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Site & Scene News
The latest scene and console emulation and hacking news alongside other gaming news, competitions, give-aways, video game and gaming hardware reviews and much more!
I'm almost ashamed to admit that I forgot how good Hades was. The roguelike took over my life for months when I picked it up back in 2020, but after unlocking all the weapons, finding perfect boon combinations, and maxing out friendships with every character, I never looked back. Such is the curse of someone who writes about games for a living, we must always be moving onto the next big thing, never taking a break to look back at the things we loved of yesteryear.
In the three years since, I've not found another roguelike quite roguelike it. I've tried my hand at plenty, but I've come to the conclusion that I was spoiled. Hades was my first proper entry into the genre, and it's yet to be bettered. Its sequel, Hades 2, is trying to do...
I would describe Read Only Memories: Neurodiver as a cyberpunk psychic mystery visual novel with point-and-click adventure elements. Or is it the other way around? Either way, use the word psychic in any capacity describing a game and I'll instantly be interested. (Or the word cryptid, kind of funny because Read Only Memories: Neurodiver actually references Mothmen 1966 by the same publisher.) It follows an esper (psychic) named Luna, codename Esper8801 or ES88 for short, as she tries to unravel the identity and reasoning of Golden Butterfly. I was lucky enough to play a preview build. Like, seriously lucky. Because I've been drawn fully into the world of future Neo-San Francisco.
Luna is generally referred to as ES88 in-game, so I'm...
Surprise! Hades 2 is finally here and playable. Supergiant's hack-and-slash, flirt-with-gods roguelike is a brief technical test away from its Steam early access debut. I've slashed my way through its opening area and first boss and now I need more. Even though it's clearly in an unfinished state, it's good. Like, really good.
A small part of me was a little hesitant to see Supergiant do its first direct sequel. Every game since 2011's Bastion has taken us to completely different worlds with new approaches to combat. I wasn't even a huge fan of Pyre, but I respect any game that is brave enough to mix strategic action with sports game elements à la NBA Jam. Bastion was my favorite until Hades grabbed that torch and brought it into the...
After two disappointing expansions in a row, World of Warcraft's 2022 Dragonflight expansion righted the ship with its back-to-basics approach and focus on evergreen features. The numbers, as they say, don't lie, and Blizzard has reported increased player retention and recovering subscription numbers over the last two years, thanks not only to Dragonflight but a steady stream of new content and events that have kept players coming back for more.
It's not surprising then that the long-running MMORPG's next expansion, The War Within, is looking to continue that trajectory, and from my hands-on time playing the expansion's alpha, it succeeds in that goal. Like Dragonflight, The War Within puts more of an emphasis on game-wide features...
Apologies for the incorrect date in the header image – Nintendo AU never published one so this is UK time. As always, expect about 20 minutes of announcements and updates on indie games coming soon (or soon-ish) to Nintendo Switch. While all of these are confirmed for Nintendo's console, there is a very good chance they are already available or launching on other platforms. Actually, several of them specifically state that they are timed console exclusives. I've translated seasons to quarters to make it more friendly for both hemispheres; for example, "this summer" becomes Q3 2024. Now let's get to the goodies!
Game highlights
Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studio)
The title Little Kitty, Big City describes this game perfectly...
Braid: Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch has been pushed back a few weeks to 14th May 2024, Thekla Inc. has confirmed.
The enhanced rerelease of the classic indie puzzle platformer was originally due to launch on 29th April, so we don't have to wait much longer to get our hands on the game.
It's not all bad news, however. Jonathan Blow, the director of the game, has revealed even more new features coming to this anniversary release. On top of what we already know — improvements to sound, repainted visuals, enhanced animations, the choice between the old and new styles, and over 15 hours of commentary — we'll also be getting 14 "Commentary Index Levels" to accompany that commentary, 13 brand new puzzle levels, and 12 alternate...
The time has finally come, and after many, many years (if not decades) of Apple users having to side load emulator apps into their iOS devices through unofficial stores (like AltStore), emulators are finally a reality in the official Apple Store for iOS devices.
