Category Archives: Games

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Sony knew Astro Bot long-term Playstation benefit

Evidently, despite claiming not to have a major launch for 2024, Sony and PlayStation Studios achieved unexpected success with the surprise announcement and release of Astro Bot. This established a new IP star, the first original PlayStation IP since LittleBigPlanet and its success, including winning The Game Awards’ Game of the Year title. This success suggests that PlayStation’s dormant IPs might receive a renewed focus and potentially benefit from a similar long-term strategy.

In a detailed interview with Famitsu, PlayStation co-CEO Hermen Hulst discussed Sony’s openness to reviving its classic game franchises.

Hulst emphasized that PlayStation aims to offer a broad range of experiences by leveraging both its first-party studios and external developers. He highlighted the importance of PlayStation’s extensive IP portfolio and the company’s goal to publish games by the world’s best creators.

Of course, Hulst took the opportunity to praise the success of Astro Bot, which has sold 1.5 million copies in its first nine weeks. He noted that nearly 40% of those sales came from players who were either purchasing a PlayStation game for the first time or for the first time in two years.

This success has contributed significantly to the expansion of the PlayStation community, attracting younger players and families.

Hulst also reflected on the legacy of PlayStation’s classic IPs, mentioning titles like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and God of War as major inspirations for the company’s future direction. He acknowledged the challenges of the live-service model, referencing the infamous launch and quick shutdown of Concord this year.

Overall, Hulst’s vision for PlayStation involves a balance of honoring its rich history while continuing to innovate and collaborate with top developers to create new and exciting gaming experiences.

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

26 years of Halo gems went unhidden

Christmas Day brought an unexpected surprise to the Halo community: a massive data leak revealing a treasure trove of unreleased content, development builds, and internal documents spanning nearly three decades of the franchise’s history.

The leak, believed to stem from a collaboration between Halo Studios and the Digsite modding team, has sent shockwaves through the community. Digsite, renowned for their work in recovering lost or discarded content from Halo games, appears to have gained access to a wealth of previously unseen materials.

Early reports suggest the leaked data includes:

  • Unfinished game builds: Offering a glimpse into the evolution of classic Halo games, showcasing features that were cut or altered before release.
  • A long-lost third-person demo: A fascinating artifact that sheds light on an early, unexplored direction for the franchise.
  • Internal documents and concept art: Providing unprecedented insight into the creative process behind the Halo universe, from initial brainstorming to final implementation.

The impact of this leak is still unfolding. For hardcore fans, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the history of their favorite franchise, uncovering hidden gems and gaining a newfound appreciation for the development process. However, the leak also raises concerns about data security and the potential misuse of unreleased materials.

Halo Studios has yet to officially comment on the situation. As the community continues to sift through the leaked data, one thing is certain: this event will have a lasting impact on the Halo universe, forever changing the way fans interact with and understand the iconic franchise.

Business, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Sega is looking to its future but not everything you expect will end to be

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sega’s CEO, Shuji Utsumi, emphasized that the company is not a retro company and wants to focus on modern gaming experiences. While Sega values its legacy, they believe that continuing to produce mini consoles would not align with their goal of staying relevant and innovative.

In other words, Sega has announced that they are not planning to release any more mini consoles. This includes consoles like the Sega Saturn or Dreamcast, which many fans were hoping to see as mini versions.

A few years ago, Sega admitted that there were researching on how to make both a Sega Saturn and Dreamcast mini with the scale of a minimized hardware, but as powerful or more than their predecessors, but as evident, this will remain in just like that a research concept.

Instead of focusing on retro hardware, Sega is considering launching a Netflix-like subscription service. This service would provide access to both retro and modern Sega titles, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of games in one place. This move is part of Sega’s strategy to attract today’s gamers and create new experiences that still capture the essence of their classic games.

Despite the shift away from mini consoles, Sega has been active in releasing new games and content. They have announced new entries in popular series like Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Crazy Taxi. Additionally, Sega is working on a new Virtua Fighter game and has seen success with recent titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.

Yes, Sega’s decision to move away from mini consoles is a disappointment for us fans of retro gaming, mainly their massive gaming catalog, but it reflects their commitment to innovation and staying relevant in the fast-changing gaming world. By focusing on new projects and exploring a subscription service, Sega aims to continue its legacy while appealing to modern gamers.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Killzone has made its return but as a collab with Helldivers 2

The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Helldivers 2 announces a thrilling collaboration with the iconic Killzone series! This crossover brings together the intense, cooperative gameplay of Helldivers with the gritty, futuristic world of Killzone, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of both franchises.

The collaboration features a range of Killzone-inspired armor sets, weapons, and cosmetics. Players can now gear up with the StA-52 Assault Rifle, AC-1 Dutiful Helmet, and AC-1 Dutiful Armor, all reminiscent of the Helghast faction from Killzone.

The collaboration also includes a high-capacity StA-11 SMG and a powerful PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle, adding new layers of strategy and firepower to the game.

