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Streamers Have Received Controversial Instructions From Black Myth: Wukong’s Publisher
Game: Black Myth: Wukong
Article Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Chinese studio Game Science will release the highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong tomorrow. A few days ago, the first reviews were published, suggesting that the gameplay legend of the Monkey King is a success, even if it has yet to escape optimization problems or bugs. However, besides the praise, there was also a controversy – a document was leaked to social networks, which was sent out by Hero Games to streamers and influencers, urging them not to mention “politics,” “feminist propaganda,” or even COVID-19 in their work related to the game.
Censorship Under the Guise of Guidelines
In a positive sense, the appeal is limited to a single bullet point: “Enjoy the game!” The prohibitions section begins sparingly: “Don’t insult other influencers and players. Do not use offensive language or humor.” But then the briefing starts to veer into censorship.
The Forbidden Words List
“Do not include politics, violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, or other content that encourages negative discourse in your coverage of the game. Don’t use trigger words such as ‘quarantine,’ ‘isolation’ or ‘COVID-19’. Do not talk about the game in the context of measures, opinions, and news regarding the Chinese gaming industry,” reads the pamphlet, first published by French streamer ExServ, aka Benoit Reinier. He first showed the instructions on the social networking site BlueSky. He later made a video about them and stated that he would not be covering Black Myth: Wukong because of the restrictions and wanted nothing to do with it.
Verifying the Leak: A Silenced Media
VideoGames.si magazine subsequently verified the email’s authenticity, and Forbes journalist Paul Tassi also stood up for it. The UK’s Eurogamer adds. The instructions were given to content creators, streamers, and other influencers. It was not a document intended for reviewers. IGN’s Travis Northup was added to the Bitcast podcast. The publisher tried to intervene in the review process. They wanted to limit the length of the video review to a maximum of 10 minutes due to the size of the medium. They managed to win an exception at some points.
A Troubled Past Resurfaces
Game Science has faced criticism for the toxic work culture and misogyny of studio founder and CEO Feng Ji. Thus, the leaked instructions from the publisher were meant to prevent further airing of the Chinese company’s affairs. Neither Game Science Studio nor publisher Hero Games have commented on the matter— Black Myth: Wukong releases on PC and PlayStation 5 tomorrow, August 20. The Xbox Series X/S version has been delayed indefinitely.
For more information, check the official page here!
Keep an eye out for an upcoming review in the Games Reviews section on our website!
The post Streamers Have Received Controversial Instructions From Black Myth: Wukong’s Publisher appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.
Black Myth: Wukong – First Look at Fighting Monkey
Title: Black Myth: Wukong
Type of Game: Action RPG
Developer: Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Released: 20.8.2024
Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (later)
Platform Reviewed: PC
Level of Maturity: Teen
Article Reading Time: 6 minutes
Heads up, gamers! August 20, 2024, is about to get wild. Black Myth: Wukong is finally swinging into action, and boy, is it making a racket. This Chinese mythology-fueled romp has been teasing us for years, and now it’s time to see if it lives up to the hype. We’re still prepping our full review here at WePlayGames.net, but let’s dig into the early buzz.
From Daydream to Phenomenon
Picture this: In 2018, a bunch of starry-eyed devs at Game Science cooked up this crazy idea in Hangzhou. Fast forward to 2020, and their pre-alpha trailer breaks the internet harder than a cat video. Since then? It’s been a roller coaster of hype and hair-pulling anticipation.
Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Hack ‘n’ Slash
Game Science has been yelling themselves that this isn’t a souls-like clone. Guess what? They might be onto something. GameSpot‘s saying it’s got its flavor in the action RPG buffet. You’re playing this monkey dude, the Destined One, straight outta “Journey to the West.” Sounds bonkers? It is.
Now, about that fighting – oh boy. IGN‘s raving about this Focus system that’ll have you pulling off moves smoother than a greased-up eel. Dodge like Muhammad Ali, hit like Mike Tyson, and watch that Focus meter go nuts. Then? Unleash hell. Throw in some shape-shifting shenanigans and magical mumbo-jumbo, and you’ve got a party.
Boss Fights That’ll Melt Your Face
If there’s one thing this game’s nailing, it’s the big bads. GameSpot can’t stop gabbing about these Yaoguai – think mythical nasties that’d give your nightmares nightmares. We’re talking about wolves with flaming bling and dragons that’d make Daenerys jealous. The works. Some folks found these throwdowns a cakewalk, but IGN’s warning that some late-game beasties might have you rage-quitting harder than Dark Souls veterans.
Eye Candy and Ear Worms
Both GameSpot and IGN are losing their minds over how this game looks. It’s so pretty it might make your eyeballs pop. Snow that crunches just right, trees you want to hug, and lighting that’ll make you weep. Game Science went all-in, ditching Unreal Engine 4 for 5 in 2021. Talk about commitment.
And the tunes? Chef’s kiss. We’re talking sweeping scores, battle music that’ll get your blood pumping, and get this – they snagged the theme from the old ’86 “Journey to the West” show. Nostalgia overload, anyone?
Plot Twist: The Story’s a Head-Scratcher
While everyone’s drooling over the pretty pictures and slick moves, the story’s got folks scratching their heads. GameSpot and IGN hint that if you’re not up on your “Journey to the West” lore, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a foreign film without subtitles. The hero’s got a bad case of the “strong, silent type,” which doesn’t help.
But wait! There’s hope. IGN’s got a soft spot for these artsy chapter-ending bits. Each one’s like a mini-masterpiece, adding some much-needed feels to the monkey business.
Rough Around the Edges
Now for the not-so-great news. IGN’s run into more bugs than a summer picnic – crashes, wonky audio, even some game-breaking nonsense on PC. Here’s hoping for some day-one magic patches.
And the level design? It’s catching some flak. GameSpot mentions you might spend more time lost than Marco Polo without a map. Oh, and invisible walls? They’re everywhere. It’s like playing tag with a mime.
