering the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless active noise cancelling over-ear headphones for $339 after a $50 instant discount and $40 clippable coupon on the product page. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for the current generation QuietComfort headphones. They are a pretty big upgrade compared to past models and compete with other high-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones for $339

The QuietComfort Ultra continues Bose's legacy of creating some of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. The QC Ultra features new ear cushions that provide a more secure seal, resulting in better passive noise isolation. It also now supports spatial audio for more immersiveness and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connection quality compared to the QC45's Bluetooth 5.1.

The Quietcomfort Ultra carries over the future proof USB Type-C connector for charging. You still get up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. The QC Ultra also features an "Aware Mode", which picks up ambient noises and amplifies them so that you can listen in on the outside world without having to take off your headphones. It can be selected via the Bose app on your smartphone,

If you haven't already invested in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you're missing out. Active noise cancelling is a miracle of science that has huge practical benefits, especially if you're always on the go in busy, noisy environments. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers one of the best iterations of this this technology, and if you're often listening in a noise environment, it's worth the money spent.

Looking for more alternatives? Check out our best noise cancelling headphone picks of 2024.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Best iPad Models to Buy in 2024Jacob Kienlen
    When you think of a tablet, odds are you think of an Apple iPad. Ever since they first came out all the way back in 2010, the iPad has completely changed the tech world, introducing another device that sits somewhere between phones and laptops. And even 14 years later, the best iPads are still the greatest way to experience everything from comics to Netflix shows. Plus, with the Apple Pencil, it's become an indispensible tool for artists, too. TL;DR – These are the best Apple iPad models to buyA
     

The Best iPad Models to Buy in 2024

10. Červen 2024 v 22:45

When you think of a tablet, odds are you think of an Apple iPad. Ever since they first came out all the way back in 2010, the iPad has completely changed the tech world, introducing another device that sits somewhere between phones and laptops. And even 14 years later, the best iPads are still the greatest way to experience everything from comics to Netflix shows. Plus, with the Apple Pencil, it's become an indispensible tool for artists, too.

TL;DR – These are the best Apple iPad models to buy

The best iPads are constantly changing, too. While I am currently reviewing the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air that were announced back in May 2024, Apple has revealed iPadOS 18, which finally includes an official calculator app 14 years after the original iPad launched. Either way, we might get to see how the new version of iPadOS will make iPad games even better, so there's that at least.

Best Apple iPad Models

1. Apple iPad Air (5th Gen)

Best Overall

Armed with the powerful Apple M1 chip, our best overall pick is the iPad Air (fifth generation) because it’s the ideal tablet for casual and professional use, alike. It’s firmly in the mid-range in the iPad family, while it’s designed to give users something for everybody — from watching videos, listening to music, drawing with the Apple Pencil (sold separately, though there are some Apple Pencil alternatives, too), and getting some work done with the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio or Apple Magic Keyboard with trackpad attachments (both sold separately too).

The iPad Air — which starts at $599 — features an impressive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) display for high quality picture quality, a long battery life of up to 10 hours per charge, and a brilliant camera system with 12-megapixel rear and 12-megapixel ultrawide front-facing shooters. It can even capture video in a glorious 4K resolution.

2. Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen)

Best for Reading and Portability

If you want an iPad for reading e-books, comic books, magazines, or web articles, then the iPad Mini (sixth generation) is the one to pick. With the Apple App Store, the mini-tablet can download a wide range of reading apps, such as Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, Scribd, and more. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and compact design make it a handheld option, which makes reading with one hand a joy — especially at just over half a pound in weight.

It’s also a zippy little iPad for other online activities, like watching YouTube or TikTok, while it’s compact enough to carry in a jacket pocket or in a purse. Meanwhile, the iPad Mini — which starts at $499 — is compatible with the Apple Pencil (second generation) for taking notes and sketching.

3. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

Looking for the overall best budget tablet available? Although it was released in 2021, iPad (ninth generation) is our budget pick — thanks to its very solid performance, crisp and clear 10.2-inch Retina (backlit) display, and low starting price of $329. In fact, you can find it for much cheaper because it’s always on sale at Amazon (sometimes it’s as low as $250 during Prime Day or Black Friday).

This iPad is currently running the latest version of iPadOS 16, which optimizes performance and speed — even though its processor is a few years old. While it doesn’t have the same bells and whistles as the iPad Air, iPad Mini, or iPad Pro like a fast processor, thinner bezels, or a more modern design, it’s a budget iPad that gets the same access to the same iPadOS and Apple App Store.

If you’re only planning on using it for consuming media, catching up on the news, playing iOS games, or reading e-books, the iPad (ninth generation) will just get the job done at an affordable price. It also makes for a great iPad for kids since it’s so inexpensive. Just wrap a durable iPad case around it to avoid damage.

4. Apple iPad (10th Gen)

Best for Video Calls

For video calls, the redesigned iPad (tenth generation) is the best pick because of its 12-megapixel front-facing camera that has been repositioned from the previous model. Instead of appearing at the top center in portrait mode, the camera is now located at the top center in landscape mode. This positioning is more natural for video calls, especially when docked with a keyboard attachment. It also has “Center Stage,” a new iPadOS feature that automatically puts you in the center of the frame during video calls — even if you’re moving around.

Aside from a repositioned front-facing camera, the iPad has an upgrade design that fits in with more modern models, like the iPad Mini and iPad Air. It has a faster A14 Bionic processor, while a slightly larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display — compared to the previous model’s A13 Bionic and 10.2-inch Retina display, respectively.

Additionally, the tenth generation has a heftier price tag starting at $449, which is $120 than the ninth generation’s base model.

5. Apple iPad Pro (6th Gen)

Best Premium iPad

Starting at $799, the iPad Pro (sixth generation) is the granddaddy of the iPad family lineup. It comes in two sizes: 11-inch Liquid Retina and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (miniLED Extreme Dynamic Range) displays. Both feature the same Apple M2 processor (the same process you’d find in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini), up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, and a wide range of on-board storage options — 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

It’s designed for creatives like photographers or video editors and professionals like office workers or production managers, who want something powerful and fast, but in a portable mobile device. The iPad Pro excels at multitasking with its Stage Manager feature that allows you to group apps together, resize windows, and switch between app groups with ease.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Best iPad Alternative

Looking for an iPad alternative altogether? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is an excellent Android tablet that’s powerful, sharp, and speedy, with a starting price of $800. The tablet features a large 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate, a small bezel design, and a battery life that lasts up to 15 hours per charge.

Meanwhile, access to the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store for apps makes the tablet ideal for consuming media like watching videos, listening to music, playing games, and reading web articles. It also has standout productivity features, like Samsung DeX — which turns the tablet into a desktop experience when plugged into a monitor via HDMI. The mobile device even comes with the Samsung S-Pen for taking notes and sketching.

Want something bigger? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ offers a larger 12.4-inch display, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a gigantic 14.6-inch display. The Android tablets have a starting price of $1,000 and $1,200, respectively.

Upcoming iPad Models

If you're on the edge of your seat waiting for a brand-new Apple tablet to salivate over, you're in luck. At Apple's May 7 event, the tech giant launched two new tablets: The iPad Air and iPad Pro. The rest of Apple's iPads were unaffected, but it did lead to a pretty massive price cut for the 10th-generation iPad, down to $329. As for when we're going to see the 11th-gen model, it's anyone's guess, but the 10th-gen model's been out for a while, so we should see it relatively soon.

