Bethesda will bring John Romero’s Sigil and Final Doom to Doom and Doom II on consoles

Posted on December 11, 2019 by John Scalzo

Bethesda has promised that Doom and Doom II will soon become a little bit more complete on consoles and mobile ddvices. Yesterday, the publisher hosted a 26th Anniversary Celebration for the seminal first persona shooter on Twitch, and they confirmed during the livestream that four of the franchise’s more famous fan-made expansions will soon be available to download on the PS4, Switch, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.

These expansions will be available to download, for free, through a brand new Add-Ons tab in both games. According to Bethesda, the list of “curated” add-ons will initially include Sigil, which was released just this year as the unofficial “Fifth Episode” for Doom by co-creator John Romero, and No Rest For the Living, a Doom II expansion that made its debut on the Xbox 360 in 2010.

Final Doom, a 1996 retail repackaging of TnT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment, will also be available to download in Doom and Doom II as part of the update. Best of all, Bethesda confirmed that more add-ons will be added to both games at a later date.

On top of all that, Bethesda is also planning a few quality of life updates for the shooters, including bumping the graphics to 60 FPS and adding options for additional aspect ratios.

It’s currently unknown when the add-on update or the quality of life update will be available, but Bethesda said that it’ll be “soon.”

Posted in Mobile, News, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Tagged ,

Axiom Verge 2 will come to the Nintendo Switch in Fall 2020

Posted on December 10, 2019 by John Scalzo

Nintendo highlighted more than a dozen new indie games earlier today during a brand new Indie World video, and the consolemaker confirmed that they’ll all be making their way to the Switch sometime in 2020. The biggest announcement was, without a doubt, Axiom Verge 2.

Once again developed by Thomas Happ, Axiom Verge 2 takes place in Antarctica, but players will also be forced to explore a breach in reality that leads to “an ancient, alternate Earth, complete with mountains, lakes, deserts, and the ruins of a civilization.” That’s quite the mystery, but here’s what else the developer was willing to share so far:

You may think you already know the world of Axiom Verge. Think again.

Indra alone can navigate the breach. She fights for her life, empowered by the same microscopic machines that are gradually consuming her humanity. Life. Afterlife. Real. Virtual. Dream. Nightmare. It’s a thin line. It’s Axiom Verge 2.

An Announcement Trailer for Axiom Verge 2 has been embedded above, and the game will make its Switch debut in Fall 2020. The developer also said that fans can expect details on “additional platforms” for the game in the future, so it looks like Axiom Verge 2 won’t be exclusive to the Switch.

Posted in News, Switch |

NetEase will unveil Naraka: Bladepoint at the 2019 Game Awards

Posted on December 10, 2019 by John Scalzo

We’re getting closer and closer to the 2019 Game Awards, and host Geoff Keighley continues to tease the World Premiere Trailers he has lined up for this year’s show.

Last night, he revealed that Naraka: Bladepoint, a new game from publisher NetEase Games and developer 24 Entertainment, will be announced during the ceremony.

Naraka: Bladepoint is still shrouded in mystery, but artwork found on the game’s official Twitter account points to a game about warring groups in Ancient China. And though publisher NetEase is famously known for working in the mobile space, they’ve recently provided funding to console developers such as Quantic Dream and Bungie, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about Naraka’s destination just yet.

Thankfully, we won’t have much longer to wait, as the 2019 Game Awards will be held this Thursday, December 12.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Super Crush KO will bring pastel punches to the PC and Switch on January 16, 2020

Posted on December 9, 2019 by John Scalzo

Vertex Pop has announced that Super Crush KO, their upcoming ultra-colorful brawler, will be released for the PC and Switch on January 16, 2020. If you’re unfamiliar with Super Crush KO, the development team also sent over this handy primer for the game’s pastel post-apocalypse:

Combining beat ’em up and run and gun action, Super Crush KO, has players take control of Karen, a tough and fashionable brawler in a colorful world overrun by frantic robot enemies. Karen must wipe them out using punches, kicks and long-range combat in fluid combos on the way to save her cat Chubbz and (while she’s at it) humanity. Featuring delightful hand-drawn graphics, a pastel color palette and a catchy soundtrack, this is a feel-good action game complemented with bright and stylish aesthetics.

