Your favorite talking Pokémon is back, and there are more mysteries to solve! Detective Pikachu Returns will release exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. As usual, this Pokémon adventure was developed by Creatures and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

First announced in 2019, the Nintendo Direct on June 21 of this year gave us our first peak at this cinematic sequel. Not a ton of information has been revealed about the gameplay itself. However, it’s fair to assume that it will be somewhat similar to the original. Detective Pikachu released on the 3DS in March, 2018. Check out the trailer to Detective Pikachu Returns below, and find out everything we know about the return of this iconic, case-solving duo.

The adventure continues

The story of the original Detective Pikachu is remarkably similar to the film adaptation, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The Pikachu of this game belongs to Harry Goodman, a detective who mysteriously disappears after a car crash. Confronted with the need to start asking questions, Pikachu finds that the only human who can understand him is Harry’s son. You play as Harry’s son, Tim Goodman. Together, you and your talking Pikachu scour Ryme city, solving mysteries in search of Harry. But of course, the journey is full of twists and turns.

The Pokémon world is a little different in Ryme city. Here, Pokémon are more than the beloved companions of humans. In Ryme city, humans and Pokémon live side-by-side. Tim is in college, rather than Ash, who is 10 years old. The original, as well as Detective Pikachu Returns are a little closer to a platformer or puzzle game. It’s a welcome departure from the top-down, turn based combat of the core games. It also melds the more modern, world-traversing games like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

There are some clues available to solve the plot of Detective Pikachu Returns. It’s important to remember that the overarching goal of the series is to find your father and Pikachu’s owner, Harry. However, in the first game, a more pertinent mystery unfolds. Without spoiling anything, it involves a plot for control and a mysterious compound that puts Pokémon into a violent rage. The first game ends with Tim and Pikachu resuming the search for Harry.

Buzzing with excitement… or caffeine?

Based on the first game and the trailer’s short amount of footage, we can surmise a bit about the gameplay. Most obviously, it seems you’ll be able to control different Pokémon to assist in your investigations. Growlithe can use its sense of smell, Darmanitan can break through walls, and there’s sure to be more. We’re introduced to Tim’s mom Irene, and sister Sophia. Something is bound to happen at the local coffee shop. It seems the maps have definitely gotten bigger and more varied, if not just better looking. Detective Pikachu Returns is definitely upping the anti in the sequel, and we’d expect no less of Nintendo.

It also seems like Tim and Pikachu will become wrapped up in another epic mystery that distracts them from their primary goal. If you’ve seen the movie, then it might easy to guess where that plot line is likely going. As such, we can only hope that the mystery at the center of this game adds something new to the story. And of course, you can expect plenty of neo-noir dialogue and quipping from the most talkative Pikachu there’s ever been.

Solve the case in Detective Pikachu Returns next month!

Detective Pikachu Returns releases exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. You can pre-order the game on the Nintendo store or wherever you buy your games.

Stay with us, we’ll let you know of any updates as they become available. Are you excited?

The post Everything we know about Detective Pikachu Returns appeared first on Mega Visions.

INVERSE, a survival horror VR game from developer MassVR, drops on the Meta Quest today. We’ll have a full review soon, but we got a sneak peek at the game and mechanics. We’ll give you the rundown on what you’ll be in for with this twist on the innovative asymmetric gameplay genre.

INVERSE is not just a simple solo or multiplayer VR game. While yes, it does offer players the choice to embark on their own as either a lone monster hunter or to play as a team, the agents you play must survive defenseless until power control terminals throughout the creepy facility are activated.

All the while, a twisted, monstrous entity called the Nul attacks at every opportunity. But who is this destructive creature… could it be one of your own?

Game design by those who love the genre

MassVR is a team of horror and sci-fi enthusiasts, so INVERSE offers a ‘spine-chilling and cinematic experience’ that immerses players in a relentless fight for survival. In a press release, Chris Lai, CEO and co-founder of the company, said: “INVERSE brings the essence of survival horror to VR, offering players an unmatched experience of fear, thrill, and strategic gameplay.”

The game makes a solid bold claim that ‘horror enthusiasts’ and ‘virtual reality aficionados’ should prepare themselves for a ‘chilling journey into the depths of fear and discover what awaits in the shadowy realms.’ And the visual setup certainly delivers. The look and feel of the abandoned station is quite creepy and just enough of a maze to keep players looking over their shoulder.

Agent… or monster?

The game supports up to four players working together as agents locating and unlocking weapons terminals and defeat the evil Nul. But that’s where the fun twist comes into play. One player actually assumes the role of the Nul, using unique abilities to hunt down and eliminate the agent!

