Latest News
Jul 2
Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator~ Free Download
Jun 25
“Only you can prevent forest fires,” for one Crossword Clue
Jun 24
Blue Protocol Chapter 6 Introduces New Dungeons This Week
Jun 21
Tour de France 2024 – Review
Jun 20
Sons of the Forest gets new update on June 20, 2024
Jun 19
Reynatis Demo Available in Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop
All News
Into the Emberlands – PreviewIf you’re an avid reader of our site, you may have noticed that we’ve had our eye on Into the Emberlands for a while now –ever since it was first presented in October of 2022, under the title Wanderful, in fact. The game has undergone some massive changes since then and has now officially hit Early Access. For developer Tiny Roar, it’s obviously a passion project, but how well were they able to translate that passion into their (almost) finished product? We grabbed our lantern and ventured into the Emberlands to find out. Cozy games have been gaining popularity for quite some time now, with mainstays like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley being joined by indie titles like Mail Time and Garden Life. The term cozy gaming typically describes a vibe or an aesthetic rather than these games being a genre of their own, although you’ll often find that it applies to particular genres like life sims, puzzle titles, or farming games. By contrast, roguelike games are typically found on the opposite side of the video game spectrum. They’re designed to challenge the player and are often brutally difficult. Into the Emberlands pulls off the seemingly impossible by combining roguelike gameplay with a cozy vibe. As far as roguelikes go, this is by far the easiest one we’ve ever played, but the unique combination keeps things engaging and interesting throughout the game’s runtime. Central to Into the Emberlands are the Knacks, blue gnome-like creatures (no, not those) that inhabit a peaceful village in a forest. Or at least, they used to, because the forest has been covered by a thick black fog called Miasma and the village has been completely wrecked. Players take on the role of the Lightbearer, a Knack carrying an Ember Lantern, who has a seemingly simple task: venture into the Miasma to find the other Knacks and guide them home so that they can aid in rebuilding the village. Oh and while you’re out, you might as well also collect the necessary resources so that the other Knacks can rebuild things, right? This is easier said than done of course, because every step you take in the Miasma drains light from your Ember Lantern. If it ever goes out, that means game over. You’ll lose everything you’ve collected and a new Lightbearer will step up, with the original becoming another Knack lost in the Miasma. There are ways to restore some light while you’re out and about but keeping an eye on your lantern and returning home in time is a key component of Into the Emberlands’ gameplay. In true roguelike fashion, the environment is randomly generated every time you venture out into the wilds, making it so that no two runs are identical. It’s a simple concept but it’s executed masterfully. The game provides you with a handy checklist of things you need to find in order to progress. This means that you’ll always know what to do next. However, Into the Emberlands isn’t afraid to let you roam free. There are a handful of tutorial quests, of course, but once you move past these, you’re left to your own devices, in the best way possible. This is a game that actually wants you to plan ahead and make decisions based on what you think the best available option is: gathering natural resources like wood and stone requires tools but these have limited use before they break. Do you use them on the outskirts of your village where you’re close enough to return home before your embers run out? Or do you venture deeper into the Miasma where you might find a bigger bounty, but risk not being able to get back home? Do you try to negotiate with that troll or are you better off avoiding it altogether? As you progress and gather upgrades, you’ll find that your expeditions become more efficient, resulting in a game where you feel like you’re actually progressing based on your own merit instead of the direction that the game wants to push you in. One element that did irk us, and that we hope is fixed in the game’s full release, is the built-in fast travel system. Venture far enough into the Miasma and eventually you’ll find a Metro Station, which you can use to travel from and to the village. However, each time you level up the village itself, any Metro Stations you’ve discovered are reset, meaning you’ll have to seek them out again in the wilderness. It’s a tedious and repetitive system that could do with a rework, especially if the game’s playable area expands with content updates. It’s not that Into the Emberlands is a brutally difficult game, as that would go against the cozy vibe, but we’d much rather go out and explore new areas rather than rethread biomes we’ve already explored, even if they are randomly regenerated again. Even for the casual observer, Into the Emberlands’ cozy nature should be clear at a glance, thanks to the game’s adorable aesthetics. The opening sequence, which sets up the game’s story, is presented as a pop-up book. We’d say that this is where the art direction is at its best. That’s saying a lot because it’s hard not to crack a smile seeing a row of Knacks follow you home like a bunch of baby animals. Oh and speaking of animals, there are unlockable animal companions, which are always a big plus in our opinion. While we enjoyed the top-down visuals for what they were, the actual in-game visuals didn’t have the same impact, even though everything was still adorable. The music also underlines the cozy atmosphere, sounding appropriately zen-like. Peering ahead, the future looks bright for Into the Emberlands. Players can expect the obligatory bug fixes and gameplay polish that are an integral part of the Early Access process, of course. However, there’s a significant chunk of announced content also to come, including unlockable player characters and pets as well as new tools and trinkets. There are even new biomes and encounters in the pipeline. The development team is actively monitoring and responding to feedback on the game on the Steam forums and there is an active Discord server as well. With results too, we suppose, as we didn’t run into any notable bugs during our time with the game. Speaking of time, we assumed that Into the Emberlands would feel light on content this early on in the design process, especially given the €6.59 RRP. However, even five hours in, we still weren’t done with everything and from what we gather, the current build already offers 8-10 hours worth of content for completionists. Take note, Sherwood Extreme! Conclusion We were pleasantly surprised by just how well Into the Emberlands’ unique blend of a cozy vibe and roguelike gameplay works. The game offers just enough challenge to keep you motivated while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fantastic little way to unwind after a stressful day. We’d love to see a rework of the game’s fast travel system, but given how Tiny Roar is actively listening to player feedback, we wouldn’t be surprised if this happens down the line. With a ton of new content on the horizon too, this is a title that is well worth picking up.
