Game News 2.0

Zero-Cool · 22-12-2022 9:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120026635#Comment_120026635

Yupp, big time. You can 'safely'explore depths now and refill your oxygen allowing you to find more rare resources that will allow you to build better equipment and depth modules but most importantly, move the story along.

Retr0gamer · 22-12-2022 9:58pm

I think I need to go back to Subnautica

It's the ace combat 7 of survival games

Grumpypants · 22-12-2022 10:11pm

I went with the survival mode this time to avoid the hunger and thirst that was a big factor in not getting far the last time. But now I've unlocked the grab trap and the grow beds it would have been manageable. But if I keep restarting I'll never finish it. 🤣

Jordan 199 · 22-12-2022 10:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120026958#Comment_120026958

Acenautica. An AC7 Subnautica hybrid.

Zero-Cool · 22-12-2022 11:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120026958#Comment_120026958

It's so great with the new update. Even though I've played through multiple times, still feels fresh.

sniper_samurai · 23-12-2022 3:03pm

In the lateset news for the Activision Microsoft merger Microsoft are now stating that Sony have been locking third party games to exclusionary contracts that explicitly state the games can never be released on an Xbox console. The games stated are FF VIIR, FF XVI and Silent Hill 2. They also mentioned Bloodborne, but I don't see how that's relevant as Sony published it.

https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-confirms-that-sony-has-blocked-these-4-games-from-hitting-xbox-forever

So the usual of Microsoft pointing out the hypocrisy of Sony accusing Microsoft of going to do what they're already doing.

23-12-2022 8:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120028934#Comment_120028934

But also pointing out that Microsoft are not in fact going to do what Sony already do.

I think Sony are borked no matter what. At the very least Microsoft and Activision are going to have a very close relationship going forward. I'd actually prefer that to Microsoft owning them outright.

Sony blocking the merger and then MS and Activision doing a perfectly legal business deal to bring their games to game pass day one. Throw in some xbox exclusive (maybe even GP exclusive) content just as a final kick in the balls.

quokula · 03-01-2023 3:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120029849#Comment_120029849

That's not how it works - Sony don't have the power to block a perfectly legal deal, quite obviously. It is a decision for the regulators and if they decide it is not legal, then by definition it wasn't a perfectly legal deal.

The FTC's position right now is that it violates US law and their case will be put before a judge. The FTC is there to protect American consumers and to stop the market being distorted by the creation of monopolies, something that is a pillar of the Biden administration. They do not exist to represent a Japanese company against an American company and that is not what they're doing.

There are similar investigations in Europe, the UK and elsewhere. Activision Blizzard stocks are currently trading at $76.50 and Microsoft's offer amounts to $95 per share so right now the market doesn't seem to think it will go through.

RobertFoster · 03-01-2023 10:31am

Tangentially related to gaming, professional rally driver Ken Block has died after a snowmobile accident.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64150191

Other than the few gymkhana videos I've seen over the years, I recognised his name from the Dirt series. He was also in NFS 2015.

EoinMcLovin · 03-01-2023 4:08pm

HITMAN 3 to become ‘World of Assassination’, H1 & 2 content will now be free for H3 owners (Individual Hitman 1 & 2 to be delisted)

https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-to-world-of-assassination/

"Ever expanding, ever dangerous. It will never stop challenging you."

In 2015, we shared our vision for the World of Assassination; an ever-expanding game that would evolve over time and be the foundation for future HITMAN games. Those were the exact words we used and a central promise to how we've released the three games in the 7 years that followed.

Today, we're excited to announce some upcoming changes to how our players (both existing and new) will experience, access and purchase HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3. These changes will make it easier than ever to enter and enjoy the World of Assassination – and finally allow us to realise the vision we set out to achieve.

As of 26 January 2023, the following changes are planned to come into effect.

HITMAN 3 will become 'HITMAN World of Assassination', which will also include access to HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 through our existing Access Pass system. Current HITMAN 3 owners will get a free upgrade to HITMAN World of Assassination on all platforms

We're drastically simplifying the purchase experience for new players. HITMAN World of Assassination will be the single available option to start playing.

Essentially, these two changes will mean that all new players and existing HITMAN 3 owners will have the same base content ownership. There will be no more confusion over which edition to buy, what content you own, how to redeem Legacy packs or import locations, etc. We're done with that.