Then, at WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled iPadOS 18, which will bring some new quality-of-life improvements, including a floating island in official apps that'll let you more easily navigate without fussing with menus that were made for phones. Plus, Apple unveiled the official calculator app (finally), which you can download right now. This calculator app is more than just a calculator, too: It features a 'Math Notes' feature, which is going to be a godsend for anyone that needs to solve complex math problems for physics or calculus.

At the show, Apple also doubled down on its commitment to bring more games to iPad, with Assassin's Creed Shadows now confirmed for Apple tablets.

Which Apple iPad is Right For Me?

Ever since it was introduced in 2010, the iPad originally served to fill in a digital gap. For some people, that in-between mobile device that’s more portable than a laptop, but more powerful than a smartphone, while for others, it can actually serve as a laptop replacement altogether.

If you’re looking to buy your first iPad, or you’re looking to upgrade from an older model, then we put this useful buyer’s guide on what to look for in an iPad in 2023, below:

Tablet Sizes Explained

Currently, there are six iPad models with five different screen sizes for various uses. The smallest in the family is the iPad Mini with a 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) display, which is ideal for reading e-books, magazines, comic books, web articles, and more. It’s also very portable, super lightweight at just 10 ounces (or 293 grams), and best for one-handed casual use.

For something bigger, both baseline iPad models, ninth and tenth generations, feature a 10.2-inch Retina (backlit) and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively. Meanwhile, the iPad Air features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display too, but it’s more powerful with the Apple M1 chip than both standard models — which feature the A13 and A14 Bionic chips, respectively.

In fact, under 11 inches in size is considered the “sweet spot” for iPad models because it's large enough to consume media, but compact enough for portability. These models are best for most people who want to watch videos, play games, and browse the web, while taking on lite-productivity tasks.

The largest iPad you can pick up is the iPad Pro, which comes in two models: The smaller 11-inch Liquid Retina display and the granddaddy 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (miniLED Extreme Dynamic Range) display. Both Pro models feature the same Apple M2 processor, but the larger one has the sharper display for better and more colorful picture quality. The iPad Pro is best for creatives and professionals, who might want a laptop replacement.

Storage Capacity Differences

When it comes to on-board storage space, most iPad models start at 64GB and go all the way up to a whopping 2TB with the iPad Pro. For most people 64GB is plenty of space for apps, games, video downloads, and more.

However, if you plan on taking a lot of high-resolution photos and videos, then you might want to consider getting a higher capacity iPad. For creatives and professionals, it’s best to pick up a model with at least 1TB of storage — especially for photographers or video editors. Additionally, if you want more than 2TB of storage, then you have to connect an external hard drive to the iPad via its USB-C port.

Peripherals to Consider

Speaking of which, all iPad models (except the ninth generation iPad, which still uses the old fashioned Lightning port) have a USB-C at the bottom for charging and peripherals, including external hard drives. However, it’s best to connect solid-state hard drives since they don’t require much power from the iPad itself to operate. Since iPadOS has the Files app built-in, you can easily access files from within the iPad or an external hard drive.

Meanwhile, Bluetooth is still the best way to connect other peripherals — like the Apple Pencil, Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple AirPods, even an Xbox or PS5 gaming controller, and more — to the iPad wirelessly. Just make sure the peripheral you’d like to connect is compatible with the iPad.

For example: The ninth and tenth generations of the iPad are only compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil, while all other iPad models are compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil. But, you’ll need a $9-USB-C-to-Apple Pencil Adapter to charge and pair with the tenth generation iPad since it uses USB-C instead of a Lightning port.

Connectivity

There are two versions for each iPad model: Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular. The first version can only connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, so it’s best to use at home, at the office, or just about anywhere with a steady Wi-Fi connection like a coffee shop or airport.

The second can connect to Wi-Fi, but it can also connect via 4G LTE mobile data like an Apple iPhone. This means you’ll have to get a mobile data plan from a cellular carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T, if you want to connect to the internet without a Wi-Fi connection. These models also have GPS, so they’re ideal to use as an entertainment display in a car.

Of course, Wi-Fi + cellular versions are more expensive than Wi-Fi-only iPad models because there are more antennas and sensors inside.

Price Comparison

As for price, the iPad starts at $329 for the ninth generation model. In fact, you can pick up this model for as low as $250 during big shopping events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. This model is the more-bang-for-the-buck pick, if you want an iPad for just consuming media and lite-mobile gaming.

At the high end, a maxed out iPad Pro can go for upwards of $2,399. This is an iPad Pro with all the bells and whistles, such as a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 2TB of storage space, and Wi-Fi + cellular connectivity. If you want the best of the best, this iPad Pro is for you.

Overall, the iPad is one of the best and most useful Apple devices. It’s made for all sorts of people who are looking for ways to consume media and get some work done on-the-go without a cumbersome laptop. For most people, the iPad Air is the best choice — thanks to its clean design, fast processor, lightweight build, and sleek display. However, the second runner-up is the iPad (ninth generation). It’s the budget pick that doesn’t skimp on speed and picture clarity at an affordable price.

Which iPad is Best for Kids and Teens in 2024?

Our top pick right now for kids and younger family members is the iPad Air (5th Generation), as found in our top iPads for kids list.

Rudie Obias is a tech freelance writer and editor who is also interested in cinema, pop culture, music, the NBA, and science fiction. His work can be found at Fandom, TV Guide, Metacritic, Yahoo!, Mashable, Mental Floss, and of course, IGN. Follow him @RudieObias on Twitter & IG.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Score This Affordable Dell G16 16" RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop For Only $849.99Eric Song
    Starting today, Dell is offering a Dell G16 GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for only $849.99 after a $400 instant discount. This is a great affordable 1080p mobile gaming rig, complete with a gorgeous high-resolution 16" display, a capable Intel Core i7 processor, and generous amounts of RAM and SSD storage.Dell G16 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $849.99The full specs include a 16" 2560x1600 QHD+ 3ms 240Hz G-SYNC display, 13th gen Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU, GeForce RTX 4060 GPU , 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz
     

Score This Affordable Dell G16 16" RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop For Only $849.99

Od: Eric Song
10. Červen 2024 v 22:40

Starting today, Dell is offering a Dell G16 GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for only $849.99 after a $400 instant discount. This is a great affordable 1080p mobile gaming rig, complete with a gorgeous high-resolution 16" display, a capable Intel Core i7 processor, and generous amounts of RAM and SSD storage.

Dell G16 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for $849.99

The full specs include a 16" 2560x1600 QHD+ 3ms 240Hz G-SYNC display, 13th gen Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU, GeForce RTX 4060 GPU , 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz of RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD. The Intel Core i7-13650HX processor has a max turbo frequency of 4.9GHz and boasts 14 cores, 20 threads, and a 24MB cache. This is an excellent mobile gaming chip that excels at both gaming and multi-tasking and certainly won't bottleneck your graphics card.

Performance-wise, the RTX 4060 mobile GPU sits right in between the RTX 3070 and RTX 3070 Ti. It offers enough power to run most games smoothly on the native 2560x1600 QHD+ display. Because this is a newer RTX 40 series cards, it supports DLSS, which gives you an fps boost in games that support it.