“We are very excited to announce that Super Crush KO will soon be available on Nintendo Switch and Steam, packing fast-paced thrilling fights, intuitive controls and colorful aesthetic,” said Game Designer Mobeen Fikree. ”Super Crush KO is easy to pick up yet hard to master, but no matter the player level, everyone will have a great time smashing hordes of robot enemies in style.”

To celebrate the release date announcement, Vertex Pop also unveiled a brand new Gameplay Trailer, which has been embedded above.

Posted in News, PC, Switch | Tagged

Cloud Chamber is 2K’s newest internal studio and their first project is BioShock 4

Posted on December 9, 2019 by John Scalzo

The best news to arrive in our inbox this morning is that 2K Games has finally confirmed that BioShock 4 is officially in development. However, the bad news is that the project is just getting off the ground and that it’ll likely be in development “for the next several years.”

While we didn’t learn anything substantial about the next entry in the BioShock franchise today, 2K did share that the game is currently in the works at a brand new internal studio known as Cloud Chamber. The Cloud Chamber team will be split across two locations, San Francisco and Montreal, and Kelley Gilmore (formerly of Firaxis) will head up the joint effort from her home base in California.

“We founded Cloud Chamber to create yet-to-be-discovered worlds – and their stories within – that push the boundaries of what is possible in the video game medium,” said Gilmore. “Our team believes in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of its thinking. We are a deeply experienced group of game makers, including many responsible for BioShock’s principal creation, advancement, and longstanding notoriety, and honored to be part of the 2K family as stewards of this iconic franchise.”

“As we continue growing our product portfolio, we remain inspired by opportunities to invest further in our valuable IP, great people and their collective, long-term potential,” added 2K’s President, David Ismailer. “BioShock is one of the most beloved, critically praised and highest-rated franchises of the last console generation*. We can’t wait to see where its powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.”

With a multi-year development schedule ahead of it, BioShock 4 is most likely in development for the PC and one or both of the next-generation console platforms.

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Nintendo to add Star Fox 2, Super Punch-Out!!, and more to Switch Online’s retro catalog

Posted on December 5, 2019 by John Scalzo

After a short hiatus, Nintendo has announced plans to add more games to the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System apps available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

The big news is that Star Fox 2 is coming to the Switch after making its worldwide debut as part of the Super NES Classic Edition microconsole in 2017. Development on Star Fox 2 was originally completed back in 1995, but the game was shelved due to Nintendo’s worry that it’s “primitive graphics” would reflect poorly on the then-upcoming Nintendo 64. Thankfully, the consolemaker came to their senses and now more Nintendo fans will be able to try out the long-lost sequel to Star Fox. Three other Super NES games will also be added to the app (bringing the total to 24), including Super Punch-Out!!, Kirby Super Star, and Breath of Fire II.

The Nintendo Entertainment System app will receive its 73rd and 74th games, as Nintendo confirmed that Switch Online subscribers will be able to play Crystalis (which is also available as part of the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection) and Journey to Silius next week.

More information about the latest additions can be found right here:

Super NES

  • Star Fox 2 – This 3D rail-shooter and second installment of the Star Fox series was first designed for Super NES, but went unreleased until it appeared on the Super NES Classic Edition system in 2017. This time, Emperor Andross is on a crusade to conquer the Lylat system and the Star Fox team itself. After a long wait, Star Fox is back in action.
  • Super Punch-Out!! – Featuring the tight gameplay and humor the series is known for, this sequel to the NES classic sees Little Mac return to the ring with the World Video Boxing Association belt once again at stake.
  • Kirby Super Star – That awful King Dedede is at it again – he’s stolen all the food in Dream Land. It’s up to Kirby to get it back and ultimately save Popstar from being taken over. There’s never a dull moment as Kirby dashes, flies, and fights!
  • Breath of Fire II – Set 500 years after the original, take on the role of Ryu, the last member of the Dragon Clan. A cast of unusual and exciting companions join you in your adventures across a wondrous land full of magic and mystery.