We're approaching these changes with a no compromises approach. We want to make absolutely sure that the experience of entering or enjoying the World of Assassination is simple and straightforward.

Let's break it down. We're streamlining the (many) offerings currently on the stores down to two products. These will replace existing ways to buy HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2 or HITMAN 3.

HITMAN – World of Assassination (approx. $70 USD or local equivalent)

Includes: HITMAN 3, plus H1 GOTY Access Pass and H2 Standard Access Pass.

HITMAN – World of Assassination Deluxe Pack (approx. $30 USD or local equivalent)

Includes: H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass.

PLAYER-FRIENDLY FLEXIBILITY

We want the experience for new players to be straightforward and concrete. We believe the above changes will achieve that. However, for existing players, who cover a huge matrix of different ownership combinations, we're being a little bit more flexible – but still with a strong approach for simplicity.

The reason for this flexibility is that we know many of you own certain games or DLCs but not others, and we don't want to force anyone to (re)buy what they already own. We think that's a good enough reason to still have a few options – but these options won't be front and centre for new players. The idea is to keep these details visible to those who might need them.

STEAM COMPLETE THE SET

On Steam, we are going to implement 'complete the set' functionality for the three DLC packs included in the HITMAN World of Assassination Deluxe Pack (H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass). This will mean you only pay an even split for whatever content you don't own. For example, if you own 2 of the DLCs, you'll only pay $10 for the remaining DLC, rather than having to pay full price for the full Deluxe Pack.

IN-GAME STORE

On other platforms, we've added each individual DLC from the new WoA Deluxe Pack (H3 Deluxe Pack, H3 Seven Deadly Sins Collection and H2 Expansion Access Pass) to the IN-GAME store, again priced with an even split ($10 USD each). If you own some (but not all) of that content, you'll be able to buy whatever you're missing – at a new and reduced price.

STOREFRONT CHANGES

An important detail that we want to be clear about amongst these changes, is that we're removing the standalone HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 products from sale on all platforms. If you already own these games, you'll still be able to access them in the exact same way that you do today. Of course, the majority of the content included in these games remains playable through HITMAN World of Assassination, with all of the improvements that were introduced with HITMAN 3.

On that note, and for extra clarity, HITMAN 3 will remain available in its current standalone form through the upcoming 'HITMAN – World of Assassination'.

Retr0gamer · 03-01-2023 6:05pm

3DS hidden gem Pocket Card Jockey is coming to Apple Arcade. It's legit incredible. Hope it makes it to other platforms:

https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-devs-nintendo-3ds-cult-classic-coming-to-apple-arcade

Mr.Saturn · 03-01-2023 8:07pm

Wonder how may 'lost on the 3ds eShop' titles are going make their way to other platforms in the next few months.

Retr0gamer · 03-01-2023 9:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120061279#Comment_120061279

Not enough. We did get a Gotta Protectors sequel. I'd say a lot of them will be stuck on 3DS.

A Guild01 compilation would be magical.

Mr Crispy · 04-01-2023 5:36am

This is a bummer, especially for the studios involved. Wizards of the Coast have pulled the plug on five unannounced projects in an apparent scaling back of their video game plans. Announced projects, notably Baldur's Gate 3, are unaffected.

https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1610405307561443333?s=20

CatInABox · 04-01-2023 8:56am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120060227#Comment_120060227

I can't recommend Hitman enough. The three of these games are probably my most played games since the first one came out. It's got one of the most satisfying lock on mechanics I've ever come across, which turns objects in the environment into better weapons than your pistols. The feel of knocking someone out with a billiard ball, then locking on to someone across the room and throwing that ball straight into their forehead is incredibly pleasing.

The methods and challenges are brilliant as well. Why kill your targets with traditional methods when you could spook them into fleeing in their seaplane, causing them to take off in front of an old Italian castle, where you've taken the time to arm an 18th century cannon, and blast them out of the sky.