Why Pick a Dell Gaming Laptop?

The G16 is Dell's line of 16" gaming oriented laptops that is marketed towards budget gamers. It features similar specs as the Alienware laptops and offers much more aggressive cooling than most "mainstream" laptops at a much lower price point. The G16 is considered a step up in terms of quality and specs compared to the smaller G15 as well as Dell's non-gaming Inspiron lineup. It's definitely one of the better budget gaming laptops you can get for under $1K.

For more deals, check out the best Alienware and Dell gaming deals today.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Best Father's Day 2024 Gift IdeasHannah Hoolihan
    Finding a great gift for Father’s Day can be tough, as there are so many different options to choose from. Do you go big with a cool new piece of tech they can have fun with? Or do you keep it simple with something like a new book they can enjoy? Or maybe they’re just looking for some new clothes to relax in? Have no fear, we’re here to help you out with a collection of many different ideas that are sure to make their day.These gift ideas span a range of interests as well, so you can find an opt
     

Best Father's Day 2024 Gift Ideas

10. Červen 2024 v 22:38

Finding a great gift for Father’s Day can be tough, as there are so many different options to choose from. Do you go big with a cool new piece of tech they can have fun with? Or do you keep it simple with something like a new book they can enjoy? Or maybe they’re just looking for some new clothes to relax in? Have no fear, we’re here to help you out with a collection of many different ideas that are sure to make their day.

These gift ideas span a range of interests as well, so you can find an option that best suits them. Head to the links below to start searching.

Father’s Day 2024: For The Dad Who Loves Games

If your dad's a gamer and you're looking to surprise him with some of the latest and greatest hits, we've got you covered. Here, we've listed some of our favorite games and bundles on a variety of platforms so you can find the best fit to give as a gift this year! Some are even on sale right now, which makes them even more worth it to pick up.

Father’s Day 2024: Make Their Day With A New Apple Device

Apple devices are always a winner in our book, and they're sure to make your dad's day if you buy one of them as a gift. What's even better is that most of them are discounted right now! So, no matter if you're looking for a brand-new pair of AirPods, a fancy new iPad, or a sleek Apple Watch, you can score them at a lower price for the moment, which is always helpful when shopping around for gift ideas.

PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) Adjustable Dumbbells for $199.99

Bowflex isn't the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand that offers its own version, and right now it's on sale. Woot has the PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) adjustable dumbbell set for only $199.99. Amazon Prime members get free shipping (otherwise play $6 flat rate shipping). That's 50% cheaper than a comparable set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells and would make an excellent gift idea for any dad who wants to bulk up.

It gets even better. If you need even more weights than the base 100 pounds (50lbs per dumbbell), then you can pick up the expansion kits on sale as well. Both the Stage 2 (50 to 70lb) Expansion Kit and Stage 3 (70 to 90lb) Expansion Kit are only $89.99 each, normally $179.

Father’s Day 2024: Let Them Enjoy a Good Book with Kindle

You can never go wrong with books, and being able to keep several digital titles stored at once that they can read on the go? That's even better. Amazon offers a variety of different Kindle options so you can find the one that best suits your dad's personal taste. If they're looking for something compact that they can kick back, relax, and read on? The standard Kindle is the way to go. Want something a little larger and faster? The Kindle Paperwhite will get it done. Or, if they want to go all-out with a combined Kindle and digital notebook, then the Scribe is what they need.

Kindle Unlimited Deal

Pairing a new Kindle with Kindle Unlimited is an excellent gift idea. This is Kindle's membership that offers millions of digital titles for readers to enjoy, audiobooks, and magazine subscriptions. More importantly, though, it's currently offering an incredible deal that's absolutely worth getting ahead of Father's Day. You can get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free before it goes back up to its $11.99/month cost. Click on the link below to learn more.

Father’s Day 2024: Gift Them Regular Books, If They Don’t Want Kindle

If your dad is not big on technology, it's definitely worth getting him some regular books to enjoy instead. Here, you can find a few of our favorites that are worth picking up, including a couple that we've highlighted as recent must-read sci-fi and fantasy books and the Dune saga, because there's no better time to be reading those.

Father’s Day 2024: Bond Over Board Games

What better gift to give than one you guys can bond over together? Board games, much like video games, are great for playing together. So, if you're on the lookout for a gift to give that the two of you can enjoy, these are excellent choices. Here you can find some of our favorite board game options that are absolutely worth picking up. Some even have discounts at the moment!

Father's Day 2024: Surprise Them With An Incredible LEGO Set

LEGO sets are another great gift idea, thanks to the wide variety of options that are available. And, similar to board games and video games, they can be another great project to work on together. Here, we've included a few of our favorite bigger sets that have very cool end results once they're all put together.

Father’s Day 2024: Give the Gift Of Comfy Clothes

Clothes are always a great gift choice, and we've got some fun options to choose from. If you're looking for some cool gaming-related clothing items to pick up, why not check out the incredible selection at Insert Coin Clothing? Right now, you can preorder some excellent Cyberpunk gear, including this awesome Night City jacket. We also have some options from the IGN Store that are worth taking a look at below.

There’s plenty more where these gift ideas came from as well. If you want to zero in on some excellent deals, we have a wide variety of roundups that are worth checking out, including the best iPad deals, the best Apple Watch deals, the best PlayStation deals, the best Xbox deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and the best PC video game deals. You can also check out our Daily Deals roundup to see the overall best deals of the day.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Save 50% Off the PowerBlock EXP 50lb Adjustable Dumbbells for Father's DayEric Song
    Bowflex isn't the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand that offers its own version, and right now it's on sale. Woot has the PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) adjustable dumbbell set for only $199.99. Amazon Prime members get free shipping (otherwise play $6 flat rate shipping). That's 50% cheaper than a comparable set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells and would make an excellent gift idea for any dad who wants to bulk up.It gets even better.
     

Save 50% Off the PowerBlock EXP 50lb Adjustable Dumbbells for Father's Day

Od: Eric Song
10. Červen 2024 v 22:30

Bowflex isn't the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand that offers its own version, and right now it's on sale. Woot has the PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) adjustable dumbbell set for only $199.99. Amazon Prime members get free shipping (otherwise play $6 flat rate shipping). That's 50% cheaper than a comparable set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells and would make an excellent gift idea for any dad who wants to bulk up.

It gets even better. If you need even more weights than the base 100 pounds (50lbs per dumbbell), then you can pick up the expansion kits on sale as well. Both the Stage 2 (50 to 70lb) Expansion Kit and Stage 3 (70 to 90lb) Expansion Kit are only $89.99 each, normally $179.

PowerBlock EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50lb) Adjustable Dumbbells for $199.99

Free weights are a good choice for someone who wants to get as many different workouts as possible in the smallest amount of space and the least amount of equipment. A pair of dumbbells alone grants you access to a wide range of exercises that can target just about every muscle in your upper and lower body.

Each PowerBlock 50 dumbbell is adjustable from 10 pounds all the way to 50 pounds in 5 pound increments with just a turn of a dial. It's definitely more efficient than constantly swapping discs. In terms of space saving prowess, adjustable dumbbells are unmatched. All the plates are neatly contained and doesn't take up much space. You're basically housing two larger profile dumbbells instead of an entire rack of weights.