Hype Trains Off the Rails
Despite the hiccups, this game’s got people frothing at the mouth. It’s been sitting pretty as Steam’s most wanted since May, and its benchmark tool drew crowds like free beer at a frat party. It even snagged Best Visuals at Gamescom 2023 before anyone could get their grubby paws on it.
Come D-Day, you can grab it in flavors from no-frills digital to a collector’s edition that’ll have your wallet sobbing. PS5 and PC folks get first dibs, with Xbox Series X/S players left twiddling their thumbs for a bit.
The Lowdown
As we sharpen our critique claws for the full review, it’s clear Black Myth: Wukong is more than just monkey business. It might not be perfect, but it’s dishing out a heaping helping of Chinese mythology with a side of face-melting action that’s got us intrigued. Word on the street is this might kick off a whole series of Chinese legend-inspired games. Color us stoked.
Keep your eyes peeled for our deep dive, which is coming soon once launched on PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, if you’re itching for a fresh action fix with some Eastern zing, you might want to pencil in a date with the Destined One. Just pack some extra patience – this journey might have a few bumps and bruises along the way.
Where to Buy Black Myth: Wukong
Steam (PC): Expected to be available on release. Wishlist it on Steam.
Epic Game Store: Expected to be available on release. Check it out on Epic.
PlayStation Store (PS5): Expected to be available on release. You can find it on the PlayStation Store.
Wegame ( Chinese): Buy Black Myth Wukong on Chinese Store Wegame
Official Page: Visit the official Black Myth: Wukong page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Black Myth: Wukong Subreddit.
The post Black Myth: Wukong – First Look at Fighting Monkey appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.
Best early game stats in Black Myth: Wukong
While Black Myth: Wukong may not be a traditional Souls-like, it shares enough challenging elements—such as its demanding difficulty level—that choosing your early stats and talents wisely is crucial for a smoother experience.
If you need a little guidance on which stats to take starting out, here's everything you need to know about early game stats and talents in Black Myth Wukong.
Best Early Game Talents in Black Myth: Wukong
There are many interesting abilities and talents you can invest in early in Black Myth: Wukong, and you might be interested in doing so because of that. However, Black Myth: Wukong is a fairly difficult game and it really doesn't pull its punches the further you progress. To that end, the most important stats you should take are the ones that boost your survivability and ability to evade enemy attacks. Health, stamina, and evasion are what your early points should be focused upon, not damage.
With your first six points, I highly recommend investing in the Robust Constitution talent under the Foundation-Survivial tree. That talent boosts your health by a decent margin and will allow you more room for error. More room for error means more options to adapt.
After that, I recommend going for Deft Evasion in the Foundation-Stamina tree. This talent considerably improves your ability to avoid enemy attacks, allowing you to cancel your early Light attack combo into a seamless dodge. This is important because, later on, you won't be able to just sit there and Light attack enemies to death.
Under the same tree, you should invest at least one point into Simian Agility, Endurance, and Everlasting Vigor. These talents enhance your mobility, but the primary reason to invest in them is that they are prerequisites for unlocking Composure. This talent allows you to continue your Light attack combo string even if you dodge during it. You can be far more aggressive when attacking because you no longer need to be concerned about breaking your attack chain.
The last early-game Talent you should consider taking is Exhilaration, under the Staff Stances tree. This talent improves your Health recovery when consuming a Focus Point, which makes it a great way to heal without using a charge of your Gourd. This doubles as a benefit, as taking at least three points in this tree earns you a second Focus Point.
While many of these Talents are not the most interesting and are largely passive, it's important to get the survivability concerns out of the way so that you can actively take the more 'fun' Talents and stats without concern of dying all the time. Hopefully, this helps your adventure in Black Myth: Wukong.
The post Best early game stats in Black Myth: Wukong appeared first on Destructoid.
Elden Ring Reaches 750,000 Players On Steam
Elden Ring has been a long time coming, but who would have thought that the hype would be this big?
It’s official: it’s in the papers. Elden Ring is FromSoft’s biggest and most hyped launch to date. The latest game from the iconic studio that brought us the Soulslike, Soulsborne, Soulbornkiro, whatever you’d like to call it, genre has attracted over 750,000 concurrent Steam players. There’s been a spate of negative user reviews generating thanks to its inconsistent PC performance; this success can be even seen in gaming marketplaces that specialize in selling game accounts and other types of services. Publisher Bandai Namco has yet to announce the game’s official launch sales, but we’ve seen massive success just from Steam alone, so it’s easy to assume that the numbers are above 1,000,000 at launch if the PC numbers alone are anything to go by.
Comparing Elden Dark to Other Dark Souls Games
On launch day, Elden Ring hit a peak concurrent player count on Steam of 764,835 players. When you compare that to Dark Souls 3 which had 129,975 players and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice which had an all-time peak of 125,315 players, you can see just how huge these numbers are on PC. If we crunch the numbers, we can see that Elden Ring had nearly six times more concurrent players than Dark Souls 3’s highest ever peak. The player numbers will constantly change on Steam – no game sits at the top forever, after all.
Performance is A Big Issue
It’s not all good news for Elden Ring despite hitting such high numbers. The game has attracted a swathe of negative reviews on Steam thanks to its dubious performance on PC. Digital Foundry’s statement of Elden Ring’s performance being a mixed bag right now is putting it lightly, to say the least. Even with the 1.02 available to download now, PC users can see stutters of up to 250 milliseconds in length when new areas, effects, and enemies appear on the screen. At its worst, Elden Ring players experience “tumbling frame-time issues” that drop the frame rate from 60 to 40. A look at the Steam reviews shows that over 7,000 of them consist of negatives shows that these performance issues are not lost on PC players despite the patch update.
What’s All the Hype About Anyway?