Jul 3
Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator~ Free DownloadThis game was first published at Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator~ Free Download by Skring
Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator~ Direct Download: Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator Video Game One day, the adventurer accepted a mission from the guild to “examine the enigmatic labyrinth that materialized in close proximity to the forest.” While en route to the labyrinth, following their victory over a cluster of slimes, […]
This game was first published at Apprehending the Adventurer Chan! ~Live2D Tentacles Simulator~ Free Download by Skring
Jul 2
“Only you can prevent forest fires,” for one Crossword Clue“Only you can prevent forest fires,” for one Crossword Clue Answer is… That should be all the information you need to solve for the “Only you can prevent forest fires,” for one crossword clue answer to help you fill in more of the grid you’re working on! Be sure to check more Crossword Clues, Crossword […]
The post “Only you can prevent forest fires,” for one Crossword Clue appeared first on Try Hard Guides .
Jun 25
Blue Protocol Chapter 6 Introduces New Dungeons This Week
Bandai Namco announced that Blue Protocol Chapter 6, titled The Secret Forest, will appear on June 26, 2024. In addition, the X (formerly Twitter) official account for the game shared a video showcasing the new dungeon and field being introduced in the new content.
The video offers a brief look at three of the new forest Dungeons, these being Tuonera Visiting Path, the Flower Path Copse, and the Ancestor Graveyard. Furthermore, the new Koaniani Woods field is also showcased in the video, with Ururau Village being one of the new areas belonging to this new map. While not showcased in the video, another dungeon appearing in the new chapter is the Zeluma Mine.
You can check out the new video showcasing the dungeons and field of Blue Protocol Chapter 6 here:
https://twitter.com/BLUEPROTOCOL_JP/status/1805073363007946780
The Blue Protocol development team recently confirmed in an interview with Famitsu that the team is making efforts to address the game’s underperforming numbers by reworking some core aspects of the game, as well as planning more challenging content, and analyzing game and player data to find out areas of the game where players numbers are diminishing.
Blue Protocol is available for the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC in Japan . The game is set to release worldwide sometime in 2024 . Version 1.06.000 of the game comes out on June 26, 2024, and it will introduce “Chapter 6 - The Secret Forest” as well as the new Beyond update .
The post Blue Protocol Chapter 6 Introduces New Dungeons This Week appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 24
Tour de France 2024 – ReviewTake your bike and polish your best French, as today we have a game based on a popular cycling race: Tour de France 2024. This cycling racing game, which shares the name of the popular cycling race in Europe, tries to simulate how it is when you take part in it. We expect that we will see some of the big names that we know like, Van der Poel or Pogacar, and some of the famous routes that we see whenever we watch the Tour the France. Story In Tour de France 2024, there is no story as it isn’t needed. There is something that looks like a career mode that is called pro leader or pro team, but mostly it is just a race-after-race kind of game. This isn’t bad as the focus here is more on the racing aspect of the game. Simulation games such as this do not necessarily need a story mode to be interesting. Graphics Graphically, the game isn’t that amazing. Many of the models have the same face and only are different in what they wear. From the back, the models do look a lot better. The supporters on the side look a little better when compared to the riders, though you will pay them no attention as you are more focused on the race. The environment is filled with assets that don’t look out of place. Getting into a village or a forest naturally changes the backdrop. All in all, the game does look okay, except for the many similar character models. Sound The sound design is fairly good. The music is most noticeable when you are in the menu. During a race, there isn’t any background music, but there are more than enough background noises to make sure things don’t get dull. There is also a commentator who says how the race is going or where we are. We hoped that there would be some more lines as we heard some lines a couple of times in repeat. Fans that are spectating try to encourage you with some words but they also repeat the same lines over and over. The encouragement from the fans can be heard in German, English, French, and a little bit of Dutch. One sound that we heard throughout the whole race was how our rider was breathing. It may be understandable if the energy is low, but not when we just started and have a full bar. Gameplay Tour de France 2024 is a simulation game that revolves around, as you may have guessed, the Tour de France. In Tour de France 2024, there are a couple of options you can choose from. We picked the training as it is the tutorial. It is decent in explaining what to do and how it works. The controls aren’t difficult to master and are explained again when you start for the first time a normal race. To start a race, you can pick a mode. For example, we played through the route of Liège-Bastonge-Liège. The start went well until our energy went down faster than expected. In this game energy control is very crucial to win. Cycling at max speed or going in an attack will consume energy, and once you are out of energy, you are blown up. After this, you will be slow until you recover some energy. To prevent being blown up there are some techniques to save or recover energy and so-called ‘feeds’ that can be used to recover some energy. Feeds are limited in use and can only be refilled at certain points that can be seen on the map. Once you have passed that point your feeds are just refilled. One of those techniques to save energy is to use the slopes. You can take an aerodynamic position when you go down, this way you keep up speed while you save some energy. This only works if it goes -6% or lower downhill. Another technique to keep the speed while trying to save up some energy is by reducing drag. For this technique you need other riders to go behind them. This technique is also explained well in the tutorial. There is also an option to follow someone. Be warned that you aren’t in control of what speed you take. Conclusion Tour de France 2024 is an interesting game. The game has quite a few interactive elements in terms of what techniques you have to use, making sure things never grow too stale. Even though the character models tread into uncanny valley territory, the environments look quite good, and these help with the overall immersion. The sound is decent, except for the constant panting the whole race as it starts to be annoying after the first 10 minutes. We would have perhaps loved a bit more variation when it came to the voiced lines, but then again we do hear the same lines of encouragement in the real race too. Credit should be given where credit is due, and we loved the different languages that were embedded into the voice work. The game could have been polished a bit more, but all in all, we had quite a bit of fun with this one. That being said, we suggest waiting for a sale.
