Rockstar has released a patch for GTA Online that—hopefully—will fix the nasty security vulnerability (opens in new tab) discovered in January that enabled unscrupulous jerks to steal other players’ in-game money, reset their account progress, and even “corrupt” their accounts in a way that effectively leaves them banned from online play.
That’s all bad enough in itself, but was potentially only the tip of the iceberg. Speyedr, the creator of the unofficial Guardian firewall (opens in new tab) mod for GTA5 that aims to protect players from hackers, predicted that the vulnerability could eventually enable remote code execution, enabling hackers to run malware on any PC playing the game.
Rockstar acknowledged the problem (opens in new tab) shortly after it was reported, saying it aimed to take care of it in a “security-related title update.”
That update is now live, and while the patch notes don’t go into great detail, it’s clearly aimed at addressing the exploit.
A new security-focused Title Update is now available for Grand Theft Auto Online on PC: https://t.co/ZaE68kJnDMFebruary 1, 2023
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The patch notes, courtesy of Rockstar Support (opens in new tab):
Security
Implemented a new data protocol in GTA Online to improve the security of network sessions and player-to-player messaging
Fixed an issue that could result in a player’s GTA Online experience being modified by a third party, including:
Altering GTA$ balance, RP level, Bad Sport status, and other player stats
Manipulation of players being kicked or crashed
Game Stability and Performance
General stability improvements
Does it work? The general consensus seems to be, “Hopefully.” Players on the GTA Online subreddit (opens in new tab) are wading in and so far there aren’t any reports of unexpected catastrophe. Rockstar reporter Tez2, who made the initial report on the vulnerability, had a “good news, bad news” reaction to the patch notes.
“In terms of remote exploits, it should be safe now,” he said on Twitter when asked if the patch fixed the problem. “In terms of regular cheating, nope. You would still face them in public lobbies, but at least no cheaters should annoy you in invite-only lobbies.”
(Image credit: Tez2 (Twitter))
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Unfortunately, the changes mean potential headaches for Guardian users, as Speyedr warned that the fix means current and older versions of his mod will now only work with the “solo session” mode. A fix for that should be coming soon, though.
“R* don’t usually mess with netcode, but this time it makes sense,” Speyedr tweeted (opens in new tab). “Will investigate this ASAP and try to get the heuristics working again, if all goes well then I’ll just include it with 3.1.0b6.”
We’ll keep an eye on the subreddit to see how the patch shakes out. I’ve also reached out to Rockstar for more information on the patch, and will update if I receive a reply.
Season 3 of Gundam Evolution, dubbed ‘Defencer’, is arriving today, February 1, where new and veteran Mobile Suit Pilots can join the fray. This season is bringing all-new add-on content to enjoy: a new Mobile Suit, regional servers, and a whole lot more!
New Mobile Suit: Hyperion Gundam
Hyperion Gundam hails from the ‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED X Astray’manga and marks the newest addition to the Gundam Evolution roster. Pilots will be able to attain this Mobile Suit through the store or via the Hyperion Gundam Item Pack. It’s perfect for Gundam SEED fans!
Hyperion Gundam excels in holding the frontlines as well as being able to break through enemy forces. Let’s go over what makes this unit so special!
Hyperion’s primary attack is a Beam Submachine Gun for both close and mid-range combat.
Using the secondary attack causes Hyperion Gundam to hold up a shield to prevent damage and hold the line.
“Forfanterie” will fire a beam that will penetrate enemy units, making it perfect for stopping an advance or making defense more difficult.
“Armure Lumiere” deploys a barrier for quick defense in an area, perfect for holding the line or advancing without fear.
Hyperion Gundam’s G Maneuver “Armure Lumiere Lancer” will cause this unit to charge forward while dealing damage and causing a stun on affected enemies!
Unlock Hyperion Gundam by purchasing Evo Coins or completing challenges to earn Capital in-game.
All Systems Are Ready To Go!
Gundam Evolution is an immersive, fast-paced 6v6 team shooter where you’re able to pilot iconic Mobile Suits from the smash hit ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ anime series. Jump into combat as Hyperion Gundam, Unicorn Gundam, and more from this expanding roster.
Gundam Evolution also has three different game modes that allow you to show off your teamwork and tactical skills: Point Capture, Domination, and Destruction. Coordinate with your team and align your G-Maneuvers to come out on top!
Can’t wait to start piloting your own Mobile Suit? Play Gundam Evolution now and experience these exciting Mobile Suit battles first-hand. We’ll see you in the Hangar, Pilots!
GUNDAM EVOLUTION
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 286
★★★★★
In the new Season MOBIUS, the popular Nu Gundam and more are added! Make full use of the Fin Funnel like Amuro and aim for team victory!
Many fan-favorite items related to Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack are also available.
In addition, a new MAP Colony CargoBay has been added and new elements have been implemented to make GUNDAM EVOLUTION even more powerful, so experience it now!
GUNDAM EVOLUTION is an online FPS title in which players take control of mobile suits from the hit Gundam anime and fight other online players in six-versus-six battles. Features fast-paced action and immersive controls. Switch between mobile suits with their own unique characteristics and cooperate with teammates to win matches.
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Lilyann Torres, Gundam Content Writer, Bandai Namco Entertainment America
Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus monthly games for February.
One of the games being made available is Evil Dead: The Game for PS4 and PS5. Inspired by all three original Evil Dead films and the Ash vs Evil Dead television series, the cooperative and PvP multiplayer game features a team of four survivors trying to seal a breach between worlds.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games – February 2023
OlliOlliWorld is the third entry in the series, and will be available for PS4 and PS5. The skateboarding action-platformer has you taking on missions and challenges and features plenty of player freedom.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light will also be added for PS4 and PS5, alongside Mafia: The Definitive Edition for PS4.
If you have yet to download January’s Monthly Games, you have until February 6 to add Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76 and Axiom Verge 2 to your game library.
Sony also provided an update on PlayStation Plus Collection, which has been offered as a benefit to Plus members on PS5 since 2020.
On May 9, the PS Plus Collection will no longer be offered. If you have yet to redeem the titles in the collection, you have until May 9 to download the games. Once downloaded, you can access the titles as long as you remain a PlayStation Plus member.
PlayStation has revealed the February 2023 lineup of monthly games subscribers can download for free and it consists of Evil Dead: The Game, OlliOlli World, Destiny 2: Beyond Light, and Mafia: Definitive Edition.
These are the four games all PlayStation Plus subscribers can add to their libraries starting next week on February 7, not to be confused with the PlayStation Plus games catalog that varies depending on the tier of subscription you have.