A big part of the hype surrounding Elden Ring is the great track record that Hidetaka Miyazaki (the game’s director) and FromSoftware have had over the best decade. This has built a trusting relationship between fans of the games and the developers, as each new mechanic added to the game before its official launch was received positively.
Another reason why fans are hyped about Elden Ring even after its release is that it’s the spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series due to its graphics, story, and overall medieval setting being the perfect fit for the franchise. Especially since the last FromSoftware title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, was set in Sengoku Era Japan, players were itching for a more Gothic experience featuring magic and greatswords than samurais and katanas.
Lastly, the story is more intricate this time around, as fans will experience a mythos built from the ground up by George R. R. Martin, writer of the novels that the Game of Thrones series was based on.
Final Thoughts
Due to FromSoftware’s attempt at making the game accessible to as many computers as possible, they’ve essentially taken on a situation more difficult than if they were to just leave these PC players behind. Elden Ring is facing serious performance issues on PC to the point that they aren’t just minor inconveniences anymore, leading to a lot of players from that platform selling their game accounts on gaming marketplaces. Almost all GPUs – yes, even the super expensive ones – struggle when going outside into the beautiful horizon but run fine indoors. This is likely due to the game using DirectX 12, a software developed by Microsoft that has been known to produce fluctuations and aggressive stutters in modern games since it takes a different approach to memory management. Variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync alleviate the issues to some degree, but that’s now how it should be as not everyone has access to those.
It remains to be seen what Bandai Namco does about this situation as the day-one patch didn’t address these issues one bit. This is even more strange if you consider that FromSoftware’s last two games, Sekiro and Dark Souls 3, had no problems across all platforms. In the meantime, there are still a lot of players actively grinding through Elden Ring, even if it currently faces a lot of problems.
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Shadow of the Erdtree: An Ambitious Expansion
Shadow of the Erdtree continues FromSoftware's tradition of intricate narratives with its DLC offering. While Shadow of the Erdtree remains grounded in Elden Ring's world, there are tantalizing connections to FromSoftware's rich legacy that may surprise players of Elden Ring and Soulsborne alike. You might spot subtle references, familiar themes, and possibly even returning elements that will send chills down any experienced Soulsborne veteran's spine - these nods to the past are handled subtly so as not to give away too much and reward players who pay close attention with moments of profound recognition from FromSoftware!
Shadow of the Erdtree: Delve Deeper into the Lands Between
Shadow of the Erdtree has been received with resounding acclaim and fan enthusiasm and with good reason, so if you're looking to buy PS5 games that are worthy of your time and money (and I have to say that this DLC is also carefully placed and packed with the game or available alone for a discounted price), you must buy this one.
The Question of New Content
The expansion has successfully delivered on its promise of new weapons, armor, and spells for Tarnished characters to use; their arsenal has significantly been expanded and can meet a range of playstyles. Yet there remains something familiar in their design, which creates an atmosphere of progression while leaving room for truly groundbreaking innovations to arrive in future updates. FromSoftware has long delivered substantial endgame DLCs such as The Old Hunters for Bloodborne; expectations were, therefore, high when Shadow of the Erdtree arrived.
What Players and Critics Think about Shadow of the Erdtree?
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree was met with widespread praise both from critics and players, so here are a few quotes that reflect that sentiment:
- "Shadow of the Erdtree is an impressive expansion design effort from FromSoftware that should please fans of Soulsborne-related games," IGN calls Shadow of the Erdtree an impressive expansion and Game Informer states:
- "Shadow of the Erdtree stands as a testament to FromSoftware's dedication to quality and craftsmanship" - PC Gamer
Fans have also expressed their enthusiasm and shared it across various forms of media; with social media posts and message forums being particularly telling examples.
- "This DLC was everything and more! I feel as if a whole new game has opened up!"
- "The boss fight was incredible - I'm still recovering!"
- "Shadow of the Erdtree is truly breathtaking work from FromSoftware that exceeds their previous work."
- "Skylanders fans everywhere agree: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is pure addiction!"
Contrasting It With Other DLCs
Shadow of the Erdtree stands apart from FromSoftware's previous DLC offerings as something special; while its scale certainly outshines Ashes of Ariandel or The Old Hunters expansions, Shadow's horizontal nature means more expansion is happening within Elden Ring rather than focused lore exploration; which adds another aspect that feels incomplete yet ambitiously executed by FromSoftware's Shadow. Ultimately, its ultimate measure will depend on how it shapes future Elden Ring communities as well as whether FromSoftware pursues additional DLC releases after this one has taken hold and transformed FromSoftware's approach toward them.
Conclusion: Echoes from the Past
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offers an engaging challenge that promises a rewarding outcome: among the expected rewards is a treasure chest of weapons and armor sets with spells that expand build options and gameplay strategies! You will miss a great game if you do not buy Shadow of the Erdtree, and you do not want that, especially if you have Elden Ring (but if you have Elden Ring... you are probably a fan who does not need convincing!) Shadow of the Erdtree has quickly established Elden Ring as one of the greatest games of this generation.
Sand Land - Review
Sand Land (2024), the latest action-adventure game from ILCA and Bandai Namco Entertainment, has caused some debate among manga readers that can be summarized this way: some consider it to be an independent story-arc adventure, others contend it acts both as a continuation of an original manga published back in 2000 (carrying the same title). So, which side has it right? Is Sand Land the solution or just more smokescreen that makes things look through the fog? A definite answer is impossible to get (like many things in life, like philosophy) but, in any event, it is worth investigating and learning about it. The journey is many times better than the destination, so let us navigate this fascinating desert journey that Sand Land offers us and find out together its connections to the source material at the beginning of the millennium, as well as what it may signify for potential newcomers.
