ReportWire

Tag: Xbox

  • Thiollier and St. Trina questline walkthrough for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

    Thiollier and St. Trina questline walkthrough for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

    [ad_1]

    Thiollier and St. Trina are NPCs you’ll meet at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace early on in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

    At first, Thiollier is just a vendor for poison-related items, but his full story — along with St. Trina’s — will take the rest of your time in the Shadow Realm to play out.

    Our Elden Ring DLC guide will walk you through where to find Thiollier and St. Trina, and all the steps you’ll need to take to complete their questline.

    Thiollier and St. Trina locations

    You’ll meet Thiollier first near the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace in Gravesite Plain. You can reach him there before you take on Castle Ensis.

    Later, after you enter Shadow Keep, you’ll be able to find St. Trina in the Cerulean Coast at the Garden of Deep Purple Site of Grace, and Thiollier will move to be with her there.

    Thiollier first meeting in Graveyard Plain

    There’s not really a rush to go find Thiollier at his initial location by Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace, but, since his questline overlaps with Moore’s, it’s probably best to get that initial meeting out of the way early before things get complicated. You can get there before tackling Castle Ensis by crossing Ellac Greatbridge, and then just taking the right inside the solider camp.

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    Once you reach the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace and Miquella’s Cross, chat with Thiollier and exhaust his dialogue.

    Check in with Moore after meeting Thiollier

    After you have your first talk with Thiollier, head back to the Main Gate Cross Site of Grace in front of Belurat. Check in with Moore and talk to him, and he’ll give you some Black Syrup for Thiollier.

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree asking Thiollier about the Black Syrup

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    Head across to Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace to give the Black Syrup and then ask about the Black Syrup. Choose I’m tired of life next, and Thiollier will hand you Thiollier’s Concoction. This is an item you’ll use with the Dragon Communion Priestess on Igon’s questline.

    Break the great rune (and the charm)

    Before you can make any more progress, you need to break a great rune that’s blocking your path. You probably haven’t even seen it yet, but it’s time to get it out of the way.

    To break it, you need to approach Shadow Keep. Just before you reach the front door, you’ll get a pair of messages — “Somewhere, a great rune has broken…” and “And so too has a powerful charm.” These both generally relate to Miquella and the NPCs you’ve met so far. For Thiollier and St. Trina specifically, the great rune was blocking a path you’ll need to head to now.

    Reach the Stone Coffin Fissure and defeat the Putrescent Knight

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree fissure in the Southern Shores

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    All the way at the southern tip of the Southern Shores, there’s a fissure you can climb (fall) down. That’s your next stop. At the bottom, you’ll find the The Fissure Site of Grace at the entrance to the Cerulean Coast and the Stone Coffin Fissure — this is where the rune we broke was blocking your progress.

    A screenshot of the Putrescent Knight boss from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco

    A bit further along, you’ll face the Putrescent Knight and unlock the Garden of Deep Purple Site of Grace. Once you do, you’ll be right near where St. Trina has been hiding.

    Head into the tunnel by the Garden of Deep Purple Site of Grace to meet St. Trina. She’s not very talkative. Don’t do anything with her yet. Instead, leave and then go check in with Thiollier.

    Tell Thiollier about St. Trina’s whereabouts

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree player telling Thiollier St. Trina’s whereabouts

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    Go back to the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace and speak with Thiollier. Tell him St. Trina’s whereabouts, and he’ll relocate.

    Imbibe the nectar

    The next part of their questline is a little confusing (and dark). Head back to the Garden of Deep Purple and go chat with Thiollier.

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree player after imbibing St. Trina’s nectar

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    Ignore his warnings, and go talk to St. Trina. When you have the option, choose to imbibe nectar. Just like Thiollier said, this will kill you immediately. That’s the plan, though, so trust the process.

    Keep respawning at the site of grace and then imbibing the nectar over and over — four times in a row — until you start hearing St. Trina’s voice on the black screen before you respawn.

    Defeat Thiollier

    Once you hear St. Trina’s words, head back and try to pass the message on to Thiollier. It’ll take two tries, and he won’t be receptive.

    Imbibe the nectar (and die) again. You’ll hear a bit more from St. Trina in the darkness.

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Thiollier invasion

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    When you respawn, you’ll get invaded by Thiollier. Defeat him to pick up the St. Trina’s Smile talisman.

    Pass on St. Trina’s words

    Head into the cave and talk to Thiollier again. Drink the nectar again. Die again.

    This time, when you respawn and speak to him again, Thiollier will finally hear you out. Pass on St. Trina’s words to him.

    Burn the Sealing Tree

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree player about to burn the Sealing Tree

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    St. Trina and Thiollier’s questline won’t come to an end for a while. You’ll have to finish Shadow Keep, cross the Rauh Ruins, defeat Romina, Saint of the Bud at the Church of the Bud, and then finally use Messmer’s Kindling to burn the Sealing Tree.

    That will open the Tower of Shadow and teleport you to the Enir-Ilim: Outer Wall Site of Grace in Enir-Ilim. Before you explore too far, though, it’s time to check in on Thiollier one last time.

    Talk to Thiollier

    Head back to the Garden of Deep Purple and talk to Thiollier — he won’t have much to say. Imbibe St. Trina’s nectar again, hear what she has to say now, and then return to Thiollier.

    He probably still won’t have anything to say, but this will ensure you can summon him for…

    Summon Thiollier to fight Leda and her allies

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree summon signs for Thiollier and Ansbach at the Leda fight

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    After you make it all the way through all of Enir-Ilim, you’ll come to a large arena where you face off against Needle Knight Leda and her allies — Redmane Freyja, Dryleaf Dane, and, possibly, Sir Moore.

    You can summon Thiollier and, if you’ve followed his questline, Sir Ansbach to aid you in the fight.

    Thiollier’s fight isn’t over yet.

    Summon Thiollier for the final boss fight

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Thiollier and Ansbach at the final boss fight

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    After defeating Leda, you’ll make your way up to the Divine Gate for the game’s final boss fight. Before you step through the fog wall, there will (might) be summon signs for your allies, Ansbach and Thiollier.

    No matter how the fight goes down, rest at the new Gate of Divinity Site of Grace. After, you’ll find Thiollier dead nearby where you can pick up Thiollier’s Hidden Needle and Thiollier’s set of armor. (Ansbach may be here as well.)

    Receive St. Trina’s Blossom

    Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree St. Trina and St. Trina’s Blossom after defeating Promised Consort Radahn

    Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

    With the fight done, head back to the Garden of the Purple Deep one last time. You’ll find St. Trina dead as well, but she left you the St. Trina’s Blossom (quite fetching) headgear.

    Looking for more Shadow of the Erdtree guides? Check out our guides on the Count Ymir, Dryleaf Dane, Hornsent Grandam, Sir Ansbach, and Redmane Freyja NPC quests, or peruse our interactive Elden Ring DLC map.

    [ad_2]

    Jeffrey Parkin

    Source link

  • Top 10 Games to Buy on the Xbox 360 Marketplace Before It Closes

    Top 10 Games to Buy on the Xbox 360 Marketplace Before It Closes

    [ad_1]

    After nearly 20 years, the Xbox 360 Marketplace is closing on July 29, 2024. Before that day comes, we’ve put together a list of the best of those games that are leaving, so that you can pick them up before they’re gone.

    While it can be frustrating, some titles can still be purchased on the PlayStation 3 Store for a time. Beyond that, not all titles are lost – many have remasters and ports on other consoles!

    However, it’s the end of an era. The Wii Shop Channel has closed down, with the Xbox 360 now following soon after. With the PlayStation 3 Store closing sometime soon, the seventh console generation is coming to a concrete end.

    10. BUBBLE BOBBLE Neo!

    Image Source: TAITO CORPORATION

    “Encase your enemies in bubbles with the bubble-spitting dragon Bub … learn the various techniques of the game and clear all the rounds!”

    BUBBLE BOBBLE Neo!, Xbox Store Listing

    Originally released on August 5, 2009, this remake of the original Bubble Bobble was also listed on Nintendo’s now-dead Wii Shop Channel. As such, picking up the Xbox 360 version is now the only viable way to experience the title.

    There are plenty of ways to play Taito’s beloved cutesy puzzle-platformer. However, Bubble Bobble Neo! sets itself apart by allowing players to scramble around as Bub and Bob in cooperative or competitive local multiplayer.

    Featuring retro-inspired color stages and greatly updated character models from the original arcade, this is perhaps one of the quintessential Bubble Bobble experiences. Having earned 3.75 out of 5 stars from 3,015 reviews on the Xbox Store at the time of publication, it’s also clear that plenty of other gamers feel the same way.

    BUBBLE BOBBLE Neo! can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    9. RAINBOW ISLANDS: T.A.

    Blue grid-like platforms are visible with caterpillar-like enemies balancing on top of them. The protagonist, a red ninja-like garb wearing human climbs up the platforms against a background of a setting sun on an obscure planet.
    Image Source: TAITO CORPORATION

    “Shoot out rainbows to defeat your enemies as well as climb them towards the top in this platform gaming classic!”

    RAINBOW ISLANDS: T.A., Xbox Store Listing

    Originally released on December 16, 2009, this title is a spin-off from the previously mentioned Bubble Bobble franchise. Picking up the Xbox 360 version allows players to involve their Xbox Live avatars in the action from within the Challenge and Time Attack modes!

    Using the in-game map, you constantly climb upwards towards the top of the stage. However, be wary of attacking enemies, which you can disband with your colorful rainbow powers!

    Incorporating light role-playing game aspects such as improvable traits, alongside a multitude of dynamic stage themes, no single run of this puzzle-platformer remains the same for long.

    For fans of the franchise, or those looking for a peculiar puzzle title, it’s definitely worth a look!

    RAINBOW ISLANDS: T.A. can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    8. Battlezone

    Geometric text details the title of the video game 'Battlezone'. A dark lunar surface is visible in the background, with vector-graphic tanks visible shooting at the player.
    Image Source: Stainless Games, Ltd.

    “The original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul … this updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included.”

    Battlezone, Xbox Store Listing

    This Xbox Live remake of the 1980 Atari classic is a faithful yet genuinely evolutionary step for the retro title. Even with dynamic explosions and lighting effects casting chaos and shadows over the lunar surface, the ambient atmosphere of the desolate planetoid is not lost on players.

    The feel of playing this reimagined classic cannot be understated. Shots fired from, and targeted towards, you are dense and impactful. With the technology available to them, Atari created a prototypical shooter which would be hard-pressed to improve upon. However, with 2010’s Battlezone, you can feel 30 years of industry development behind every change made.

    The added inclusion of the classic title itself makes the purchase worthy enough for some. However, the impressive results of the original 2010 title cannot be blown out of proportion!

    Battlezone can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    7. Crimson Alliance

    Three fantasy heroes are visible in the foreground, balancing on a rocky outreach in a cavern. Seen in the background is a fiery crypt with stone bridges and arches.
    Image Source: Certain Affinity

    “Choose to play as the powerful wizard, Direwolf; the battle-hardened mercenary, Gnox; or the mysterious assassin, Moonshade.”

    Crimson Alliance, Xbox Store Listing

    This cooperative action role-playing game is a testament to what the Xbox Live Arcade format was all about. Promoted as a free title, gamers can purchase separate classes and play either solo or with friends.

    Featuring three original character classes, they can then explore Diablo-like dungeons, cutting down enemies as they travel. Players can choose to play as an omniscient warlock with hard-hitting elemental abilities as Direwolf. Or, they can select the hard-as-nails, gruff-talking mercenary with extensive defensive and offensive options as Gnox. However, should they feel like providing fast, light damage they can instead pick the mystical and mysterious assassin, Moonshade.