Here’s what PlayStation has to say about each of these games:
Evil Dead: The Game | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
“Step into the shoes of Ash Williams or his friends from the iconic Evil Dead franchise and work together in a game loaded with over-the-top co-op and PvP multiplayer action. Play as a team of four survivors, exploring, looting, managing your fear, and finding key items to seal the breach between worlds in a game inspired by all three original Evil Dead films as well as the Ash vs Evil Dead television series. Fight for the forces of good or take control of the Kandarian Demon to hunt Ash & others while possessing Deadites, the environmental objects & more as you seek to swallow their souls!”
OlliOlli World
“Grind, trick and air your way to discover the mystical skate gods on your quest for Gnarvana in this bold skateboarding action-platformer that’s bursting with personality. Traverse a delightful and weird world as you take on missions, challenges and make new friends along the way. Experience the accessibility, depth and player freedom as you dive into the signature flow state gameplay. OlliOlli World marks the third entry in the critically-acclaimed OlliOlli series from Roll7, the BAFTA and multi-award-winning independent studio. “
Destiny 2: Beyond Light
“Embark on a new journey through the incredible sci-fi fantasy universe of Destiny 2 with this expansion* to the multiplayer action shooter. Guardians will explore Europa, master the new elemental power of Stasis and collect powerful Exotic gear as they battle the Fallen Kell of Darkness, Eramis.”
Mafia: Definitive Edition
“Explore a recreated 1930’s cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture… and a crime-riddled underbelly in this full remake of the 2002 original. Rise up through the ranks of the Mafia during the Prohibition era of organized crime. After a run-in with the mob, cab driver Tommy Angelo is thrust into a deadly underworld. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri crime family, Tommy soon finds that the rewards are too big to ignore.”
All four of these games will be available to PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium members from February 7 until March 6. You have until February 6 to add last month’s games – Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76, and Axiom Verge 2 – to your library.
Elsewhere in today’s announcement, PlayStation announced that the PlayStation Plus Collection, which PS5 owners subscribed to Plus have had access to since 2020, will no longer be offered starting May 9.
“If you haven’t redeemed the titles in this collection yet, you can still do so until May 9, which will enable you to access those titles even after this date for as long as you remain a PlayStation Plus member.”
Which of these games are you most excited to check out? Let us know in the comments below!
The PlayStation Plus Collection is being removed from the service in May 2023, leaving PS5 users only two months to download the included-games before they’re no longer available free of charge.
This news comes alongside the PlayStation Plus monthly games list for free, a sudden and unexpected revelation for those out there who have yet to redeem those titles. More importantly, it’ll remove an otherwise brilliant perk to the console for new owners.
The original trailer for the PlayStation Plus Collection. Rest in Piece
It’s not the end of the world though. If you’re already the proud owner of a PS5, you can quickly claim them now, which will keep them available to download past May and for as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription. That being said, if you don’t currently have a PS5 and are planning on doing so in the near future, it’s a good idea to do so with haste before a hefty collection of quality titles are no longer free to download alongside your sub.
The full list of games includes in the PS Plus Collection are as follows:
Bloodborne
Days Gone
Detroit: Become Human
God of War
Infamous Second Son
Ratchet and Clank
The Last Guardian
The Last of Us: Remastered
Until Dawn
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Batman Arkham Knight
Battlefield 1
Call of Duty: Black Ops — Zombies Chronicles Edition
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Fallout 4
Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
Monster Hunter: World
Mortal Kombat X
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
There are plenty of killers on that list, and it was this collection that stood out as a major reason to nab the PS5 when it was first out, illusive to find out in the wild, and lacking a lot of exclusive games of its own. Nowadays though, there are a good number of spotlight titles, as well as ports that are significantly better here than on previous gen consoles.
Either way, get a hustle on PS5 users! Download the collection while you can!
Xbox will be celebrating Black History Month throughout February.
To help introduce our various initiatives, Xbox Researcher Portia Botchway shares her insights as a Black woman in the games industry.
We also explain how you can give, discover, play and watch with Xbox to support Black History Month.
As a Black woman working in the gaming industry, finding community has been instrumental to the success I’ve found in my career. For the past three years, I have served in the role of Xbox Researcher. At its core, my job is to understand and communicate the user experience throughout the development of a game to various developer stakeholders.
I recognize that some elements of my experience as a Black woman in gaming and in tech more broadly have been atypical, for example my first manager in tech was also a Black woman. Being managed by her was a wonderful and empowering experience to kick off my gaming career. From day one, my leadership chain has emphasized what is possible in this field and that I, and people who look like me, belong here. I’ve been able to work for and alongside diverse leaders across the Gaming organization. I’ve also connected with people who have similar experiences to my own in an employee community group for Black people at Xbox. Finding community has given me access to resources, mentorship and even friendships that are the foundation of what has made this journey great so far and supported my learning and growth.
My journey into gaming feels like I have the opportunity to build on the work of those who came before me, who experienced adversity, and pushed hard to carve out spaces where today, I can feel more confident in my career. Even though I found my niche playing JRPG, action-adventure, and strategy games while playing games with my brothers, I still sometimes feel like I don’t belong as a “gamer.” Being a gamer is only one part of my identity; I am also an avid reader and a lifelong athlete. Sometimes it seems like a “real” gamer must make gaming their main hobby and play all the newest titles. It’s not like that for me; I love gaming when a title comes out that interests me, but I also take breaks and enjoy filling my life with many other activities that fulfill me, too. One thing I appreciate is how I don’t feel like an outsider with Xbox.
To those just beginning their career, remember you don’t need to have coding experience to work in the gaming industry. My day-to-day responsibilities include reading the research others have published, reading design documentation and briefs about games, playing games to understand the user experience, and engaging in conversations with the gaming community. My job includes a lot of meetings, writing, planning, presentations, and playing games. You also don’t have to have a degree in game design; my educational background is in biological sciences, ancient Roman and world history and cultures, languages, and the science of learning. I started my professional career in teaching. Serving as a teacher has a lot of skill overlap to my current role, including developing a mindset that is always looking to learn.
Additionally, I’d advise you to seek out organizations that include diverse leaders and perspectives. Also look to align yourself with growth-oriented people who value learning. They will likely be more open and willing to help you on your journey.