The Link with the Past
Sand Land's inconsistency stems from its source material because why else would the game have the same name as the Manga book? Akira Toriyama himself (known to players through Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot) created one short manga series in 2000 titled Sand Land that took place after an apocalyptic desert event and featured Beelzebub and other unlikely allies working together (attempting to locate water sources, and more). Similar to Cowa, another of Toriyama's comics, Sand Land was collected in a tankobon manga and it is 14 chapters long. The game is inspired by this book, so here is the link to the past. However, the video game is not a 1 to 1 representation of the book, how could be, after all, it is a short comic that tells a story, whereas the video game does more.
Bridging the Gap for Newcomers
Sand Land the video game is an adaptation and in a way, a sequel of its respective manga counterpart, keeping much of what makes it special - among those, themes, characters, and plot elements - intact while expanding upon these in a manner the limited manga could never do. Sand Land is clearly one ideal entry point for newcomers to the universe. Sand Land's world of quirky characters and fantastical creatures features familiar elements from both media (including characters from the Dragon Ball series), so it is worth starting here. If you have the chance to buy Sand Land and play it, and at the same time enjoy the Manga book, you will experience both sides with rich narrative tapestries to explore.
So, who will get the most value out of Sand Land? This desert adventure is perfect for:
- Fans of Akira Toriyama's work: The vibrant world design and quirky humor will delight fans of Dragon Ball and other Toriyama creations (Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot), and being able to recognize some new work in Sand Land is a gift.
- Exploration enthusiasts: The vast desert world filled with loot, hidden secrets, and ancient ruins is a mesmerizing playground for those who buy cheap PS4 games and love to uncover every nook and cranny of the new game.
- Casual RPG players: This is not a role-playing game but it features elements of this genre, so if you're looking for a lighthearted and engaging RPG experience with a focus on fun over extreme difficulty, Sand Land fits the bill (and gives you some change back).
Verdict
Sand Land is a delightful, visually striking open-world adventure that makes it possible to admire once more the art of Akira Toriyama. It is simply enjoyable and adds a fresh breath to the genre via its distinct art style. The engaging story, exploration focus, and quirky characters are among its key strengths that enhance, in my opinion, the work of Akira Toriyama. Some purists might find similarities with its source manga disappointing but they are missing the point: the game is not the book. Its expanded narrative options and accessible entry points make this game great for newcomers who should be appreciative of the entire work.
A Mythical Journey Unveiled: Forspoken
Forspoken is the inaugural AAA release of 2019, as well as an exclusive PlayStation 5 console exclusive, garnering considerable anticipation due to its anticipated impact. As players learn the controls for Athia's vast open-world environment and engaging in combat becomes an adventure full of thrills; reaping rewards by mastering its intricate systems can prove lucrative indeed. However, Forspoken's narrative trajectory remains uneven. While buoyed by an amazing lead performance and memorable plot twists, the overall experience was marred by suboptimal pacing and delivery; similar to watching an expertly executed play where key moments stand out but its glory fades due to uneven pace or delivery; ultimately preventing its full potential from being realized.
Forspoken stands out in the gaming landscape by creating an expansive world and thrilling combat dynamics that engage its player base, yet sometimes experience moments of brilliance being overshadowed by pacing issues - this story of two dimensions where gameplay excels in providing an adventurous and exhilarating experience while storytelling struggles to keep up a steady cadence is told through forspoken. Fospoken orchestrates gameplay to another level, so what I've got is as fluid as a serenade, if you know what I mean. Of course, this entices players to discover and buy PS5 games of the same kind once they finish Forspoken because they get the taste of adventure and miracle worlds.
Forspoken - An Immersive RPG
Forspoken is an enjoyable fantasy-world RPG when exploited properly; yet patience must be exercised during its slow, somewhat cumbersome initial phase. Unfortunately, lengthy story interludes that lean toward verbosity fall short of communicating its true potential; these imperfections prevent Forspoken from rising to be the next great open-world game; though fans of fantasy realms should find plenty of enjoyable moments while traveling across its sprawling world as formidable sorceresss.
Beginning Forspoken is like entering an intimidating maze - initially slow-paced but ultimately rewarding once explored fully. Unfortunately, its narrative sometimes succumbs to long-winded passages which overshadow its core strengths; similar to an engaging stage performance where brilliant moments fail to shine amidst less impactful dialogues. Fospoken's gameplay is a marvel, like a tapestry interwoven with finesse and ingenuity, if you allow me the comparison, simply beckoning players of all ages and levels of experience to harmonize their gaming journey into Athia, far from everyday problems, a means to escape and enjoy a different reality. With an assortment of tantalizing cheap PS5 games, there is the slight chance to overlook Forspoken - my advice: don't!
Verdict
Forspoken is an immersive fantasy world full of charm, challenges, and moments of pure delight that are sure to enthrall fantasy fans of any kind. Though not among the elite open-world games, Forspoken offers fantasy enthusiasts a fantastical gaming experience where magic collides with exploration for an unparalleled gaming adventure, yet beneath these early obstacles lies an amazing fantasy world to be explored. Fantasy enthusiasts will take immense delight in traversing vast landscapes as a powerful sorceress - it's an exhilarating journey with plenty of magical prowess and open-world exploration, eventually showing its strengths despite initial missteps.
Boss Fights in Remnant 1 and 2
Both Remnant: From the Ashes and its sequel Remnant 2 offer thrilling boss encounters that require intricate strategy for success, cementing their place among gaming excellence in this genre. Bosses with unique movesets and abilities offer encounters full of variety; Remnant 1/Remnant: From the Ashes, who also has more varied bosses, stands out in particular by encouraging multiple tactics against each adversary precisely because they are varied. so you have to adapt to each situation.
Soulslike Combat
Remnant (both its predecessor and sequel) presents players with captivating and unforgettable combat experiences through its boss battles, marked by individual traits, detailed backstories and visually arresting displays of aggression. It's time to explore and buy PS5 games that have as their model the celebrated Demon Souls but are at the same time different and innovative enough to be worth playing: Remnant is one of those. Souls-esque games provide formidable challenges while providing profound depth that allows players to decipher animations, anticipate attacks and ultimately emerge victorious without succumbing to damage; an extremely satisfying feat!