    Crimson Alliance can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    6. Gotham City Impostors

    A large, brutish man is seen in the foreground holding a rocket launcher and wearing a Batman costume. The location is a neon-trimmed carnival-esque town.
    Image Source: Monolith Productions, Inc.

    “Posing as amateur vigilantes or villains, gamers create their own Bats and The Jokerz characters”

    Gotham City Impostors, Xbox Store Listing

    This title lives in a peculiar stasis with the Xbox 360 Marketplace shutdown. This first-person shooter from F.E.A.R and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor developers Monolith Productions holds its comic book roots as its first and foremost inspiration. This doesn’t just extend to the comic-inspired visuals of the title, but to the comic craziness of the combat itself.

    The title is still available for download, where gamers can play the not-insignificant amount of single-player content. However, while the title was ported to Steam, the online aspects on which the title marketed itself are no longer accessible.

    Yet, there’s no denying that this is still a DC Comics licenced title – and that alone might be worth the purchase.

    Gotham City Impostors can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    5. Yo-Ho Kablammo

    Multicoloured pirate ships fire cannonballs at one another in a cartoonish style.
    Image Source: Canalside Studios

    “With access to all of the ships and game modes – there is enough here to keep even the most ambitious pirate busy… just beware the Kraken!”

    Yo-Ho Kablammo, Xbox Store Listing

    This pirate-themed arena shooter is another unfortunate casualty of the Xbox 360 Marketplace closure. A more-than-competent title, it doesn’t rock the boat but is a fun adventure that cannot be found anywhere else.

    The title not only includes an extensive suite of multiplayer modes and locales to battle your friends in, through local multiplayer. Beyond that, the single-player adventure takes you through 15 unique challenge gauntlets so you can be ready to face your friends in cartoony ship-to-ship pirate combat!

    In all honesty, I can imagine the phrase ‘pirate-themed arena shooter’ was enough to pique your interest. However, if you still need to be convinced then I imagine the near-endless amount of fun that could be had in local multiplayer and single-player definitely makes it worth a look into before it vanishes.

    Yo-Ho Kablammo can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    4. METEOS WARS

    Geometric text details the title of the video game 'Meteos Wars'. A dark, starry sky is visible in the background.
    Image Source: Q ENTERTAINMENT Inc.

    “Take a ride through this intergalactic journey where you slide, stack and ignite your blocks to blast away the world-ending Meteos!”

    METEOS WARS, Xbox Store Listing

    This Xbox Live Arcade title is a sequel to the handheld exclusive Meteos. Far from the first puzzle title on this list, yet arguably one of the best. Years before Tetris Effect, Meteos Wars enamored gamers and critics alike with its heart-pumping techno soundtrack. While the match-three gameplay is old hat at this point, Meteos Wars incorporates its science-fiction setting in the most compelling way possible.

    While most puzzle games are a straight-up competition between yourself and the computer AI, in Meteos Wars you have a third adversary to compete with: gravity.

    You might be successful at coherently lining up your differently colored blocks. However, once they blast off to be set aside, they have to fight against the crushing pressure of gravity pushing them back down!

    Struggling against all these interconnected systems could be a turn-off for some. Yet the addictive gameplay loop, along with the extensive other modes available, make Meteos Wars a genuinely captivating title.

    Meteos Wars can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    3. Fusion: Genesis

    A starship is visible in the foreground, shooting at other starships which are circling them. A hollow asteroid is visible in teh background, with a star-like light source in the middle.
    Image Source: Starfire Studio

    “Unravel a sinister conspiracy in a galaxy on the brink of civil war. Choose your side. Expose the truth.”

    Fusion: Genesis, Xbox Store Listing

    This ambitious title is one of the best of those being lost in the Xbox 360 Marketplace closure. Fusion: Genesis is an endearingly satisfying title to play, once you get your mind around the controls.

    Taking you on a dynamic, unraveling narrative following six unique storylines, this title breaks the mold with multiple storylines to work through. In Fusion: Genesis, you play as a trader, a mercenary, a peacekeeper, and more. Including hundreds of quests that can be completed in solo or cooperative play, you will find yourself darting around 23 unique locations.

    Including over 100 ships, which can be fitted with 200 weapons and thousands of upgrades, you will most likely never encounter all the available configurations. However, for those looking for a quality title with a plethora of content, Fusion: Genesis is a title you need to check out.

    If you’re looking for the best of what the Marketplace has to offer before it closes, then this is one you must consider.

    Fusion: Genesis can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    2. Panzer General

    A deck-building board game based on the Second World War is visible in the foreground. Barbed wire and smoke from distant explosions are visible in the background.
    Image Source: Petroglyph Games, Inc.

    “Recreate actual battles during the last phase of World War II and experience the dramatic events of D-Day as they unfold in your hands.”

    Panzer General, Xbox Store Listing

    This title is a faithful video game adaptation of the much-loved card/board game of the same name. It’s no secret that some may find the memorization and finicky card-play of an in-person card/board game unappealing. For those people, this Xbox 360 adaptation of Panzer General is the best place to start.

    Beyond the focus on accessibility and fluid gameplay, this ground-up adaptation of the much-loved board game also features an original soundtrack from legendary Command and Conquer franchise composer Frank Klepacki.

    As such, if you’re a fan of the strategy genre in any way, this title will most likely be checking all of your strategy boxes right about now!

    Panzer General can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    1. The Dishwasher

    The 'dishwasher' is the gun-toting and knife-wielding protagonist of 'The Dishwasher' video game title. They are seen pouncing from figure to figure. As time seemingly moves slowly around them in a gritty, modern setting.
    Image Source: Ska Studios

    “Experience 14 levels of story, the ranked story track … and more weapons, bosses, and intense, stylistic action!”

    The Dishwasher, Xbox Store Listing

    This indie title was one of the winners of Microsoft’s Dream-Build-Play game development contest. As such, this advanced-movement hack-and-slash is important to purchase, purely as a piece of video game history.

    However, the title also benefits from being a genuinely fun game to play, beyond that.

    While the 14-stage single-player campaign is what most gamers will be drawn to the title for, The Dishwasher is full-to-the-brim with additional content. This unique title offers a unique cooperative campaign alongside 50 additional arcade challenge arenas to better your gruesome gun-toting, blade-wielding skills.

    The Dishwasher can be picked up via the Xbox Marketplace.

    Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

    [ad_2]

    Connor Wright

    Source link

  • Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree guides and walkthroughs

    Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree guides and walkthroughs

    [ad_1]

    Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC poses one big question, the type of earthshaking query that can rattle the philosophical foundation of any gamer’s mindset: “What if Elden Ring, but more?”

    In truth, you’re the only person who can answer that question for yourself. But if you’ve played a bunch of the base game — and hit all the pre-requisites for accessing the DLC — one look at Shadow of the Erdtree is likely enough impetus to sigh, sit down, and recognize it’s time to do it all again.

    As with all things Elden Ring, there’s no need to brave this expansion alone. Start with our guide on the recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree, then see what to do first in the Elden Ring DLC, or get lost in our interactive map. From there, if you find yourself stuck on any of the byzantine legacy dungeons, check out our walkthroughs for Belurat, Castle Ensis, and Shadow Keep.

    We have guides on where to find DLC map fragments and DLC talismans, plus guides on two collectibles specific to Shadow of the Erdtree: Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes. Those are in addition to lists on spells, weapons, and armor introduced in the DLC.

    And, go figure, there’s no shortage of horrible bosses here. A particular enemy giving you grief? Our guides can help you beat the Blackgaol Knight; Divine Beast Dancing Lion; Rellanna, Twin Moon Knight; and the Golden Hippopotamus.

    Yes, “more Elden Ring” might sound like a daunting proposition. But Shadow of the Erdtree retains one quality that made the base game such a standout: It’s way easier (and way more fun) when you phone a friend.

    [ad_2]

    Polygon Staff

    Source link

  • Microsoft clearly still cares about Game Pass. Exclusives? Not so much

    Microsoft clearly still cares about Game Pass. Exclusives? Not so much

    [ad_1]

    Last week, I posited that the Xbox showcase on June 9 would be the most important in the history of Microsoft’s gaming division. If it wasn’t, that could be because this slick prerecorded show couldn’t possibly compete for historical impact with, for example, the garbage fire that was the 2013 Xbox One reveal event, or the bungled E3 show that followed it. It was confident and smooth in its orchestration, impressive in a way that was almost calming after the awkward anticlimax of Summer Game Fest two days earlier. But it was still immensely significant: for its indication of the seismic publishing power Microsoft now holds, for the questions it answered about Xbox’s future, and for the questions it didn’t.

    In fact, the two most telling bits of news emerged outside the boundaries of the show itself. The first was the confirmation, more than a week before the show, that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be released on Game Pass on day one. The second, which was not mentioned by Microsoft during its showcase but slipped out in a press release alongside it, is that Doom: The Dark Ages (one of the biggest first-party reveals of the event) is also coming to PlayStation 5.

    Between them, these two facts spell out Microsoft’s strategy quite clearly: Game Pass is everything, and Xbox consoles aren’t. Microsoft is doubling down hard on its subscription service, and bringing its new, almost terrifying might as a game publisher to bear on the Game Pass catalog. But the company had little to say about Xbox hardware, and its attitude to console exclusivity for Microsoft-owned games remains ambivalent at best.

    Doom: The Dark Ages’ PS5 version was quietly the most significant news of the night.
    Image: id Software/Bethesda Softworks

    After the shock release of four former Xbox exclusives on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch earlier this year, many Xbox fans were looking to Sunday’s showcase for explicit reassurance that Microsoft was still investing in Xbox consoles by getting its vast army of first-party studios to make exclusive games for them. That reassurance did not come. In fact, Xbox console exclusivity was not mentioned once. The words “coming to Xbox Series X and PC” appeared as much at the end of trailers for games in storied Xbox franchises like Fable and Gears of War as they did for multiplatform releases from third-party publishers like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. There was no attempt at differentiation on this score.

    Reports indicate that Microsoft has “no red line” internally when it comes to which of its games it will consider for release on other platforms, and the wording (or lack of it) used on Sunday shows that the company is keen to keep its options open. It’s striking that Microsoft chose to open the showcase with two heavy hitters that’ll be available on PlayStation: Black Ops 6, which was already slated for PS5 (per Microsoft’s Call of Duty deal with Sony), and Doom: The Dark Ages, which wasn’t.

    The Dark Ages’ PS5 release is a clue to how Microsoft intends to handle exclusivity in the short term, at least as far as games from Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard are concerned. Speaking to IGN after the showcase aired, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said, “Doom is definitely one of those franchises that has a history of so many platforms. It’s a franchise that I think everyone deserves to play. When I was in a meeting with Marty [Stratton, id Software studio director] a couple years ago, I asked Marty what he wanted to do, and he said he wanted to sell it on all platforms. Simple as that.”

    Spencer’s explanation — as well as Microsoft’s handling of Minecraft — suggests that Microsoft does not intend to make previously multiplatform game series exclusive. It’s a strong indication that Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls 6, for one, will get a PlayStation release. For everything else, it’s an open question. It might seem unthinkable that Gears of War: E-Day or Fable will come out on PS5, but nothing said (or unsaid) on Sunday indicates that that’s off the table.

    Title cards for 16 games above the words “Play day one with Game Pass”

    Microsoft is keen to ram home Game Pass’ value to subscribers.
    Image: Xbox

    As far as Game Pass goes, however, Microsoft could not have been more emphatic. “Play it day one with Game Pass,” boomed the stinger on the end of trailer after trailer after trailer. Of the 30 games, expansions, and updates featured in Sunday’s showcase, 20 will go straight to Game Pass. Of those 20 Game Pass titles, 13 come from Microsoft-owned studios; nine are scheduled to debut in 2024, eight in 2025, and three have no release windows yet.