Jun 21
Sons of the Forest gets new update on June 20, 2024Sons of the Forest has received a new update on June 20, which modifies the custom settings for Health and Stamina regen, but also fixes cutscenes not syncing NPC states correctly. There are a couple of other fixes too, and you can find the full patch notes below: Sons of the Forest June 20 Hotfix …
The post Sons of the Forest gets new update on June 20, 2024 appeared first on Future Game Releases .
Jun 20
Reynatis Demo Available in Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop
After a brief appearance during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, the latest FuRyu action RPG Reynatis received a demo available now on the Japanese version of the Nintendo Switch eShop . The demo or trial version is only available in Japanese and occupies 2.0 GB.
Only people with a Japanese Nintendo account can download the demo on their Nintendo Switch. Once downloaded into the console, any account can access the demo. The content available in the demo comprises approximately the first hour of gameplay in the game, although the demo might differ from the final product.
The Reynatis demo allows people to check out the beginning of the first chapter, which starts with a lengthy cinematic and text introduction to the game, as well as a variety of tutorials that allow players to get a hold of the controls and learn the basics of combat and exploration. The demo starts with players controlling female protagonist Sari Nishijima around the area surrounding Shibuya Station and the iconic Scramble Crossing, and later allows players to try male protagonist Marin Kirizumi in a new area called the Dominus Forest.
Reynatis is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC, and its global release date is set for September 27, 2024. The game will launch in Japan on July 25, 2024, and a demo is now available on the Japanese Nintendo eShop.
The post Reynatis Demo Available in Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 19
Werewolf: Heart of the Forest, the famous award-winning narrative RPG is now available for iOSWerewolf: Heart of the Forest, the famous narrative RPG, is now also available for iOS devices. The game is famous for its thrilling RPG game mechanics and for all the players who prefer storytelling titles, this should be on their list. Werewolf: Heart of the Forest is now available for iOS devices for a price …
The post Werewolf: Heart of the Forest, the famous award-winning narrative RPG is now available for iOS appeared first on GamingonPhone .
Jun 19
Preview: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Is Cute and Colorful
Square Enix has been coy concerning information about Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake , with very little information coming out since the announcement of the remake in May 2021. However, it recently invited Siliconera to give the game a spin and see what playing this HD-2D remake of a classic Dragon Quest title would be like.
I was able to sit down and play Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake during Summer Game Fest, and I was not disappointed. Granted, I have never played Dragon Quest 3 , so I'm coming at this from the perspective of a newcomer. A majority of the Dragon Quest games I did play were a part of the Monster series, and knowing that Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D will be the place to start for those unfamiliar with the series was a relief.
Image via Square Enix
Chronologically, Dragon Quest 3 takes place before the first Dragon Quest game, which Square Enix stressed. It would make sense that this game would be given the HD-2D treatment, and then subsequently released on modern platforms. Players assume the role of a nameless hero who is accompanied by a small party as they set out on a quest to defeat the fiend Baramos who is intent on destroying the world.
The section of the game that I was able to play took place at the beginning, which allowed me to explore one of the starting villages and really soak in the visual changes in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D . Generally, I'm not a huge fan of HD-2D, since a lot of the finer details of pixel sprites are often hard to see through bloom and other visual effects like blur, like in Octopath Traveler , but the game is gorgeous. There is just the right amount of detail and saturation to make the sprites pop and the bloom effect isn't overwhelming. I spent some time wandering the town and talking to NPCs, trying to buy weapons and armor I couldn't afford, and meandering for a bit before I decided to make my way to the overworld map.
Image via Square Enix
Fields of green were dotted with tightly condensed trees to make up small forests, which were home to a variety of monsters, including the iconic slime. Combat takes place from a first person perspective, with the menu allocated to the upper lefthand side of the screen. The monsters are pulled forward in perspective to give the background some depth, and their designs look great in the HD-2D style. Now, the game was a bit harder than anticipated. But we were warned that Dragon Quest 3 isn't the easiest game in the franchise by far. So I more or less just spent my time battling slimes and other creatures, getting the hang of the turn-based combat system and just soaking in how pretty the game was.
It was a good enough taste of what Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake will be like on release, and has me excited. The game is gorgeous and the combat is cut and dry enough that it seems approachable to newcomers. Overall, I think Square Enix made the right decision to choose this art style for the HD-2D remake and that in choosing to remake Dragon Quest 3 , that this could be the perfect place for those new to the franchise to jump in.
Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake is currently in development and will come to the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on November 14, 2024.
The post Preview: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Is Cute and Colorful appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 18
A Deep Dive Into Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Combat, Abilities, Skill Tree, And More
If you're at all familiar with the Dragon Age series, you likely already know BioWare has experimented quite a lot with its gameplay. From Dragon Age: Origins' real-time strategy RPG approach to Dragon Age II's mostly-set-within-one-city action experience to Dragon Age: Inquisition's strategy-action mix, BioWare hasn't quite defined the franchise's combat. However, a through-line is apparent from Origins to Inquisition: BioWare seemingly wants this franchise to be action but has attempted to shift to that without abandoning its longtime fans.
With Dragon Age: The Veilguard , BioWare has completed its transition from strategy to real-time action, but thanks to an optional tactical pause-and-play combat wheel that harkens back to the series' origins, I feel it's found a great (battle)ground for Dragon Age combat. Of course, it's hard to tell how Veilguard's action will hold up over what is sure to be a dozens-of-hours-long RPG, but if what I've seen so far is any indication, the studio is on to something.