Examples of Boss Fights in Remnant: From the Ashes and Remnant II
Here are some examples of boss fights from each game:
Remnant 1
- Gorefist: A large, lumbering beast that attacks with melee and ranged attacks.
- Shroud: A shadowy figure that teleports around the arena and attacks with a variety of projectiles.
- The Mangler: A grotesque creature that uses its long tongue to grab and pull players towards it.
- Brabus: A heavily armored knight that wields a large greatsword.
- The Ent: A massive tree creature that attacks with its roots and branches.
- Singe: A fire-based boss that uses a variety of fire-based attacks.
Remnant 2
- Obryk: A towering warrior who wields a massive shield and hammer.
- Erfor: A cunning assassin that uses stealth and poison attacks.
- Tian: A skilled archer that attacks from a distance.
- Ikro: A powerful ice mage that controls the elements.
- Brudvaak: A skilled horseman who fights alongside his war dog.
- Harsgaard: A powerful sorcerer that wields a variety of arcane magic.
Do not be deceived by its dull introduction! At first, Remnant: From the Ashes may appear unassuming with characters seeming interchangeable and an ineluctable narrative producing no thrills or spillover. Don't fall prey to its subpar opening sequence though! You will soon be hooked! But once you begin shooting at demons, the atmosphere changes significantly: clicking of reloads and hits are instantly familiar, reminding us of horror shooter classics such as Clive Barker's Undying or recalling Left 4 Dead's hectic atmosphere.
Conclusion
Gunfire Games stands out among recent attempts such as Immortal: Unchained in its ability to bring Dark Souls' framework into a shooter context with satisfying results, especially through shotguns and hunting rifles that deliver a satisfying punch. Solo experiences often fall short in meeting challenges posed by difficult bosses compared to teamplay dynamics enjoyed by three players or more. Bosses that come accompanied by dangerous mobs make solo play an unpredictable cat-and-mouse game that puts even experienced gamers to shame! I was convinced to buy Remnant: From the Ashes by other players and reviews who compared it with Demon Souls. I liked other Souls-like games too... Nioh may lack Bloodborne's captivating game world and characters, yet its extensive long-term content trumps this fact; nevertheless, it offers an enjoyable, stimulating, and intelligently orchestrated journey similar to what can be found within Souls games.
Unleash the Beast! Dive into Coridden's Monster-Shifting Adventure! » Kabalyero
Hello fellow gamers,
I just got this exciting press release from Anshar Publishing about their awesome new RPG, Coridden. I mean, folks, this game sounds fantastic. Anshar Publishing has launched a Steam Playtest for Coridden, where you can get your hands on the latest build of the game and check out all the new stuff they've been cooking up.
Let me break it down for you. In Coridden, you're playing as this cool monster-shifter dude. Picture this: you defeat monsters, and then you can actually transform into those very beasts. How cool is that? You can roll solo or team up with up to three of your buddies on a quest to unravel the mysteries of Aasha, this ancient city with secrets that'll blow your mind.
To get in on the action, head over to the Coridden Steam page and sign up for the alpha playtest. They've packed this version with a ton of main story content, side quests galore, and a bunch of new skills and areas to explore. I'm talking major upgrades since the last demo in February, folks. We're talking new environments, more enemies to fight, smoother gameplay, and some seriously upgraded visual effects.
And wait, there's more! You've got new skill tabs to tinker with, fresh side-quests to dive into, and loads of juicy lorelogs to uncover. It's like a whole new world out there in Heera, and you're gonna want to see every inch of it.
Now, let's talk features. This game is all about action-packed combat where your skills and gear really matter. You'll be leveling up both your human side and your monster form, unlocking all kinds of cool abilities along the way. And get this, you can switch between forms on the fly, using each one's unique strengths to crush whatever challenges come your way. It's all about that tactical flexibility, folks.
Plus, if you're into teaming up, Coridden's got you covered. Up to four players can jump in and out of co-op mode, whether you're busting heads locally or online. There's something for every play style here, whether you're the tank, the damage dealer, or the support guru. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
And the world of Heera? It's your playground. Climb, swim, blast through obstacles—you name it. From treacherous caves to ancient ruins, there's loot to find and quests to conquer. This world is yours to explore and conquer.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Steam, sign up for that playtest, and let Anshar Publishing know what you think. They're counting on your feedback to make Coridden the best darn game it can be. Get in there, have a blast, and let's make gaming great again!
Thank you and enjoy your adventure in Coridden!
Excited About My Free Steam Key for V Rising » Kabalyero
Hello fellow gamers,
Guess what? I just scored a sweet freebie: a Steam key for V Rising. It’s like one of those action RPGs—think Diablo, Path Of Exile, and hey, even Valheim—it’s got that survival vibe with building stuff and crafting goodies.
Now, let me level with you—I’m not always into the whole point-and-click RPG thing. Too much of that and my wrist starts crying for mercy. But you know what they say, never knock it till you try it. So, I figured, why not give V Rising a shot?
From what I’ve heard, it’s got all these cool elements mashed together. You can slay monsters, build up your base, craft gear—sounds like a recipe for some serious gaming fun, right?
I’m all about games that mix it up. I mean, who doesn’t want a bit of everything? You get your action fix with the monster battles, your strategy kicks in when you’re plotting your fortress, and then there’s the crafting part where you get to create some epic gear. It’s like being a one-stop-shop for all things gaming.
Plus, the whole survival angle? That’s a game-changer. It’s not just about bashing bad guys; it’s about surviving in a world that wants to eat you for breakfast. I dig that kind of challenge—it keeps you on your toes, you know?
So, yeah, even though I might not be the biggest fan of clicking my way through an RPG marathon, I’m willing to give V Rising a whirl. Who knows, maybe it’ll surprise me. Maybe it’ll be the game that makes me rethink my whole gaming playbook.