    Call of Duty, Doom, Gears of War, State of Decay, Perfect Dark, Fable, Indiana Jones, STALKER, Flight Simulator, Avowed… all coming to Game Pass as soon as they’re released. There are blockbuster shooters and role-playing games, strategy and sim games, wistful indies, and, thanks to partnerships with companies like Kepler Interactive and Rebellion, a good helping of AA Eurojank (perhaps the ideal kind of Game Pass game).

    In a way, it’s more illustrative to look at what from the showcase won’t be coming to Game Pass. Those 10 titles include big third-party franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Assassin’s Creed; a handful of smaller third-party games; and expansions for Starfield, Diablo 4, The Elder Scrolls Online, and World of Warcraft. Selling DLC for Game Pass-included titles like Starfield, Diablo 4, and TES Online is a big part of the Game Pass business model, so you could still consider those titles under the Game Pass umbrella. (World of Warcraft is the outlier here as the only Microsoft-owned game featured that isn’t on Game Pass at all — and indeed, the only one not available on Xbox consoles.)

    If Microsoft has doubts about the commercial viability of console-exclusive releases in the long term, it certainly doesn’t seem to have those doubts about Game Pass. With subscriber numbers seeming to have plateaued (according to Microsoft’s rarely released figures), and with the presumed considerable loss of revenue resulting from rolling a guaranteed seller like Black Ops 6 into a subscription service, many were wondering if Microsoft’s “Netflix for games” approach made economic sense. It’s possible that this debate has been ongoing in Microsoft until recently: Black Ops 6 developer Treyarch told Game File’s Stephen Totilo “it wasn’t that long ago” that the studio was informed that the game would launch on Game Pass. But taken as a whole, the showcase was a resounding vote of confidence in the service, and an indication that it will go on to provide great value to subscribers through 2025 and beyond.

    An image of a white all-digital Xbox Series X, a white Series S with 1 TB of storage and a black Series X with 2 TB of storage

    New Xbox console variants with more storage were announced with little fanfare.
    Image: Xbox

    After its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is now the third-biggest gaming company in the world by revenue — and arguably the biggest in terms of intellectual property and publishing might. Sunday’s showcase demonstrated quite convincingly how it intends to fill those massive boots: dozens of solid-looking games in famous, fan-favorite franchises, stretching far into the future. Quality and quantity. The surprise inclusion of a few long-gestating titles that had reportedly been stuck in development hell, like Perfect Dark and State of Decay 3, seemed like a pointed message that Microsoft can be trusted to keep all these projects on track, despite its spotty record in studio management.

    But Xbox hardware only got the briefest mention, in the form of three new console configurations and a promise that “we’re hard at work on the next generation.” The rumored handheld announcement did not materialize. And exclusivity remains a glaring open question.

    Regarding Microsoft’s position in the broader game industry, it seems we have our answer: It’s now a publisher first, a subscription platform second, and a console hardware platform a distant third.

    [ad_2]

    Oli Welsh

    Source link

  • This Was The Best Xbox Showcase In Years (And The Hardest To Root For)

    This Was The Best Xbox Showcase In Years (And The Hardest To Root For)

    [ad_1]

    A Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign that looks like Mission: Impossible by way of an Adam Curtis documentary, a Gears of War prequel that shows fans E-Day and the birth of the series’ iconic “Lancer” chainsaw gun, and a trailer that showed Perfect Dark isn’t just still alive, it’s potentially thriving. Microsoft’s 2024 summer showcase was the best that Xbox has looked going back to the Xbox One years. But it’s come at a huge price, and one the company doesn’t seem ready to acknowledge publicly.

    Thank You, PS Plus, For Making My Backlog Even Bigger

    Insiders had been hyping the showcase for days, in part due to the fact that its full list of reveals and announcements had already leaked to some in the media and beyond. Fans have been burned before, expecting Xbox to finally turn a corner only to have the football pulled once again and realize the platform is still in another one of its inescapable “rebuilding” years. The proof is always in the games themselves, and how successful they are can only really be determined once they get into players’ hands. For now, though, the showcase delivered.

    There was over sixty minutes of games big and small, offering everything from zombie survival to nostalgic teen hangout, punctuated by massive first-party franchises and third-party teases. If you own an Xbox Series X/S there will be plenty to play this year and next. Xbox game studios head Matt Booty’s perennial promise for a steady cadence of quarterly Xbox games worth showing up for might finally come true. The only thing missing from the event was any accountability for what, and who, Microsoft has sacrificed to get here.

    It’s been just over a month since the company announced it’s shutting down three studios and reshuffling a fourth. One of the casualties, Tango Gameworks, and its 2023 hit Hi-Fi Rush, seemed to symbolize the best of Xbox in the Game Pass era: a hyper-stylized passion project from a newer team that wowed critics and won awards and wouldn’t have been possible without the “let a thousand flowers bloom” strategy behind the platform’s pivot to a Netflix-like subscription library. In a crushing reversal, however, the deep-pocketed tech giant cut the team, along with storied immersive sim makers Arkane Austin and others. According to internal comments from Booty and the head of parent company Zenimax, there just wasn’t enough bandwidth for one of the three most valuable companies in the world to manage so many studios.

    The bad news and bullshit explanation might not have gone down like a lead balloon if Microsoft hadn’t announced mass layoffs just months earlier across several departments, including newly acquired Activision Blizzard. The cuts hit everyone from the Overwatch 2 team to Call of Duty makers Sledgehammer Games, and included the cancellation of Odyssey, a survival crafting fantasy game that might have become the first new franchise from Blizzard in nearly a decade. Microsoft spent $69 billion on the acquisition, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer toured the Activision Blizzard King offices shortly after the deal was finalized last fall, and then in early 2024 the mask came off.

    Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer blamed the heel turn on a combination of investor pressure and the stagnation of the console gaming market in interviews with Game File and Polygon. In other words: capitalism. But the complete closure of Tango Gameworks, originally founded by Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami to train a new generation of creatives, seemed especially capricious. The Xbox team didn’t mention the developers it’s laid off and their contributions in its remarks to a live audience ahead of the showcase today, or during the pre-recorded event itself. (Even after learning its fate, Arkane Austin worked hard to push out Redfall’s much-needed final update.)

    Instead, Spencer opened the showcase by promoting Black Ops 6 and the company’s desire to bring one of the most popular franchises to even more players through the power of a $17-a-month subscription. It maybe wasn’t surprising given the billions Microsoft paid to acquire the series, but the choice to open the show this way underscored the new reality of an Xbox brand that now needs to make a return worthy of all of those investments. “I haven’t been talking publicly about this, because right now is the time for us to focus on the team and the individuals,” Spencer told IGN later in the day, away from the hundreds of thousands of fans tunning into the showcase.

    He continued:

    It’s obviously a decision that’s very hard on them, and I want to make sure through severance and other things that we’re doing the right thing for the individuals on the team. It’s not about my PR, it’s not about Xbox PR. It’s about those teams. In the end, I’ve said over and over, I have to run a sustainable business inside the company and grow, and that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that frankly are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make.

    The showcase, meanwhile, didn’t even clear the bar set days prior by Geoff Keighley at the Game Awards host’s own showcase. Xbox president Sarah Bond, who responded with corpo word salad when asked about studio closures last month, closed out the Xbox showcase by pointing to the future instead of dwelling on the recent past. “It’s our mission to make Xbox the best place to play, by including our own studios’ games on Game Pass at launch, by bringing your games into the future with our commitment to game preservation, by pushing the boundaries in our future hardware, and to empower you to play your games wherever you want on Xbox console, PC, and cloud,” she said. “This is what defines Xbox today and in the future, and we’re hard at work on the next generation.”

    It was a commitment aimed at reassuring fans still recovering from the shock of the brand’s recent pivots. But the future is built on the past, and every shiny new Xbox game now comes with the question of what will happen to the teams Microsoft has purchased or partnered with, once it no longer feels like they serve its bottom line.

    Update 6/9/2024 9:10 p.m. ET: Added comments from Spencer’s post-show interview with IGN.

     

    [ad_2]

    Ethan Gach

    Source link

  • 9 games that need to be at Summer Game Fest or it’s so over

    9 games that need to be at Summer Game Fest or it’s so over

    [ad_1]

    We are so back. And by “we,” I mean video games. At a half-dozen slickly produced promotional events over the next week, games will be teased in the form of captivating cinematic trailers with promises to push the medium forward.

    The annual Summer Game Fest extravaganza, host Geoff Keighley’s replacement for E3, kicks off the promotional activities on Friday, June 7. The rest of the weekend is also filled with similar hours-long events from Xbox, Activision, Ubisoft, Devolver Digital, and other organizers who have rallied smaller, indie-created games for a combined show of force.

    There’s an expectation that the annual parade of trailers for exciting new games will include plenty of games that won’t be out for many months, if not years, after their unveilings. To be clear, that happens every year. And I’m here to remind you that there are countless unreleased games that were announced with gusto at similar events in years past — some of which have slipped from the public consciousness, and we’re convinced that if they don’t show up in a meaningful way over the next couple weeks, it’s so over.*

    *It’s not really over, especially given the volatile state of the video game industry. But we’re getting pretty worried/impatient about the following games and honestly hope they show up, look great, and will be critical and commercial successes — all of them.

    Monolith’s Wonder Woman game

    Announced in 2021, developer Monolith Productions promised to bring its patented Nemesis System from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor to a game based on Wonder Woman. We were excited about it, even with the taste of Wonder Woman 1984 relatively fresh in our mouths, but haven’t heard a peep about the game since then. DC’s approach to video games based on its characters has changed since the announcement of Wonder Woman, and we remain hopeful that Monolith can capture the magical feeling of battling wisecracking Orcs in a game that gives us control of Diana Prince and her golden lasso.

    Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell remake

    Another announcement that dates back to 2021? Ubisoft Toronto’s plan to remake the original Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. The new Splinter Cell promises to take advantage of 20 years of technical innovations and to rework parts of the game’s story “that may not have aged particularly well,” creative director Chris Auty said in 2022. Showing off the Splinter Cell remake at Sunday’s Xbox Games Showcase would go a long way to appeasing longtime Xbox fans, with a deeper dive ideally poised for Monday’s Ubisoft Forward event. Just sayin’.

    Skate. (Skate 4)

    Credit to Electronic Arts: The publisher and development team, Full Circle, has been very transparent about the development of the next Skate game — which is called skate., not Skate 4, officially — and opened up playtesting to in-progress versions of the game. But please give us the new Skate already! How about a release date? Barring that, can I get a beta key? I want to flump, too.

    Capcom’s Pragmata

    It’s been four years since Capcom revealed Pragmata at Sony’s big unveiling of the PlayStation 5. Pragmata’s been delayed several times since then, and the last we heard about it was when Capcom pushed it back indefinitely. Is Pragmata joining the increasingly long list of games coming in 2025? It’s starting to feel like it.

    Rare’s Everwild

    We’re nearing the five-year anniversary of Everwild’s unveiling. Eighteen months later, we learned that developer Rare had reportedly rebooted the game with “a complete overhaul of the game’s design and direction.” Frankly, we just want to find out what Everwild even is — especially since Rare has proven that given the right development resources, it can turn good games into great games.

    Transformers: Reactivate

    Call me an idealist, but I’m always willing to give a Transformers game the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes you get an unexpected surprise — a Transformers: Devastation, if you will. So when Splash Damage teased Transformers: Reactivate in 2022 with a moody cover of Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive,” I was immediately on board. But we haven’t heard much about the cooperative online action game since, and that’s a shame. I’ve been in transform-and-roll-out mode for the past 18 months and I’m concerned.

    Perfect Dark

    Announced at 2020’s The Game Awards, developer The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot promised to revive a long-dormant franchise and serve as a cornerstone of the Xbox Series X’s lineup of game exclusives. But the studio and owner Microsoft have said very little about their new Perfect Dark and what we can expect from Joanna Dark’s return. We continue to wait for it, alongside Xbox Game Studios’ Avowed, Contraband, Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, and State of Decay 3.

    Kingdom Hearts 4

    We’re now two years out from the announcement of Kingdom Hearts 4, a reveal timed to the Square Enix-Disney role-playing game franchise’s 20th anniversary. It increasingly looks like we’ll have to wait for Kingdom Hearts’ 25th birthday to actually get our hands on Sora’s next adventure. Given how long it’s taken Square Enix to realize its Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy — to say nothing of its next mainline Dragon Quest game — we don’t actually expect to see Kingdom Hearts 4 showing up any time soon. There’s a painful dose of reality.

    Hollow Knight Silksong

    It’s not happening, is it? Any time soon, I mean. That’s fine. Everything’s fine.

    [ad_2]

    Michael McWhertor

    Source link

  • Where in Neomuna is Archie in Destiny 2?

    Where in Neomuna is Archie in Destiny 2?

    [ad_1]

    Archie returns to Destiny 2 with a trip to the Neomuna following the May 28, 2024, weekly reset.

    This is the final step in a series of “Where in the System is Archie” quests in the wake of the Into the Light update — which have been staggered out week-by-week in the lead up to The Final Shape.

    Note this quest expires on the June 3 weekly reset — a full day before The Final Shape launches on June 4. This is because Bungie will take Destiny 2 down for 24 hours ahead of the expansion.

    Remember, provided you complete any Archie quest before the arrival of The Final Shape, you’ll get your hands on the Blue Steel shader, while the lore for all Archie quests will be available from June 4 on.

    How to start ‘Where in Neomuna is Archie?’ in Destiny 2

    To start the final “Where is Archie” quest, head to the Tower’s Annex and find the paw prints.

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    You can reach this location by using the southwest-most fast travel point, then traveling straight ahead down the corridor. The paw prints will appear on the ledge to your right.

    Investigate the prints and go talk to Ada-1 (found in the Annex proper opposite) to start the latest quest.

    Starting the “Where in Neomuna is Archie” quest in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Now, head to Neomuna, and speak to Nimbus at Strider’s Gate. Once done, the search begins.

    Speaking to Nimbus about the Archie quest in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    All Archie Neomuna locations

    Here is where to find Archie in Neomuna, clue-by-clue.

    ‘Archie stopped by Nimbus’ post hoping to snap an action figure’ location

    A Guardian finds Archie’s footprints in Nimbus’ gym

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    This clue refers to Nimbus’s gym room, which is also where you place all the action figure collectibles on Neomuna.

    From Nimbus, jump directly down and to the right, off the platform. The building will be right in front of you. Go inside and you’ll find Archie’s footprints between the coffee tables.

    Now you’re in for quite a journey to visit the Veil.

    ‘Archie wanted to get caught up on everything we know about the Veil’ location

    This clue refers to the Veil Containment and Irkalla Complex areas, which are the two southeastern-most points on the Neomuna map.

    A map of Neomuna in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    To reach this place, you can’t just launch Veil Containment, as you’ll need to be outside. Instead, you need to go through the Zephyr Concourse and then the ESI Terminal. Keep left the entire way there and you’ll eventually find a portal, which will take you to the Veil Containment area.

    A Guardian prepares to enter a portal in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Continue up to the door, where you’ll be attacked by a bunch of Cabal and a Tormentor. Kill everything, including the Tormentor, and return to the door. You’ll find Archie’s footprints just outside of the door to the Veil.

    A Guardian finds Archie’s footprints in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Now you’ll need to go on another long walk near Liming Harbor.

    ‘Archie wanted to check out the views from where Guardians mastered Strand’ location

    This clue refers to Maya’s Rest, which is the sandy area to the east of Liming Harbor.

    A map of Neomuna in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Land at Liming Harbor and take the path east through the rocks. This is basically a straight shot to Maya’s Retreat, but it takes a bit to get there. Continue on until you reach the sandy area.

    A Guardian looks for Archie in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    You’ll have to kill a lot of Cabal here, including a Colossus boss. Once you kill the boss, all of the other enemies will disappear and you’ll be able to collect the footprints, which are overlooking the city.

    A Guardian finds Archie’s footprints in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Mercifully, Archie’s final stop is a much shorter run.

    ‘Archie’s last stop. Archie wanted to try and win a prize for you’ location

    This final clue refers to the Thrilladrome Lost Sector in Liming Harbor.

    A map showing the Thrilladrome lost sector in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Land in Liming and make your way north to the Lost Sector entrance. Walk inside and just do the normal version — as-in don’t launch the Legend or Master version if they’re available — and eventually you’ll find Archie waiting by a claw machine. Do not go through the Vex portal at the end. If you do, you’ll miss Archie, who is to the right of the portal.

    A Guardian finds Archie in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    Go give him some pets and you’ll finish the exploration portion of the quest. Now it’s time to head back to Ada-1 in the Tower. She’ll give you an Archie Plush Toy and 10 Trophy of Bravery tokens — useful for getting more Brave weapons. Whether you keep the plush is up to you. Archie will be sad if you don’t!

    A Guardian receives an Archie plush in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    The Archie quests will disappear entirely with the weekly reset of June 3, so this is your final chance to find Archie.

    If you’re looking for more to do in the Into the Light update, you can take on Pantheon bosses, complete “Zero Hour,” and for “The Whisper,” find Oracle locations, and upgrade Whisper of the Worm with Taken Blights.

    [ad_2]

    Ryan Gilliam

    Source link

  • All hidden face locations in Hellblade 2

    All hidden face locations in Hellblade 2

    [ad_1]

    You’ll find hidden stone faces scattered throughout Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Finding these collectibles — and focusing on them — will open a new path leading to a tree containing a bit of lore.

    Our Hellblade 2 guide will show you where to find all 17 hidden faces in Senua’s Saga. We’ll break them down by chapter below. When you open the Chapters screen, you’ll be able to select a subsection of each chapter. We’ll also note which subsection the hidden stone faces appear in if you want to go back and find any you missed.

    Hidden faces rewards in Hellblade 2

    Each hidden face you find will reveal a secret path when you focus on it. Down that path, you’ll find a small tree — a version of Yggdrasil. Focusing on the tree will give you a snippet of lore.

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Finding all 17 hidden stone faces will earn you the “Glimpses of the Gods” achievement. It’ll also unlock a new section in the Extras menu — Landdisasteinar Stories — where you can listen to the stories again.

    Chapter 1: Reykjanesta hidden faces

    There are no stone faces in chapter 1, “Reykjanesta.”

    Chapter 2: Freyslaug hidden faces

    There are two stone faces to find in chapter 2, “Freyslaug.” There is one during “Return Home” and one during “Meeting the Stranger.”

    Return Home stone face location

    After you solve the first rune puzzle, the “Return Home” section starts with Senua’s memory of home. After you find her mirror and learn to fight with it, you come back to the real(er) world.

    Hellblade 2 route to the Return Home stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    You’ll cross a gruesomely decorated bridge to more of the village and have to pass through a house with a man hanging from a hook inside.

    Hellblade 2 route to the Return Home stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    When you get back outside, continue along the path until you reach the torch you see ahead of you.

    Hellblade 2 Return Home stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    The first stone face is impossible to miss — you have to focus on it to open the path.

    Meeting the Stranger stone face location

    Hellblade 2 route to the Meeting the Stranger stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    After you rescue Fargrimr from the draugar, he’ll lead you away from the village. Not far into your walk, you’ll come to a broken bridge.

    Hellblade 2 Meeting the Stranger stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    When you reach it, look to the left. You’ll spot the next hidden face along an outcropping of rock there.

    Chapter 3: Raudholar hidden faces

    There are five stone faces to find in chapter 3, “Raudholar.” There are two during “Red Hills” and three during “On the Hill.”

    Red Hills stone face location 1

    Hellblade 2 route to Red Hills stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Not long into your walk with both Fargrimr and Thorgestr, you’ll walk down a hill while Fargrimr starts to tell you about his village. You’ll come to the ruins of a few scattered buildings.

    Hellblade 2 route to Red Hills stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Take a right as soon as you enter the clearing. There’s a path there that will lead back and to the right.

    Hellblade 2 Red Hills stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    It will bring you to a small, circular clearing. Look to the left to find the next stone face.

    Red Hills stone face location 2

    In the same area, go back to the main path. This time, head to the left.

    Hellblade 2 Red Hills stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Walk away from the main path again, and you’ll pass what’s left of a house. Keep walking straight back from that house to find the next hidden face.

    On the Hill stone face location 1

    After your trip through the dark and horror-filled forest, you’ll have another conversation with Fargrimr. He’ll set you on your trip to finding the hiddenfolk.

    Hellblade 2 route to On the Hill stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    The path with lead you through a shallow puddle. Just past that, watch for the path to split.

    Hellblade 2 On the Hill stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Take the left fork, and you’ll be looking directly at the next hidden face.

    On the Hill stone face location 2

    After you complete the first of the hiddenfolk’s puzzles, head through the gate you just opened.

    Hellblade 2 On the Hill stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    On your way up the hill, just a little past the first puzzle, you’ll spot the next stone face in the stones on your right.

    On the Hill stone face location 3

    After the second hiddenfolk puzzle, pass through the gate. The path will lead you up and then down a hill, and you’ll have to drop off a pair of ledges.

    Hellblade 2 route to On the Hill stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    In the next clearing, the main path goes off to the left and past another shallow puddle. Over on the right side, look for another pair of ledges to climb.

    Hellblade 2 On the Hill stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    At the top, the next stone face will be immediately next to you on the right.

    Chapter 4: Huldufolk hidden faces

    There are four stone faces to find in chapter 4, “Huldufolk.” There are three during “Enter the Caves” and one during “Act of Sacrifice.”

    Enter the Caves stone face location 1

    Hellblade 2 route to Enter the Caves stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    When you enter the caves at the beginning of “Enter the Caves,” you’ll squeeze through a narrow passage and then drop off a ledge. Just past that, you’ll have to crouch through a small doorway.

    Hellblade 2 Enter the Caves stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    As you pass through, keep an eye on your left to find the next stone face in the wall.

    Enter the Caves stone face location 2

    Continue along and you’ll find the first brazier. Lighting that one reveals a ramp up to the main path. Keep following it through the tunnels until you reach the second, already-lit brazier.

    Hellblade 2 Enter the Caves stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    When you loop around to the right to reach the brazier and extinguish it, it’ll reveal the doorway to the next section. Instead of dropping down, turn around. The next hidden face was, well, hidden behind a section of rock that you passed on your way.

    Enter the Caves stone face location 3

    Hellblade 2 route to Enter the Caves stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Just past that second brazier, you’ll come to a hole in the floor that you have to drop through. When you land, you’ll be in waist-deep water.

    Hellblade 2 Enter the Caves stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    As soon you land, turn around. The tunnel extends behind you, and that’s where you’ll find the next hidden face.

    Act of Sacrifice stone face location

    Hellblade 2 route to the Act of Sacrifice stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    After a long and tense trip through the dark while being led by the hiddenfolk’s lights, you’ll eventually come to a naturally lit cave with floating boulders. There’s a hole with floating rocks to the right — the way out — and another to the left. The left one is where you’re heading.

    Hellblade 2 Act of Sacrifice stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    As you approach the edge of the hole, look to your left to find the next hidden face.