A Shift In Strategy
"I think the first thing to keep in mind is that combat [...] in the franchise has been an evolution," game director Corinne Busche tells me within BioWare's Edmonton office. "Every single entry reimagines what combat is like and I would say our goal was to make sure we had a system that allowed players to feel like they actually were able to step into the world of Thedas. They're not a player observing from afar – they are inside of this world. Being this authentic world that's brought to life, the combat system needs to support that, so you are in control of every single action, every block, every dodge, every swing of your sword."
Busche says players complete every swing in real-time, with particular attention paid to animation swing-through and canceling. On the topic of canceling, I watch Busche "bookmark" combos with a quick dash. With this mechanic, players can pause a combo's status with a dash to safety and continue the combo where they left off afterward. Alongside the dash, there's a parry for some classes, the ability to charge moves, and a revamped healing system that allows players to quickly use potions by pressing right on the d-pad.
Busche says each character will play the same in a way, regardless of class, in that you execute light and heavy attacks with the same buttons, use abilities with the same buttons, and interact with the combo wheel in the same way. During my demo at one point, we use a sword-and-shield Warrior Qunari that hip-fires and aims their shield to throw it like Captain America while hammering down big damage with a sword. Pressing the same buttons as a mage might throw out magical ranged attacks instead of a shield.
Abilities, like a Spartan-like kick from a Warrior or a Mage's firewall that deals continuous damage, add to the player's repertoire of combat options. Warriors can parry incoming attacks, staggering enemies in the process. Rogues have a larger parry window, and Mages can't parry at all but instead throw up a shield that blocks all incoming damage so long as they have the mana to sustain the shield.
"That is just the baseline that allows us to get that level of immersion of, 'I'm actually in this world; I'm a part of it,'" Busche says. "But again, the abilities, the strategy, linking my companions' abilities together to perform devastating combos, that is really where the depth and the complexity comes into play."
Abilities And The Skill Tree
Warrior Rook Skill Tree
This extends to companions, who, at your choosing, bring three abilities (of their five total) into combat, executed either with quick select buttons or the pause-and-play combat wheel. Every time you rank up a companion's Relationship Level, you unlock a skill point to spend specifically on that companion – this is how you unlock new combat abilities.
Though companion skill trees pale in comparison to Rook's expansive tree, which features passive abilities, combat abilities, and more, as well as paths to three unique class specializations, there's still some customization here.
You can find the skill tree for Rook and companions within Veilguard's start or pause menu. This menu contains pages for Veilguard's map, journal, character sheets, and a library for lore information, too. Here, you can cross-compare equipment and equip new gear for Rook and companions, build weapon loadouts, and customize your abilities and builds via the aforementioned skill tree, which looks relatively easy to understand.
Large circle: Class
Diamonds: Abilities
Medium circle: Major Passives and Ability Upgrades
Small hexagon: Traits
Small circle: Minor Passives and Stat Boosts
You won't find minutiae here, "just real numbers," Busche says. In other words, a new unlocked trait might increase damage by 25% against armor, but that's as in-depth as the numbers get. Passive abilities unlock jump attacks and guarantee critical hit opportunities, while abilities add moves like firewall and spartan kicks to your arsenal. As you spec out this skill tree, which is 100% bespoke to each class, you'll work closer to unlocking a specialization (which doesn't take reaching the max level of 50). Every class has three specializations, each with a unique ultimate ability. Busche says BioWare's philosophy with the skill tree is "about changing the way you play, not the statistical minutiae."
Companions In Combat
If you completely ignore companions in combat, they will attack targets, use abilities, and defeat enemies all on their own. "[Companions] are their own people, "Busche says. "They have their own behaviors, they have their own autonomy on the battlefield, they'll pick their own targets. As their plots progress, they'll learn how to use their abilities more competently, and it really feels like you're fighting alongside these realized characters in battle."
Speaking to companion synergy, Busche adds, "I see all the abilities Harding has, and I see everything that Bellara is capable of. And sometimes, I'm using vulnerabilities synergistically. Maybe I'm pausing or slowing time with Bellara so that I can unleash devastating attacks with Harding, knocking down the enemy, and then me, as Rook, I'm rushing in and capitalizing on this setup they've created for me. It is a game about creating this organic sense of teamwork."
Busche says there are more explicit synergies, with intentional combos where specific companions can play off each other, and you can queue up their abilities to do just that. That’s what the pause-and-play combat wheel is for in Veilguard.
In this screen, which pauses the camera and pulls up a flashy combat wheel that highlights you and your companions' skills, you can choose abilities, queue them up, and strategize with synergies and combos the game recognizes, all while targeting specific enemies. Select what you want and release the wheel to watch your selections play out.
Putting It All Together
During a mission within Arlathan Forest after Veilguard's prologue, Busche utilizes Veilguard's dual-loadout mechanic. As Rook, you can create two weapon loadouts for quick switch-ups mid-combat. As a mage Rook, she uses magical attacks to add three stacks of arcane build-up to make an Arcane Bomb on a Sentinel, a mechanical set of armor possessed by a demon. If you hit the Sentinel's Arcane Bomb with a heavy attack, the enemy will take devastating damage. Once the Sentinel has an Arcane Bomb on it, Busche begins charging a heavy attack on her magical staff, then switches to magical daggers in Rook's second loadout, accessed with a quick tap of down on the d-pad to unleash some quick light attacks, then back to the staff to finish charging its attack. She then unleashes the heavy attack, and the Arcane Bomb explodes in a liquidy whirl of green magic.
"I've seen [Veilguard's combat] refined over time [and] I love it," BioWare general manager Gary McKay tells me. "I love that balance of real-time fluid action, but also the ability to have the depth in the RPG, not just in terms of pause-and-play, but the depth in terms of how you bring your companions into the battlefield. What are you going to do with their skill points? What's the loadout you're going to use? Everything is about bringing Rook to the center of the battlefield, and I love it."
Former Dragon Age executive producer and Veilguard consultant Mark Darrah feels Veilguard is the first game where the combat is legitimately fun. "What I see in Veilguard is a game that finally bridges the gap," he says. "Uncharitably, previous Dragon Age games got to the realm of 'combat wasn't too bad.' In this game, the combat's actually fun, but it does keep that thread that's always been there. You have the focus on Rook, on your character, but still have that control and character coming into the combat experience from the other people in your party."
I get the sense from watching Busche play several hours of Veilguard that BioWare has designed a combat system that relies heavily on players extracting what they want out of it. If you want to button mash and use abilities freely when their cooldowns expire, you can probably progress fine (although on the game's easier difficulties). But if you want to strategize your combos, take advantage of elemental vulnerabilities, and min-max companions and Rook loadouts, you can do that, too, and I think you'll find Veilguard rewards that with a more enriching experience.
For more about the game, including exclusive details, interviews, video features, and more, click the Dragon Age: The Veilguard hub button below.
Jun 18
Like forest growth after rain, usually Crossword ClueLike forest growth after rain, usually Crossword Clue Answer is… That should be all the information you need to solve for the Like forest growth after rain, usually crossword clue answer to help you fill in more of the grid you’re working on! Be sure to check more Crossword Clues, Crossword Answers, and our other […]
The post Like forest growth after rain, usually Crossword Clue appeared first on Try Hard Guides .
Jun 18
Black Myth: Wukong Preview – A Classic Tale Retold
Platform:
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Publisher:
Game Science
Developer:
Game Science
Release:
August 20, 2024
( PlayStation 5 ,
PC ), TBA ( Xbox Series X/S )
Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game that closely follows the events of Wu Cheng’en’s seminal novel Journey to the West. The work, based on Chinese mythology and Buddhist folklore, follows a monk who meets a spirit called Sun Wukong, often called Monkey King, during his search for sacred religious texts. While its central narrative is still unknown, Game Science’s upcoming Soulslike depicts Wukong’s encounters with Yaoguai, various creatures and demons in Chinese myth, set within stunning Eastern landscapes.
My hands-on demo begins at the base of Black Wind Mountain’s summit, in a place called the Forest of Wolves, populated with rich greenery, alpine trees, and all manner of wind-weathered stones and shrines. The path to the top is guarded by scattered groups of foxes and wolf-like humanoids who wield axes, shields, and bows. While these enemies aren’t challenging, they serve as great punching bags to learn combat fundamentals like dodging, charged-up staff techniques, and early spells like Immobilize, which freezes enemies in place for a burst-attack opportunity.
Black Myth: Wukong Release Date Trailer:
Wukong’s primary weapon is a bō staff, referred to as Ruyi Jingu Bang in the inspirational literature, which he can shrink down to the size of a needle for safe-keeping inside his ear. The Monkey King commands an arsenal of weapon combos, including the ability to charge up Jingu Bang to pool together Focus Points, which allow him to unleash flashy heavy strikes. While you can’t store the Focus Points you acquire by charging his weapon – Wukong automatically attacks as you release the button – you can store up focus points to use later in the fight by landing enough light attacks on an enemy. Learning the timing of these weapon flourishes and how to use them alongside your growing library of mystic spells is critical to success against large opponents like the game’s many bosses.
While there are at least half a dozen optional and required bosses in the Forest of Wolves, I spend my time challenging two of its more difficult adversaries. The first is a flame-spear-wielding wolf named Guangzhi, who rushes me down and overwhelms me with flame-bending sweeps and dashes. After beating him on my fourth attempt, which I manage to do by relying on my immobilization spell’s cooldown, Guangzhi drops his double-tipped spear, called Red Tides, which slots into one of Wukong’s empty spell slots rather than replacing his magical staff. Upon activating the ability, Wukong momentarily transforms into the wolf I just defeated, allowing me to wield the boss’ fiery powers to inflict Scorch Bane, a status effect that sets enemies on fire and deals damage over time. Notably, Wukong’s health pool is separate from the Yaoguai he embodies, making this new ability a great tactic to use when low on health against Black Wind Mountain’s ravenous bosses.
I run past another optional boss – a gargantuan humanoid with a disproportionate golden head – and maneuver a bamboo-laden mountain ridge, finally making it to my destination: the Guanyin Temple, which is home to Lingxuzi, a building-sized canine appointed by a mysterious character known as the Black Wind King. The towering white wolf jumps in the air, scaling the entirety of the arena in a few seconds, and gets a taste of my blood after a swift strike. While Lingxuzi licks his lips, I freeze him in place and begin a flurry of light attacks and focused heavy strikes. Of course, this is a Soulslike, so I end up dying multiple times, slowly memorizing the Yaoguai’s movements and tactics over the course of roughly five attempts. When I finally triumph, I equip a rare wolf mask I loot from Lingxuzi’s corpse, granting me a damage buff against critically wounded enemies.
Black Myth: Wukong seems to present a compelling world of striking character designs, boss fights requiring skill mastery, and gorgeous environments. I eagerly await the game’s release, not simply for its excellent combat and promising character building, but to experience its take on the prominent Chinese folk tale.
Purchase
Jun 16
Idle Defense: Dark Forest redeem codes and how to use them (June 2024)Idle Defense: Dark Forest is a casual strategy game from Loongcheer Game. The game features 10+ types of towers and several defense strategies with evolving skills to craft and intense gameplay. The game is a time-killer and delivers an unparalleled experience. In this Idle Defense: Dark Forest free redeem codes, I’ll list down all the codes …
The post Idle Defense: Dark Forest redeem codes and how to use them (June 2024) appeared first on GamingonPhone .