Community Feedback and Adjustments

Initially, the collaboration faced some backlash due to the high prices of the items. However, Arrowhead Game Studios listened to the community’s feedback and decided to offer some of the items for free. Players can now enjoy the StA-11 SMG and PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle without spending any in-game currency. Additionally, the duration of items in the Superstore has been extended to reduce the fear of missing out (FOMO) effect.

The collaboration is just the beginning, with Arrowhead Game Studios planning more exciting updates and events. The developers are committed to bringing more content and ensuring that the collaboration remains a valuable addition to the game.

Meanwhile…

Sony announced a special Helldivers 2 Limited Edition of the PS5 DualSense controller that will be sold exclusively on the PS Direct on US market.

The controller will cost $84.99

Games, Gaming, News

Marvel Rivals gains first main event after beating the 20 million users’ mark

Since its launch just a few weeks ago, Marvel Rivals has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing an impressive 20 million players! Developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Disney’s Marvel Games, this superhero team-based player versus player (PVP) shooter has quickly become a favorite among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Rapid Rise to Fame

Marvel Rivals hit the 10 million player mark within just 72 hours of its release. This rapid growth is a testament to the game’s engaging gameplay and the enduring popularity of Marvel superheroes. The game features iconic MCU heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, and Scarlet Witch, alongside comic book favorites such as Cloak and Dagger, Iron Fist, and Squirrel Girl.

Celebrating Success

To celebrate reaching 20 million players, NetEase Games has introduced a special celebratory spray featuring Galactica, which players can earn by logging in between December 20th, 2024, and January 10th, 2025. This milestone is a significant achievement, especially considering the game’s fresh entry into the hero shooter genre.

Marvel Rivals offers a deep and varied roster of Marvel heroes and villains, allowing players to assemble unique teams and devise countless strategies by combining powers to form team-up skills. The game’s destructible, ever-changing battlefields keep the action fresh and exciting, ensuring that players remain engaged.

With its current success, Marvel Rivals is poised to become a major player in the competitive gaming scene. The game’s developers are already planning future updates and events to keep the momentum going, including the upcoming Winter Celebration event with new gameplay modes, hero costumes, and bountiful rewards.

Marvel Rivals has truly proven that the superhero power still reigns supreme in the gaming world. As the game continues to grow, it will be exciting to see what new heights it will reach and how it will shape the future of hero shooters.

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Reaffirms Xbox’s Multiplatform Strategy

In a recent annual shareholder meeting, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella doubled down on the company’s multiplatform strategy for Xbox. This approach aims to make Xbox games accessible on a wide range of devices, not just Xbox consoles. The strategy is powered by Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing players to enjoy Xbox games on PCs, mobile devices, handhelds, and even TVs.

Nadella emphasized that being an Xbox fan today means playing your favorite games anywhere, whether on an Xbox console or not. This shift is part of Microsoft’s broader vision to leverage AI, cloud, console, and PC innovations to build the best games for gamers everywhere.

The company’s “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign highlights this vision, showcasing how Xbox games can be played on a wide range of devices. Despite this shift, Microsoft remains committed to its console hardware business and plans to release future Xbox consoles.

Nadella’s comments came in response to questions about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the company’s overall gaming strategy. He expressed confidence in the company’s position in the gaming market and highlighted the success of recent releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Nadella also mentioned that Microsoft’s strategy with Activision content is now in full force, and the company aims to bring the best of AI, cloud, console, and PC innovation to build the best games that can be enjoyed by gamers everywhere.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Capcom Revives Classic IPs: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge

Capcom has officially announced plans to revive several of its dormant franchises, starting with the highly anticipated sequels to Okami and Onimusha. This exciting news was revealed during The Game Awards 2024, sending waves of nostalgia and excitement through the gaming community.

During The Game Awards 2024, Capcom unveiled teaser trailers for both Okami: Way of the Sword and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. These announcements mark the return of two beloved franchises that have been dormant for nearly two decades.

The trailers showcased stunning visuals and hinted at the return of iconic gameplay elements that fans have been eagerly waiting for.

In a press release, Capcom stated that it is focusing on re-activating dormant IPs that haven’t seen new titles in recent years. This initiative aims to leverage Capcom’s rich library of content to continuously produce highly efficient, high-quality titles. The company plans to bring back more classic IPs in the coming years, although specific properties have yet to be named.

The announcement has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans who have longed to see their favorite franchises return

Surveys conducted by Capcom earlier this year indicated high interest in reviving titles such as Dino Crisis, Mega Man, Darkstalkers, and Breath of Fire.

Fans are hopeful that Capcom will continue to bring back more beloved games from its extensive catalog.

The Future of Capcom’s Classic IPs

With the revival of Okami and Onimusha, Capcom has set a precedent for bringing back other dormant franchises. The company’s commitment to re-activating these IPs signals a bright future for fans of classic Capcom games. Whether it’s the return of the Blue Bomber in Mega Man or the survival horror thrills of Dino Crisis, the possibilities are endless.

Capcom’s decision to revive its dormant franchises is a win for gamers everywhere. The return of Okami and Onimusha is just the beginning, and fans can look forward to more nostalgic adventures in the years to come. With Capcom’s rich history of iconic games, the future looks promising for the revival of many beloved franchises.