I am grateful that finding and learning from a supportive professional community has helped me to find my voice in gaming. In hopes to increase representation and help others find their voice, too, here are a few ways that Team Xbox will be supporting and celebrating Black communities this year:
Gerald A. Lawson Fund Names Recipients
Xbox is honored to work with the University of Southern California on the Gerald A. Lawson Fund for Black and Indigenous Students, which advances our industry by bringing more voices and talent into gaming.
Today, USC Games announced the first Gerald A. Lawson Fund scholarship recipients, who will be known as “Lawson Scholars.” Jerry Lawson was a Black electronic engineer who pioneered work in the video game industry including the removable video game cartridge, the 8-way joystick, and the pause button. The Gerald A. Lawson Fund was supported in part by donation from Xbox.
“At Microsoft, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive industry,” said Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios. We are grateful for USC Games’ efforts to do just that with the Gerald A. Lawson Fund. We believe that providing access to higher education and resources for these students will not only contribute to their personal career endeavors but will also spark growth and advancement within our industry.” You can read more about the program here.
Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Black communities with Xbox. The below organizations will be featured on console:
Cxmmunity– A nonprofit organization committed to increasing BIPOC representation within the gaming and esports industry through STEAM education and career development.
Black Girls Rock! – A global women’s movement and philanthropic organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering women and girls of color, by producing inspiring media content and providing enrichment programs for girls that foster positive identity development, critical thinking, leadership, literacy, tech, and innovation.
Gameheads– A tech training program that uses video game design, development and DevOps to create diverse talent and bold new voices, train youth of color for the tech eco-system and prepare them for college, career and civic life.
Xbox gamers can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games and completing Game Pass Quests, completing offers in the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox, and select purchases at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox.
Artist Clif Wilson Shares Xbox Logo Design Inspiration for Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, Xbox commissioned artist Clif Wilson to design the artwork for this year’s campaign. Clif is a 25-year-old Black, self-taught digital designer, born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He grew up surrounded by an array of cultures and media, which opened his eyes to the uniqueness and vastness of the Black community. In recent years, his fascination with Afrofuturism has inspired his design work, whether that be graphics, fashion, or any other creative medium. Today his work is housed in his company, Ajaar, which acts as a means for him to creatively interact with the world around him.
In designing the Xbox logo for Black History Month, Clif shared:
“When approaching the imagery for this campaign, I was inspired by the idea of unity and exploration in the Black community. The sunset in the design represents the shared perspective in struggle as well as hope, with each sunset and sunrise being symbolic of another chance to grow and change. The theme of exploration is expressed through the imagery of the starry sky and computer board pattern in the artwork, painting the picture of a world that is full of endless possibilities and spaces to discover. Through gaming, we are able to virtually immerse ourselves into many new spaces where we can engage with different stories and the different individuals that make up the Black gaming community.”
In an effort to promote pipelines for Black people and youth across the gaming industry, in September of last year Xbox launched Project Amplify, a video series aimed at supporting Black youth who are interested in pursuing careers in the gaming industry. Project Amplify features video interviews of fourteen Black employees from across Xbox studios as they share their advice, insights into their current roles, and highlights from their time within the gaming industry. Interviewees include people in roles such as production, engineering, character art, licensing, game design, program management, and more. Watch the Project Amplify video series here, and check out personal journeys in the gaming industry. Read more about the Project Amplify launch and find additional resources for game designers here.
Xbox Ambassadors Features Missions for Black History Month
The Xbox Ambassadors community is celebrating Black History Month with a series of XA Missions that highlight games made by Black creators and feature Black leads. Ambassadors can unlock XP by playing, sharing, and discussing games like The Gunk and Watch Dogs 2. Join the discussion and begin unlocking exclusive rewards by becoming an Xbox Ambassador today!
The Microsoft Game Dev Blog Celebrates Black History Month
Everyone has a different path on their journey into the games industry, whether it’s through school, retail, or the military. On the Microsoft Game Dev blog, we’ll be celebrating the contributions of some of our Black and African American employees and partners who create, publish, and, above all, love games with a special entry in our Pathfinding series. Pathfinding features career advice, industry tips, and personal stories of the journey into gaming. It often takes years of persistence to build on the passion that led them toward gaming in the first place and we’re excited to give a diverse set of people a platform to share the lessons they learned along the way with anyone considering a career in the game industry.
New Gamerpics, Profile Theme, Wallpaper, and Avatar Items in Celebration of the Black Community
In partnership with Black communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, wallpaper and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console and the Xbox PC app. Get your avatar itemsand wallpapershere. Content is subject to availability by country.
Explore Games Curated by Black Communities at Microsoft
Here at Xbox, we are committed to providing inclusive and engaging gaming experiences so that everyone can enjoy all the positive feelings and connections that games provide us. We want all players to be able to find stories they connect with and characters they relate to.
For Black History Month, we are highlighting Black creators, lead characters, and character creation options that include a variety of skin tones and inclusive hairstyles. This collection is available on Xbox, Windows, and Mobile and will exist year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities.
Deathloop (Available with Xbox Game Pass and Rated M) – Co-created by Black developer Dinga Bakaba (now the Studio Director for Arkane Lyon), Deathloop has won numerous awards for its unique spin on first-person action adventure and the charisma of its two Black leads. The story follows two rival assassins, Colt and Julianna, playing a deadly game of cat & mouse over the fate of a retro futuristic world locked in a time loop.
League of Legends (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – The massive roster of champions in League of Legends includes characters from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, including Black champions like Ekko, K’Sante, Lucian and Senna. Each champion has a deeply engaging storyline and a unique arsenal of spells and abilities, so jump into the game and experience the dynamic stories of these characters now.
HUMANKIND (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – HUMANKIND is a turn-based strategy game in which you can create your own dynamic civilization by combining over 60 historical cultures from across the world. Explore African history and create your very own story with vibrant cultures such as the Nubians, the Bantu, the Ghanaians, the Zulu, the Nigerians, and more.
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (Available with Xbox Game Pass and Rated M) – Play as Billie Lurk, the notorious supernatural assassin who plied her trade for years in Dunwall and Karnaca alongside the legendary mercenary killer, Daud. Billie is a resilient and resourceful Black woman who sheltered the empress on-the-run in Dishonored 2, now taking center stage in the third act of the Dishonored franchise.
This collection is available on the Microsoft Store on Xbox and the Microsoft Store on Windows in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States. Visitors can find this collection at any time by searching within the Stores for “Black History” and related terms.
Xbox Plays Celebrates Black History Month with Streamer Takeovers
Every Monday during the month of February, the Xbox Plays team will be inviting some of our favorite streamers to join us on the Xbox Twitch Channel and handing over the keys to the channel for streamer takeovers in celebration of Black History Month! Tune in and catch all the action on Twitch.tv/Xbox!
February 6th
Kendrisite playing Minecraft (11am PT)
SpringSims playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (3pm PT)
I loved Obsidian’s medieval mystery Pentiment when it released last November, and part of my admiration was for its incredible art style. It was like the dev team had nicked a bunch of 16th-century manuscripts, scanned the delicate pages, and then fully animated them to life.
Pentiment was clearly made by a team who had a deep love for the time period, and the same can be said for Inkulinati, a 2D turn-based strategy game that also uses illuminated medieval drawings. But Yaza Games have taken a bit of a different direction with Inkulinati’s vibe by adding a whole heap of cheeky humour. You wouldn’t think it would suit the stuffy nature of religious manuscripts, but actually those monks were pretty cheeky blokes, and Inkulinati’s humour is done in a way that stays completely loyal to the source material, fart jokes and all.
Today we’re happy to reveal the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for February. Take on demonic Deadites in asymmetrical multiplayer Evil Dead: The Game, grind and trick your way through the vibrant world of Radlandia in OlliOlliWorld and live the life of a Prohibition-era gangster with Mafia: The Definitive Edition. In addition to these titles, Destiny 2: Beyond Light joins the lineup as a bonus game this month.
All four titles will be available to PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra and Premium members from Tuesday, February 7 until Monday March 6. The PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium lineups for February will be announced soon.
Let’s take a closer look at the Monthly Games.
Download the image
Evil Dead: The Game | PS4, PS5
Step into the shoes of Ash Williams or his friends from the iconic Evil Dead franchise and work together in a game loaded with over-the-top co-op and PvP multiplayer action. Play as a team of four survivors, exploring, looting, managing your fear, and finding key items to seal the breach between worlds in a game inspired by all three original Evil Dead films as well as the Ash vs Evil Dead television series. Fight for the forces of good or take control of the Kandarian Demon to hunt Ash & others while possessing Deadites, the environmental objects & more as you seek to swallow their souls!
Download the image
OlliOlliWorld | PS4, PS5
Grind, trick and air your way to discover the mystical skate gods on your quest for Gnarvana in this bold skateboarding action-platformer that’s bursting with personality. Traverse a delightful and weird world as you take on missions, challenges and make new friends along the way. Experience the accessibility, depth and player freedom as you dive into the signature flow state gameplay. OlliOlli World marks the third entry in the critically-acclaimed OlliOlli series from Roll7, the BAFTA and multi-award-winning independent studio.
Download the image
Destiny 2: Beyond Light | PS4, PS5
Embark on a new journey through the incredible sci-fi fantasy universe of Destiny 2 with this expansion* to the multiplayer action shooter. Guardians will explore Europa, master the new elemental power of Stasis and collect powerful Exotic gear as they battle the Fallen Kell of Darkness, Eramis.
Download the image
Mafia: The Definitive Edition | PS4
Explore a recreated 1930’s cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture… and a crime-riddled underbelly in this full remake of the 2002 original. Rise up through the ranks of the Mafia during the Prohibition era of organized crime. After a run-in with the mob, cab driver Tommy Angelo is thrust into a deadly underworld. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri crime family, Tommy soon finds that the rewards are too big to ignore.
Last chance to download January’s Monthly Games
PlayStation Plus members have until Monday February 6 to add Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76 and Axiom Verge 2 to their game library.
We also wanted to provide an update on the PlayStation Plus Collection that has been offered as a benefit to PlayStation Plus members on PS5 since 2020. On May 9 the PlayStation Plus Collection will no longer be offered. If you haven’t redeemed the titles in this collection yet, you can still do so until May 9, which will enable you to access those titles even after this date for as long as you remain a PlayStation Plus member.
We will continue to add to our growing PlayStation Plus libraryof Monthly Games and Games Catalog, so be sure to check monthly for new titles to redeem.
We thank you all for your support of PlayStation Plus and we hope you enjoy this month’s lineup.
*Destiny 2 is required to play Destiny 2: Beyond Light. Destiny 2 is available for download at no extra cost on PlayStation Store.
Athia is a huge open-world brimming with places to explore, creatures to battle, and mysteries to unravel. Luminous Productions taps into the power of PlayStation to make this happen, from the magical flames erupting from Frey’s hands in combat to the speed at which she fast-travels on the expansive world map.
Now that it’s easier than ever for players to get their hands on PS5s and enter the world of Forspoken, Takeshi Aramaki, Head of Luminous Productions and Forspoken Director shares some insights on how the Luminous Productions team harness PS5 to bring this adventure to life:
PlayStation Blog: What were your first impressions when first learning about the power and capabilities of the PS5, from a developer perspective?
Takeshi Aramaki: With the latest GPU that supports ray tracing and a high-speed SSD that allows data to be read instantly, I felt that it was going to bring significant changes to game development as a whole. Being able to display assets on screen without the need for load times would create new gaming experiences. Once we actually began developing for it, the biggest surprise was how easily it was to develop for.
The DualSense wireless controller offers a unique level of immersion thanks to its haptics and adaptive triggers. How did your team approach DualSense controller implementation when developing this PS5 game?
The DualSense is such a unique controller, so we wanted to create a game that would allow players to feel and experience it to the fullest. As Forspoken is a game we designed for the PS5, we decided to assign L2 and R2 for casting magic so you can feel the feedback from the Adaptive Triggers. There are over 100 spells in Forspoken, and we tuned the force feedback for every single one so that each spell looks and feels unique. In addition, the haptics feedback creates a realistic sensation of traversing at high speeds when using Magic Parkour.
Forspoken features extremely quick fast-travel in its fantasy open world. How did the development team harness PS5’s power to make this happen?
The SSD makes the PS5 about 100 times faster than the PS4, so that by itself is plenty, but it also makes use of Oodle Kraken and Oodle Texture for data compression. On top of that, the PS5 also handles memory allocation and decompression on the hardware side. The CPU processing of that data then became the bottleneck, so we made over 100 adjustments to our Luminous Engine in order to realize these read speeds.
Forspoken features a dazzling array of magical visual effects and character animation for Frey during travel and traversal. How did the team tap into PS5’s power to deliver this rich visual performance?
In Forspoken, we aimed for a visual expression unlike any other. The GPU handles the dedicated shader for the magic visual effects, and the CPU handles the numerous processing needs for Magic Parkour. The PS5’s capabilities were more than enough for what we wanted to do; in fact, it’s so powerful that it encouraged us to add even more to the visual effects. Also, a lot of memory is typically needed to achieve this level of expression, but PS5 development tools are so easy to work with and allowed us to work faster than before. That gave us plenty of time to optimize the memory and process load needed Forspoken’s rich visuals.
February is the annual celebration of all things anime on Xbox and Xbox Game Pass from now until the end of the month.
Anime Month has returned! Throughout February, fans can enjoy discounts across anime products in games, TV, movies from the Microsoft Store and much more. There are also special discounts for Game Pass members, and you can earn 2,500 Microsoft Rewards points when you spend $50 on anime games, movies, and series in the collection.
Save up to 85% on Select Anime-Inspired Games
Whether you are looking for a great story or sharpening your combo attacks, the Anime-inspired Game Sale has something for you. Swing into a thrilling adventure in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, or tap into your inner fighter in Devil May Cry 5, Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and many more. The current collection will be available through February 13, with a second collection of games and offers running from February 14 through the end of the month. Sale ends February 28, 2023.
Up to 80% off anime on Microsoft Movies and TV
Find your new favorite anime movies or TV series, or catch up on the ones you already love in our massive Microsoft Movies & TV Anime sale. Our collections feature favorites such as ‘Bleach’, ‘My Hero Academia’, ‘Attack on Titan’, and more. Game Pass members also get special discounts throughout the sale! Finally, get 2,500 Microsoft Rewards points when you spend $50 on anime games, movies, and series in the collection.
Anime for Xbox Game Pass Members
Immerse yourself in anime-inspired worlds and stories. Game Pass is celebrating Anime Month with an epic collection of games to discover, ranging from Ni No Kuni Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered to Persona 5 Royal. This collection will be available to members on Console, PC, and Mobile. Members can also earn Microsoft Rewards points with anime-themed Game Pass Quests, including Opus: Echo of Starsong (February 7) and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (February 21). Lastly, be sure to claim your Game Pass Perk for Gundam Evolution by February 6 and for Phantasy Star Online 2 by February 28.
More Anime Treats
During Anime Month, the Xbox Plays team will be celebrating by playing various games included in the collection as a way for you to see these games in action! Join them on the Twitch.tv/Xbox channel and watch alongside others in addition for a chance to win Game Pass codes, free games, and much more.
Or return to the seas with the newest iteration of the Azur Lane collaboration, when it arrives in World of Warships: Legends on February 6! The Azur Lane Wave IV content will be available until the new update drops on March 6. Make sure to check out our dedicated article to find out all the details.
From tomorrow until the end of the month, you may also see great anime games to play as part of each weekend’s Free Play Days for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Every Thursday, a new line-up will be announced here, or you can find it on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and enter the Gold member area to locate the Free Play Days collection.
How to earn Microsoft Points during Anime Month Sale by region:
We’re only one month into 2023 and already anime fans have a bevy of exciting new premieres to look forward to all year round. From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen toAttack on Titan and so many other exciting anime, the return of beloved anime series is just around the corner, with yet more still on the horizon. It can be hard to keep track of just what exactly one should catch up on in order to be prepared for this year’s biggest premieres to come, let alone keeping up with the release of new episodes of anime currently airing right now. That’s why we’re here to do it for you!
Below is a short list of all the biggest anime series set to return this year, when they’re scheduled to be released, and where you can catch up on the previous episodes. There’s likely more major announcements of returning anime series to come in the weeks and months ahead, but for now — here’s our rundown on all the anime you have to watch and when you should watch them by. Happy marathoning!
Attack on Titan
Number of episodes: 87
Image: MAPPA/Crunchyroll
Attack on Titan, the colossal (and controversial) epic dark fantasy anime based on Hajime Isayama’s acclaimed manga, will return this March for the first half of the final part of its fourth and final season (I know, it’s complicated — don’t think too much about it). If you somehow haven’t seen this massively popular anime about a group of humans fighting an apocalyptic war of survival against a horde of man-eating giants and other humans (again, it’s complicated), you technically have enough hours left in the days between now and when this new season premieres to catch up and see what all the hubbub is about.
Attack on Titan is available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. The series will return with the premiere of the first half of its final season in March.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Number of episodes: 44
Image: Ufotable/Aniplex
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the shonen martial arts fantasy anime based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular manga, is returning for a third season later this year. Set after the events of last season, which adapted the Mugen Train arc and Entertainment District arc of the manga, this upcoming season is set to cover the events of the Swordsmith Village arc, which will follow series protagonist Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko, journeying to a legendary village of swordsmiths in order to repair his Nichirin sword following his climactic battle against the demon Gyutaro and his sister, Daki. While there, Tanjiro will fight alongside Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, the “Mist” and “Love” Hashira captains of Demon Slayer Corps respectively, as they take on Doma, the second most powerful lieutenant of series’ antagonist Muzan Kibutsuji’s personal demon army.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu and will return for a third season in April.
Fire Force
Number of episodes: 48
Image: David Production/Crunchyroll
Fire Force, the shonen dark fantasy adventure anime based on Soul Eater creator Atsushi Ohkubo’s manga of the same name, is coming back for a third season later this year. For those not familiar, the series takes place in a post-apocalyptic Japan where spontaneous combustion is the norm, transforming ordinary humans into murderous supernatural creatures called “Infernals.” In order to combat this threat, special fire brigades made up of similarly gifted individuals are tasked with fighting back against Infernals and securing the safety of society. Fire Force follows Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic orphan who joins Special Fire Force Company 8 in hopes of finding and killing the Infernal responsible for murdering his mother and younger brother.
Fire Force is available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu and will return for a third season later this year.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Number of episodes: 24
Image: MAPPA/Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen, the wildly popular shonen anime based on Gege Akutami’s dark fantasy manga, will return with a second season set to premiere this July. The season will jump back and forth between the past and present day, following the story of Satoru Gojo’s time as a student at the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School while also picking up after the events of last season’s exciting conclusion. Jujutsu Kaisen follows the story of Yuji Itadori, an athletically gifted high school student who becomes the unwitting host to a powerful cursed spirit named Ryoumen Sukuna who wishes to take over Yuji’s body and conquer the mortal world. With no other choice, Yuji chooses to become a Jujutsu sorcerer in other to protect others while searching for a way to expel and banish this evil spirit. And if you’re already caught up on Jujutsu Kaisen, here are nine more anime like it for you to check out next.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu and will return for a second season later this year.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Number of episodes: 37
Image: A-1 Pictures/Aniplex
The romantic comedy anime Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War concluded its third (and presumably final) season last summer. “Wait — if Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War just wrapped up, why do I need to prioritize watching this year?” That’s a great rhetorical question, hypothetical reader! The answer is: Because there’s a feature-length anime film, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends, coming to American theaters for Valentine’s Day! If you’re not familiar with one of the best, if not arguably the best, anime rom-coms in recent memory, here’s how my colleague Petrana Radulovic summed up the show’s premise and appeal:
After learning that everyone on campus thinks they’d make a cute couple, class president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya independently decide to get the other to confess their love. Each of them thinks that they will most definitely not fall for the other — and that ends up spectacularly backfiring, as they both end up with massive crushes on one another. But of course, they can’t lose their self-imposed game, so it turns into the sort of battle where every win is also a bit of a loss.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is available to stream on Crunchyroll. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends is coming to U.S. theaters on Feb. 14.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
Number of episodes: 12
Image: Sunrise/Crunchyroll
Following the bloody and climactic conclusion of its first season, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is set to return this year, with the second half of the series scheduled to premiere sometime during the spring anime season (April through June). If you’re not yet familiar with the series and would like to know more before diving in, here’s the elevator pitch: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is the first stand-alone Gundam series since 2015’s Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and follows a young mech pilot named Suletta Mercury whose nascent friendship (and possibly more) with a young classmate is complicated by her unknowing role in a Machiavellian plot of deceit and revenge against an alliance of tyrannical megacorporations. It’s Revolutionary Girl Utena meets Mobile Suit Gundam — what more could you possibly want?
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is available to stream on Crunchyroll and will return for a second season this spring anime season (April through June).
SK8 the Infinity
Number of episodes: 12
Image: Bones/Aniplex
The original coming-of-age sports drama anime SK8 the Infinity is returning this year with a new season! Last season followed the story of Reki, a second-year high school student with a passion for skateboarding, who befriends Langa, a new classmate who possesses an extraordinary knack for skateboarding himself. As the two navigate the highs and lows of competing in the underground skateboard racing tournament “S,” these two fast friends face the challenges of not only rising to the top but overcoming the hurdles of life that come with growing up.
SK8 the Infinity is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Funimation and will return for a second season later this year.
Tsurune
Number of episodes: 13
Image: Kyoto Animation/Sentai Filmworks
Tsurune, the anime adaptation of Kotoko Ayano and Chinatsu Morimoto’s young adult light novel series about a group of boys who join their school’s archery club and befriend one another, is already partway through its second season, titled Tsurune: The Linking Shot. That doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) catch up on it, though. Tsurune is steadily proving to be one of this winter season’s most impressive anime, with exquisite character animation, beautifully rendered backgrounds, and a storyline that expands on the themes of adolescence and finding one’s way in the world that were present in the original manga series. If you haven’t watched Tsurune yet, you absolutely must make the time to do so — it’s more than worth the time investment.
Tsurune is available to stream on Crunchyroll. The second season, Tsurune: The Linking Shot, is currently being simulcast and is available to stream on Hi-Dive.
Redfall publisher Bethesda has confirmed that the game will require an always-online connection, even when playing in single-player. On the official Redfall FAQ, the new requirement states that a “persistent online connection is required” for single-player and co-op, and that a Bethesda.net account will also be necessary.
This isn’t an unusual move, as many modern games require some form of an online check-in as an anti-piracy measure–or progression fairness to keep the playing field level when joining friends in co-op in Redfall’s case–although this form of DRM has drawn criticism for adding extra steps to single-player titles. Back 4 Blood initially required a persistent online connection when it first launched if you were planning to play alongside AI teammates, but a later patch added an offline story mode for the game.
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Other games that have also eased off on an always-online requirement include Marvel’s Avengers and It Takes Two, with those games offering offline single-player and couch co-op modes, respectively. Arkane games such as Dishonored and Prey have traditionally been focused on single-player first, and while 2021’s Deathloop had online modes for its assassin gameplay mechanic, an offline mode was also available.
As revealed in last month’s Developer Direct, Redfall will release on May 2 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available through Xbox Game Pass on launch day as well. Arkane calls Redfall its “biggest, most ambitious” game that it has ever created, and it features co-op play for up to four players. For more details, you can check out GameSpot’s feature on everything that we know about Redfall.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors.
GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Microsoft has announced that 46 games will be removed from the Xbox 360 Marketplace on February 7, including Dark Souls, The Witcher 2, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and more.
Disc versions of these games will remain playable, and previously downloaded copies can also still be played. Gematsu also confirmed that the versions of these games available to download on Xbox One or Xbox Series consoles will also remain on those respective stores.
Top 25 Xbox 360 Games
The Xbox 360 games being removed varies from region to region, but the list affecting customers in the United States is as follows:
Aegis Wing
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed III
Assassin’s Creed IV
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD
Blood of the Werewolf
Blue Dragon
Breakdown
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Castle Crashers
Cloning Clyde
Counter-Strike: GO
Dark Souls
Darksiders II
Daytona USA
Defense Grid
Eets: Chowdown
Far Cry 2
Final Fight: DblImpact
Iron Brigade
Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad
Jet Set Radio
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead 2
Limbo
Lost Odyssey
Mass Effect 2
Monopoly Deal
Mutant Blobs Attack
N+
Outpost Kaloki X
Peggle 2
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds
Prince of Persia
R.U.S.E.
Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.
Skate 2
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Spelunky
Splinter Cell Conviction
Star Wars Battlefront
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II
The Orange Box
The Raven Episode 1
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Microsoft has made dozens of Xbox 360 games available on its later consoles, though confirmed that no more titles will be made backwards compatible going forward. Those still holding onto an Xbox 360, however, should use the next few days to make sure they’ve purchased any games from this list, as it will be the last chance to do so digitally.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer and acting UK news editor. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
It’s been 12 years, now, since Bethesda launched its all-timer of an RPG. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a seemingly endless appeal, and as of 2016, the publisher announced that the game had racked up an impressive 30 million sales.
One thing about Skyrim: it should never, ever, be a TV show.
You’d think that would mean that pretty much everyone has played it, and already owns it. But the game continues to impress. Even on brand new hardware. Yesterday, Valve announced that Skyrim was the 11th most-played game on its handheld system in January 2023.
In the same list, there were more modern games and re-releases that ranked higher than Skyrim (including Elden Ring, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Stardew Valley, Hades, Red Dead Redemption 2, Persona 5 Royal, Cyberpunk 2077, and Grand Theft Auto 5), but coming in hot at number 11 isn’t too bad for a game that’s well into its second decade at this point.
Especially when you consider people have already played the game on, say, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Playstation VR, Nintendo Switch, PC, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or any mobile device that’s beefy enough.
And just like that, the first month of 2023 is over – Here’s a quick look at the top 20 games of January on Steam Deck, sorted by playtime.
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Impressively, despite all its previous availability, the game outranks some of the biggest games of recent years, too – Valheim, God of War, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Monster Hunter Rise all come under Skyrim. People just can’t get enough of this classic RPG, even all these years later. But why?
And then there’s the bones of the whole thing: similarly to many Bethesda games, the main quest is not the star of the show. It’s everything else that you come for, here. It may lack some of the finer RPG elements of its esteemed forbears (like Morrowind and Oblivion), but the depth and breadth of the whole thing just has this endless appeal. The main story more or less happens to someone else, but depending how you play – as a mage, or a bandit, or an assassin, or a vampire, or whatever – it can take on such different properties that it can feel like a whole new game.
The world of Skyrim isn’t intimidatingly huge by modern standards, but it weighs in at around 37 square miles – all packed out with a depth that will blow your mind if you’ve grown up on some of the more anaemic open worlds that have proliferated over the past few generations.
The world just goes on, and on, and on.
Bethesda has a lot to prove in the coming months. Starfield stands poised to ‘take over’ the mantle that Skyrim currently holds – if it gets everything right. And you’d hope it would. The game has over 250,000 lines of dialogue (which is more than Skyrim and Fallout 4 combined, for what it’s worth), and the team making it is over twice as big as the team that was in charge of Fallout 76.
So it has what it needs to do well. But we’ll see if the reality matches the optimism with which Bethesda is approaching it at some point this year. In the meantime, here’s everything we know about Starfied so far.
Following last week’s release of Prehistoric Isle 2, SNK and Hamster have released the 1994-released fighting game World Heroes 2 Jet($3.99) on iOS and Android worldwide. World Heroes 2 Jet was an SNK fighting game featuring 16 heroes, villains, and more. It was the third game in the series and it also featured fast-paced battles with a counter system and more. If you’ve not kept up with the ACA NeoGeo releases and want to check out some good shoot ’em ups which is usually the most popular genre, read Shaun’s post here here. Watch a trailer from the console version Hamster released below:
You can buy World Heroes 2 Jet ACA NeoGeo on the App Store for iOS here and on Google Play for Android here. As with prior releases on mobile, this costs half of what it does on consoles at $3.99. If you’ve not heard of the series or seen it in action on mobile yet, Shaun has reviewed most of the releases so far in the ACA NeoGeo series on iOS. Check out his reviews for Sengoku 2here, Top Hunter Roddy & Cathyhere, Samurai Shodown IVhere, Alpha Mission IIhere, Metal Slug 5here, Shock Troopershere, NAM-1975here, ZED BLADEhere, PUZZLEDhere, The King of Fighters 2002here, Big Tournament Golfhere, King of the Monstershere, Last Resorthere, Aero Fighters 2here, Burning Fighthere, Robo Armyhere, Mutation Nationhere, Twinkle Star Spriteshere, Aero Fighters 3here, and Prehistoric Isle 2here. Check out the official website for the series on mobile here. What’s your favorite recent ACA NeoGeo release and are you grabbing today’s release?
Make every Wordle (opens in new tab) a winner with our daily selection of hints and tips designed to give you as much or as little help as you want to see. Need the February 1 (592) answer in a flash? No problem. Just scroll down, or click the link to the side for the answer to today’s Wordle.
The instant the first letter of the first guess turned green, I was sure I was in for a quick win. What actually turned up in the guesses afterwards were more greys than I hope I ever see again, and I was only saved by a lucky yellow right at the end.
Wordle hint
A Wordle hint for Wednesday, February 1
Today’s answer means to tell someone off, to berate or criticise them for something they’ve done. A parent may _____ a child for drawing on the walls, for example. There’s just one vowel to find today.
Is there a double letter in today’s Wordle?
There are no repeat letters in today’s Wordle.
Wordle help: 3 tips for beating Wordle every day
Playing Wordle well is like achieving a small victory every day—who doesn’t like a well-earned winning streak in a game you enjoy? If you’re new to the daily word game, or just want a refresher, I’m going to share a few quick tips to help set you on the path to success:
You want a balanced mix of unique consonants and vowels in your opening word.
A solid second guess helps to narrow down the pool of letters quickly.
The answer could contain letters more than once.
There’s no time pressure beyond making sure it’s done by the end of the day. If you’re struggling to find the answer or a tactical word for your next guess, there’s no harm in coming back to it later on.
Today’s Wordle answer
(Image credit: Josh Wardle)
What is the Wordle 592 answer?
Need a win? The answer to the February 1 (592) Wordle is SCOLD.
Previous answers
The last 10 Wordle answers
Knowing previous Wordle solutions can be helpful in eliminating current possibilities. It’s unlikely a word will be repeated and you can find inspiration for guesses or starting words that may be eluding you.
Here are some recent Wordle answers:
January 31: CROSS
January 30: CRAVE
January 29: FISHY
January 28: FLIRT
January 27: WORRY
January 26: BEEFY
January 25: MAIZE
January 24: COUNT
January 23: ELUDE
January 22: MATEY
Learn more about Wordle
Wordle gives you six rows of five boxes each day, and it’s your job to work out which five-letter word is hiding by eliminating or confirming the letters it contains.
Starting with a strong word (opens in new tab) like LEASH—something containing multiple vowels, common consonants, and no repeat letters—is a good place to start. Once you hit Enter, the boxes will show you which letters you’ve got right or wrong. If a box turns ⬛️, it means that letter isn’t in the secret word at all. 🟨 means the letter is in the word, but not in that position. 🟩 means you’ve got the right letter in the right spot.
Your second go should compliment the starting word, using another “good” guess to cover any common letters you missed last time while also trying to avoid any letter you now know for a fact isn’t present in today’s answer. After that, it’s just a case of using what you’ve learned to narrow your guesses down to the right word. You have six tries in total and can only use real words (so no filling the boxes with EEEEE to see if there’s an E). Don’t forget letters can repeat too (ex: BOOKS).
If you need any further advice feel free to check out our Wordle tips (opens in new tab), and if you’d like to find out which words have already been used, you can scroll to the relevant section above.