And hey, getting a free Steam key? That’s like finding money in your pocket you forgot about. It’s a win-win situation. Worst case, I play for a bit, have some laughs, and move on. Best case, I find my new gaming obsession.
Anyway, if you have any comments, questions or reactions then please post them in the comments section below. Also, please consider following, liking and sharing to your friends.
Thank you for reading.
▶️ Oddly Satisfying 🔨 Dwarven Realms [4/1/24]
Hello fellow gamers! I'm here playing and livestreaming Dwarven Realms. Dwarven Realms is a small indie project, currently in VERY early access, and represents our best attempt to create a distinctive ARPG experience. It's a work in progress and rough around the edges, but it offers a unique charm—a blend of systems inspired by classic ARPGs and the frenetic mob density reminiscent of survivors-like games (all in the third-person view). (ProtonVPN » https://go.getproton.me/SHtQ)
Oddly Satisfying
In this video, I played Dwarven Realms for a full hour. I got the game for free previously but I forgot about it and, because I forgot, I claimed another key from Keymailer but I never got to use it. When I tried to claim the Steam Key from Keymailer, Steam displayed a message saying the game was already in my Steam Library. Now I have an extra Steam Key for Dwarven Realms.
In any case, I did play the game for an hour and, even though, I've played the game before, according to Steam, I didn't remember much of it. For me, it was like playing a new game.
In the early minutes of my gameplay, I encountered a problem with the game. It was heating up my GPU and CPU. I had to turn the game's graphics settings to low to prevent my PC from melting. The low graphics settings also made the game look terribly bad.
In the end, I managed to play the game, Dwarven Realms, for an hour and it was oddly satisfying. I had fun smashing the hordes of enemies the game was spawning.
For comments, questions or reactions then please post them in the comments section below. Also, please like the video, share the video, follow the channel and enable notifications.
Thank you for watching!
Links
• Rumble » https://rumble.com/register/kabalyero
• Twitter » https://twitter.com/kabalyero
• Website » https://www.kabalyero.info
• Ko-fi » https://ko-fi.com/kabalyero
• Youtube » https://www.youtube.com/kabalyero
PC Specs
• CPU » AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
• GPU » NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• RAM » 16 GB Generic Memory
FTC Disclosure: This post or video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co
#dwarvenrealms #actionrpg #keymailer
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Victor Vran: A Demon Hunter’s Tale
Title: Victor Vran
Type of Game: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG)
Developer: Haemimont Games
Publisher: EuroVideo Medien
Released: July 24, 2015
Platforms Available: PC Game, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac Game, Linux Game
Platform Reviewed: PC
Level of Maturity: Teen
Reading Time: 14 minutes
Mastering the Combat Dance
Victor Vran is a fast-paced action diablo-like game with RPG mechanics. We control Victor Vran, a demon hunter, navigating through a variety of environments filled with monsters to defeat and loot to collect. The game emphasizes real-time combat, where you must dodge, block, and attack strategically. Weapons, outfits, demon powers, and destiny cards allow for extensive customization of Victor’s abilities and playstyle. Each weapon type (ranging from swords and shotguns to scythes and lightning guns) offers unique attacks and combos, encouraging experimentation with different play styles. The learning curve is balanced, giving an easy start while gradually introducing more complex mechanics and tougher enemies. The game’s approach to character progression, which is tied to gear and cards apart from traditional leveling, adds strategic depth to character building and adaptation.
Crafting Destiny with Cards
A standout feature in Victor Vran is the Destiny Card system. Players earn Destiny Points as they progress, which can be used to equip Destiny Cards. These cards grant various passive abilities and bonuses, such as increased damage, faster healing, or enhanced critical hit chances. This system allows for extensive customization with a non-traditional approach. With a variety of cards to choose from, you can mix and match to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Alchemical Adventures: Gear Transmutation
Another one of the game’s features I must cover is the transmutation system. This system allows us to combine and upgrade the equipment using various transmutation recipes. By sacrificing unwanted gear and materials, I enhanced my favorite weapons and outfits or created entirely new ones. This system helps manage inventory clutter and provides a way for you to obtain powerful and unique equipment. Experimenting with different transmutations to discover potent combinations can be a gamble if you do it randomly, so use the recipe guides in the game!
A Gothic Steampunk Dreamscape
Visually, Victor Vran boasts a Gothic, steampunk aesthetic with detailed environments. The game features diverse locations such as dark dungeons, haunted castles, and cursed towns, each rendered with atmospheric lighting and intricate textures. The environments are not only visually appealing but also interactive, with destructible objects and dynamic lighting. The visual effects during combat, like explosions and magical attacks, are pretty well executed as well and add to the excitement of battles.
Sonic Warfare: Sound and Music
The game’s sound design is something I particularly enjoyed; it is robust, with a compelling soundtrack that creates an intense atmosphere. Voice acting is solid, particularly the protagonist Victor, whose dialogue adds depth to the character, and is, in my opinion, very well narrated. Sound effects, from the clash of weapons to the roars of monsters, are well-executed and enhance the combat experience. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from the legendary band Motörhead in the “Motörhead Through the Ages” expansion, is unique and energetic, so it is a perfect fit for a demon-themed game.
Conquering Alone or Together
Victor Vran offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. In single-player, you can immerse yourself in the story and explore at your own pace. Multiplayer mode allows for cooperative play with up to four players. The multiplayer experience is well put together, with cooperative mechanics that encourage teamwork and strategic planning. I joined friends to tackle challenging dungeons, face tougher enemies, and discover rare loot together, making the multiplayer aspect a significant enhancement to the game’s replayability. Since the game is old, it does get hard to find players to play with, so you might have to join some groups on Steam or recruit some friends.
Dynamic Challenges and Modes
The game introduces new challenges and mechanics across its levels to keep gameplay fresh. You will encounter a range of enemy types, environmental traps, and unique boss battles that require different strategies and sometimes even load-outs, especially in hard mode. Some levels include areas with dynamic weather effects, which definitely adds value.