Zero-Cool · 04-01-2023 1:51pm

I must go back to Hitman 2, i only got half way through before moving on to either game. Really interested in the Freelancer mode releasing at the end of the month so Hitman 3 is back on my 'to get' list.

johnny_ultimate · 04-01-2023 1:57pm

Actually remembered to pick up Hitman 3 in the current Steam sale and complete the collection thanks to that announcement :p

The modern ones are great indeed, although I do tend to dial in intensely for a mission or two and then only return a year or so later for more! I do think they have the most unnecessarily convoluted purchasing / ownership system in the history of video games - glad they're simplifying it a bit, although reading the details still made my eyes glaze over with the various packs and DLC bits 😅

Penn · 04-01-2023 2:16pm

I was tempted to pick up Hitman 1 and/or 2 after completing Hitman 3, but yeah the purchase system was so needlessly complex and seemed more expensive than just buying the games individually (considering that H1&2 were older by that stage and therefore should have been cheaper), so I never bothered. Might give them a try now.

Zero-Cool · 04-01-2023 2:26pm

Have to say as well, i was fully against the episodic release of the first one like so many other people. When i picked it up after launch, i absolutely loved the episodic approach as it made me really appreciate each level and the amount of options you have in them. Now, I tend to do 1 or 2 goes at a level and move onto the next, only returning months later like Johnny said.

Retr0gamer · 05-01-2023 4:02pm

So you know all the nonsense from Square Enix about NFT games? Despite they having a really prolific 2022 and releasing some amazing games? Well it's probably all BS.

You'll find all kinds of other companies in Japan going on about NFTs and crypto. The reason is the Japanese government panicked and didn't want to be behind when it came to crypto so introduced major tax cuts for companies that invest in crypto.

So basically none of these companies have any interest in making crypto work and know that it's a scam. However they are funneling all their money through their crypto divisions to take advantage of the tax break in basically one big legal tax avoidance scam.

As a big major company it's no wonder they are so into Crypto, disaster capitalists just love not paying tax.

quokula · 05-01-2023 4:35pm

I got the worst possible value out of Hitman's convoluted purchasing scheme, bought Hitman 3 at launch having never played the first two, and I loved it so much I bought the first two games. This was when next gen consoles just came out and everything was full price, think it was well over 100 quid in total.

Still enjoyed it a lot, most of the levels I only played once or twice but the ones I really liked got a lot of replays. I never really understood all the other random stuff in the game outside of repeating the main levels tbh, especially coming back a year or two later.

Mr Crispy · 06-01-2023 5:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120063077#Comment_120063077

Strangely, Hidden Path have come out and said that their D&D project is still happening, but Schreier is doubling down.

https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1611154672638889985?s=20

Potential-Monke · 06-01-2023 8:32am

Schreier: "Hidden Path D&D game cancelled"

Hidden Path: "Ah, no, actually we're hiring"

Schreier: "Hidden Path D&D game cancelled"

Seems weird...

Grumpypants · 06-01-2023 9:18am

It might be that wizards have cancelled it and just not told the Dev team.

Bit like Amazon leaking that they are letting thousands of people go but are not telling them until the 18th of Jan.

Penn · 08-01-2023 10:26am

Tim Miller (Deadpool) stepping in to direct reshoots for the Borderlands movie in place of original director Eli Roth. They claim it's because Roth will be too busy on a small horror movie he's due to start filming.

I'm guessing initial screenings were skag-sh*t and they're bringing in Miller to try salvage the movie.

https://deadline.com/2023/01/borderlands-tim-miller-eli-roth-grindhouse-trailer-thanksgiving-1235214050/

pixelburp · 08-01-2023 1:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120080963#Comment_120080963

Well, that would be what happens when you hire Eli Roth. Yuck.

Potential-Monke · 08-01-2023 2:25pm

I read that whole article waiting for the mention of Zachary Quinto...

Markitron · 09-01-2023 10:24am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120080963#Comment_120080963

Anything to do with Randy Pitchford turns to ****

pixelburp · 09-01-2023 10:48am

The question for me remains: will the film adaptation be less or more obnoxious with its singular tone of comedy. I pinball all over the place when it comes to Borderlands' brazen approach - but not sure that would translate into an appealing 2+ hours of constant yelling.

johnny_ultimate · 09-01-2023 10:59am

I do a double-take every time I see Blanchett's name with Borderlands. She's always been a versatile actress willing to work across every type of film, role and budget scale, but it's particularly funny seeing her going from one of the great film performances of the last decade in Tár to an Eli Roth-directed Borderlands adaptation 😅

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