But don’t worry if you don’t know enough people to fill a team. AI players can seamlessly fill in to make sure the experience is immersive regardless of the number of human players.

Players begin by completing tasks and surviving Nul attacks. Once your weapon is unlocked, it’s time to go on the offensive in Monster Hunt mode. INVERSE is unique in that all players play offense and defense in each match. This ensures that you must master both offensive and defensive tactics to succeed.

Don’t fear being alone

The solo player experience has been quite well thought out, too. During single-player matches, INVERSE presents players with plenty of challenges that test players’ skills. But they also offer a deeper exploration of the game’s lore and terror-filled world. The story the game is built around takes center stage.

Plus, the progressive leveling system allows players to unlock new skills and perks. These added bonuses keep the game interesting and allow players to be better equipped when facing the growing challenges as well as enhancing survival chances.

Face the ever growing darkness

MassVR has stated that they’re going to provide a “continuously evolving experience for players.” INVERSE is expected to receive bi-annual content updates to ensure players have new experiences. This will keep the game from getting monotonous, hopefully. Since the company started out in the physical VR space, console games certainly seem to be adding more versatility and the ability to grow to their repertoire.

Lai says, “We wanted to create a game that captures the intense emotions of playing a horror game with friends in real life while still delivering engaging gameplay for both solo and cooperative play styles in VR.” Time will tell if they succeeded, but INVERSE is certainly off to a good start.

The game is available on the Meta Quest today, Sept. 7. We’ll have a full review shortly.

Are you excited for this new horror multiplayer experience? Let us know in the comments.

The post PREVIEW: Hunt or be hunted in INVERSE [Meta Quest] appeared first on Mega Visions.

In less than a week, Game developer MassVR will be releasing their new horror themed multiplayer game INVERSE. But who are these dedicated game designers, and how did they get to where they are today as a company?

MassVR was established in 2017 as an independent VR gaming studio dedicated  to creating immersive VR gaming experiences. Like a lot of companies in the early 2010s, they started by developing location-based VR arenas. Gamers could play with or against each other in a designed 8,000 square foot physical free-roam space.

This was during a rise of such venues like the Void and Dreamscape Theaters. Indeed at that point in time, it looked like these group playing areas were going to become the next evolution of where the movie theater would go.

8000 (ish) square feet of gameplay

The space the company created in a former department anchor store immediately brought them into the local public’s eye. Their initial game space in Skokie Illinois’ Westfield Old Orchard Mall was immediately popular. There other location in Bloomington was equally successful. And of course there were a variety of licensed and in-house designed VR experiences for everyone.

Up until that point the company had released two IPs for their proprietary platform, a game called VR Champions which was a team-based first-person-shooter, and Hallow Realm which was an asymmetrical horror game. It SEEMED that continued success was on the horizon…

Then, 2020 happened, and the pandemic hit.

Going truly virtual

Since the company’s goal was to create active, cooperative and accessible VR experiences that ‘engaged true kinetic motion and offered unbounded exploration,’ according to their press release, they went all in on VR for the home console.

Using the same development pillars that led to their initial game creations, MassVR took the stance of creating immersive VR games that would “go beyond the joystick for at-home users.” Having already worked in the open arena world of VR this was an easy leap and would lead to what would soon be called INVERSE.

So what’s this game about anyway?

Inverse is a survival horror game that provides a twist on the genre. It’s made to offer players an innovative asymmetric gameplay. First off, players will get the choice to play as a team of Agents or as a lone monster. But that’s all we’ll be mentioning right now as we don’t want to ruin too much until release day.

INVERSE is slated to be released September 7 on MetaQuest VR, although early access is already available in the App Lab.

Are you excited to experience this twist on the VR-multiplayer genre? Let us know in the comments!

The post INVERSE: The evolution of MassVR appeared first on Mega Visions.

After years of rumors and false hopes, the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is finally happening. Konami announced Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater earlier this year as part of the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase. It’s the first Metal Gear title since 2018’s lackluster Metal Gear Survive, and the first time familiar Hideo Kojima characters have graced our screens since 2015.

Considering his rocky exit from Konami and subsequent new ventures, Kojima’s future with the Metal Gear series seemed over. And while he’s still working over at Kojima Productions, Konami has been hard at work remaking one of his classic stealth-action games.

Metal Gear Solid 3 was first released back in 2004 and garnered critical acclaim. It remains one of the most popular games in the franchise, with many players voting it as their favorite. Now, players will get the chance to explore the origins of Big Boss and the Metal Gear Solid franchise once again, with updated graphics and gameplay.

Metal Gear Solid Delta doesn’t have a release date yet, although we anticipate this Snake Eater remake might come out in 2024. Until we know for sure, here’s everything we know about this title.

The dead are not silent

It helps to understand the backstory of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, as it’s been a rumored project for a few years now. Although Konami mostly exited the video game business a few years back, talks of a separate division or company remaking classic Metal Gear entries was still buzzing. Konami wasn’t one to confirm rumors, and Hideo Kojima was too busy working on Death Stranding and Kojima Productions to worry one way or the other.

Still, the rumors persisted, and gained heightened attention in the lead up to the PlayStation Showcase in May. Many industry insiders proclaimed that Konami would reveal the MGS3 remake at the event. Many fans were understandably apprehensive, but the showcase proved that their fears were unfounded.

Konami revealed the remake, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, at the event alongside the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection. The latter is a series of compilations that bring classic Metal Gear games to current-generation consoles; the first volume will include all mainline Metal Gear games up to Snake Eater, with some additional games as well.

With that and Metal Gear Solid Delta, it seems that MGS3 fans will have plenty to look forward to. As old and new players alike experience the original game through the Master Collection, we also have a revamped version on the horizon. With that, it’s time to start the mission proper.

We’re off on a mission of virtue

Konami and the team have confirmed that Metal Gear Solid Delta is as close to a 1:1 remake of Snake Eater as possible. Although it’s built on a new engine with recreated graphics and sound, the actual storyline and progression is the same. The team is even reusing the original voice clips, preserving the original script as much as possible.

As such, we can provide a basic rundown of the story as it relates to the original. (There won’t be any spoilers in this section, so fret not!)

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the story of Naked Snake, an agent in the FOX unit. He’s sent deep into the jungles of Russia in 1964 to retrieve a defector from the Soviet Union. However, his commanding officer on the mission, a woman known as The Boss, interrupts his mission by defecting to the Soviets. She wounds Naked Snake, leaving him for dead and coordinating a strike on Russian civilians to frame the United States.

With the mission exposed and Russia threatening to retaliate if the situation isn’t under control, Naked Snake is forced back into the jungle after he recovers. He needs to stop The Boss and her Cobra Unit and shut down the new Soviet weapon, a mysterious combat vehicle nicknamed the Shagohod.

Head back into the jungle in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Up to this point, the Metal Gear series was primarily focused on interior locations and buildings. You’d sneak around long hallways and open rooms while trying to find cover amidst the manmade terrain.

Metal Gear Solid 3 switched things up by trading the concrete jungle for a real one. There were far more natural settings in that game, dropping you off in the fictional Russian jungle of Tselinoyarsk. It created more unique opportunities for stealth; in particular, camouflaging your gear and face to match your surroundings. You could also the naturally unpredictable terrain and elements to your advantage.

That’s true of Metal Gear Solid Delta as well, as its version of Snake Eater doesn’t change the location up. From the reveal trailer, the swampy marshes where Snake is initially dropped in have been rendered gorgeously. Considering the story is the same, it’s unlikely that there will be any new areas to visit.

Until we get a gameplay trailer for sure, we won’t know if Delta will retain either the original version’s fixed camera system or include the updated camera system from later versions of Snake Eater. It’s also entirely possible that the camera has been reworked entirely. It might take the more modern system found in Metal Gear Solid V. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What a thrill

As a remake that’s meant to honor the original to the letter, we can assume a few things about the gameplay even without a trailer. The core fundamentals of tactical stealth action should all be implemented into Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but newcomers will hopefully have little struggle adjusting.

MGS3 gave you ample opportunity to surprise your opponents with both artificial and natural traps. Or you can sneak around them and avoid fights altogether (except for mandatory boss fights). When the heat does come down on you, of course, you’ll have plenty of weapons at your disposal. That is, once you find them first.

The tactical side of Metal Gear comes from the limited resources you’ve got in the field. You’ll need to find weapons and ammo as well as survival resources like food and water. One of the most unique parts of MGS3 was patching up your own wounds in the middle of combat. It remains to be seen if this system carries over in the same way in Delta. Given its apparent faithfulness to the source material, we can expect it to remain.

When is Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater coming out?

So far, Konami has not yet confirmed a release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. However, the original game hit store shelves in late 2024. It’s reasonable to expect that Konami might try to tie in with the game’s 20th anniversary and release it in Nov. 2024. However, this is pure speculation. Until we get more information from Konami, take this with a grain of salt.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is developed by Konami Digital Entertainment with the help of Virtuos and published by Konami. It will be available for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

What are your thoughts on this Metal Gear Solid 3 remake? Let us know!