    Chapter 5: Bardarvik hidden faces

    There are six stone faces to find in chapter 5, “Bardarvik.” There is one during “To the Sea,” two during “Sjavarrisi,” and three during “Another Question.”

    To the Sea stone face location

    At the start of “To the Sea,” you’ll be walking with Fargrimr and Thorgestr along some cliffs. The hiddenfolk will start talking to Senua and the men will disappear so she can reflect on the beauty of the place.

    Hellblade 2 To the Sea stone face location

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Keep following the path until you cross a small stream. To the right, there’s a tiny waterfall. The next hidden face is just to the right of it.

    Sjavarrisi stone face location 1

    Hellblade 2 route to Sjavarrisi stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    A short time later, you’ll run into Astridr and her people. Once the tension is diffused, you’ll begin walking with her. Not long into the walk, Astridr will squeeze through a narrow gap in the rock.

    Hellblade 2 Sjavarrisi stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Before you follow her through, look to the right to find the next hidden face.

    Sjavarrisi stone face location 2

    After you solve the first rune puzzle in Bardarvik, you’ll get back on the main path.

    Hellblade 2 Sjavarrisi stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Just a little way farther along, the path will go right up to the cliff edge and you might be able to spot Astridr in the distance. Look to the right to find the next stone face.

    Another Question stone face location 1

    The next hidden face can actually be found during the second rune puzzle here. Go through to puzzle until you find the middle rune — the curved or ψ-shaped one.

    Hellblade 2 route to Another Question stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    After you find it, you’ll head to a second cove. Before you start flipping stones around on your way to the third rune, drop down to the beach. Behind the shipwreck directly ahead of you, there’s a narrow gap that leads into a tunnel.

    Hellblade 2 Another Question stone face location 1

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    Follow the tunnel to the end — there’s a lorestangir down at the beach. Just as you exit the tunnel, turn around. You would’ve run right past the hidden face on your way through.

    Another Question stone face location 2

    Once you solve the second rune puzzle and head into the beach cave, you’ll go into a dreamy underwater sequence where the hiddenfolk share Sjavarrisi’s story.

    Hellblade 2 route to Another Question stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    When that’s done, Senua will find herself back on the (a?) beach. Head up the hill into the town. You’ll pass by a lit torch and then turn to walk downhill. At the second torch you pass, there will be a pole with cowbells hanging from it. Just past that, take a right to head behind the house.

    Hellblade 2 Another Question stone face location 2

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    You’ll find the next hidden face between the fence and the house’s roof.

    Another Question stone face location 3

    Hellblade 2 route to Another Question stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    From that stone face, turn around and head back to the main path. Take a right to start following it again, and then take the first left off of it.

    Hellblade 2 Another Question stone face location 3

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

    The dimly lit path will go path a house and snake through some low walls before leading you past another lorestangir. Keep following it to the end where you’ll find a house. Walk around to the right side and to the torch at the back. Turn to the left to find the final hidden face.

    Chapter 6: Borgarvirki hidden faces

    There are no stone faces in chapter 6, “Borgarvirki.”

    [ad_2]

    Jeffrey Parkin

    Source link

  • The Last Of Us Season 2 Pics, Fallout Player Nukes Phil Spencer, And More News

    The Last Of Us Season 2 Pics, Fallout Player Nukes Phil Spencer, And More News

    [ad_1]

    Image: Naughty Dog, Bethesda / Koaku, Image: Bethesda / Patrick T. Fallon / Bloomberg (Getty Images), Jonathan Yeo Studio, EA, Ubisoft, Ubisoft, Screenshot: Roaring Kitty / YouTube / Kotaku, Kotaku / Bungie, Samsung / Kotaku

    It’s the middle of May 2024 and that means we’re nearly halfway through the year. What has this year been like in video game news? Tons of layoffs (sad), lots of new games (glad), and some weird outliers, as usual. This week, we saw set photos and official shots from The Last of Us season two, dove back into the GameStop stock market, and asked the dude who nuked Phil Spencer in Fallout 76 about his motivations. Click through for all of this week’s best breaking news. 

    [ad_2]

    Kotaku Staff

    Source link

  • How to finish ‘Zero Hour’ and get Outbreak Perfected in Destiny 2

    How to finish ‘Zero Hour’ and get Outbreak Perfected in Destiny 2

    [ad_1]

    “Zero Hour” is the second secret mission to ever come to Destiny 2, and it’s finally back in the game as part of the Into the Light update and the May 14 reset. Much like the reprised “The Whisper” mission and its Whisper of the Worm reward, the updated version of “Zero Hour” rewards a fully craftable version of the Exotic pulse rifle Outbreak Perfected.

    In this Destiny 2 guide, I’ll walk you through how to complete “Zero Hour” and get the pattern for Outbreak Perfected. Whether this is your first time experiencing “Zero Hour” or it’s just been too many years for you to remember the path, I’ve got you covered.

    How to start ‘Zero Hour’ in Destiny 2

    Image: Bungie via Polygon

    To start “Zero Hour,” all you need to do now is talk to Ada-1.

    Head to the Tower Annex — the landing point over by the Drifter — and head up to Ada-1, the vendor who normally just handles transmog. She’ll give you the “Asset Protection” quest. With the quest in hand, all you need to do is open up the “Into the Light” submenu in the Director and select “Zero Hour.”

    Completing the Exotic mission and finishing the quest at Ada-1 will reward you with the pattern for Outbreak Perfected.

    ‘Zero Hour’ walkthrough in Destiny 2

    You have 40 minutes to beat this mission on the Normal difficulty.

    Navigating the Destiny 1 Tower in ‘Zero Hour’

    “Zero Hour” starts out with a lot of combat as you first adventure through the Destiny 1 Tower. You’ll be dealing with some powerful Fallen here, so make sure to put on your best gear and an assortment of ad-clearing weapons. As with all dense Fallen encounters, the Riskrunner Exotic submachine gun will serve you well if you’re having trouble.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Make your way through the bazaar and into the small vent. On the other side, you’ll be where the Speaker’s chambers once were. Clear the enemies, and move through the sweeper bot hallway.

    You’ll find yourself in the courtyard, which is filled with enemies of varying type and power. There’s even a Brig here now, an enemy type that didn’t exist when the original mission came out. Take them all down to unlock the rest of the path.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Continue through the old tower until you reach the flaming scaffolding where the original opening mission of Destiny 2 takes place. Slide under the big door next to the M and drop down the elevator shaft. Climb in the vent and follow it.

    Bungie via Polygon

    You’ll emerge in a giant shipyard. Turn immediately left, and you’ll see a ship sitting below you. Run up to it and crouch under its nose. Follow the path and take a right into the vent. Follow the hallway you drop into and take the other vent above you. Take a left and enter another vent behind the toolbox.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Follow the vent and take your first right. There are a few doorways below, but you only need to take the one directly under you. If you’re the first player to arrive, you’ll have a handy metal lip to stand on. If you’re following a teammate, it’ll have broken off by now. Step off the ledge, turn around, and push forward against the wall as you fall. Climb into the ledge and follow the vent.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Jump onto the first piece of yellow scaffolding and then onto the next. Look toward the tower. There are two drain openings and a platform to your left. Depending on your class, you can either jump straight to the landing or hop your way to the landing through the drain openings.

    Bungie via Polygon

    On the landing, look off and down toward the tower. You’ll see a small protrusion. This is your target. Jump off the landing and move toward the wall. Land on the antenna.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Look out toward where the city and turn left. Jump on the pipes until you reach the next landing. You can pull a switch here to help your friends catch up.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Jump onto the scaffolding above you and run up to the open vent. Jump in and follow the path. You’ll be in a big elevator shaft. Start climbing up a few flights until you’re at the second from the top. Shoot open the vent on the right and climb through.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Now you’ll be surrounded by spinning fans, each of which have an Explosive Shank in the middle. Look for the red lights and jump into them. If you hold against the wall, you’ll save yourself from the fans. When you land, be careful — don’t hit the ground too hard and skid off into another fan. Repeat this process, carefully taking out or maneuvering around the Shanks, until you’re at the bottom of the shaft. Climb in another vent.

    Bungie via Polygon

    You’ll now find yourself in a long hallway that looks completely blank. Jump off the ledge and onto the silver vents hanging off the wall. These are tricky to stand on, so limit your movement. Jump to the next one and finally into the open door on the far side. Once again, there is a switch here to help your friends through the puzzle if they’re lagging behind.

    How to navigate the ‘Zero Hour’ maze

    Bungie via Polygon

    Follow the vents until you get to Ventilation. Walk forward and take a look at the map, which you can see clearly in the image above.

    This is the maze section of “Zero Hour,” and it looks much scarier than it actually is. The white lines represent hallways you can walk through, with the red arrows denoting switches you need to hit. You start the map in the center of the bottom-most rectangle’s southern white line. When you’ve had a good look at the map, turn around and drop down two floors of vents.

    You’re in the maze now, just like in the picture. We recommend sending one player right and another left, just to speed the process up. The instructions below are for the right-side player, so left-side players should just mirror my instructions.

    Bungie via Polygon

    1. Run forward and take a left. Keep running until you find a split in the hall.
    2. Turn right and into another rectangle.
    3. Follow the path and hit the first switch.
    4. Keep running until you reach the original hallway.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Here, you’ll likely have to wait for a wall of electricity to pass. If the electricity is just starting to arc, you can run through. Otherwise, you’ll have to sit and brood — Darth Maul style.

    Bungie via Polygon

    When the electricity drops, take a right turn. You should start hearing an unsettling sound about now. An electric shredder is also running the maze with you, named TR3-VR by Bungie and the Destiny community. There are some alcoves to hide in so it can pass, but just to your left you should see a giant cavern with pipes in it.

    Jump on the pipes and wait for the machine to pass. You can tell if the shredder is chasing you by its sound or giant red light.

    Bungie via Polygon

    With the machine gone, jump back over to your hallway and take a left. Follow the path until a hallway opens on the right. Go hit the switch like last time and return to your normal hallway.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Take a right and follow the path until you can take another right. This is the exit. If you’ve hit all four switches, the doors will be open.

    Run into the new room and hop on one of the elevators to your right or left. Hit the button and wait for them to slowly lift you into the rafters.

    Bungie via Polygon

    Jump onto the platform and shoot out the vent. Head down the chute and stay in the center of the slide. Jump to slow your momentum, or risk death by splattering against a wall. When you come out of the chute, turn left and then immediately right. Crawl through the vent on the floor.

    How to navigate the vault maze in ‘Zero Hour’

    Bungie via Polygon

    You’ll be in the old Cryptarch Vault now, and the mission is nearly done.

    On the opposite side of the Vault’s door, you’ll see some pipes on the wall. Next to the pipe, you’ll see the Cryptarch symbol. Go stand by it and the secret door will open. Run forward until you reach the section with white floor panels. You’ll need to step on these in the correct order or you’ll get incinerated.

    There are six rows of panels, each are five panels across. We’ve numbered the panels below in order, so R1 – 1 is the farthest left panel on the first row, R1 – 2 is the farthest left panel in the second row, R3 – 5 is the farthest right of the third row, and so on.

    You’ll start on the second tile from the right on the first row. From there, here’s the order you should follow, with the direction you need to head in in parentheses:

    • R1 – 4 (Start)
    • R2 – 4 (Forward)
    • R2 – 3 (Left)
    • R2 – 2 (Left)
    • R2 – 1 (Left)
    • R3 – 1 (Forward)
    • R4 – 1 (Forward)
    • R5 – 1 (Forward)
    • R5 – 2 (Right)
    • R5 – 3 (Right)
    • R4 – 3 (Back)
    • R4 – 4 (Right)
    • R4 – 5 (Right)
    • R5 – 5 (Forward)
    • R6 – 5 (Forward)

    Once you’re through the panels, head to the end of the vault.