Diverse Difficulty Modes for Every Player
Victor Vran offers multiple difficulty modes, including Normal (casual), Hard, and eventually Heroic mode. In Normal mode, you can enjoy the story and gameplay at a comfortable pace, with challenges that gradually increase in difficulty. This mode is ideal for newcomers to action RPGs or those looking for a more casual experience. Hard mode, on the other hand, ramps up the difficulty, presenting tougher enemies, more complex combat scenarios, and harsher penalties for failure. This mode is designed for experienced players seeking a more intense and challenging gameplay experience. The difference in difficulty modes adds replayability, as you can start on Normal and later attempt Hard mode for a more rigorous test of your skills. Note: If you start the game on hard mode, you can still change your mind later and switch back to normal mode; it doesn’t work vice versa, though
Heroic mode is an even tougher difficulty setting available after completing the game once. In this mode, enemies are much stronger, have huge health pools, are more aggressive, and have additional abilities, providing the ultimate challenge for those looking to test their skills to the fullest. I still have to complete the heroic mode myself, so do not expect an easy challenge.
Hard and heroic modes also introduce a unique feature called Hexes, my favorite detail in the game, which are modifiers that add disadvantages, increasing the game’s challenge but also the rewards. For example, the “Hex of Time” speeds up all enemy movements and attacks, requiring quicker reflexes and strategic adjustments from time to time. Other Hexes can increase enemy health, cause more frequent critical hits from foes, or even prevent health regeneration. Note that hexes are random from level to level; you can’t choose which ones apply.
Community and Continued Support
Victor Vran has a community, and even though not too active, it is still worth checking out. Online forums and Steam communities are hubs for players to share tips, strategies, and custom builds. While the game doesn’t feature extensive user-generated content tools, the community contributes to its replayability and longevity in a way.
Since its release, Victor Vran has received several updates and expansions, such as the “Fractured Worlds” and “Motörhead Through the Ages” DLCs. These expansions introduce new content, mechanics, and storylines, significantly adding value to the game. The developer, Haemimont Games, has shown responsiveness to player feedback, continuously refining and expanding the game based on community input, from the release all the way up to the 2019-20 patches.
Accessibility and Integration
Victor Vran includes various accessibility options like remappable controls and scalable UI elements. These features helped me make the game more inclusive, accommodating different play styles and preferences. While it lacks some advanced features, the existing options provide a good level of accessibility for most players, including myself.
Victor Vran integrates well with Steam features like cloud saves, achievements, and trading cards, which is important for me, a Steam nerd. Cloud saves ensure progress is synced across devices, while achievements provide additional goals and challenges, which, as we know, can be very important to some of you as well! Although the game doesn’t have extensive mod support, its inclusion of Steam trading cards and achievements enhances overall player engagement. Steam Workshop support could potentially add even more community-driven content, though it is not currently a feature of the game, and probably won’t be as I believe development has halted.
Rock and Roll Meets Demon Hunting
The Motörhead-themed DLC, “Motörhead Through the Ages,” incorporates the band’s music into the game. This adds a rock-and-roll twist to the game, which I find amusing. The expansion was developed with input from Motörhead’s members, adding authenticity to the themed content.
Not Without Its Flaws
Despite its strengths, Victor Vran does have some flaws. The gameplay can sometimes feel repetitive, especially during extended play sessions. Additionally, while the visuals are generally good, some animations and textures could be more polished. These issues are relatively minor and don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, but they are worth noting. Also, I did have some bugs where enemies would not spawn, so I had to restart the map, but yet again, nothing major to be concerned about.
Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Journey
Playing Victor Vran was an interesting experience. The combination of fast-paced combat, deep customization, and a rich, atmospheric world kept me engaged for quite some time, around 32 hours. The game’s cooperative multiplayer mode added another layer of fun, allowing me to play with my friends, which was extremely enjoyable so I urge you to find someone to play with. The possibility of switching between different weapon types and adapting to various combat scenarios and playstyles kept the gameplay dynamic and interesting.
Certain builds can be a bit broken, so my advice is to read some guides on the builds. The hard mode was pretty challenging too, not going to lie, so I am looking forward to the heroic mode! To sum it up, Victor Vran provides a thrilling and immersive action RPG experience with its engaging combat, extensive customization, and atmospheric world. Its community and ongoing developer support enhance its longevity, making it a solid choice For more reviews like this, stay tuned on our page! Game on!
Where You Can Buy Victor Vran
Steam (PC, Mac, Linux): Available for $19.99. You can purchase it directly from the Steam store, and the overkill edition is priced at $39.99.
Xbox Store (Xbox One): Available for $19.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store, overkill edition priced at $39.99.
PlayStation Store (PS4): Available for $19.99. You can find it on the PlayStation Store, and the overkill edition is priced at $39.99.
Nintendo Shop (Switch): Available for $39.99. Purchase the Overkill Edition from the Nintendo Shop.
GOG (PC): Available for roughly $21. Purchase it from GOG; DLCs are separate.
Official Page: Visit the Victor Vran official page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Victor Vran Subreddit.
The post Victor Vran: A Demon Hunter’s Tale appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.
PS5 Brings Inferno with Demon’s Souls to Happy Subscribers for Free
FromSoftware or Soulslike game fans, rejoice! The PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls from 2020, the precursor to the Elden Ring phenomenon, is now available for PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers.
This visually stunning reimagining brings the brutal world of Boletaria to life with breathtaking detail, offering veterans and newcomers alike a chance to experience the game that started it all.
Did you know? The Demon’s Souls remake includes a mysterious new door, unseen in the original, sparking wild theories among the community. What secrets lie behind it? There’s only one way to find out – dive in and discover for yourself.
Are you not ready yet to pay for Elden Ring and Shadow of Erdtree DLC? Practice in Demon’s Souls for your PlayStation 5. It’s really a good deal.
The post PS5 Brings Inferno with Demon’s Souls to Happy Subscribers for Free appeared first on WePlayGames.net: Home for Top Gamers.
Black Desert Online is getting a new class and the most OP weapon ever
As MMORPG Black Desert Online sneakily celebrates its tenth anniversary, developer Pearl Abyss reveals a brand new playable class coming to the game soon. There's even a new expansion on the horizon, alongside the reveal of the highest-tier weapon in the entire game.
MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Black Desert Online guideStreamer uses just her mind to beat Shadow of the Erdtree’s Dancing Lion and Rellana bosses
Streamers have been playing Elden Ring in unique ways ever since it was initially released. MissMikkaa beat the game on a dance pad, followed by two simultaneous playthroughs across the dance pad and a controller, and Luality did it using motion controls.
However, PerriKaryal is working on the most impressive run, using nothing but her mind to beat Shadow of the Erdtree's incredibly stressful Divine Beast Dancing Lion, and Rellana, Twin Moon Knight boss, fights using nothing more than her mind. PerriKaryal uses an EEG wireless headset that measures brainwaves and eye-tracking software to control her character in the game while exploring or battling bosses. Considering a lot of us are having trouble beating these bosses with a standard controller, this is hugely impressive.
PerriKaryal has beaten the Dancing Lion and Rellana bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree and is already working on the rest of the DLC
As fans watch their favorite content creators work through Shadow of the Erdtree's boss roster, PerriKaryal has been putting on quite the show. Using brainwaves and eye tracking software, she was able to battle with one of the most acrobatic bosses I've ever seen in a soulslike game and emerge victorious.
Every sword swing, sip of The Flask of Crimson Tears, summon, and ranged attack was achieved by the streamer feeling a pre-determined and pre-programmed emotion or action. These are outlined at the start of the VOD of this battle as anger, pushing, or spinning a plate. I can't quite get my head around how someone could manage to focus on these feelings in the middle of this boss fight, but the final result shows it's not only possible but works better than a controller in some players' hands.
At the time of writing, PerriKaryal has just beaten Rellana, Twin Moon Knight with her custom controller. With two bosses done already, she's sure to complete the DLC in under a week if she can maintain the mental energy required to play in this way.
How is she playing Elden Ring with her mind?
PerriKaryal is a streamer who has developed a way to play games using nothing but her mind and eye movements. While this is impressive enough to pull off playing something simple like Pac-Man, this creator is pushing the limits with games like Palworld and now Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
I know this is hard to understand, but PerriKaryal has put together a video explaining how the whole process works. She had been thinking about how to use brainwaves with video games for a while, and when she found the EEG headset online, everything fell into place.
This is definitely the most interesting way I've seen someone tackle a soulslike game to date, but what I love most about this streamer's efforts is that they're an invitation for someone to take things yet another step further.
The soulslike community loves a challenge, and when you've mastered all the most popular games, the only way to make them more difficult is to change the way you play. I don't know how someone will top this, but I'm sure it won't take long.
The post Streamer uses just her mind to beat Shadow of the Erdtree’s Dancing Lion and Rellana bosses appeared first on Destructoid.
One and done: Elden Ring’s first DLC expansion will also be its last
Enlarge / A big erdtree casts a big shadow. (credit: Namco Bandai)
The good news for Elden Ring fans is that the two-plus-year wait for the game's first DLC, "Shadow of the Erdtree," will end in just a couple of months. The bad news is that "Shadow of the Erdtree" will also be the last bit of DLC for FromSoftware's multimillion-selling action RPG.
In a wide-ranging interview with Chinese site Zhihu (machine translation), Elden Ring producer Hidetaka Miyazaki said "Shadow of the Erdtree" contains a lot of existing lore and content that was created for the original game but couldn't fit into the final package. Miyazaki said the team decided to release all of that unused content as one large DLC expansion, rather than multiple smaller bits, because "if they were sold separately, the freedom of exploration and sense of adventure would be reduced."
As for just how big the DLC will be, Miyazaki balked when the interviewer asked how long it would take players to complete. Miyazaki brought up memories of being called a liar after estimating in an earlier interview that the original game would only take about 30 hours of play to complete—crowdsourced game-length database HowLongToBeat puts the "main story" estimate closer to 60 hours.
Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 Steam Deck compatible?
It's been a bit of a shaky start for Dragon's Dogma 2 since its release, but it looks as though developer Capcom is trying to keep on top of things. Maybe that's just the state of the video game industry these days, but I digress.
While the game is available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, many of you will be playing it on PC, specifically through the Steam store. And, if you do happen to have a Steam Deck in your possession, you may be wondering whether it's compatible with the handheld device.
Does Dragon's Dogma 2 have official Steam Deck Support?
Dragon's Dogma 2 is not currently supported for the device. So, before you break out Valve's mobile gaming PC, it's worth noting this comes from the official Dragon's Dogma 2 Steam page, straight from Capcom.
Can you get Dragon's Dogma 2 to run without official support?
There can be a number of reasons why something isn't suited for the Steam Deck. In this case, it seems as though the fact that the game is not supported is down to the game's graphic settings. More specifically, they "cannot be configured to run well on Steam Deck."
It's worth mentioning that this is not the same as something just being labelled as "playable." In situations like that, the game in question could well work for the Deck, but is likely to be missing some features or perhaps be a little buggy. It's only really "verified" titles that are best suited for the device.
There may well be a patch in the future that will make Dragon's Dogma 2 compatible. For now, Valve appears to have tested it and deemed it unfit. You can, of course, go ahead and try it if you have the game and a Deck, but don't expect miracles.
I also predict that, as we move forward, more new releases are going to be less Steam Deck compatible from day one. It's been out for over two years now and it's starting to show its age a bit, especially when compared to newer devices, such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG ally.
The post Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 Steam Deck compatible? appeared first on Destructoid.