Jun 16
Feature of a rainforest canopy NYT Crossword ClueFeature of a rainforest canopy Crossword Clue Answer is… That should be all the information you need to solve for the Feature of a rainforest canopy crossword clue answer to help you fill in more of the grid you’re working on! Be sure to check more Crossword Clues, Crossword Answers, and our other Word Game […]
The post Feature of a rainforest canopy NYT Crossword Clue appeared first on Try Hard Guides .
Jun 14
Katsuhiro Harada Shared Tekken Characters’ Birthdays
Tekken 8 Producer Katsuhiro Harada shared an official list of Tekken characters’ birthdays on social media . The list covers absolutely everyone in the series so far, including Tekken 8 newcomers like Azucena and Reina .
Here is the full list of Tekken characters’ birthdays from Harada. Years aren’t provided, so we can’t determine their ages from them.
January 6th: Master Raven
January 11th: Eliza
January 13th: Kunimitsu II
January 17th: Armor King II
February 3rd: Niklas Kliesen
February 7th: Zafina
February 9th: P-Jack
February 14th: Violet
February 20th: Eddy Gordo
February 28th: Kazumi Mishima
March 5th: Leo
March 13th: Combot
March 15th: Kunimitsu I
March 21st: Anna Williams
March 26th: Jane
April 3rd: Paul Phoenix
April 7th: Xiao
April 10th: Baek Doo San, Steve Fox
April 14th: Feng Wei
April 18th: Miguel Caballero Rojo
April 20th: Angel
April 26th: Kuma II
April 29th: Yoshimitsu
May 9: Craig Marduk
May 11th: Sergei Dragunov
May 16th: Leroy Smith
May 19th: Josie Rizal
May 21st: Claudio Serafino
May 24th: Jinpachi Mishima
May 26th: King II
June 2nd: Ganryu
June 6th: Jack-8
June 8th: Bryan Fury
June 10th: Heihachi Mishima
June 26th: Mokujin
June 30th: Azucena
July 3rd: Dr. A
July 4th: Sebastian
July 6th: Christie Monteiro
July 11th: Raven
July 15th: Hwoarang
July 25th: Nina Williams
July 31st: Wang Jinrei
August 5th: Jin Kazama
August 8th: Lee Chaolan
August 17th: Gigas
August 20th: Lucky Chloe
August 21st: Tiger Jackson
August 25th: Katarina Alves
September 6th: Roger Jr.
September 21st: Emma Kliesen
September 27th: Lars Alexandersson
October 3rd: Dr. Bosconovitch
October 7th: Julia Chang
October 9th: Alex
October 13th: Reina
October 15th: Forest Law
October 22nd: NANCY-MI 847 J
October 24th: Bob Richards
October 28th: Panda
September 10th: Marshall Law
November 2nd: Kazuya Mishima
November 3rd: Fahkumram
November 5th: Michelle Chang
November 11th: Emilie “Lili” de Rochefort
November 19th: Shaheen
November 23rd: Victor Chevalier
November 28th: Jack-7
December 3rd: Lidia Sobieska
December 5th: Asuka Kazama
December 9th: Lei Wulong
December 12th: Miharu Hirano
December 22nd: Bruce Irvin
The only unknown birthdays Harada shared were for Azazel, Mrs. Roger, and Unknown. For each one, he only noted them as “unknown.”
Tekken 8 is available for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and Lidia is the next DLC character.
The post Katsuhiro Harada Shared Tekken Characters’ Birthdays appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 13
GreedFall 2: The Dying World Preview - Back To The Start
Platform:
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Publisher:
Nacon
Developer:
Spiders Studios
Release:
2025
GreedFall, Spiders' 2019 action RPG, laid the foundation for an engrossing world plagued by a deadly ailment known as Malichor. Though GreedFall's story eventually reveals a sinister origin behind the disease, GreedFall 2 explores the early days of the Malichor plague and the island where the first game took place. I spent an hour exploring GreedFall 2's forested region and engaging in the game's new combat mechanics, and am intrigued by the direction the studio is taking.
In the first GreedFall, you played as a neutral character who has recently moved to the island. In GreedFall 2, you assume the role of a member of Teer Fradee's Indigenous tribes who have been uprooted and forcibly relocated to Gacane. Set three years before the first title, Spiders doesn't consider GreedFall 2 a prequel because it relies so heavily on new factions and new characters. However, the story will give you more insight into the first game's setting.
Combat in this entry is more team-driven and draws heavy inspiration from the tactical side of RPGs instead of action. In action, it plays somewhat like Baldur's Gate 3, which, after that game's success in the mainstream last year, feels like pretty advantageous timing for the studio's follow-up release. However, it draws heavier inspiration from Dragon Age: Origins, which could also be good timing given the current heat surrounding the Dragon Age franchise. After creating my character with a Path, Weapons Mastery, Bound Skills, Starting Talent, and Attribute distribution (sadly, appearance editing was locked for this demo), I'm ready to head out into the world.
At this moment in the timeline, malichor is starting to ravage the continent, and the indigenous population and others who have begun settling hope it isn't already on their island. Still, you can hear the paranoia in conversations as people start saying that people they know have recently fallen ill. Additionally, the tribe you're a part of also has concerns about the settlers' intentions.
Before I can go out and engage in the exploration Spiders hopes to double down on, I must perform an initiation ritual, which is essentially just a combat tutorial. GreedFall 2 adopts a tactical combat system that can play out in real-time or slowed-down tactical fashion so you can dictate to each squad member what actions to pull off. This adds a ton of depth to how combat in this pseudo-prequel plays out.