    Bungie via Polygon

    At the broken case, take a right and you’ll see a burned hole in the ground. Drop through it. Run forward and hop into another vent. It’s time to fight.

    How to defeat Siriks in ‘Zero Hour’

    Bungie via Polygon

    When you drop down, you’ll find a Fallen Captain wielding a Scorch Cannon: Siriks. They’re surrounded by an army of Fallen.

    Take out Siriks’ Fallen allies. They’ll summon turrets, big Servitors that grant immune shields to everything (these are very annoying, so kill them first) and a ton of Shanks. Just keep killing everything until Siriks’ health is about one-third full. You’ll get a message on your screen that says “Siriks retreats… for now” and the boss will disappear.

    Two Fallen Walker tanks will appear on the raised platforms on your left and right, along with some additional Fallen. Take everything out and you’ll get another ominous message: “Siriks returns… heavily armed.”

    Siriks will drop back into the area in a massive Brig mech. This thing has full health, so it’s going to take some time and work to take it out. Once you manage to blast off theshield on the Brig, the boss will start lobbing massive tank and constant airstrikes. Just keep moving to dodge these attacks and you’ll eventually take it down.

    With Siriks dead, head up to the chest that spawns, say hi to Mithrax, and grab the Outbreak Perfected schematic. Head back to the Tower and talk to Ada-1. She’ll give you the Outbreak Perfected, complete with the pattern attached. Ada-1 will also give you the “Outbreak Refined 1” quest, which you can complete for some additional crafted perk options on your new Outbreak Perfected.

    If you already have the Catalyst for Outbreak Perfected from the original version of “Zero Hour,” you’ll instantly be able to place it on your newly crafted gun. However, if this is your first time running the mission, you’ll need to hop back in on Heroic mode in order to pick up the Catalyst and improve your Outbreak Perfected.

    [ad_2]

    Ryan Gilliam

    Source link

  • After Buying Up Studios, Xbox Says It Doesn’t Have The Resources To Run Them

    After Buying Up Studios, Xbox Says It Doesn’t Have The Resources To Run Them

    [ad_1]

    After shutting down multiple Bethesda studios, Xbox and Bethesda leadership held a town hall meeting with staff to discuss the closures, explaining that the company’s studios had been spread too thin and that it wanted to focus on fewer projects moving forward.

    Thank You, PS Plus, For Making My Backlog Even Bigger

    On May 7, Xbox announced that it was closing three studios—Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush), Arkane Austin (Redfall), and Alpha Dog Games (Mighty Doom)—with a fourth support studio, Roundhouse Studios, being absorbed by the team behind Elder Scrolls Online. According to a new report, on May 8, in the aftermath of these surprising shutdowns, Xbox President Matt Booty and Zenimax head Jill Braff held a large meeting with staff and laid out the reasoning behind the cuts.

    As reported by Bloomberg, during the meeting Booty praised Hi-Fi Rush, but wouldn’t go into specific details on why the studio behind the colorful action game had been shut down.

    Speaking more broadly about the closings, Booty reportedly explained that Xbox and Bethesda’s studios had become spread too thin, like “peanut butter on bread,” and that team leaders felt understaffed. The idea being that by closing studios, Xbox would free up resources elsewhere within the company. Booty also told staff at the meeting that Akrane Austin’s closing had nothing to do with Redfall flopping with fans and critics.

    Reportedly both Tango and Arkane Austin had pitched games to work on next, including a Hi-Fi Rush sequel and possibly a new Dishonored or similar single-player immersive sim-like game. Those likely won’t happen.

    Braff allegedly said that she hoped the closing of some studios would allow Bethesda/Zenimax to focus on fewer projects in the future.

    “It’s hard to support nine studios all across the world with a lean central team with an ever-growing plate of things to do,” she said, according to a recording Bloomberg reviewed. “I think we were about to topple over.”

    Tango and Arkane were trying to hire more people while pitching new games, and both Braff and Booty reportedly suggested that the long, expensive road those teams faced before being able to release something new was the main reason for closing the studios, implying that it was just bad timing as Microsoft looks to trim down costs and overhead. It’s reported that more cuts are likely for Xbox, according to people who spoke to Bloomberg.

    It’s also reported that ever since the massive $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023, Microsoft leaders have been ramping up their scrutiny of the Xbox division. The Verge reported on Wednesday that executives at Microsoft and Xbox had discussed not adding Call of Duty games to Game Pass, and raising the price of Game Pass Ultimate. However, nothing is concrete yet.

    Microsoft’s leaders taking a bigger interest in Xbox might help explain why Booty and others are looking to cut costs. Either way, it’s likely more folks at Xbox will lose their jobs in the future.

    .

    [ad_2]

    Zack Zwiezen

    Source link

  • Redfall’s two DLC heroes are still MIA a year later

    Redfall’s two DLC heroes are still MIA a year later

    [ad_1]

    As Microsoft tries to beef up its in-house Xbox studios, it may want to be more careful about leaving a trail of broken promises when things don’t go as planned. A year after the hyped vampire shooter Redfall landed with a thud, a Kotaku report highlights how players are still waiting for the advertised post-launch DLC they already paid for.

    Redfall’s Bite Back Edition is a $100 collector’s variant (or $30 add-on) that includes, among other content, a pass for “two future heroes” to complement the game’s original four. As you may have guessed, the new playable characters still haven’t materialized.

    In addition, Microsoft-owned Bethesda has gone silent on the new protagonists’ absence since November. “We’re continuing development of The Hero Pass and we’re excited to share more about Redfall’s new heroes and other updates later next year,” developer Arkane Austin wrote late last year.

    At the very least, it seems customers are owed clear communication — or refunds if Bethesda has noped out of further development. Engadget has reached out for comment, and we’ll update this story if we hear back. In the meantime, Kotaku’s reporting on the maddening saga is worth a read.

    This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

    [ad_2]

    Will Shanklin

    Source link

  • Barclays Launches Xbox Credit Card – Doctor Of Credit

    Barclays Launches Xbox Credit Card – Doctor Of Credit

    [ad_1]

    Barclays has launched an Xbox credit card. Card provides the following benefits:

    • Sign up bonus:
      • 5,000 bonus points after making your first purchase within 180 days of account opening
      • 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate after making your first purchase within 180 days of account opening
    • No annual fee
    • Earn two 3-month Game Pass Ultimate codes. When you spend $7,000 or more within your first 12 months of opening your account
    • Card earns at the following rates:
      • 5X Card Points for every $1 spent on eligible products at the digital Microsoft Store
      • 3X Card Points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming services such as Netflix®, Disney+® and Spotify
      • 3X Card Points for every $1 spent on eligible dining delivery services such as Grubhub® and DoorDash
      • 1X Card Points for every $1 spent on everyday purchases

    Our Verdict

    This card has no redeeming features. Sign up bonus is poor, as are the earning rates and benefits. Better to just stick with another card that offers a high sign up bonus instead.

    [ad_2]

    William Charles

    Source link

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong has become a meme about waiting for games

    Hollow Knight: Silksong has become a meme about waiting for games

    [ad_1]

    In the hours leading up to several gaming news events — like an indie event or a Nintendo Direct — you can see the rumblings of people online discussing a game called Hollow Knight: Silksong. Some share digital summoning circles constructed with emojis and dedicate them to the game in the hopes it will make an appearance at a showcase; others simply express their excitement by sharing memes prior to the event. During a digital event itself, you’ll see viewers spam the live chat with messages like “SKONG [with four airhorn emojis],” or “WHERE SILKSONG????!!??” Sometimes, the phrase “Silksong” will even trend online before one of these events because so many people are sharing their excitement.

    All of this ruckus, just because fans just really want to hear a sliver of news about Hollow Knight: Silksong. The game — which fans shorten to Silksong — is the planned sequel to a game called Hollow Knight. Developer Team Cherry first announced the follow-up to its beloved Metroidvania in 2019; since then, it got a splashy trailer in 2022, but no concrete release date. And by now, its dedicated fan base has turned waiting for the game into one giant viral meme.

    What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?

    To understand the lasting popularity of Silksong, we need to look back at the game that preceded it: Hollow Knight. Developer Team Cherry first released the popular Metroidvania in 2017. At the time, the game stunned fans with its fantastical insectoid world and precise combat. Those elements, paired with its rich method of environmental storytelling, resulted in a gem of a game. Polygon hailed it as “unquestionably the finest Metroidvania ever made.”

    Image: Team Cherry

    Hollow Knight has racked up more than its fair share of devoted fans, so when Team Cherry surprised players with the announcement of a full-on sequel called Silksong, it drummed up plenty of buzz. The developers promised an original story, new bugs to meet, and new worlds to explore. What’s more is that fans would get to play as Hornet, a mysterious but beloved side character from the main game.

    Fans excitedly awaited more news about the upcoming game, but none came. Years passed, and Team Cherry didn’t release any more trailers or news. With each passing gaming news event, it seemed all the more inevitable that players would get a release date, or a new trailer, or at least another peek at the project.

    Finally, in 2022, the developer shared a new look at the game at an Xbox Showcase, but even then, the game had no stated release date. According to Xbox, however, the games in that showcase were going to be released in the next 12 months — meaning Silksong should have come out in 2023. But it didn’t. On May 9, 2023, Matthew Griffin from Team Cherry broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) that the game was not yet ready to be released and that fans should “expect more details from [Team Cherry] once we get closer to release.”

    That was the last major update from the team, and since then, fans have been left in limbo — while still repeatedly expressing their hearts’ desires for the game online.

    Why do fans shout about Silksong online?

    In the years since its initial announcement, expressing a desire to see Silksong has become a viral bit online. At this point, you can’t watch a gaming news stream without people mentioning Silksong. People on social media will share fan art, memes, and reaction posts all in anticipation of the game, or making fun of the fact that there might not be more news about it. The avid fandom can spark the ire of other viewers in chats, and Silksong fans have inadvertently psyched up others excited for the game because they so regularly cause the game’s title to trend on X. All because people just want to express a desire to see this game.

    Polygon reached out to Team Cherry to ask about what it’s been like to see fans talk about the game. We will update this article if we hear back.

    Hollow Knight did sell in the millions, but that isn’t necessarily what seems to be causing this reaction to Silksong. It’s just that this game — which is genuinely a fantastic game to play — has inspired a super-dedicated cult following. The people who love the game just really adore it, and they want to see the next game released.

    In this sense, Silksong does just come across as the next generation’s version of the entire “localize Mother 3” movement. Nintendo has never released an official English localization of Mother 3 in North America, but people have been asking for it for years. To this day, fans still beg Nintendo on social media to release the game, and several fans have regularly pulled IRL stunts to bring attention to the game. Being a Mother 3 fan is almost as much about wanting Mother 3 to come out officially in the U.S. as it is actually playing or enjoying the content of the game.

    That all being said, Silksong has a much better chance of being released than the official English version of Mother 3. Team Cherry has assured fans that while the team might not have revealed too much, development is progressing. So I guess fans will have to rely on their summoning circles until then.

    [ad_2]

    Ana Diaz

    Source link

  • Star Wars Outlaws pre-order guide

    Star Wars Outlaws pre-order guide

    [ad_1]

    Star Wars Outlaws, the open-world adventure from Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, launches Aug. 30 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Players will take on the role of smuggler Kay Vess as they attempt to seek their fortune across a variety of new and classic locations in the Star Wars universe.

    While Respawn Entertainment’s open-world Star Wars Jedi: Survivor puts forth an unforgiving melee combat system akin to Dark Souls, Outlaws seems to channel gameplay elements from the Uncharted franchise. This includes sneaking around, quickly resorting to shooting first if things go sideways, and of course, an ample supply of left hooks.