The post Everything we know about Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater appeared first on Mega Visions.

Good morning, and happy Monday, everyone! As we begin the new week, we have a hge slate of new releases to get excited for. Whether you want to explore the galaxy in Starfield or get lost in Chants of Sennaar, there’s a new game for you. So, without further adieu, here are all the new games coming out this week!

Chants of Sennaar (Sept. 5)

Starting things off this week, we have Chants of Sennaar. Developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, this adventure game pulls deep from historical roots. The game is based on the myth of Babel, in which a great tower was built in attempt to reach the gods.

In the game, you take on the role of a newcomer to the tower. As you progress, you must learn the ways of these now divided people to decipher their languages and bring them back together. You can venture into Chants of Sennaar tomorrow on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Rune Factory 3 Special (Sept. 5)

Journeying into your home next is Rune Factory 3 Special. Developed and published by Marvelous Games and XSEED Games, this JRPG puts you in the shoes of a young adventurer with a monstrous secret. The special edition of Rune Factory 3 also includes the Newlywed Mode and a “Hell” difficulty.

In addition, the remake features improved graphics and redesigned 3D character models. As you journey across two worlds, you’ll search for a way for humans and monsters to coexist. You can venture into Rune Factory 3 Special when it launches for Nintendo Switch and PC tomorrow.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (Sept. 6)

Then, Baldur’s Gate 3 makes its console debut. Developed and published by Larian Studios, this RPG sees you return to the Forgotten Realms in a tale of fellowship, betrayal, sacrifice and survival. After mysterious abilities awaken inside you, it’s up to you whether you resist and overcome the darkness or embrace the corruption to become the ultimate evil.

Throughout the game, you’ll get to choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes and choose up to three other companions to accompany your adventure. As you journey on, you’ll adventure, loot, battle and romance across the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Though it already launched last month on PC, PlayStation 5 players can play Baldur’s Gate 3 this Wednesday.

Starfield (Sept. 6)

Starfield is an intergaalctic RPG where you’ll embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. Developed and published by Bethesda, the game puts you in the year 2330, when humanity ventured beyond our solar system. Players join the Constellation, the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy.

The game’s most important story is the one you tell with your fully customized character. It’s up to you whether you want to be an experienced explorer, charming diplomat or stealthy cyber runner. You can start your adventure in Starfield when it launches for Xbox Series X/S and PC this Wednesday.

Rugby 24 (Sept. 7)

Rugby 24 is a sports simulator that takes you into the world of Rugby. Developed by Eko Software and published by Nacon, this game sees you play with the best clubs and top nations. Throughout the game, you’ll experience dynamic gameplay that stays faithful to the sport and experience the intensity of big matches.

You’ll also enter the most prestigious competitions in both single-player and multiplayer modes. In Career Mode, you can also create and manage your own team. You can make your way onto the field in Rugby 24 when it comes to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC this Thursday.

Fae Farm (Sept. 8)

Fae Farm is an action simulator that blends farming with spellcasting. Developed and published by Phoenix Labs, the game takes place in the magical realm of Azoria. Throughout the game, you’ll need to till the land to grow crops, gather resources and decorate your homesteads to restore the land to its former glory.

The game also features online multiplayer, where your friends can join you to help cultivate a beautiful farm. In addition, you’ll also explore various colorful environments, where you’ll find new resources to bring to your homestead. You can play Fae Farm when it launches on Friday for Nintendo Switch and PC.

NBA 2K24 (Sept. 8)

Closing out this week is NBA 2K24. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, the next chapter in the NBA 2K series pays tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant through two special editions that feature him as the cover athlete. In addition, the game will introduce innovative technological advancements such as bringing in cross-play multiplayer.

Throughout the game, you can also relive history with the Mamba Moments mode, which allows you to recreate some of Kobe’s most captivating performances in his career. The new game also introduces ProPLAY, which directly translates real NBA footage into gameplay. You can hit the court in NBA 2K24 when it comes to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC this Friday.

What upcoming games will you be playing this week?

Overall, this is a really exciting week for gamers. From Starfield to Chants of Sennaar, this week offers a lot of excitement. But what new game are you most excited to play? As always, let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Starfield joins this week’s upcoming games appeared first on Mega Visions.

It’ll take me quite a while to get through Sea of Stars, but if my first impressions are anything to go by, it’s going to be a hell of an adventure. This latest indie RPG comes from Quebec’s Sabotage Studio, the developers of the acclaimed The Messenger.

The developers were kind enough to send over a review key for me to look at the game. I’ve been plugging away at it over the past couple of days, with about 12 hours of progress done. Given that I’m not even halfway done, it’s easy to expect the review will take some time.

