FromSoftware

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Launches

ISSUE 15 — 24 March 2019

by Shahan Ahmed and Dale Hurst

Top Story: SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE HAS LAUNCHED

 

 

 

FromSoftware, the infamous developer behind the challenging Souls series, has released their latest game. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has launched to universal acclaim. Critics are raving about it and Souls fans are delighted to see that it seems to be more difficult than any of the preceding games.

Sekiro’s setting is a fantastical reimagining of Japan’s Sengoku period, replete with samurai and shinobi, as well as incredible beasts like great serpents and giant apes. The protagonist was a nameless orphan found by the wanderer Owl, who adopted him and gave him the name Seju. He grew up to become a proficient shinobi and the personal bodyguard of the young lord Kuro, who he serves with utmost loyalty. However he fails in his duty. Genichiro Ashina slices off his left arm and Seju falls. Thus Kuro is kidnapped. Seju awakens in an abandoned temple. A former shinobi known as The Sculptor resides here, carving Buddha statues. He has provided Seju with a unique prosthetic arm and dubs him Sekiro (meaning Lone Wolf). Our protagonist then sets off to rescue his lord.

Shahan’s Opinion: If you’re looking for great atmosphere, FromSoftware always delivers. I started with Eternal Ring on the PS2 and have played every ‘Soulsborne’ game since. Check out Dunkey’s video on the game. If the end of the video doesn’t sell you on it, nothing will.

GOOGLE REVEALS THE STADIA

Streaming continues to be the future of not just the music, film and TV industries, but gaming too. Google is banking on this after revealing Google Stadia at the Game Developers Conference 2019. Stadia continues on from last year’s Project Stream that invited testers to try running Assassin’s Creed Odyssey in the Google Chrome browser.

Is Google the first to provide a game streaming service? Not at all. OnLive is considered to be the first, but it failed to meet its full potential and Sony ended up buying its patents. Speaking of Sony, they’ve had their own streaming service since 2014. PlayStation Now holds a library of over 600 games to stream or download.

Jeff Gerstmann, gaming journalist, has shared his views on the Stadia. It may be exciting, but he states that:

“There’s something scary about handing Google, or any one company, the keys. The minute you’re streaming, they can shut it off whenever they want and wherever they want for a variety of reasons. It checks so many boxes for a dark future…”

Also, BBC News has an interesting article that speculates on what the Stadia may bring in the future.

Shahan’s Opinion: I doubt my terrible Wi-Fi connection will be able to support the service! It will probably be a subscription service. And that controller? A Google Assistant button? Ugh. I’m very sceptical but it is Google… One of the Big Four…

VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE – BLOODLINES 2 ANNOUNCED

What came as a surprise to fans of the first game, Paradox Interactive announced Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. The release date will be during the first quarter of 2020. Some would say this is their Half Life 3 and they thought it would never see the light of day, much like the denizens in the games themselves. As the devs have confirmed it will always be night time just like in the first game.

For those of us who are unaware, let’s have a quick look at the setting of the first game. It takes place in 21st century Los Angeles in the World of Darkness where supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves pave the path of human history. There is the Camarilla, the vampire government, and seven unique vampire clans each with their own unique traits or abilities. The protagonist is a freshly-turned vampire getting used to his/her new way of life while making allies and enemies along the way.

Shahan’s Opinion: Prior to this announcement I’ve not even heard of these games. Vampire action RPGs set in the modern day? I got to check the first one out ASAP!

FULL TRAILER OF FFXIV: SHADOWBRINGERS RELEASED

Square Enix has dropped the full trailer of Shadowbringers, the upcoming expansion of their popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV. It boasts impressive visuals for a cinematic that is befitting the series (Agni’s Philosophy from seven years ago, for example). It gives you a glimpse of what’s to come and there’s even a reference to Magus’ famous line from Chrono Trigger! Here’s a brief look at most of what Shadowbringers will include:

  • New gender locked races: Viera (♀) from FF Tactics Advance and FFXII and Hrothgar (♂) who are based on the Ronso from FFX.
  • New cities and areas.
  • New jobs: Gunbreakers and Dancers.
  • New 8-player raids and alliance raids.
  • New dungeons and trials.
  • New Game+
  • Level cap increased from 70 to 80.

There has been an outcry by the FFXIV community, primarily over two things. Namely, the two new races being gender-locked, and dancers not being a new healer class.

The devs cite the lore that explains Male Viera do exist; they don’t appear in public. To make up for it, they announced the male-only Hrothgar to a Japanese audience at the Tokyo Fanfest. Some would say they did this because a Western crowd would not be afraid to boo them off-stage (see: the Diablo Immortal débâcle).

Regarding dancers being ranged DPS, this means that another expansion arrives with no new healer class. The latest one was the Astrologians in the Heavensward expansion back in 2015. The next expansion after Shadowbringers is speculated to be in 2021, so it will be six years without a new healer class. On the other hand, some fans are relieved that dancers are not healers. Probably because they don’t want to be responsible for keeping their team alive.

Shahan’s Opinion: I love a good cinematic and this trailer is an absolute spectacle. I need that soundtrack as that trailer music is incredible, especially when it resembles FF3’s Legend of the Eternal Wind. Wait! There’ll be a class that wields gunblades??? I’m subscribing again.

HALO AMA REVEALS NEW DETAILS

 

 

Ske7ch, 343 Industries’ community director, conducted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit’s Gaming subreddit for the Master Chief Collection, Halo Reach and the Halo Insider program. He was joined by lead producer Michael Fahrny and they answered redditor’s questions for approximately two hours.

A comprehensive summary of all the details that have been revealed over the AMA can be found here. Some highlights of the info include Halo Reach will still have its mix and match armour customization and their goal is to support uncapped FPS on all titles and 144Hz+ for all of the MCC games.

Gabe Newell, President of Valve, was emailed by a fan about the Master Chief Collection and the efforts it took to bring it to Steam. He replies:

“The credit for this goes to Phil Spencer and his team at MS. They made it happen, so, yes, it was simple for us.”

Shahan’s Opinion: It is always good to see positive communication between developers and gamers. Transparency is always welcome.

GLOSSING OVER…

Twitch Streamer Completes the Soulsborne Lot!

The_Happy_Hob, a Twitch streamer, has completed back-to-back playthroughs of all the Soulsborne games. WITHOUT taking a SINGLE hit from enemies! Not even hits that would heal damage!

Epic Store Unpopularity Increases

This comes with the news that The Outer Worlds, among other games, are to be released on Epic Store only. Steam do not get a look-in.

More Details on COD: MW4 Multiplayer

It was confirmed last week that the multiplayer mode of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will neither feature a Battle Royale mode, nor any specialist characters. This is apparently an attempt to bring the COD franchise back to its roots.

PLAYING THIS WEEK…

Dale has been playing…

ZOOCUBE (2002) (GAMECUBE)

Okay, I know this may seem a little bizarre but there’s an element of nostalgia to the story. Animal-based puzzler ZooCube was the first game I ever owned on Gamecube, alongside Luigi’s Mansion. I was sorting through my cupboards and came across it — to my amazement, it still works perfectly fine despite being nearly 17 years old! And is still a lot of addictive fun.

For those not familiar, it’s a basic match-two game featuring shapes based on different animals, which get attracted to the eponymous ZooCube. You have to match as many as possible to clear the levels and proceed – no airs and graces about it at all. I like it – there’s a charm about it that I can’t quite resist…

Red Dead Online Arrives

ISSUE 3 — 2 December 2018

by Shahan Ahmed and Dale Hurst

Top Story — RED DEAD ONLINE IS HERE!

The beta for Red Dead Online has now been rolled out to all players of Rockstar’s Wild West epic. The character creation element, in which you can make your own cowboy or -girl, is a great improvement from Grand Theft Auto Online’s ancestry system. It’s also a complete change from the first RDR’s online component.

On the other hand, the in-game economy has irked many fans. Various items in the online mode cost a lot more than in single-player and you don’t make that much money either. Reddit user ConvictedWaffles has pointed out in the Red Dead Redemption sub-reddit, the fact that you can sell a gold wedding ring for $1.15, but a can of baked beans costs $1.50!

In the near future there will be micro-transactions for Red Dead Online. Gold bars are a premium currency that will be purchasable with real money to pay for what you want in RDO. Gold bars can be obtained in-game, but it has been calculated by reddit user UnavailableIDs that it takes approximately 8-9 hours to earn 100 gold nuggets, which equates to a single gold bar. Be prepared for a long grind if you’re going to avoid spending real money on this in the future. Micro-transactions have been a worry for fans since GTA Online and the rising prices of its cars and items over the last five years. However, it is only in beta, so changes are likely to occur.

By the way, lassoing has finally made it into the multiplayer mode. Take a look for yourself in these clips!

RDO1
RDO2
RDO3

Shahan’s Opinion: Lookit! My pretty outlaw! Quick story: She’s alone at Twin Rocks looting the place for any worthwhile goods. After picking up some hair pomade off the table indoors, a guy tackles my cowgirl out of nowhere and chokes her out! Vengeance became top priority. After respawning, a headshot is inflicted on the perpetrator with the Carbine Repeater. It seems the fool had a friend, so she heads for the hills. They attempt to play smart and head for her from opposite directions. The Pump-Action Shotgun proves to be the perfect tool for the situation as they’re both summarily obliterated. She then rides off to start the next story mission. Conclusion: Griefers are very annoying but killing them is INCREDIBLY satisfying. And on occasion, they can be pretty funny too!

This Week’s Popular Choice — DARKSIDERS III

It made our headline last issue, and a couple of days later, it was released for purchase. The third instalment of the Darksiders series, with Fury and her steed Rampage taking the lead in the story, was released on 27th November. And the reviews, both from users and critics alike, have been very positive.

Many have praised the gameplay, though there seems to be a divide in opinion about the simplicity, with some reviews calling the game demanding, others remarking on its refreshing easiness. FromSoftware are infamous for their games’ challenging nature, in an age where many video games seem to hold their players’ hands. Perhaps they’ve acted on the feedback?

Shahan’s Opinion: I must confess. I’ve already spoiled a certain moment in the story by watching it on YouTube. I couldn’t help myself! I HAD to see them show off the fourth Horseman, Strife. He’s a badass. I have to get this.

Dale’s Opinion: I have to get this game, and the two before it. I love the sound of what Gunfire Games have done with the idea of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Plus, as was pointed out in last week’s issue, I have a bit of a thing for anti-heroines. And Fury is no exception…

New Character Spotlight — LUMA, BOOM BOOM AND PAULINE (Mario Tennis Aces)

The playable character roster for the Switch’s instalment of Mario Tennis is expanding further. A new wave of DLC characters was unveiled for Mario Tennis Aces earlier this week, revealing that Rosalina’s little friend Luma will be returning to the court, plus playable debuts for both Bowser’s henchman Boom Boom and the mayor of New Donk City herself, Pauline. All three are expected to be available for purchase from early 2019.

Shahan’s Opinion: Seeing how great this Mario sports games is looking, it makes me want Mario Strikers to return. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not much of a football fan. I don’t care for FIFA. But I remember having a blast with Mario Strikers Charged. Good times.

Dale’s Opinion: I have always loved the Mario sports spin-offs since I was a kid, primarily because they give you a chance to play characters you wouldn’t otherwise get to. Now that she’s back in the mainstream series, it was only a matter of time before Pauline became playable. Surprised we haven’t seen her slated for a Smash Bros. slot. I mean… if they’re giving it to a Piranha Plant…

PVP BATTLES IN POKÉMON GO

The popular augmented reality mobile game has been missing one of the most quintessential parts of the Pokémon experience; battling your fellow trainers. Niantic has announced via Twitter that PvP trainer battles are coming soon. Trainers will be using three of their Pokémon to go head-to-head against one another. Niantic has also shown that there will be three leagues to choose from and take part in; two of which have CP limits.

For anyone not up-to-date with Pokémon Go, Niantic added the ability to trade Pokémon in June and Generation IV Pokémon were introduced to the game back in October.

Shahan’s Opinion: I’ve not opened the app in a long while. Never caught a Dratini. Never got myself a Dragonair…

Dale’s Opinion: If and when I can be persuaded to get Pokémon Go, this idea will probably appeal to me. I was always in it for the head-to-head battles. Getting my competitive streak on.

UPCOMING GAMES TEASED IN THE GAME AWARDS TRAILER

The Game Awards are going to take place next week, hosted by its creator, Geoff Keighley of gaming journalism fame. He has posted a video to tease what’s in store for the big event. The clip contains snippets of the most hyped games that many gamers are waiting for, including Cyberpunk 2077, The Last of Us 2 and Death Stranding. The Game Awards this year will include appearances from Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz, the Russo Brothers (directors of The Avengers), the Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things) and gaming YouTubers/streamers Pokimane, Ninja and Jacksepticeye, as well as other key figures of the gaming industry.

Shahan’s Opinion: I’m rooting for RDR2, Spider-Man and Monster Hunter World to win awards. I’ll have my fingers crossed for more details on Cyberpunk 2077. Maybe, just maybe even a release date!

STARDEW VALLEY DEVELOPER MOVING TO SELF-PUBLISHING

Concerned Ape, creator of Stardew Valley (one of the most popular indie games of the generation), is going to take up the role of publisher, in addition to being the developer. Specifically, he will be the publisher of Stardew Valley on the PC, Xbox, PS4 and PSVita platforms.

Chucklefish, his publisher beforehand, will continue in their role for the game on Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. You can read the announcement including a statement from Chucklefish on the Stardew Valley developer blog.

Shahan’s Opinion: This can be seen as a success story for anyone who’s creating a game by their lonesome. I’ve not played Stardew Valley myself. I would not have thought it’d be a game for me but that was before Dale introduced me to the incredibly charming Animal Crossing series. The farming aspect and my soft spot for classic RPG graphics makes Stardew Valley a game I NEED to get to at some point!

GLOSSING OVER…

No Superman game from Rocksteady

The developers of the acclaimed Batman Arkham series have made it clear they will not be making an announcement at The Game Awards. Sefton Hill, game director and co-founder of Rocksteady Games, has tweeted as such and he also pointed out that whenever their current project is ready to show, it will prove not to be a Superman game.

Telltale’s Minecraft: Story Mode launches on Netflix

This is Telltale Games’ final project: a Netflix version of their episodic take on Minecraft. It has been adapted to be playable on the streaming service, so characters can’t be controlled and there are no QTEs to get through. The focus is on the decisions you make during the story.

Bethesda Continue to Make Mistakes?

It just keeps getting better for Bethesda. Consumers are now disappointed with the bag that comes with the Power Armor Edition of Fallout 76. As an apology, Bethesda are offering 500 Atoms (virtual currency) to affected accounts with proof of purchase.

Thank you for reading!

Please visit us again next week when we’ll have more gaming news and views for you. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, please like and comment!