    Image: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment

    There are a three versions of Star Wars Outlaws that are available for pre-order. In this post, we’ll dig into:

    • Every pre-order option available, how much they cost, and where you can buy them
    • What bonuses each edition of Star Wars Outlaws includes

    Star Wars Outlaws pre-order editions

    Star Wars Outlaws standard edition

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    Pre-ordering the $69.99 standard edition of the game will get you access to the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack which grants exclusive cosmetics for your ship and speeder. The standard version of Star Wars Outlaws is available to pre-order through Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, the Epic Games Store, and Best Buy. Like most recent Ubisoft launches, there’s no Steam version in sight.

    If you intend to play the game on PC via the Ubisoft Connect store, digital retailer Gamesplanet is offering a small discount on pre-orders. Normally $69.99, you can get Star Wars Outlaws for $62.99.

    Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    If you want three days of early access to Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll need to pre-order the $109.99 Gold Edition. This version of the game also gets you access to the season pass, which is currently slated to include at least two pieces of post-launch DLC, in addition to the “Jabba’s Gambit” mission at launch. You can currently reserve this version of Star Wars Outlaws from Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, the Epic Games Store, and Best Buy.

    Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition

    An image showing what’s included with the Star Wars Outlaws ultimate edition that costs $129.99. Primarily, it gives gamers 3 days of early access, plus extra story content and an abundance of cosmetic DLC.

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    The digital-exclusive Ultimate Edition costs $129.99 and comes packaged with everything included in the cheaper versions. Additionally, this premium version includes additional cosmetics in the form of the Rogue Infiltrator and Sabacc Shark bundles, as well as a digital art book with concepts and storyboards from the game. Currently, you can reserve this version of the game from Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.

    Alternatively, if you want everything included with the Ultimate Edition but don’t want to pay the full price, you can subscribe to Ubisoft Plus for $17.99 a month. This plan grants you all the same benefits, including three-day early access, and is available on PC and consoles.

    [ad_2]

    Alice Jovanée

    Source link

  • Fallout: New Vegas endures because of big clunky story swings

    Fallout: New Vegas endures because of big clunky story swings

    [ad_1]

    Fallout: New Vegas has endured in the cultural zeitgeist in a way that few other games have. Even within the Fallout fandom, it’s earned a prized position as a true classic of the RPG genre. That love is still reflected today, in goofy memes and fan art and enduring debates over which endgame is the right one. Even though the game has aged terribly in some respects — characters look rough, and not just from living in the apocalypse — it still persists as one of the high points of the Fallout franchise. The new Fallout TV series is set to premiere on Amazon, so there’s seldom been a better time to revisit New Vegas or play it for the first time.

    Fallout: New Vegas opens with an exploration of the Mojave Wasteland, setting up some of the factions vying for control of this region of post-apocalyptic America. This game builds off the lore of the first two isometric RPGs, returning to the West Coast. The New California Republic, a democratic attempt at building back an old America, has expanded too far. Here, at the Hoover Dam, they struggle to hold on to territory. Caesar’s Legion, an army emulating the empire of old Rome, has met the NCR here in a clash of ideologies. New Vegas, a sparkling city of progress run by the mysterious Mr. House, dominates the skyline with its neon towers.

    Unfortunately, the player character will need to work up to confronting these forces. The game begins with the Courier being waylaid by a smooth-talking group of goons. You awake in a friendly local doctor’s home, having miraculously survived being shot in the head and left in a shallow grave. You sort out matters in the small town of Goodsprings and then begin your trek into the Mojave.

    Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Bethesda Softworks

    New Vegas is built on the bones of Fallout 3, and the gameplay is honestly so-so. But the game is elevated by its fantastic writing. There are four possible paths the Courier can choose from: joining the NCR, allying with Mr. House, enlisting in Caesar’s Legion, or pursuing an independent Mojave. There’s a similar structure to Fallout 4, but I failed to connect with the various ideologies of the Commonwealth. They were a little too simplistic and flat. Fallout: New Vegas is anything but that.

    The questions posed in New Vegas are much more interesting to me as a player. At first, the NCR appears to be the default good guy faction. But one companion, Cass, openly expresses skepticism of the government. She critiques their expansion with the memorable line: “Nobody’s dick is that long, not even Long Dick Johnson. And he had a fucking long dick, hence the name.” Hanging out with Boone, a stoic and surly sniper I meet in the mouth of a giant dinosaur tower, complicates things further. After enough time working together, he shares the trauma incurred by his time with the NCR.

    Every companion in this game has opinions, and they’re interesting. New Vegas has a bunch of wildly interesting ideas, and it’s not shy about running with them. Lily Bowen is a giant nightkin super mutant who wears a giant sun hat and shades. Raul is a ghoul gunslinger who’s been press-ganged into service as a mechanic for a hostile state of super mutants. Arcade Gannon is a doctor and scientist who automatically joins your party if you have an intelligence of 3 or less, because he feels like someone needs to take care of you.

    The NCR may be complicated, but Caesar’s Legion poses a serious threat — or opportunity, depending on your decisions — to the denizens of the Mojave. The player is introduced to the faction through Nipton, a sinful town sentenced to a gruesome ritual known as the Lottery. The encounter starts with a guy running at you, hysterically laughing and screaming that he won, he won! You quickly realize that his joy is closer to a wild hysteria, and something truly terrible has happened in Nipton.

    A player in Fallout: New Vegas confronts two security automotons, bulky robots with grasping hands that balance on one wheel, with a rifle.

    Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Bethesda Softworks

    Mr. House offers a potential third path, but as I quest around the Strip, I can’t help but realize how many impoverished communities have sprung up in its shadow. I can’t even get in — under penalty of being shot by a giant murder robot — unless I meet specific qualifications. Can I trust the reclusive master of the Strip and its casinos? Or is it worth forging a new path for the Mojave, with no masters or kings?

    Each of these factions have interesting characters. Caesar is definitely a bad guy, and I have journeyed through his camp to blow him up in new and satisfying ways many times over the years. But it’s also worth talking philosophy with him, and learning more about the Legion and the sort of civilization they would establish. He’s not a mustache-twirling villain, but a satisfying antagonist to face and defeat.

    This is all skimming the surface of what New Vegas has to offer. The cherry on top of this great RPG is a radio station that’s full of bangers, with a particular shoutout to Big Iron. But the game takes big swings, and the overall vision is able to balance both serious themes and some intense goofiness.

    Similar open-world RPGs have quickly faded from conversation after their launch. Even a recent big RPG epic like Starfield has fallen off most of our radars. But Fallout: New Vegas fans are still making memes, arguing about the endgame variables, and sharing build tips to this day. It’s a clunky game in many respects, the characters don’t look great, and there’s the occasional glitch. I don’t care. Fallout: New Vegas is still the apple of my eye, and showcases how brilliant the setting can be.

    Fallout: New Vegas is available to play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, and Windows PC via Steam and GOG.

    [ad_2]

    Cass Marshall

    Source link

  • 3 years in, Hellblade 2 on Xbox Series X finally gives us a next-gen moment

    3 years in, Hellblade 2 on Xbox Series X finally gives us a next-gen moment

    [ad_1]

    This console generation has been pretty short of “next-gen moments” — those dazzling, techy epiphanies when you see a game do things that were inconceivable on earlier hardware. You can make a case for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’s lightning-fast loading or Starfield’s potato physics, but there have been relatively few instances where you can watch the future arrive in real time.

    There are a few reasons for this. One is that console supply issues and pandemic-driven development delays led to an unusually long cross-generational phase. Until last year, most games were still being released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well as their successors. Another is that Unreal Engine 5, the latest iteration of Epic Games’ ubiquitous graphics engine, lagged a little behind the new console generation, and large-scale UE5 productions have been slow to appear, with a couple of exceptions.

    All of this is why I wasn’t expecting to experience a next-gen moment when I traveled to Cambridge, U.K., to visit the Ninja Theory studio and play Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. But I got one. It’s an astonishingly lifelike narrative action game that applies UE5’s tech, Microsoft’s resources (the company owns Ninja Theory), and the unique processes of a smallish team of technical artists to create something at once grounded and vividly hyperreal. There’s nothing else quite like it.

    This won’t come as a total surprise if you played 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Both Hellblade games blend horrific, quasi-mythological action with a realistic approach to the psychology of their heroine, Senua, an eighth-century Celtic warrior with psychosis. Both games have a photoreal visual style with heavy emphasis on performance capture — an area Ninja Theory has specialized in since collaborating with Andy Serkis on its 2007 action game Heavenly Sword.

    Quite a lot has changed for Ninja Theory since 2017, however. In 2018, the studio was acquired by Microsoft. It hasn’t grown much since — with 100 people, around 80 of whom are working on Hellblade 2, this remains a modestly sized team — but Microsoft’s investment is evident in beautiful new offices with a large, dedicated motion capture studio (and, at the insistence of some extremely British local planning regulations, an in-house pub). On my visit, there was no sign or mention of Ninja Theory’s flamboyant founder and Hellblade writer-director Tameem Antoniades. An Xbox spokesperson later confirmed to Polygon that he is no longer with the studio. Antoniades was involved in Hellblade 2 in the early stages, but the game now has a trio of creative leads: environment art director Dan Attwell, visual effects director Mark Slater-Tunstill, and audio director David Garcia.

    You would expect a dedication to craft in any game led by three technical artists, but that still wouldn’t prepare you for the extraordinary lengths Ninja Theory is going to in its pursuit of realism. In Hellblade 2, Senua journeys to Iceland on the hunt for Norse slavers who are decimating her community in the northern British Isles. As press toured the studio, Attwell explained that the route of her adventure had been plotted in the real world, and locations were captured using a mixture of satellite imaging, drone footage, procedural generation, and photogrammetry. The team spent weeks on location in Iceland, studying the landscape, photographing rocks, and piloting drones. They also studied building techniques of the time and virtually constructed doors out of 3D-scanned planks of wood, rather than modeling them. They even made their own rough wood carvings and scanned them in.

    Character art director Dan Crossland showed us real costumes that had been made to fit the actors by a London-based costume designer using period-appropriate techniques, and then scanned in by the studio. Behind Crossland’s desk there was a mannequin plastered in mesh, putty, feathers, and deconstructed scraps of fabric — a spooky, hand-sculpted prototype enemy design.

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios

    Over in the combat team’s section, principal action designer Benoit Macon, a very tall and ebullient Frenchman, explained that the game’s fight sequences weren’t traditionally animated, but 100% mo-capped. I watched stunt professionals act out finishing moves on the performance capture stage while animation director Guy Midgley shot them in a close, roving handheld style, using a phone in a lightweight rig.

    The playable results of this fully mo-capped fighting system are quite unique. Combat in Hellblade 2 is one on one only, slow-paced, and very brutal. In the fight scenes of the demo I played — which also featured pattern-spotting puzzles and some atmospheric, grueling traversal — there’s a heightened sense of threat as Senua faces hulking and aggressive opponents, and the characters loom large in the unusually tight camera angles. This might not be the over-the-top combat of DmC: Devil May Cry, but it’s still very effective.

    In a small, soundproofed studio on the top floor, Garcia worked with the two voice actors playing the Furies, which is how Senua thinks of the voices in her head who keep up a constant commentary on the action and her state of mind. (As with the first game, scriptwriter Lara Derham has worked with psychology professor Paul Fletcher and with people who have experienced psychosis on the portrayal of the condition’s effects.) The actors prowled around a binaural microphone — essentially a mannequin head with microphones for ears — hissing and murmuring their lines as if at Senua herself. Garcia, a Spaniard with an infectious sense of wonder, is called a “genius” by his co-workers. His growling, chattering soundscapes are players’ principal point of access into Senua’s state of mind, and they’re as overwhelming now as they were in 2017.