After passing the initiation ritual by slaying two beasts, a higher-ranking tribe member asks me to investigate why local animals have disappeared. Shortly after beginning my journey, I encounter a man and his two dogs. They attack, and I use the new combat system to take them down; I have my archer hang back while my warrior archetype and I charge in with melee weapons. After dispatching them, I begin following footprints using Tracking Mode, which highlights objects of interest, including crates and plants to loot, as well as tracks.
I come across another group of humans; this time, they're being attacked by dogs. I start a battle with the dogs and do away with them. In talking with these people, I learn that a nearby encampment has been setting steel traps for animals, but they're also getting people stuck in them, as evident by the two members of their party currently trapped. I try to free the first one, but the mechanic's test fails, and the mechanism does even more damage to the trapped victim. I go to the other one, hoping for a better result, and I pass the check.
I leave those folks behind and go to the nearby camp to try and get them to leave. You can approach these camps in several different ways; for the first time, I tried to just walk in. From there, I'm greeted by one of the camp's leaders, who is quite rude. After asking them to stop trapping and killing the local animal population, they mention how lucrative the skins business is, and they don't plan on leaving that behind anytime soon. Instead, he recommends the tribe start hunting further away like they will soon. Very nice of him. Next, I try to sneak in, but I'm caught. In the resulting dialogue, I try to pay off the members of the camp to get them to leave. However, it's not looking promising unless I can come up with much more money than I have now.
In a final effort, I opt to threaten them. My character tells the camp leader that his tribe has many warriors who will come for them and their people if they do not leave. This seems to actually get through to the arrogant leader, as they promise they'll pack up soon. I assume that if a check failed at that moment, I would have had to enter combat. But since they outnumbered my party pretty significantly, I'm glad they took my threat to heart.
After that not-so-pleasant interaction, my time with GreedFall 2 ended. Though I'm still figuring out the intricacies of how the combat system works and how each character is best optimized, I had a great time exploring Spiders' world. And with an interactive Early Access period, where the team hopes to implement player feedback to create the best game possible, this more tactical approach seems like a good fit for the studio's second effort in this franchise. GreedFall 2: The Dying World comes to Early Access on PC this summer with potential for consoles when the game's 1.0 launches after the close of 2024.
Purchase
Jun 13
The Acolyte Season 1 Episode 3 Recap and Spoiler Review — Why does Mae kill Mother Aniseya?
This article from the Disney+ series The Acolyte (2024) Season 1 Episode 3 contains significant spoilers. The third episode of the Disney+ streaming series The Acolyte begins with the origin story of Mae and Osha on the planet of Brendok. They are children, and Osha is in a lush green forest playing with a pink-winged […]
The post The Acolyte Season 1 Episode 3 Recap and Spoiler Review — Why does Mae kill Mother Aniseya? appeared first on FandomWire .
Jun 12
Siliconera’s Most Recommend 2024 Steam Next Fest Demos
Steam Next Fest is back in swing! Let's take a look at some of the 2024 Steam Next Fest demos worth checking out. Steam Next Fest is an online festival hosted by Valve where upcoming games get highlighted through livestreams and playable demos. This event is a golden opportunity for gamers to try out new titles and get a taste of what’s coming next in the world of gaming.
Here are a few selections for you to check out, in no particular order:
2024 Steam Deck Next Fest demos you can try now
Image via The Gentlebros
Cat Quest III
The Cat Quest series has become a cult classic, and the third installment looks to polish and expand on its winning formula. Set in the pirate-themed Purribean, Cat Quest III lets you play as a swashbuckling purrivateer alongside a trusty spirit companion. The game promises an engaging open-world action RPG experience with plenty of humor and charm. I think fans of the previous games will likely find this new adventure a delightful continuation of the series.
Image via Necrosoft Games
Demonschool
Demonschool boasts a killer art style and seems like a throwback to the original Persona games. This new-style tactics RPG involves defeating enemies in both human and demon worlds while navigating university life on a mysterious island. The game features a rewindable planning phase for creating combos, a light horror narrative, and relationship-building with 15 characters. It has the makings of a sleeper hit, combining strategy with a compelling story.
Image via Stray Fawn Studio
Dungeon Clawler
Dungeon Clawler mixes deck-building with a claw machine mechanic, creating a unique and fun gameplay experience. As you fight through the dungeon to reclaim your lost rabbit paw, you'll enjoy a blend of rogue-like mechanics and strategic planning. The art style is quirky and engaging, making this demo a standout.
Image via Microbird Games
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg looks like a Zelda set in the Alps, complete with snowboarding elements. You play as Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee escaping her corporate life to conquer dungeons in the Austrian Alps. With a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, this game offers a unique adventure. The demo promises a blend of action and relaxation, with activities ranging from ziplining through forests to having coffee by the lake, all while fighting off monsters with sword and magic skills. It's an intriguing mix that has me hooked from the start.
Image via Jyamma Games
Enotria: The Last Song
Enotria: The Last Song is a Soulslike game set in a bright, sun-lit world inspired by Italian folklore. The bright setting contrasts beautifully with the genre's typical dark aesthetic. With over 100 different enemies and a rich unique narrative, I feel like this game could offer a fresh take on the Soulslike genre.
Image via NPC Studio
Fields of Mistria
For fans of Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon , Fields of Mistria is a must-play. This farm sim leans heavily into fantasy elements, offering a charming and magical experience. Set in an idyllic village recovering from an earthquake, you'll restore the town and explore the land's newfound magic. The demo showcases the game's potential for cozy, rewarding gameplay.