NES

  • Crystalis – An epic story for action-RPG fans is ready to unfold. Set in a world where civilization lies in ruins, the young protagonist awakes from cryogenic sleep and the adventure begins. Collect the Sword of Wind and venture into the unknown.
  • Journey to Silius – Join Jay on his run-and-gun mission to take down the mechanical army responsible for his father’s death. Defeat endless waves of attack robots and fulfill his father’s dream of developing a space colony in the Silius Solar System.

A short trailer featuring all six games has been embedded above, and they’ll be available to play beginning on December 12.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged

Kickstart This! Radical Chess, Guinea Pig Parkour, and Endless Memories

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Andrew Rainnie - UK Correspondent

Kickstarter is like a devil’s playground of goodies just waiting to be funded. I’m currently toying with the idea of spending $1,000 on the Raine One Electric Scooter, if only for its glowing wheels and similar name to my own.

But the crowdfunding site is also one of the best ways for solo developers and small indie studios to present their project to an audience directly, which is what I love about it. Make a trailer that oozes passion and originality for a game that also looks cool, and I will throw my money at you like I’m in a strip joint.

So which games have caught my eye recently? In this edition of Kickstart This!, I will face off with Radical Chess, roll and jump in the 2D platformer Guinea Pig Parkour, and battle my way through the 2D action adventure Endless Memories.

Press Start to Continue →

Posted in Features, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |

Next Super Mario Maker 2 update will add Link as a playable character

Posted on December 2, 2019 by John Scalzo

Nintendo is pushing out the next major update (Version 2.0.0) for Super Mario Maker 2 later this week, and it’ll add a huge number of new features to the game… including the ability to play as Link. The new Master Sword powerup will give players the chance to to play as an 8-bit Link, and he’s also bringing all of his wonderful toys to the Mushroom Kingdom:

Transforming into Link using the Master Sword opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using his arrows, Link can shoot far off switches that Mario would normally not be able to hit. His new down thrust move with the sword will defeat usually protected enemies like spike-covered Spinies. And with bombs, some walls that would normally be impassable by Mario and friends can easily be blown up.

Other new Course Parts and enemies will make their way into Super Mario Maker 2 for the first time thanks to the Version 2.0.0 update, including Frozen Coins and Pokey the Cactus:

New Course Parts and Enemies Coming to Super Mario Maker 2 in Version 2.0.0

  • Dash Block: Available in the Super Mario 3D World style, the Dash Block course part gives Mario a major speed burst when stepped on.
  • Frozen Coin: These coins are surrounded by a block of ice and can only be released if melted by fireballs or other fire elements, including a certain angry sun.
  • P Block: When a P Switch is hit in the course, invisible P Blocks temporarily turn into hard platforms, or vice-versa.
  • Spike: This classic enemy coughs up massive spike balls and launches them at Mario. If used in the snow environment, Spike will toss snowballs instead!
  • Pokey: The iconic stacked cactus from multiple Super Mario games joins Super Mario Maker 2 for the first time. Players can even edit the height of each Pokey.

Finally, Nintendo will add a speedrunning mode to Super Mario Maker 2 as part of Ninji Speedruns, which will also give players the chance to unlock special Mii Costumes in a series of Nintendo-created courses that’ll be available for a limited time:

In the new Ninji Speedruns mode, players can take on a timed challenge in courses created by Nintendo exclusively for this mode. Other players’ Ninji Ghosts will run alongside players as they compete against rivals from around the world. The Ninji Ghosts that appear are selected from player data at a similar performance level, so players can gradually improve their performance by running the course alongside other players’ Ninji Ghosts. Players can also collect stamps by clearing courses and redeem them in-game to get special Mii costumes.

Whew! For more information about everything included with Super Mario Maker’s Version 2.0.0 update, you should definitely check out the new trailer for the game that’s been embedded above.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged