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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Special

ISSUE 4 — 9 December 2018

by Shahan Ahmed and Dale Hurst

Special Feature — SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE

by Dale Hurst

It is the game that all Nintendo fans have been looking forward to all year. On Friday, the latest instalment in the much-loved crossover fighting series Super Smash Bros. was released and the praise has pretty much been non-stop.

I have enjoyed Super Smash Bros. since Melee back in 2002, and almost religiously followed the series from there on in. This one brings back a lot of the favourite elements from previous games, while introducing further new concepts. Here are my top 3…

EVERY CHARACTER FROM THE PREVIOUS GAMES IS PLAYABLE – I love a huge playable character roster. Not just in the Super Smash Bros. series, but in all fighting games. Take Tekken, Mortal Kombat and Soul Calibur, to name a couple. But this must be the first time a Nintendo game attempted something so ambitious. By the time the six DLC characters are released, a roster of over 80 characters will be featured. I have a hard enough time deciding who I want to play in the older games, so now I’m REALLY screwed!

WORLD OF LIGHT STORY MODE – That trailer was emotional enough (when Sonic tries to save Pikachu (sniff)). Brawl’s Subspace Emissary storyline was okay, I guess. But I do hope this new story mode outranks it severely. I have high hopes.

NEW BATTLE MODE: SQUAD STRIKE – Ever play Team Matches in Soul Calibur? I loved them, since you could choose up to five of your favourite fighters and battle with them one after the other. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is doing the same thing, with either three-on-three or five-on-five matches. Who would be in your Squad? I got mine and Shahan has his as below:

smash bros squad

New Character Spotlight: JOKER (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)

Here seems as good a place as any to reveal the latest in the line-up for the next Smash Bros. game. Another third-party débutante – Joker from the Persona series. His forthcoming appearance in Smash as one of six DLC characters was announced during The Game Awards.

Unfortunately, as of yet, no information as to his moves, powers or Final Smash has been revealed. So, really, it’s just a reveal trailer for you to enjoy!

Dale’s Opinion: Must get a Switch. Must get a Switch. Must get a Switch.

Shahan’s Opinion: Whoa! Looking cool, Joker!

Special Feature — THE GAME AWARDS 2018

by Shahan Ahmed

This year’s TGA had some memorable moments. Reggie Fils-Aimé, Phil Spencer and Shawn Layden of The Big 3 shared the stage to deliver a speech. Alita: Battle Angel co-stars Christoph Waltz and Rosa Salazar arguing about controllers versus keyboard and mouse. Josef Fares of last year’s TGA fame (F*** the Oscars!) was back being his lovable self. Kratos tells Atreus to “Read it Boy” right on stage!

AWARD WINNERS

Red Dead Redemption 2 won the most awards: Best Narrative, Score/Music and Audio Design. Roger Clark, voice of protagonist Arthur Morgan, also won Best Performance. God of War takes home the one that was most waited for; the Game of the Year Award. It also won Best Game Direction and Best Action/Adventure Game. Celeste won Best Independent Game as well as the Games for Impact award. Something worth noting is that SonicFox (professional fighting games pro) winning E-sports Player of the Year has caused online debates of what competitive gaming genre takes more skill. If you want to see the full list of award winners and nominees, check out Polygon’s complete list.

WORLD PREMIERES

The show played host to some exciting world premieres this year. Nintendo Switch got plenty of love. A stylish game called Sayonara Wild Hearts, involving motorcycles and funky music, is making its way to the console. The Ultimate Alliance series is returning exclusively to the Switch with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order. And Reggie presented an announcement that Bayonetta 3 is confirmed to be currently in development.

RPG lovers should be hyped for The Outer Worlds. It’s brought to you by the original creators of Fallout and developers of Fallout: New Vegas. This seems to be perfect timing as Bethesda continues to make blunder after blunder with Fallout 76. Bioware revealed a teaser for Dragon Age 4, which includes the voice of returning character Solas from DA: Inquisition. For fans of FPS games, post-apocalyptic trailers of Far Cry: New Dawn and Rage 2 were shown. Prefer fighting games? A gruesome cinematic befitting Mortal Kombat 11 revealed its April 23rd release date.

Taking a quick trip down memory lane, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is getting the remaster treatment and the Double Fine fans waiting for Psychonauts’ sequel need to see the story trailer if they haven’t already.

On the indie games front, Hello Games shows off their next charming game, The Last Campfire. Supergiant Games announced that Hades is available now in early access with more content to come post-launch. These were not all the premieres as this year’s Game Awards was laden with great reveals.

Shahan’s Opinion: I’m loving RDR2 and glad to see it collecting trophies. I’m happy that Monster Hunter Worlds won an award (it shouldn’t have been the RPG award) yet sad that our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man didn’t. The web-crawler seems to be this year’s Horizon: Zero Dawn. The world premiere that interested me the most is Hades by Supergiant Games. Transistor is my favourite indie game and their artwork is always beautiful to look at. Greek mythology looks incredible in their art style. Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds is a close second. New Vegas’ story, characters and their dialogue had so much character, so I can’t wait to see what their space opera brings to the table.

See all The Game Awards 2018’s finest moments here.

EPIC GAMES STORE TO USURP STEAM’S PC THRONE?

Epic Games Store is live! Could it be a viable competitor to the Steam marketplace? Can it disrupt the monopoly that Valve has on the PC platform? It has a real chance at doing this, especially since they have a huge user base thanks to Fortnite. Epic Games Store offers incentives to developers such as a 12% cut/commission from sales (Steam takes 30%) and it does not require digital rights management.

The Fortnite developer has also stated that they aim to provide a free game every fortnight. The first three games already available on the store (not including Fortnite and Unreal) are Ashen, Hades and Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek. Darksiders III is also on its way there on December 14th. Furthermore, Subnautica and Super Meat Boy will be playable for free for two weeks each. As if all that weren’t enough, Journey, the acclaimed game by thatgamecompany, will soon be branching out from its PS3/PS4 roots. It is confirmed to be coming to the Epic Games Store but no release date has been given yet.

If you’re a regular user of Steam, you may have heard of Steam Spy. It’s a site run by Sergey Galyonkin as a hobby. A site he uses to provide various statistics after taking in publicly-available data from Steam profiles since 2015. It turns out Sergey lives up to his site’s name as he has been working on the Epic Games Store for the past several years as Director of Publishing Strategy. His side project has given him valuable insight on Steam’s pitfalls, which has had direct influence in the layout and features that are and will be on Epic Games Store. For example, there are no forums available because developers did not want them due to the toxicity they bring.

Shahan’s Opinion: I’ve got the Epic Games Launcher installed due to tinkering with Unreal Engine 4. I’ll definitely be checking out the regular free games that’ll be available. If Hades for some reason never comes to PS4, then I’ll be getting it on the Epic Games Store I guess.

STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3: THE GAME

The hit Netflix show’s third season will be getting a game in a retro 16-bit graphic style. You play as the characters from the show, and it will follow the same events of Season 3 but with its own surprises.

This isn’t the first Stranger Things game. The developer of this game, BonusXP, made Stranger Things: The Game for the mobile platform. However, this new game will also be available on consoles. A release date hasn’t been given as yet, but it’s a fair bet to say it’ll be available in time for the show’s next season.

Shahan’s Opinion: I still need to see the show! I know I know… Well if you’re looking for a video game with a similar ‘80s vibe to Stranger Things, you need to check out Stories Untold! Four creepy short stories that’ll unnerve you like no other. I dare you to play it in the dark!

COUNTER STRIKE DOES BATTLE ROYALE

The success of Fortnite brought with it multiple games that have done their own take on the Battle Royale genre. Ring of Elysium adds a cool snowboarding twist to the formula. Cuisine Royale started off as an April Fool’s joke with all its kitchenware covering your body but it proved to gain its own fans. Even Call of Duty is following the trend with Blackout.

And so the era of Battle Royale games continues. Counter Strike has launched its own Battle Royale mode this week: CS:GO – Danger Zone. Alongside this release, Counter Strike: Global Offensive goes free-to-play as well. But they have added a new Prime status that you can upgrade your account to.

Shahan’s Opinion: Even though Battle Royale games don’t appeal to me personally, CS:GO Danger Zone’s use of drones is something I find legitimately cool. They are a form of supply drop you can order to you when you need equipment or ammo. But they show up on the map and are clearly visible in-game. So your enemies can spend precious bullets shooting it down to prevent you from getting much-needed supplies or follow it to confront you directly. It adds an interesting layer to the game.

GLOSSING OVER…

Bethesda Messes Up… AGAIN!

Bethesda Support has had a major digital security blunder. Several Fallout 76 customers’ personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers and card details, have all been leaked.

Announcing: JP Games

Hajime Tabata (Final Fantasy XV Director and former studio head of Square Enix’s Luminous Productions) announces the establishment of a new company, JP Games. The business launch is intended for January 2019.

And the bestselling VR Headset is…

According to SuperData, PSVR has been announced as the year’s bestselling VR headset so far.

Thanks ever so much for reading!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our articles so far. Check us out again next week with more gaming news and views.

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!

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