Originally, Wordle was dreamed up by software engineer Josh Wardle (opens in new tab), as a surprise for his partner who loves word games. From there it spread to his family, and finally got released to the public. The word puzzle game has since inspired tons of games like Wordle (opens in new tab), refocusing the daily gimmick around music or math or geography. It wasn’t long before Wordle became so popular it was sold to the New York Times for seven figures (opens in new tab). Surely it’s only a matter of time before we all solely communicate in tricolor boxes.
SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake Direct Download:
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a multiplayer game based on the popular animated TV series. Players take on the role of SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and other beloved characters as they embark on an intergalactic adventure. The game’s focus is on fast-paced, multiplayer action, allowing players to compete against each other in a variety of mini-games set in the colorful underwater world of Bikini Bottom. The Cosmic Shake offers a range of different multiplayer modes, including races, battles, and co-op challenges. Players can choose to play as their favorite characters, each with their own unique abilities and attributes, as they navigate through various levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and power-ups.
The game’s whimsical art style and sense of humor stay true to the original series, providing players with a fun and engaging experience. The game’s multiplayer modes allow players to compete against each other in various challenges, from races through the streets of Bikini Bottom to battles against enemy creatures. The multiplayer options are designed to be fun, accessible, and easy to pick up and play, making The Cosmic Shake the perfect game for players of all skill levels. Whether playing with friends or strangers, players will find plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills and have a blast in this exciting multiplayer game.
SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake Direct Play:
In addition to its competitive multiplayer modes, The Cosmic Shake also features co-op challenges that allow players to team up and work together to overcome obstacles and enemies. These challenges are designed to be both challenging and fun, providing players with a sense of teamwork and accomplishment as they work together to save the day. Whether playing with friends or with random players, these co-op challenges offer a unique and exciting way to experience the world of Bikini Bottom. Players can customize their characters with a range of different accessories and upgrades, allowing them to create a unique and personalized avatar.
Features and System Requirements:
Co-op challenges
Fun experience
Different items and upgrades
1 :: Operating System :: Windows XP/7/8/8./10. 2 :: Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 925 / Intel Pentium Dual Core G3320 3 :: Ram :: 4 GB RAM 4 :: DirectX: Version 9.0 5 :: Graphics:: GeForce GTX 660 / Radeon HD 7870 6 :: Space Storage:: 10 GB space
Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
One does not simply go too long without watching LotR.
Published on Ana Leandro
Home » Entertainment » Clear the Rest of Your Week, The Greatest Trilogy Ever Is Now on Netflix
It’s official! The return of the king is happening. Netflix announced through its official Twitter account that The Lord of the Rings trilogy will be back on the streaming platform on Feb. 1.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Peter Jackson’s incredible The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes to Netflix US on February 1! pic.twitter.com/6hlwumO9NU
The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King have been available multiple times in the past on Netflix but, apparently, never at the same time. Currently, we still don’t know whether this comeback will include only the standard editions, or the extended editions as well, as HBO Max does, and there’s also no word on the Hobbit trilogy.
J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy is back in style, as more people are rewatching LotR or watching it for the first time thanks to Amazon’s The Rings of Power. Regardless of your opinion on the show, Peter Jackson’s original trilogy is undoubtedly a must-watch for fantasy fans and cinema buffs.
For those that haven’t seen the trilogy, it’s based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, and follows the journey of a hobbit, Frodo Baggins, as he sets out to destroy the One Ring, a powerful and magical artifact created by the evil Lord Sauron. Along the way, Frodo is joined by a fellowship of allies including hobbits, elves, dwarves, and humans and they face challenges and battles to save Middle Earth from Sauron’s tyranny.
Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Orlando Bloom, and Sean Bean are just a few of the precious talents that take on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Middle Earth (or New Zealand).
One of the most interesting developments in the emulation and coding scenes in recent years has been the increasing trend in taking classic old video games and completely reverse-engineering their code.
We’ve seen fans do this for everything from Mario 64 toOcarina of Time to Grand Theft Auto, all with varying degrees of legal opposition. The reasons for doing this are multitude; there’s the challenge of the reverse-engineering itself, of course, but also the benefits it brings, mainly in the form of being able to create genuine PC versions of classic console games, rather than relying on emulation.
What’s the difference? As we’ve explained previously, emulation relies on your computer pretending it’s an old console to run a game coded to run on that console. A reverse-engineered port is able to be built for the PC (or other platforms!) from the ground up, allowing for the seamless insertion of stuff like widescreen support and even (in the case of polygonal games) graphical tweaks like ReShade.
The latest game to receive this treatment is The Legend Of Zelda: A Link to the Past, first released in 1991 on the Super Nintendo and then re-released a number of times since on everything from the Game Boy Advance to Nintendo Switch Online.
As Nintendo Lifereport, a team of 20, led by xander-haj, managed the feat after working their way through 70-80,000 lines of code, and in the process “key enhancements have been added, such as faster transition times, speedier text, widescreen support, pixel shaders, and a more detailed overworld map. Perhaps most significantly, a secondary item slot has been added, allowing users to quickly switch between two items on the fly without having to go into the inventory screen to pick them out one by one.”
SWAPPABLE FACEPLATES Each set of Morph Earphones is crafted as a wearable street fashion accessory, as they come with swappable faceplates that you can switch out to change up your look at will. Choose from everything from trippy smileys to sakura blossoms and much, much more.
Here’s footage of the original game (running in an emulator on PC) compared to this new PC “port”:
zelda 3 emulation vs pc port
Neat! This is now the part of the post where we point out that, legally, this is still a very weird grey area. Reverse engineering itself isn’t illegal, but the use of a company’s assets can be, and these projects are a mix of both. Only they’re also not; the creators or reverse-engineered games like this simply provide the underyling code and ask you to get the assets from a ROM yourself. This game’s description, for example, says “You need a copy of the ROM to extract game resources (levels, images). Then once that’s done, the ROM is no longer needed.”
Nintendo would argue that doesn’t matter, the creators would argue it’s an important distinction, and until we start getting some definitive rulings in disputes like this I’m going to have to keep typing this out at the end of every post about it!
Hi-Fi Rush is a Cel shaded action adventure game from Shinji Mikami, creator of The Evil Within and overall gaming legend, and Tango Gameworks, with plenty of style and humor. You’ll utilize a robot arm to battle against enemies while also platforming around. The game is a rhythm action game, where you’ll have to flow to the beat in order to better combo against enemies. You can still jump, dodge, and attack as you want, but the key is to try and match the beat.
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