Image via Crisalu Games
Goblin Cleanup
Goblin Cleanup has a fun, tongue-in-cheek premise that involves you play as a goblin tasked with preparing a dungeon for the next adventurer. It's a humorous take on dungeon management, allowing for both cooperative and competitive play with up to three friends. The charm of this game lies in its unique concept and playful execution.
Image via Starry Studio
Once Hum an
Once Human is one of the most anticipated showcases of Steam Next Fest, and I can't recommend it enough. This multiplayer open-world survival game is set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future where you and your friends fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, and build your own territory. The demo highlights the game's vast world and cooperative gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of survival games.
Image via Pounce Light
Tiny Glade
Tiny Glade is the perfect relaxing building game to unwind with after a long day. This free-form building game lets you create castles and dioramas without management or combat. The gridless building chemistry allows for creativity and stress-free construction. It's a delightful and calming experience that stands out amidst more intense offerings.
2024 Steam Next Fest runs until June 17, 2024
The post Siliconera’s Most Recommend 2024 Steam Next Fest Demos appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 11
Here Is the Wholesome Direct 2024 Games Roundup
The 2024 Wholesome Direct aired on June 8, 2024, featuring over 70 cozy, uplifting games from indie and renown developers worldwide. As it is now a regular staple of the Summer Games Fest , the showcase spotlighted exclusive announcements, release date reveals, demo reveals, and platform announcements for a variety of games. This year also featured four shadowdrops, which included Kamaeru a frog refuge , POOOOL , The Palace on the Hill , and Tracks of Thought .
Below is a full list of games shown at the Wholesome Direct 2024. Some games did not receive platforms or release windows, which has been noted in the recap list.
All Games Showcased at 2024 Wholesome Direct:
Afterlove EP - Q3 2024 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Albatroz - 2024 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Consoles
The August Before - TBD | PC & Itch.io
Boreas - TBD | PC
Broken Lens - July 22, 2024 | PC
Building Relationships - TBD | PC, Itch.io, Consoles, TBD
Caravan SandWitch - 2024 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5
Catto’s Post Office - TBD | PC
Crab God - June 20, 2024 | PC
Critter Cafe - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Curiosmos - TBD | PC, TBD
Dawnfolk - TBD | PC, Nintendo Switch, TBD
Discounty - 2025 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X
Dragon Shelter - TBD | PC, Consoles, TBD
Dungeons of Hinterberg - July 18, 2024 | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
EbiTapes - TBD | PC
Été - July 23, 2024 | PC
FantasticHaven - Q3 2024 | PC
Freeride - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Fruitbus - 2024 | PC & Consoles
Garden of the Sea - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Goodlands - TBD | PC & Itch.io
Great God Grove - 2024 | PC
Hello Again - 2025 | PC
Hermit and Pig - TBD | PC & Consoles
Hirocato - The Delivery Hero - TBD | PC & Consoles
ILA: A Frosty Glide - | PC, Itch.io, Consoles
Into The Emberlands - 2024| PC, TBD
Kamaeru, a frog refuge - Out Now | PC, Itch.io, Nintendo Switch
Katsl - TBD | PC
Kitsune Tails - August 1, 2024 | PC & Itch.io
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo - TBD | PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Letter Bunny - TBD | PC
Littlelands - TBD | PC
Lost and Found Co. - TBD | PC, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android, Consoles, TBD
Map Map - A Game About Maps - TBD | PC
Magical Bakery - 2024 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Consoles
Minami Lane - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Monterona - TBD | PC
Moonstone Island - June 19, 2024 | Nintendo Switch
Music Power Up - Q4 2024 | PC, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android
Mythmatch - TBD | PC & Consoles
Nom Nom: Cozy Forest Café - TBD | PC, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android, Consoles
Omachapon - TBD | Nintendo Switch
On Your Tail - 2024 | PC & Nintendo Switch
OPUS: Prism Peak - TBD | PC
The Palace on the Hill - Out Now | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android
Petit Island - 2024 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, Consoles
Pine: A Story of Loss - TBD | PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Playdate - Out Now | Playdate
POOOOL - Out Now | PC
Pretty coo’ - TBD | Itch.io
Pup Champs - TBD | PC, TBD
Ringo’s Roundup - TBD | PC, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android
Rolling Hills - Out Now | PC
Rooster - Q1 2025 | PC, Consoles
Sally - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Screenbound - TBD | PC, Consoles
Sopa - The Tale of the Stolen Potato - August 2, 2024 | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Space Sprouts - TBD | PC
Spilled! - TBD | PC
The Star Named EOS - TBD | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X
Squeakross: Home Squeak Home - TBD | PC
Tidy Cauldron - 2024 | PC & Itch.io
Times & Galaxy - June 21, 2024 | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Tiny Bookshop - TBD | Steam, TBD
Tiny Lands 2 - TBD | PC & Nintendo Switch
Tiny Tires - TBD | PC & Itch.io
Tracks of Thought - Out Now | PC
Travellers Rest - TBD, Early Access Now | PC
Tukoni: Forest Keepers - TBD | PC, Consoles
Umami Grove - 2024 | PC
Undusted: Ketters from the past - TBD | PC, TBD
Usagi Shima - Out Now | iOS & Android
Wax Heads - TBD | PC, TBD
While Waiting - TBD | PC, Apple Arcade, iOS, Android
Here is the full presentation below:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocV4LvEYJcg[/embed]
Fans can also check out the 2023 Wholesome Direct game roundup , which featured over 60 indie games.
The post Here Is the Wholesome Direct 2024 Games Roundup appeared first on Siliconera .
Jun 8
Wanderstop is a Cozy Narrative Game About Running a Tea Shop in a Magical ForestWanderstop will be coming to PC and PS5 this year, and features behind-the-scenes talent that has previously worked on several critically acclaimed games.
Jun 8
The ForestAs the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