    Senua, seen from the waist up, holds a sword with her back to the player. She faces an indistinct enemy holding a fiery sword whose appearance is fractured

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios

    The lengths to which Ninja Theory is going to ground this digital video game in physical reality might seem quixotic — even contradictory — but the proof is in the playing. The game, which I played on Xbox Series X, looks stunning, whether it’s rendering the black, smoking slopes of an Icelandic volcano or the pale, haunted eyes of Senua performer Melina Juergens. But beyond that, Hellblade 2 has a tactile immediacy that seems to operate at an almost subconscious level. Ninja Theory’s artists are seeking an emotional connection with the player that, they believe, can only form if the player thinks that what they are seeing is real.

    “I think that the human mind does [a thing where] you think you know what something looks like, but then actually, when you look at what that thing is, in reality there’s way more chaos in it. It’s not quite the same as what you picture in your head,” Slater-Tunstill said. “If you were just sculpting off the top of your head, the environments or the characters or whatever, it just is going to lose some of that nature, some of that chaos.”

    Attwell said that Unreal Engine 5 has made this realist approach more more achievable, both because of the level of fidelity available in the engine’s Nanite geometry system, and because “the turnaround between scanning the thing and putting it in the level is drastically cut, and you can spend that time finessing.”

    “You can think more about the composition,” Slater-Tunstill agreed. “And with the kind of lighting volumetrics we can now do, everything just beds in much better. It’s more believable.”

    Overall, the sense from the Ninja Theory team is that UE5 has removed a lot of barriers for video game artists, and that players are only just starting to see the results. “It feels like the graphical leap that we’ve managed with this is like… We’re on the trajectory we wanted,” Attwell said.

    Senua grimaces while stabbing an enemy with her sword in Hellblade 2. They are lit harshly from the right against a plain blue background.

    Image: Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios

    You only need to lay eyes on Hellblade 2 briefly to understand that you’re seeing the next evolution of game technology. It’s not just the engine, though — there are a bunch of factors aligning to make Hellblade 2 a tech showcase. For one, the game design is extremely focused. This isn’t some wild open-world simulation; it’s a linear, narrative-first action game. As an Xbox first-party studio, Ninja Theory has the luxury of building for fewer formats. Also, it’s been given the time to experiment. Touring the studio, Microsoft’s investment in Ninja Theory starts to make a lot of sense. The tech giant hasn’t just acquired a boutique developer, but also an R&D unit that explores the technical and artistic frontiers of a specific game-making process.

    The result is a game made with an unusual degree of focus. Hellblade 2 won’t necessarily be to everyone’s taste with its slow pace, deliberate inputs, and highly scripted, cinematic presentation. It struck me as a modern successor to something like the 1983 interactive animation Dragon’s Lair. As intense and dramatic as the section I played was, it remains to be seen whether the game’s story — a more outward journey for a more mentally balanced Senua — can connect as deeply as Hellblade’s trip into her darkest fears. But there’s no doubting the craft on display, or the immersive sense of presence this game has. It may be a sequel, but it feels like the start of something — like a true next-gen experience should.

    Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will be released May 21 on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

    [ad_2]

    Oli Welsh

    Source link

  • ‘Readvent of Calamity’ quest walkthrough in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    ‘Readvent of Calamity’ quest walkthrough in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    [ad_1]

    “Readvent of Calamity” is a quest you’ll pick up in Dragon’s Dogma 2 the first time you return to Melve. It involves driving off a diseased drake (which is a dragon as opposed to the Dragon), helping out Ulrika, the leader of Melve, and then finding her when she has to leave town.

    Our Dragon’s Dogma 2 will show you how to start “Readvent of Calamity,” the steps you’ll have to follow to complete it, and where to find Ulrika.

    How to start ‘Readvent of Calamity’ in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    Image: Capcom via Polygon

    Once you complete at least one of Captain Brant’s quests (but before you complete “Feast of Deception”) and then head back to Melve (like for the “Oxcart Courier” quest), you’ll find the town under attack by a diseased dragon (or drake — the game is inconsistent on the name). After you deal a bit of damage by attacking the blisters on Puss the Magic Dragon, you’ll drive it off.

    When to visit Melve ‘from time to time’ in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    After the fight, you’ll get a quick cutscene where you talk to Ulrika, Lennart, and Sigurd. And then you’ll get an unhelpfully vague objective to “visit Melve from time to time.”

    You need to wait a day or three before you can continue the quest. Head out of town and take care of other quests for a bit. You can always fast travel to Melve quickly from Vernworth by using the oxcart.

    Dragon’s Dogma 2 map of Melve showing where to find Ulrika

    Graphic: Jeffrey Parkin/Polygon | Sources: Capcom via Polygon

    On your subsequent visit, check in with Ulrika at the large house in Melve. Inside, you’ll witness Ulrika and a government goon named Martin having an argument. The next day, you’ll learn that Ulrika has chosen to flee the village instead of cause problems for everyone.

    Where to find Ulrika in ‘Readvent of Calamity’

    Your next objective will be to figure out where Ulrika fled to. And you won’t have any clues. The short answer here is that Ulrika has fled to Havre Village.

    Dragon’s Dogma 2 map showing the location of Havre Village

    Graphic: Jeffrey Parkin/Polygon | Sources: Capcom via Polygon

    The longer answer is that she won’t (might not?) actually appear there until you complete a couple other quests.

    First, you’ll have to have completed “Monster Culling” for Captain Brant (which you probably already have). After that, you should poke around Harve Village to take on and complete “Scaly Invaders” which ultimately just has you driving out some saurians a few days in a row.

    Dragon’s Dogma 2 Lennart at the end of Readvent of Calamity

    Image: Capcom via Polygon

    After that, Ulrika will appear right at the town’s main crossroad. Talk to her, and she’ll send you back to Lennart in Melve. Report back to him in Melve’s big house, and you’ll get a reward of 4,500 gold and a Ring of Grit.

    For more Dragon’s Dogma 2 walkthroughs, here’s the best order for Captain Brant’s quests, plus how to rescue the caged magistrate, how to reach the Nameless Village, where to find Rodge, how to confront the Arisen’s shadow, and when to attend the coronation.

    [ad_2]

    Jeffrey Parkin

    Source link

  • Dragon’s Dogma 2 will soon let you start a new game without deleting your save first

    Dragon’s Dogma 2 will soon let you start a new game without deleting your save first

    [ad_1]

    Capcom has released a list of fixes and updates it will make to Dragon’s Dogma 2 “in the near future” — including the much-requested option to start a new game when save data already exists.

    Dragon’s Dogma 2 only offers a single save slot, and presently, players who want to start the game again — perhaps to try a different specialization — can only do so by manually deleting their save file at the system level first. This can be a fiddly process involving disabling cloud saving and, for Steam players, actually locating their game save on the hard drive.

    Capcom said it would add “the option to start a new game when save data already exists” as part of the first wave of updates to Dragon’s Dogma 2. This doesn’t mean it will actually add a second save slot for a new character; the update will simply make it easy to overwrite your save from within the game itself.

    Capcom also said it would add a frame rate cap of 30 frames per second to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game. As it is, the game runs with an uncapped frame rate, meaning it can sometimes run faster than 30 fps, but this can result in inconsistent and juddery performance (especially for players without variable refresh rate displays). A 30 fps cap should ensure a more consistent and stable feel to the game.

    Capcom also said it would add options to switch off the motion blur and ray tracing graphical effects to console versions of Dragon’s Dogma 2, but it warned that doing so “will not affect the frame rate significantly.” Frame rate improvements will come in “future updates,” it said. PC players will now get better-quality results from the DLSS.

    Another target for an early fix is the Art of Metamorphosis item that allows you to change the appearance of your character. Previously in very limited supply, the stock of this item is being increased to 99 at Pawn Guilds. This change appears to be targeted at criticism of the game’s microtransactions, which include the sale of Art of Metamorphosis at $1.99. With this change, it will only be inability to afford the in-game price that would push players toward paying real money to change the looks of their character or Main Pawn. (No changes were announced for other rare items available to buy as microtransactions, such as Wakestones or Portcrystals.)

    Other changes coming soon will make it possible to acquire your own dwelling earlier in the game, as well as various text display and bug fixes.

    Capcom said it would release the updates “as soon as they are ready for distribution on each platform.”

    [ad_2]

    Oli Welsh

    Source link

  • ‘The Caged Magistrate’ quest walkthrough in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    ‘The Caged Magistrate’ quest walkthrough in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    [ad_1]

    “The Caged Magistrate” is one of several quests you receive from Captain Brant in the early stages of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Brant tells you about one Magistrate Waldahr, someone who has stood his ground against Disa and refused to change the Code of Vermund to her benefit when asked, leading to him now sitting in a cell in Vernworth jail — ahem, gaol.

    So Captain Brant has one very simple request of you: set Magistrate Waldahr free. He’ll give you a gaol key so you can let yourself into his cell, but you’ll find that Waldahr needs some convincing first.

    In this Dragon’s Dogma 2 guide, we’ll walk through the entire “Caged Magistrate” quest, including where to find Magistrate Waldahr and how to set him free.

    Where to find the Magistrate in Dragon’s Dogma 2

    Image: Capcom via Polygon

    Enter the palace grounds and head to the objective marked on your map. This is the entrance to Vernworth Castle Gaol Tower. Otto will greet you and allow you through, so make your way downstairs and aside from a couple of rooms to explore and loot, the main area here is the long corridor with pillars in the middle and cells on each side, for a grand total of eight.

    Magistrate Waldahr is in the first cell on the right-hand side, as soon as you enter. Wait until the two guards are facing away from you then use the Gaol Key given to you by Captain Brant to unlock the cell.

    Head in and talk to Waldahr, then when the option arises, urge him to escape. He explains that he’s perfectly happy in the cell because he can spend his days “perusing the Code and deciphering old texts.” However, if you can find “a place with a mountain of tomes,” Waldahr will reconsider escaping. Leave the gaol and return to Captain Brant.

    Where to find ‘a place with a mountain of tomes’ in ‘The Caged Magistrate’

    A Dragon’s Dogma 2 hero talks to the magistrate in jail in “The Caged Magistrate” quest.

    Image: Capcom via Polygon

    Brant suggests talking to a chap named Kendrick, found by The Gracious Hand in the slums. He’s a balding chap wearing a blue robe, wandering around the tents and dilapidated houses on the outskirts of Vernworth. He’ll ask you for a charitable donation of gold, so pay up and he’ll explain a local boy named Malcolm has gone missing.

    This starts an entirely separate quest named “The Heel of History,” where you must find Malcolm by speaking to the children of the slums. Look for a girl called Aimee who will be somewhere nearby and she’ll tell you Malcolm went into the vaults underneath the slums. Return to Kendrick and the pair of you will enter the vaults to find the runaway kid.

    A Dragon’s Dogma 2 hero walks into a library underground in “The Caged Magistrate.”

    Image: Capcom via Polygon

    Explore the vaults in their entirety and you’ll find Malcolm, followed by a huge underground library. Kendrick makes Malcolm promise to keep his mouth shut about the discovery, but you can return to Waldahr in the gaol and tell him about this wonderful place where he can study in peace. Escort Waldahr out of his cell and to the slums, then return to Captain Brant for your reward: 7,000 gold and a ferrystone.

    Make sure you also return to Waldahr in the vaults a few days later, as he’ll have another quest for you: “A Magisterial Amenity,” which involves finding his confiscated spectacles.

    For more Dragon’s Dogma 2 walkthroughs, here’s who to give the Jadeite Orb to, if you should buy the Ornate Box, how to buy a house in Vernworth, where to find Rodge, and the best order for Captain Brant’s quests.

    [ad_2]

    Ford James

    Source link