But one thing’s for sure: Sea of Stars is living up to the hype and then some. It’s a grand and engaging adventure that’s satisfying in its combat and enticing in its story. And despite a few incredibly minor issues that will hopefully be patched out, it’s set its hooks deep into me already.

Fire of the sun, light of the moon

Let’s talk about the combat first. I already had an idea of how this played, thanks to the demo released back in February. In practice, it’s already been a consistently fun and rewarding combat system, and I can see it appealing to both retro fans and newbies.

Much has been made of the game’s comparisons to games like Super Mario RPG, Illusion of Gaia, and Chrono Trigger. And they’re certainly warranted; any fan of 90s RPGs will be right at home here. I also got a substantial whiff of Mario & Luigi in it, especially with the combo moves. You have to juggle a few factors at once, including elemental weaknesses, enemy positions, charging enemy attacks, and available magic points and boost power.

While it’s a deep and layered combat system, it’s also very approachable. If you’ve never played an RPG before, Sea of Stars would be an excellent first choice. You can grasp the core concept very easily, and there aren’t so many mechanics and meters to keep track of that it’s overwhelming. The biggest challenge is determining the optimal strategy, which requires paying close attention in the heat of battle.

Feeling like a star

Sea of Stars immediately made a stir thanks to its wonderful aesthetics. You’ve probably already noticed the lovely pixel art through these screenshots, and in action, the game looks absolutely stunning. With beautiful color palettes and some excellent music tracks, it’s already a heavily absorbing adventure.

More than its aesthetics, though, I’m also really into the story and characters so far. With a wacky pirate crew, some excellent party members, and an old order of the Solstice Warriors to talk to, there’s plenty of love and care into these characters. I’ve gotten quite a bit ahead of the introduction, so I won’t be writing any story spoilers here.

Just know that the game takes maybe an hour or two to get going, and then a couple more hours to REALLY get going. For a game that’s expected to take about 25 to 30 hours with no side content, there’s hopefully plenty more great story bits and characters to come.

If there’s one aspect I can criticize Sea of Stars for, it’s that the dialogue needed a bit of a tune-up. Not the words themselves, but rather the grammar; there’s a few typos that needed ironing out. That’s something that could easily be fixed with a few patches, although of course, it’s not the most important factor. I haven’t encountered any other bugs so far, and hopefully that will remain the same throughout the rest of my playthrough!

Sea of Stars shines in its first impressions

I’m happy to report that my first impressions of Sea of Stars are highly positive. The combat is engrossing for both RPG veterans and newcomers, and it’s a beautiful game filled with charming characters and storylines. And while the text perhaps needed one last proofread, it’s hardly enough to take you out of the adventure.

Sea of Stars is developed and published by Sabotage Studio. It is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam. You can also play it via Xbox and PC Game Pass. A free demo is available to play right now.

The digital version costs $34.99 USD. A physical version for Nintendo Switch is on the way, but Sabotage Studio hasn’t announced a price yet.

Thanks to Tinsley PR and Sabotage Studio for providing a review key!

The post First Impressions: Sea of Stars [PC] appeared first on Mega Visions.

NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. just revealed a new trailer for Mortal Kombat 1.

Titled, “It’s in Our Blood,” the trailer harkens back to the iconic “Mortal Monday” TV commercial for the first Mortal Kombat game in 1993. However, this time WWE legend, turned Hollywood actor, Dave Bautista leads the charge through the city streets. You can watch the new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer for yourself below.

The trailer opens up with Bautista, playing the role of an unusually buff librarian, beginning a charge to awaken those with the spirit of Mortal Kombat. As the trailer progresses, Bautista’s army grows larger, with thousands of people swarming the streets chanting the title of the game.

If this sounds like a familiar premise, you aren’t having Deja vu. A very similar television spot ran in 1993 to promote the original Mortal Kombat’s console port. You can also check that video out for yourself below.

Mortal Kombat 1 smashes into your home this September

The rebooted Mortal Kombat 1 hits your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC on September 19. Early Access begins a few days earlier on September 14. You can also pre-order the game now to receive Shang Tsung as a playable character.

Additionally, pre-ordering the Premium Edition will also give you access to six new playable characters, five new Kameo characters, a Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage, a week of early access to DLC characters and 1250 Dragon Krystals (In-game Premium Currency).

To learn more, be sure to check out our article where we detail everything we know about Mortal Kombat 1 so far. In addition, you can also get caught up on the official announcement trailer below.

Are you excited to play the new Mortal Kombat reboot? As always, let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Dave Bautista stars in new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer appeared first on Mega Visions.