The Delta emulator, the successor to the original GBA4iOS emulator, has just been officially added today to the Apple Store for iOS, with the emulator supporting the following consoles from the get-go:
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Nintendo 64
Game Boy
Game Boy Color
Game Boy Advance
Nintendo DS
The emulator also includes a wide variety of features expected from an emulator nowadays, like cheat support, save states, fast...
Despite its popularity and dedicated fanbase, it is time to admit that Grand Theft Auto IV is considered a bit on the ancient side by today's standard of video games.
Released back in 2008 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Grand Theft Auto IV told the story of Niko Bellic as he attempts to escape his past whilst under the pressure of some big dog criminals.
Check out the original Grand Theft Auto IV trailer below!
Set in a New York inspired Liberty City, the fourth instalment in the much-loved Rockstar action-adventure series was well loved by many and paved the way for future entries such as 2013's Grand Theft Auto V and the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6.
However, with GTA IV speeding past its tenth anniversary, it is due for...
Somehow, it's been two years since we first heard about the existence of Mafia 4.
In May of 2022, it was revealed that Mafia 4 would take the form of a prequel. Codenamed 'Nero', Hangar 13 was reportedly set to develop the game in Unreal Engine 5 as opposed to the studio's own Mafia III engine which was used in the previous instalment.
While it's not exactly known what the story will entail, it's assumed that it might follow the rise of the original Mafia's Salieri crime family, potentially taking players from the US to Italy.
Hangar 13 and 2K Games are yet to make any major announcements regarding the game but job listings have essentially confirmed its existence.
Some reports even claimed that early production had begun on a fifth...
With each day taking us closer to the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, players are desperate to know what we can expect from the long-awaited sequel.
Other than a confirmation of the game existing and the first trailer being released in December of last year, Rockstar are remaining pretty tight-lipped about what fans can expect from Grand Theft Auto 6.
This is perhaps unsurprising considering 2022 saw the company become the victims of hacking after one person decided to leak over 90 gameplay videos online which resulted in them being sentenced to indefinite detention in a secure hospital in December of last year.
Since then, fans were treated to Grand Theft Auto 6's first official trailer which gave us a sneak peek at our two...
Developer Tomorrow Corporation has announced that it has delayed World of Goo 2 on the Switch to 2nd August, 2024.
Originally earmarked for 23rd May, the delay is apparently due to the team "pumping so much Goo" in the game - whatever that means. In layman's terms though, it's likely that the game simply needs a bit more time to iron out the details; you know, nuke the bugs, polish up the gameplay, the usual. We're fine with a delay if it means a better game is on the horizon.
Announced during the Nintendo Direct back February, World of Goo 2 is the sequel to the 2008 cult hit World of Goo, released on the Wii and Nintendo Switch, among other platforms. Its gameplay is centred aroung creating unique structures by utilising goo...
Mojang's insanely popular survival-crafting game Minecraft is celebrating the new Kung Fu Panda movie with some new themed DLC.
The DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda DLC can be purchased from the Minecraft Marketplace and is an "adventure map" filled with "action-packed battles, epic showdowns from the movies, and pand-tastic co-op action". Here's a bit about it:
As part of this DLC, you'll also be able to visit Mr. Ping's Noddle Shop, take a rest under the Peach Tree, and seek lost artifacts. There's also the ability to battle enemies of the past:
Mojang is also offering a free in-game character creator item from the dressing room in the form of a Dragon Warrior's Hat.
During its annual online Pimax Frontier 2024 event, VR specialist Pimax has revealed its new range of VR headsets and accessories. These are mostly new additions to the Pimax Crystal line, rather than new product lines of their own. Below is a summary of the products revealed during the event:
Pimax Crystal Super: This is Pimax's latest "ultra-high-end headset" for PCVR which features inside-out tracking, up to 120Hz refresh rate, increased FOV, 29.5 million pixels, 3840 x 3840 pixels per eye and an innovative changeable optical engine. The headset will start from 1799 USD and is estimated to start shipping in Q4 this year.
Pimax Crystal Light: A budget-friendly high-end PCVR headset with 2880 x 2880 resolution per eye, up to 120Hz...
Another Xbox first-party game becomes available on other platforms. After the excellent Pentiment, Xbox and Obsidian have launched Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition on the Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5.
The Fully Yoked Edition, which also becomes available on PC and Xbox platforms via Update 1.4, includes the following:
NEW NEIGHBORS: ANT QUEENS AND YOUR DECISIONS: The royal Ant Queens have arrived! These regal creatures are more than just a new face; they bring a new vibe to the backyard. When meeting them, it won't be about 'flexing your muscles' in combat but more about flexing your decision-making skills; it's about choices and consequences - ally with them and gain powerful friends, betray them and brace for some severe ant-itude...
Nintendo has updated Splatoon 3 to Version 7.0.2. As previously noted, this update comes with new terrain in Undertow Spillway, changes to multiplayer, bug fixes and much more. Here's the full rundown, courtesy of the Nintendo support page:
Splatoon 3 - Ver. 7.2.0 (Releasing April 17, 2024)
Changes to Multiplayer
The terrain in Undertow Spillway has been changed in all modes.
Specifications for some main weapons have changed.
Weapon
Change Details
Sploosh-o-matic
Neo Sploosh-o-matic
Slightly expanded shots' collision detection with players to make it easier to hit opponents.
Splattershot Pro
Forge Splattershot Pro
Maximum damage has been increased from 42.0 to 45.0.
Splattershot Nova
Annaki Splattershot Nova
Reduced...
If you've been wanting to try out the new 3D platformer Penny's Big Breakaway before you buy it, now you can. Developer Evening Star and publisher Private Division have released a demo on the Switch eShop which you can download for free and see what it's all about.
Private Division's head of business development Blake Rochkind added to this announcement how the team wanted to make sure as many people as possible could get their hands on this particular game because it's a title where "playing is believing".
Although Penny's Big Breakaway had some bugs at launch and was also capped at 30 frames per second on Switch, the developer released an update at the end of last month adding a new "performance mode", running at "60fps" in most...
Supergiant Games has announced that the Hades II Technical Test will begin shortly, before the game launches into Early Access.
Supergiant Games explained that the Technical Test will only contain the first major area of the game and other early-game characters and content. It's far less content than will be in the Early Access version so that the studio can solve any technical issues beforehand. Additionally, the Technical Test might only be available to a small group of players relative to those that sign up.
In order to sign up, simply just go to the Hades II Steam page and click "Request Access" on the section that says "Hades II Playtest." After doing so, you should get a confirmation saying that you'll receive an email from the...
The mid-90s were a great time to be a gamer with the likes of SEGA, Nintendo and newcomer PlayStation battling it out to be the most popular video game console in our homes.
While PlayStation was the new kid on the scene, SEGA and PlayStation were already the top two brands in the market with the likes of iconic mascots Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario leading the charge. That being said, it's the iconic Nintendo mascot that is the topic of today's discussion.
Check out the Super Mario 3D All-Stars trailer below!
Released in 1996, Super Mario 64 helped to break the mold of what fans expected to see from everyone's favorite stereotypical Italian plumber. No longer was the Super Mario Bros. series exclusively a 2D platformer, it was...
It's going to be a long, long time until CD Projekt RED is ready to unveil more on the upcoming Project Orion, the official sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
Given that Phantom Liberty is set to be the game's only expansion, its release last year marked the end of an era.
Fair to say that between Phantom Liberty and Update 2.0, developers have finally delivered on the vision they once promised.
The last couple of years have been transformative for Cyberpunk 2077 and while no further expansions are on the way, executive producer Maciej Włodarkiewicz did tease something following last week's BAFTA Best Evolving game win.
"I don't want to promise anything but definitely, Cyberpunk is deep in our hearts and if we find any reasonable way to keep...
It has been 19 years since Mario Kart DS first hit the tracks. That's a pretty staggering length of time and one that we'll probably need a little sit down to fully recover from. But hey, while we freak out about the passing of the years, check this out: speedrunners have found a handful of new shortcuts on the DS' previously pretty water-tight circuits (thanks, Gaming Reinvented).
The biggie here is on the Waluigi Pinball track where a shortcut that was previously discovered in tool-assisted speedruns (TAS) has been seemingly proven humanly possible by speedrunner iMathII. It's a tricky manoeuvre that requires the driver to hit a section of the spiral track just right, but if done correctly, the kart is hurled across a large portion...