If you're worried about the quality of these dumbbels, don't. I've tried these myself and they are every bit as solid and well built as the Bowflex variants. The handles are rubber coated so your grip won't slip and the weight adjusting mechanism is smooth and intuitive. PowerBlock backs these dumbbells with a 5 year warranty. If you can still maintain your workout regimen after that amount of time, kudos to you.

  • ✇IGN All
  • How Assassin’s Creed Shadows Blends New And Classic Ideas With Dual ProtagonistsMichael Higham
    16th-century Japan is ripe with fascinating historical context for an Assassin’s Creed game to thrive, which is one aspect that makes the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows so enticing. The way the series bends history for its fiction has me hyped to see its version of feudal Japan, but it’s also a setting that lends itself well to the kind of combat options that have been encompassed by the entire franchise.In a hands-off preview demo of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I was able to see roughly 30 min
     

How Assassin’s Creed Shadows Blends New And Classic Ideas With Dual Protagonists

10. Červen 2024 v 22:00

16th-century Japan is ripe with fascinating historical context for an Assassin’s Creed game to thrive, which is one aspect that makes the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows so enticing. The way the series bends history for its fiction has me hyped to see its version of feudal Japan, but it’s also a setting that lends itself well to the kind of combat options that have been encompassed by the entire franchise.

In a hands-off preview demo of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I was able to see roughly 30 minutes of gameplay that showcased both Naoe and Yasuke – the two protagonists – and their combat styles in action. They represent both worlds of the series’ combat: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi wielding the iconic Hidden Blade, and Yasuke, a force of nature with pure power and masterful swordsmanship.

At the start of the demo, I saw Yasuke pulling up to a town where everyday people are squeezing out an existence under the boot of a corrupt shogunate that enforces a caste system. It’s a common dynamic in stories set in this era of Japan, but it’s also ripe for Yasuke to do right by the people who revere him. He has a commanding, respected presence, and the first combat encounter was against a group of samurai who were harassing a villager that shows off Yasuke’s swordsmanship. The challenge is to dodge or counter enemy attacks (indicated by blue and red glints on their blade) in traditional melee combat.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t hold back when it comes to the brutality of its combat. Yasuke has finishing moves where he either slices enemies’ heads off clean or stabs them in the gut before lifting them up just to slam them back down. These finishers are also highlighted with black-and-white frame cuts with blood splattering, giving it a bit of the samurai cinematic flair. What’s just as brutal is Yasuke’s spiked club, which is a heavy blunt-force weapon that pounds armored foes. Seeing them take a swing straight to the dome brought a little, “Oooooh!” out of me. The point being that Yasuke is purely focused on melee, so while he won’t be doing a lot of climbing rooftops and jumping between buildings, he’ll hold it down by taking all his enemies head on.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t hold back when it comes to the brutality of its combat.

After this introductory combat encounter, a cutscene shows Naoe burst onto the scene to help Yasuke by leaping onto an enemy and executing them with her Hidden Blade. Naoe and Yasuke have this sort of chummy dynamic as they decide how to take on their next mission: assassinate the daimyo at Fukuchiyama Castle. From here, you have to choose to either control Naoe or Yasuke, and this will determine your playstyle and how you navigate the mission to kill your target.

Playing as Naoe, you then have access to scaling walls, hiding in foliage, and stealthy kills. She’s not solely working with a Hidden Blade either; she has throwable kunai for ranged kills and a set of short swords to get her hands dirty up close and personal, should things go loud. But my favorite weapon of hers is the chained blade she can swing around in a circle to chop down crowds of enemies, which even slices through environmental objects. So while she is more focused on being nimble and staying out of sight, she still has some viable options as backup.

But of course, slipping past guards to nab those satisfying stealth kills seems to be worth the effort. Being able to move through the environment with tools like a grappling hook to get up on higher ground in a jiffy and assassinate unsuspecting guards almost reminded me of Tenchu, since it’s more about smartly using tools than just hiding in grass and waiting for patrol patterns to play out. Naoe channels traditional Assassin’s Creed energy, and her options definitely lean into the Splinter Cell fantasy that hasn’t really been fulfilled in the years since we last saw Sam Fisher in action.

Naoe channels traditional Assassin’s Creed energy.

If you play this same mission as Yasuke, you literally bust down the front door and provoke all enemies into combat. Watching him tear through guards almost reminded me of For Honor, another Ubisoft game, for how methodical it all seemed to play, even though it isn’t quite that in depth of swordfighting. Since this is the era of Japanese history that first introduced firearms via Western import, Yasuke also wields a single-shot rifle, and it's pretty wild to see a hulking samurai pull off headshots just before whipping out his katana to slice down the rest of the foes in front of him.

Whether you play as Naoe or Yasuke, the end result seems to be the same: you kill the daimyo and keep it moving. I’m not sure what the story implications will be depending on your choice, if any. But it’s nice to see two characters with fully realized playstyles with a number of weapons and tools so as to not get stuck into monotonous combat encounters. Granted, that will be determined by how quests are designed. Infiltrating Fukuchiyama Castle showed promise in this regard, but I would love to see if, or how, Shadows can mix and match the two protagonists in more natural ways.

I’m more curious now to get my own hands on Assassin’s Creed Shadows because I always appreciate how different weapons and gear create a distinct flow, especially for a series that’s recently been bouncing between different identities. For me, the most interesting aspects of this game will come from the creative freedom Ubisoft flexes when playing with its historical fiction. Yasuke is a fascinating figure in Japanese history and having a covert shinobi in Naoe contrast the ideals of highly regarded samurai sets my expectations quite high. At least now, I know I’ll be getting a more interesting gameplay dynamic than what I’ve seen from Assassin’s Creed’s recent past.

We'll be able to see it all come together when Assassin's Creed Shadows launches on November 12 this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Star Wars Outlaws May Fulfill That Galactic Scoundrel FantasyMichael Higham
    Some of the more interesting Star Wars content in recent years has nothing to do with Jedi and Sith. While their iconic push-and-pull of good versus evil has been a great framework for games like the Star Wars Jedi series, honing in on the life of a scoundrel gives us the opportunity to see life in the galaxy from a different perspective. That’s the impression I got after getting hands-on with an hour's worth of gameplay with Star Wars Outlaws, the upcoming third-person action shooter from Ubiso
     

Star Wars Outlaws May Fulfill That Galactic Scoundrel Fantasy

10. Červen 2024 v 22:00

Some of the more interesting Star Wars content in recent years has nothing to do with Jedi and Sith. While their iconic push-and-pull of good versus evil has been a great framework for games like the Star Wars Jedi series, honing in on the life of a scoundrel gives us the opportunity to see life in the galaxy from a different perspective. That’s the impression I got after getting hands-on with an hour's worth of gameplay with Star Wars Outlaws, the upcoming third-person action shooter from Ubisoft and developer Massive Entertainment.

It’s rough around the edges as of however old this build was, but exploring the galaxy as protagonist Kay Vess and getting into dirty business in this three-part demo was refreshing, even though a lot of its gameplay felt familiar. The best representation of this was a mission that started inside an Imperial base and sent me to sneak my way around to activate controls to move a cargo shipment, opening the way to steal a ship for a getaway. After knocking out some guards and hacking into some systems, I got into a shootout with Stormtroopers as I waited for the cargo to move into the ship I was going to steal.