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Capcom finally makes the move and here comes Onimusha: Way of the Sword

After an 18-year hiatus, Capcom’s beloved samurai series, Onimusha, is making a grand comeback with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. This thrilling announcement was made during The Game Awards 2024, sending waves of excitement through the gaming community.

The reveal of Onimusha: Way of the Sword at The Game Awards 2024 marks the franchise’s first new game since 2006. The teaser trailer showcased a lone samurai wielding the iconic Oni Gauntlet, engaging in intense sword fights with supernatural creatures.

The trailer hinted at a dark and twisted rendition of Edo-era Kyoto, shrouded in malevolent clouds of Malice.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword features full 3D combat, drawing inspiration from modern action games while retaining the series’ signature elements. Players can expect to absorb souls from defeated enemies, face off against challenging bosses, and experience fluid and dynamic combat.

The visuals have received a dramatic upgrade, bringing the game into the modern gaming era.

The new Onimusha game is being developed by Capcom, with a talented team dedicated to bringing the series back to life. The game is set to release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

This collaboration promises to deliver a game that honors the legacy of the original Onimusha games while introducing new elements to captivate both old and new players.

A Legacy of Art and Adventure

Originally released in 2001, Onimusha: Warlords captivated players with its blend of action, adventure, and Japanese folklore. The game’s innovative gameplay and stunning visuals earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Now, with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Capcom aims to build upon this legacy, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the series.

While specific details about Onimusha: Way of the Sword are still under wraps, fans can look forward to more information being revealed in.

Games, Gaming, News

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Marks A Legendary Franchise Return

Fans of the iconic Ninja Gaiden series have reason to celebrate! During The Game Awards 2024, Koei Tecmo and The Game Kitchen officially announced the latest installment in the franchise: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound.

This new game promises to bring back the intense action and challenging gameplay that the series is known for, with a fresh twist.

The announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound came as a thrilling surprise during The Game Awards 2024. The teaser trailer showcased a new protagonist, Kenji Mozu, who takes on the duties of the legendary Ryu Hayabusa while he is away attending to family matters.

The trailer featured stunning pixel art and fast-paced action, reminiscent of the classic Ninja Gaiden games.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is being developed by The Game Kitchen, the talented team behind the critically acclaimed Blasphemous series. This collaboration with Koei Tecmo and DotEmu promises to deliver a game that honors the legacy of the original Ninja Gaiden games while introducing new elements to captivate both old and new players.

A Return to 2D Action

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound marks a return to the series’ roots as a 2D side-scrolling action platformer. The game will feature brutal combat, intricate level design, and a high level of difficulty that fans have come to expect from the series.

The pixel art style, combined with modern animations and effects, creates a visually stunning experience that pays homage to the original games.

While specific details about Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound are still under wraps, fans can look forward to more information being revealed in the coming months. T

he game is set to be released in the summer of 2025 on multiple platforms, including Steam, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation.

The announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound has reignited excitement among fans of the series. With The Game Kitchen at the helm and a new protagonist taking center stage, the future of Ninja Gaiden looks brighter than ever.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this upcoming game promises to deliver an unforgettable action-packed experience.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Naughty Dog What’s next – Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind The Last of Us and Uncharted series, has officially announced their latest project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This new sci-fi adventure game was revealed during The Game Awards 2024, and it promises to be Naughty Dog’s most ambitious and creative story yet.

During The Game Awards 2024, Naughty Dog unveiled a captivating teaser trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The trailer introduced the game’s protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, a dangerous bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet of Sempiria.

The planet, which has been cut off from the outside universe for hundreds of years, presents a host of challenges and mysteries for players to unravel.

Jordan A. Mun, portrayed by actress Tati Gabrielle, is a skilled bounty hunter on a mission that seems deeply personal. Stranded on Sempiria, she must use all her skills and wits to survive and become the first person in over 600 years to leave the planet’s orbit. The character-driven narrative promises to deliver an emotional and epic journey, staying true to Naughty Dog’s storytelling prowess.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is being developed exclusively for the PlayStation 5. The game has been in development since 2020, following the release of The Last of Us Part II.

Naughty Dog has assembled a stellar cast and crew for this project, including the talented Tati Gabrielle and renowned composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who are scoring the game’s soundtrack.

A Legacy of Innovation

Naughty Dog has a rich history of creating groundbreaking games that push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. With Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the studio aims to blend its signature narrative depth with innovative gameplay mechanics.

The game draws inspiration from seminal sci-fi works such as Akira and Cowboy Bebop, promising a unique and immersive experience for players.

While specific details about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet are still under wraps, fans can look forward to more information being revealed in the coming months.

The development team is committed to delivering a game that captures the magic of Naughty Dog’s previous titles while offering new experiences and challenges for players to enjoy.

The announcement of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has reignited excitement among Naughty Dog fans.

With a talented team of developers and a captivating new storyline, the future of Naughty Dog looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the studio’s games, this upcoming sci-fi adventure promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.