Kay isn’t exactly a force of nature and has to get scrappy, which meant well-placed shots, using cover, and commanding her little merqaal companion, Nix, to lend a hand were required to make it out alive. Kay’s blaster has a lethal and EMP-style modes, plus a one-shot knockout on cooldown, but she can also pick up enemy weapons for more firepower. Putting this all together was pretty challenging, but after making the escape I was then in control of an Imperial ship and getting into dogfights in space, channeling some of that Star Wars Squadrons energy into Outlaws.

All of this happened seamlessly, moving from one thing to another at a brisk pace.

I then returned to the desert planet Toshara in the city of Mirogana, where the criminal underworld thrives, for the finale of this story mission. All of this happened seamlessly, moving from one thing to another at a brisk pace and encompassing all the aspects of what it takes to be a successful scoundrel in the Star Wars universe. Although I didn’t get to spend much time poking around Mirogana, it seems to be full of side content to give Outlaws that open-world feel to complement the linear story-based missions.

I do think Outlaws sometimes relies too heavily on the design conventions of an Uncharted or Tomb Raider. For instance, another part of the demo had me platforming and climbing structures to retrieve a relic tucked away deep in this abandoned reactor. It seemed like every other room had the ground falling under me in an attempt to create tension, but we’ve seen this rug-pull trick far too many times for it to be a surprise. And the controls aren’t quite precise enough to make jumping gaps, scaling walls, or shimmying across ledges feel natural – this is something action-adventure games of this kind have figured out in years past so it’s a bit disappointing that Star Wars Outlaws struggles here. Hopefully that's on the fix-it list for the last few months before launch.

Especially when you’re in the middle of a hostile encounter, minigames add a neat wrinkle.

The third segment of the demo had me infiltrating a base run by thieves on the dark and snowy planet Kijimi, and this had an emphasis on stealth and hacking mechanics. Although staying out of sight is all you really need to do, I wish the stealth mechanics were more robust. Kay struggles to stick to cover and Nix isn’t super helpful as a companion in this scenario, but once everything breaks into a shootout all of that becomes a moot point. The hacking minigames became more prominent, and I actually quite enjoy the rhythm-based lockpicking and the Wordle-style icon-matching one, which are clever little breaks in the traditional action. Especially when you’re in the middle of a hostile encounter frantically trying to hack into systems or past doors, these add a neat wrinkle to round out the gameplay flow.

I wasn’t able to get the full context for the story happening in this mission, but Kijimi is a fascinating and more recent planet in the Star Wars universe that’s also deep with crime syndicates. Seeing Kay tip-toe around allegiances and get into sticky situations with competing factions makes me excited to see how Star Wars Outlaws presents that scoundrel fantasy. It’s like having a fully realized game based around the idea of being Han Solo, but having a new character in Kay Vess gives it room to breathe and create a new fiction within Star Wars, divorced from the canon or expectations that often puts pressure on the franchise.

So at this stage I can say that Star Wars Outlaws shows a lot of promise, but as usual we'll have to wait and see how many of the things that struck me as a little off can be smoothed out ahead of launch. (Never tell me the odds!) Even though it’s borrowing a lot from what we’ve seen in games like Uncharted and Tomb Raider, the Star Wars universe is ripe for that style of game. More stories outside of the Jedi-Sith framework are also appreciated, especially ones that dig deeper into the criminal underworld and the implications it has on the rest of the Star Wars world. Gameplay may not be as fluid or satisfying as the games that it’ll be compared to, or even the Star Wars Jedi series, but there’s a good variety of mechanics and systems that meld really well.

Hopefully it all comes together in the full game, which we won't have to wait for very long for: Star Wars Outlaws releases on August 27 of this year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

  • ✇IGN All
  • The Best MacBooks to Buy in 2024Jacob Kienlen
    MacBooks have been among the best laptops on the market for years, and now that Apple has been making its own chips for a while (most recently the M4 in the new iPad Pro), these devices are a dream come true when it comes to compatibility, especially if you have other Apple devices. When you're looking for a MacBook, you need to figure out exactly what you're looking for. Because while the MacBook Pro with the M3 Max is going to be more powerful than any other Apple laptop, it's going to be most
     

The Best MacBooks to Buy in 2024

10. Červen 2024 v 22:00

MacBooks have been among the best laptops on the market for years, and now that Apple has been making its own chips for a while (most recently the M4 in the new iPad Pro), these devices are a dream come true when it comes to compatibility, especially if you have other Apple devices. When you're looking for a MacBook, you need to figure out exactly what you're looking for. Because while the MacBook Pro with the M3 Max is going to be more powerful than any other Apple laptop, it's going to be mostly wasted if you're not using it for creative work like video editing.

TL;DR Best MacBooks to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of MacBook alternatives, of course, but if you need macOS for your work, you'd be hard pressed to get anything done consistently on any other device. Luckily, Apple is constantly updating its Mac operating system to keep it competitive with Windows 11 and Linux, and macOS 15 Sequoia, announced at WWDC 2024, looks to be a pretty massive update, especially if you're looking for more ways to work AI into your daily workload.

Looking for discounts? Check out the best MacBook deals.

The Best MacBooks

1. Apple MacBook Air (2024)

Best Overall

If you’re looking for a MacBook for casual everyday use, then the Apple MacBook Air (2024) is one of the best laptops from Apple for web browsing, watching YouTube and Netflix, office productivity, and more. This is all thanks to its fast M2 processor, sleek and lightweight design at 2.7 pounds, vivid 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and long battery life of up to 18 hours per charge. It also comes with two USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3), a dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port, a headphone jack, and a 1080p HD webcam for pristine video calls.

The laptop starts at $1,199—which is a bit hefty compared to previous models of the MacBook Air—but its worth it. This model comes with the latest and greatest Apple M3 chip, and starts off with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which should be enough for most people. Though, of course if you want a little more juice, you can get it configured with up to 24GB RAM and a giant 2TB SSD.

Just like the 2022 model, Apple also launched a 15-inch MacBook Air, which is basically the same exact laptop, only with a larger screen and more luxe high-end configuration.

2. Apple MacBook Air (2022)

Best Budget

Looking for a wallet-friendly laptop? Starting at $999 (sometimes as low as $799 when it’s on sale), the MacBook Air (2022) is Apple’s previous model that’s still snappy with the M2 processor built inside.

Don’t let its low price fool you, this laptop is a speedy machine. In fact, it’s the primary laptop for the writer of this article! It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, a thin design, two USB-C ports (used both for charging and peripherals), along with a MagSafe port, which is also used for charging. This model starts with 8GB of memory with 256GB of SSD storage, and a long up to 18-hour battery life. The laptop also comes in three colors: Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.

If you’re looking for an Apple MacBook for less than $1,000, it’s right here.

3. Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 (2023)

Best for Multitasking

If you do a lot of multitasking and swapping between apps, you want a MacBook that can keep up, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 is ready. With it, you get the latest M3 processor that features Dynamic Caching, which uses only the exact amount of memory needed for a task to help increase performance in demanding programs. That’s just the start, as you’ll enjoy a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display for a crystal clear view of all your workflows while a long-lasting battery—we’re talking up to 22 hours—ensures you can work from anywhere.

You will be adding to the price and weight when going with this Pro model over an Air, but it’s hard not to appreciate the extra power it brings. This option also comes in two colors: Space Gray and Silver.

4. Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro (2023)

Best for Creative Pros

Starting at $1,999, the Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro is ideal for multitasking and heavy workloads. It features a brilliant 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the latest M3 Pro processor for fast-switching between loads of different apps, and various ports—including three USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card reader, one MagSafe port for charging, and a headphone jack. That means you can use it with all sorts of peripherals like external hard drives and 4K monitors, which is especially handy for creatives.

From editing photos and transcoding videos, this MacBook Pro—which comes in two colors: Silver and Space Black—is a workhorse and fantastic for creative professionals. It just quickly gets the job done again and again with virtually no hiccups.

5. Apple MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max (2023)

Best Powerhouse

Want the ultimate MacBook? The Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max—with its massive 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, insanely powerful M3 Max processor with hardware accelerated ray tracing, and 36GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage—can handle just about anything you can throw at it. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can support multiple external displays and is ready to take on 3D rendering and other advanced workflows.

However, this beast of a laptop doesn’t come cheap. It starts at $3,499, but for Apple’s most high-octane and fastest MacBook, it could be something to consider for just the sheer power of it. This MacBook Pro comes in two colors: Silver and Space Black.

Upcoming MacBooks

We didn't get a new MacBook at WWDC 2024, which means we're still waiting for some Apple laptop to use the M4 chip that's currently only found in the latest iPad Pro. However, Apple did reveal macOS 15 Sequoia at WWDC 2024, which is going to introduce massive improvements to the OS, mainly through AI integrations in pretty much every Mac app. Apple has also introduced a new game porting API, which should make gaming on Mac much better.

So while we still don't know what the next generation of MacBooks is going to look like, we know Apple is going to continue to double down on AI, powered by the NPUs (neural processing unit) found in every MacBook since the M1 debuted in 2020.

What to Look for in an Apple MacBook

Although it’s a bit overwhelming to pick the best Apple MacBook, using one is pretty much the same across models. One of the best things about the laptop is that they all run the most current version of macOS (right now, it’s macOS Ventura). This means each model will run as smoothly and elegantly as possible with the latest security updates. However, there are certain key differences that make selecting the best MacBook for you a little tough to figure out. Here’s what to look for in a MacBook in 2024.

First and foremost, you should really think about what you’re going to use the MacBook for. If you want a MacBook for video editing or photo editing, then go with the MacBook Pro (2023) for its power and larger display. If you’re a writer, then go with the MacBook Air (2022) for its speed and portability. If you’re on a budget, then go with the MacBook Air (2020) for its low price.

Processing Power

You really get into the weeds when it comes to processing power. Apple offers multiple chipsets in their MacBooks: M1, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. Released in 2020, the M1 chip is the tech company’s first chipset that’s designed in-house. It’s speedy and efficient, but it’s still a few years old. The next generation chip is the M2, which is faster and zippier, and the M3 only adds perfromance from there. If you want a step up in power, the tech company also has the M3 Pro and M3 Max chipsets, which are reserved for the 2023 MacBook Pro models. These chips are insanely powerful.

Size

Additionally, size matters when it comes to the MacBook. Apple offers two sizes for the MacBook Air—a 13.3-inch display for the older MacBook Air and a slightly larger 13.6-inch “notch-style” display (which is similar to the Apple iPhone 14) for the newer Air model. As for the MacBook Pros, there are three options: 13.3-inch, 14.2-inch, and 16.2-inch displays—the latter two are also “notch-style.”

Price

In terms of pricing, MacBooks start at $999 (sometimes as low as $799, if it’s on sale) with the M1 MacBook Air (2020) and can go all the way up to a whopping $6,499 with the M3 Max MacBook Pro (2023) for a model with a 16.2-inch display, 96GB of memory, and 8TB of SSD storage.

The most important thing to look out for when picking a MacBook is how you’re going to use it. For most people, the MacBook Air (2022) is the best choice because it features a modern and lightweight design, an M2 processor, a webcam with sharp and crisp picture quality, and a long battery life. If you want more power, then step up to the MacBook Pro (2023). But whichever MacBook you pick up, you’ll have a great user experience—thanks to the latest macOS Sonoma software.

Are MacBooks Good for Gaming?

The main draw of a MacBook is that they are excellent laptops for work and productivity. So while you can play some games on a Mac, that doesn't mean that they were built for gaming. Despite the raw power many of these laptops possess, they are not yet the best options for gaming. Check out our guide to the best gaming laptop for better options.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Prince of Persia Sands of Time Remake Set for 2026Wesley Yin-Poole
    Ubisoft has finally put a release window on the Prince of Persia Sands of Time Remake: 2026.The Sands of time remake’s release year, announced during the Ubisoft Forward 2024 event alongside a brief teaser video, comes after what was reportedly a troubled development. In November last year, Ubisoft said the Ubisoft Montreal project had passed an “important” internal milestone and that development was “progressing.”Prince of Persia's first delay arrived in December 2020, just months after its ini
     

Prince of Persia Sands of Time Remake Set for 2026

10. Červen 2024 v 21:40

Ubisoft has finally put a release window on the Prince of Persia Sands of Time Remake: 2026.

The Sands of time remake’s release year, announced during the Ubisoft Forward 2024 event alongside a brief teaser video, comes after what was reportedly a troubled development. In November last year, Ubisoft said the Ubisoft Montreal project had passed an “important” internal milestone and that development was “progressing.”

Prince of Persia's first delay arrived in December 2020, just months after its initial announcement, with an indefinite delay following in February 2021. Ubisoft made its most drastic shift yet when development was moved from Ubisoft Pune and Ubisoft Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal in May 2022. Work has continued at the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla studio since, with the publisher confirming it had moved into the “conception” phase of development in May 2023.

The Sands of Time first launched on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and PC back in November 2003 to criticial and commerial acclaim. This hotly anticipated remake has been in the works for at least four years. In a blog post, Ubisoft said the remake is now entering its "full production phase", with Ubisoft Montreal receiving support from co-dev studios in Toronto, Bucharest, Paris, and Pune.

Meanwhile, Ubisoft announced updates for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which gets a story DLC in September, and The Rogue Prince of Persia, which dropped its first major free title update today, June 10. For more on what Ubisoft has coming up, check out everything announced at Ubisoft Forward 2024.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

Anno 117: Pax Romana Finally Brings the City-Builder Franchise to the Ancient Roman Empire - Ubisoft Forward 2024

10. Červen 2024 v 21:37

Ubisoft has revealed the beloved city-builder franchise Anno will finally be taking fans to the Ancient Roman Empire in Anno 117: Pax Romana. Furthermore, it will be released in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

While the team wasn't ready to show off gameplay, it did share a short teaser that set the tone for what fans can expect. You'll be introduced to the Town Crier in the trailer, who will appear in game, and he is making the grand announcement that a new Governor is coming to bring a new era of wealth and prosperity to these lands. However, he is speaking to no one as the lands have not been claimed yet and sare waiting for you. In a clever nod to Field of Dreams, the tagline is revealed as, "Build it and they wil come."

And build it you will in Anno 117: Pax Romana, as you will take on the role of a Roman Governor who was sent by the emperor to manage the "costs of maintaining peace" across the empire.

That obviously won't be an easy feat, but Ubisoft is doing all it can to make it a rewarding and fun challenge for all players. One of the ways they are accomplishing this is, for the first time in an Anno game, letting players choose their starting province.

The two provinces so far revealed are the Celtic Wetlands of Albion and the traditional Roman heartlands called Latium. Albion is a "land filled with mysteries where no civilized Roman wants to be," and Latium is "close to the hungry heart" of the Empire and will give you that more traditional Roman feel. These may be different lands, but you will eventually be able to connect all of them together under one flag.

Anno 117: Pax Romana will be the first mainline Anno game since 2017's Anno 1800, and it will keep many of the series pillars fans have loved, including "a unique mix of traditional city building, deep economical simulation, and 4X features like diplomacy, military, and narrative layers."

However, this also marks a new era for the Anno franchise, and we had the chance to talk to creative director Manuel Reinher and brand director Haye Anderson about why this is the most exciting time to be or become a fan of the series.

An Anno for the Modern Age

Anno first jumped to the world stage in 1998 with Anno 1602, but Anno 117: Pax Romana is the title Ubisoft is really pushing as a modern strategy powerhouse that can stand with any of the competition. Rome is the perfect location for this big bet, and while it's been an option for locations for previous Anno games, the time has finally arrived to answer fans' calls with a bit of a twist to this trip back in time.

"We want to tell the untold story of how it was to govern Roman provinces," Reinher said, "During that era, there was over 200 years of peace and it was the time after a big conquest. And we are talking an empire of people from three continents that accounted for almost 20% of the world's population. So, the story we are trying to tell is how did the Romans manage to stabilize this?"

You, as the governor, will help answer that question and decide how to maintain the peace in these regions and please the locals while also enforcing the law given from the Emperor himself. The team also stressed to us that we'll be living in a meticulously recreated Roman Empire, but this is more historically inspired than historically accurate, so there will be smart concessions made to make it a more fun gaming experience without feeling out of place.

Speaking of fun, Ubisoft also wants Anno 117 to be fun for players of all skill levels while not taking out any of the challenge for veteran players and those looking for a rewarding mountain to climb. In our Anno 1800 review, we said, "Outright newcomers to this type of game will have a tough go at it, as important elements of Anno 1800 aren’t given comprehensive tutorials, but diligent gamers will excitedly watch hours fly by once they get settled in." The team has taken this feedback to heart.

"First of all, we want to improve our on-boarding," Reinher said. "We want to embrace new players and also continue to embrace the complexity. One of the steps to accomplish this is making the game more modular. If you are a new player and what to pick one of the provinces that speaks to you, go for it! And you'll have more context and story to help you along.

"But if you are a core player, you can of course combine the provinces and trade and do all the stuff that you love to do in managing multiple lands. So, it's not about explaining everything, it's about removing the hard walls and giving players more freedom to make the game more digestible and adapt it to your needs. So, although we are bringing innovation to Anno 117, we are staying true to the legacy of the brand."

In closing, Anderson shared that this is a new era for Anno and one that the team is doing all it can to meet the players' high expectations.

"We are delivering a Roman game with a fresh perspective and unseen scale in detail for them," Anderson said." We are doing more social content, more Twitch content, and we are rebranding in a way we can add more people into our community to make the Anno family more robust and welcoming.

"I think this is the real beginning of a partnership between the community and game development and working together to deliver the best product possible."

The team is excited to share much more about Anno 117: Pax Romana in the future leading up to its 2025 launch, but in the meantime keep an eye out for the Easter Eggs just waiting to be found in the trailer that may reveal more about the game.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - Here’s What Comes in Each EditionChris Reed
    Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC at a date that's yet to be announced. Don’t let the lack of release date get you down, however. The game is now available for preorder in standard and collector’s editions -- though the collector's edition is selling out fast. Here’s everything you need to know to preorder Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (Standard Edition)PS5Get it at Amazon - $69.99Get it at Best Buy - $69.99Get it a
     

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - Here’s What Comes in Each Edition

10. Červen 2024 v 21:17

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC at a date that's yet to be announced. Don’t let the lack of release date get you down, however. The game is now available for preorder in standard and collector’s editions -- though the collector's edition is selling out fast. Here’s everything you need to know to preorder Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (Standard Edition)

PS5

Xbox Series X

If you want a physical copy but don't want to mess with the extras in the collector's edition (assuming you can find it in stock, that is), you can grab the standard edition. It comes with the game itself, which is all you really need, after all.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition

PS5

Xbox Series X

The collector’s edition has been selling out moments after it goes live at each retailer. If you're lucky enough to snag one, it comes with the game itself, plus the following:

  • Collector's box
  • Halo jump patch
  • Fox patch
  • Terrarium Diorama
  • Metal game case
  • Snake's ID card lanyard

What Is Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater?

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (that's the fancy way to write it) is a remake of the 2004 PS2 classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This souped-up stealth action game has all-new graphics and cut scenes, based on the Unreal Engine 5. However, it will reportedly use the same voice acting tracks from the original game.

And while you'll still be able to use the same (stiff) control scheme as the original, in Delta you can opt instead for modernized controls. That's how I'll be playing the game, thank you very much.

Other Preorder Guides

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Taylor Swift Isn't in Deadpool & Wolverine, Despite Speculation - ReportAlex Stedman
    Sorry, Swifties — it appears Taylor Swift isn't in Deadpool & Wolverine after all.That news comes via an Entertainment Weekly report today, which claims to have confirmed that Swift won't be in the MCU blockbuster. It may seem a little silly to report on who won't appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, but rumors that the pop star would be playing Dazzler in the film have been running rampant for months.The rumors date all the way back to September 2022, when fans noticed that the Deadpool &
     

Taylor Swift Isn't in Deadpool & Wolverine, Despite Speculation - Report

10. Červen 2024 v 21:17

Sorry, Swifties — it appears Taylor Swift isn't in Deadpool & Wolverine after all.

That news comes via an Entertainment Weekly report today, which claims to have confirmed that Swift won't be in the MCU blockbuster. It may seem a little silly to report on who won't appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, but rumors that the pop star would be playing Dazzler in the film have been running rampant for months.

The rumors date all the way back to September 2022, when fans noticed that the Deadpool & Wolverine announcement trailer was filmed in the same house where Swift filmed her All Too Well: The Short Film. They picked up again in October 2023, when Swift was spotted with stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, as well as director Shawn Levy, at a Kansas City Chiefs game against the New York Jets. Some even thought the apparent glimpse at Ladypool in the most recent teaser may be Swift.

And, as EW notes, IMAX recently debuted a Deadpool & Wolverine for Best Friends Day that showed the two title characters wearing friendship bracelets that have become associated with Swift's Eras Tour.

Levy has played coy when asked about the potential of a Swift cameo in the past. When asked about it in an October 2023 interview with the Happy Sad Confused Podcast, Levy said, "Literally, I feel like, oh wow, I went to a football game a couple weeks ago and I had a really good time with friends and I am thrilled to be talking about other things," stopping short of either confirming or denying.

Still, even without Swift, Levy has said that Deadpool & Wolverine will be a bevy of cameos, at least one of which has already been confirmed. We'll have to wait and see what else Deadpool & Wolverine has in store when it debuts on July 26.

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Ubisoft Forward 2024: Everything AnnouncedLogan Plant
    The Ubisoft Forward 2024 is a wrap, and it brought a ton of new gameplay for the pair of open world games coming later this year: Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Plus, Ubisoft revealed Anno 117: Pax Romana and told us the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake is coming in 2026. Read on to learn about everything that happened during the event.New Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay RevealedUbisoft kicked off the show with new gameplay from Star Wars Outlaws, showcasing gameplay across
     

Ubisoft Forward 2024: Everything Announced

10. Červen 2024 v 21:10

The Ubisoft Forward 2024 is a wrap, and it brought a ton of new gameplay for the pair of open world games coming later this year: Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Plus, Ubisoft revealed Anno 117: Pax Romana and told us the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake is coming in 2026. Read on to learn about everything that happened during the event.

New Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay Revealed

Ubisoft kicked off the show with new gameplay from Star Wars Outlaws, showcasing gameplay across multiple systems in the galaxy. We got a great look at Outlaws' infamous hive of scum and villainy, which will feature corrupt officials and merchants to interact with. We also saw space combat, as Kay got into an optional dogfight that helped improve her standing with the Pyke Syndicate. From there, the gameplay went to Tatooine, where we saw Mos Eisley Cantina, Kay traversing the desert on her speeder, and an infiltration mission where Kay tracked down an old gunslinger who can teach her a valuable skill. Check out our Star Wars Outlaws preview to learn how the game may fulfill the galactic scoundrel fantasy.

Star Wars Outlaws Overview Trailer

After the gameplay demo, Ubisoft shared an overview trailer for Star Wars Outlaws, showcasing the cooperative dynamic between Kay and her companion Nix. We also got a look at the reputation system, where Kay can get unwanted attention from criminal syndicates depending on how she handles certain missions.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake Is Coming in 2026

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake has been in development for a very long time now, and today Ubisoft revealed that it's coming in 2026. No footage was shown, but we do finally have at least a release window for the long-awaited remake.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Gameplay Deep Dive

We got a big look at Assassin's Creed Shadows, showing off the nature of the game's dual protagonist structure. In one instance, players were able to choose to play as Yasuke or Naoe to tackle a mission in one of two ways: The Samurai Yasuke wanted to rush through the front gates, while the Shinobi Naoe wanted to sneak along the rooftops. The gameplay footage showed us Naoe's path, as she snuck around castle grounds after nightfall. Check out our new preview of Assassin's Creed Shadows to learn more.

Anno 117: Pax Romana Revealed

Ubisoft announced the next entry in city-builder series Anno. Titled Anno 117: Pax Romana, the new entry is taking the series to the long-requested setting of the Ancient Roman Empire. It's coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 sometime next year.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown DLC Revealed

A handful of updates are coming to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, including a free content update available now that includes new outfits, amulets, and platforming challenges called the Divine Trials. Then, Ubisoft teased story DLC titled Mask of Darkness, which is coming this September. Additionally, The Rouge Prince of Persia: The Temple of Fire update is adding new content to the roguelite take on the franchise that hit early access earlier this year.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - The Sky Breaker Is Coming Next Month

We got a trailer for The Sky Breaker, the next big story DLC coming to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. It's launching as part of the game's season pass on July 16.

XDefiant Season 1 Starts Next Month

Ubisoft shared an update on XDefiant, revealing that Season 1 will begin on July 2. XDefiant is in its preseason right now, and the full Season 1 launch will add a ton of new features, including Capture the Flag, a new ranked progression system, three free new weapons, and one new map per month. We saw new maps called Daytona and Clubhouse which will join the XDefiant map rotation soon. A full reveal of Season 1 is coming on July 1.

Skull and Bones Update

Skull and Bones Season 2: Chorus of Havoc is underway, and we learned what the season will bring, including a Megalodon to face off against, a new maneuverable ship called The Brig, and time limited boat race events. Fleet management is on the way, too, which has been a requested feature from the community. Season 3 is titled Into the Dragon's Wake, and Ubisoft shared some of the new characters players can expect to face in the upcoming season, including a Flying Dragon sea monster to face off against, as well as a new 5v5 PvP mode.

The Crew Motorfest Year 2 Roadmap Revealed

A brand new island is coming to The Crew Motorfest's second year of content, as Ubisoft detailed what to expect from Year 2 of its live-service driving game. And, we saw a trailer for The Chase Squad, new story content that's coming in November.

Logan Plant is IGN's Database Manager, Playlist Editor, occasional news writer, and frequent Super Ninfriendo on Nintendo Voice Chat. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

  • ✇IGN All
  • Avowed Gets 30-Minute Deep Dive Revealing Third-Person Gameplay, AbilitiesMichael Cripe
    Obsidian Entertainment has posted a 30-minute deep dive for its upcoming fantasy action RPG Avowed, revealing an extended look at its gameplay in both first and third person.This lengthy look at gameplay in the world of Eora comes directly from Xbox itself and goes into some of the magical tools players will have at their disposal when embarking on their adventure later this year. Game Director Carrie Patel touched on these details during the interview, but the feature that might have fans the m
     

Avowed Gets 30-Minute Deep Dive Revealing Third-Person Gameplay, Abilities

10. Červen 2024 v 20:59

Obsidian Entertainment has posted a 30-minute deep dive for its upcoming fantasy action RPG Avowed, revealing an extended look at its gameplay in both first and third person.

This lengthy look at gameplay in the world of Eora comes directly from Xbox itself and goes into some of the magical tools players will have at their disposal when embarking on their adventure later this year. Game Director Carrie Patel touched on these details during the interview, but the feature that might have fans the most excited is the promise that you will have the option to play in both first and third person.

Other details touched on in the presentation include a few colorful conversations with NPCs like Yatzli and Kai. Patel also teases some of the ways the environment will change as Avowed goes from day to night, as well as the ways different NPCs will react to your character’s Godlike status.

Like other RPGs, Avowed has a selection of skills to allow players to choose how they approach encounters, and yes, you'll be able to respec your trees if you eventually decide you don't like the path you've set yourself on. We see one scenario that is handled two different ways: with combat and with stealth. Using combat to reach an important NPC could anger them, blocking the player off from certain dialogue options and potentially useful rewards. Trying stealth with the Shadowing Beyond ability, which essentially turns the player invisible, results in this same NPC allowing the player to leave with what they came for in peace.

Those who try stealth in Avowed should note that enemies have a “shout radius,” meaning you might be able to get away with dispatching a single enemy if they’re far enough away from their friends. Some of the enemies that players will be sneaking past or slashing through include tiny, blue-and-orange mushroom creatures. These odd beings come in different groups, with some able to attack from a distance while the other swarm with melee attacks.

Avowed’s deep-dive presentation follows its appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase yesterday, where Obsidian showed off additional gameplay, story details, and more from its vibrant fantasy world. It was a showing for the first- and third-person project that came and went without revealing a release date. However, just hours after the event concluded, Obsidian published – and then changed – a post announcing a release date of November 12, 2024. The date is now nowhere to be found, suggesting that Obsidian wasn’t quite ready to commit to that schedule just yet.

Avowed is officially only set to release before the end of 2024. Be sure to read up on everything else shown during the Xbox Games Showcase while we wait for Obsidian’s next RPG to launch on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X | S, and PC.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

❌
❌