Sinistra Sensei

Tensura: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: ISEKAI Memories has announced a collaboration with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The collaboration will feature a fully-voiced original story, as well as appearances from Frieren, Himmel, Fern, and Stark, along with areas from their story. The voice actors include: Atsumi Tanezaki as Frieren Kana Ichinose as Fern Chiaki Kobayashi as Stark Nobuhiko Okamoto as Himmel The event starts on Friday, December 20, at 11:00 AMJST. The collaboration trailer is also fully voiced, and you can check it out below. Tensura: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime:SEKAI Memories, developed by WFS and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, was released on October 28, 2021. The game’s Japanese title is Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken: Mao to Ryu no Kenkoku-tan (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Saga of How the Lord and Dragon Founded a Nation). The original Tensura light novel series is written by Fuse, with illustrations by Mitz Vah. There is also a manga adaptation by Taiki Kawakami. Animated by studio 8bit, the anime adaptation began in October 2018 and aired until March 2019. The second season was released in two split cours in Winter 2021 and Summer 2021. The third season began in April and concluded with Episode 24 on September 27, 2024. Season 4 and a second movie were announced immediately after the finale. Crunchyroll streams the anime. Kanehito Yamada is the author of the manga "Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End," with Tsukasa Abe as the artist. It has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday manga magazine since April 2020. The first season of its anime adaptation was produced by MADHOUSE and consisted of 28 episodes, airing from September 29, 2024. The production of Season 2 is currently underway. Source (Anime Corner) View full article

It’s been a strange console generation for Team Xbox so far. It started during a pandemic and resulted in supply chain issues that made the Xbox Series X hard to get for months, the potential-killer-app launch title (Halo Infinite) suffered an embarrassing but much needed yearlong delay, Microsoft tried to buy Activision-Blizzard for SIXTY-NINE BILLION DOLLARS only to see regulatory agencies around the world challenge it before the deal ultimately went through, the company shipped one bona fide Game of the Year (Forza Horizon 5) and also started publishing its first-party games on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and Xbox boss Phil Spencer even confirmed that a handheld Xbox is in the works, even if we might not see it during this hardware generation. All the while, outside of a kickass 2021 that saw the release of the aforementioned Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 along with Psychonauts 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Tunic, Xbox players have been waiting (and waiting) for a steady flow of first-party games. And it was looking a bit bleak this year – again – with Avowed getting pushed to February 2025 and the potential-packed pixel-art indie action-adventure exclusive Replaced slipping out of 2024. But Microsoft turned in all its homework right as the bell rang at the end of class, with STALKER 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle all landing in the final six weeks of the year – and all three getting A’s on the assignment. Let’s discuss the honorable mentions, runners-up, and Best Xbox Game of 2024. Honorable MentionsSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and Dungeons of Hinterberg both just missed making the top of our list but are very worthy of honorable mentions. The psychologically focused sequel to Hellblade was the first-ever officially announced Xbox Series X game, and when it finally shipped this year, it can lay claim to at least one title: best-looking Xbox game ever made. Ninja Theory’s Unreal Engine 5-powered narrative-driven adventure is a technical showpiece, a powerhouse of pixels that leverages all 12.1 teraflops of power that the Series X is packing. It’s a bit light in the gameplay department – more akin to a walking simulator than a proper action-adventure – but it is nevertheless beautifully acted and stunningly presented. It’s very much worth taking the time to go on this journey with Senua. Meanwhile, Dungeons of Hinterberg’s hooky concept – a European town becomes a hotspot for visitors to come and make friends and drink beers at night after a long day of monster slaying in the dungeons below – translates into a super enjoyable mix of action-RPG and social sim gameplay. Its comic book-style visuals only enhanced the entire experience. This was a refreshing summer release in a season where we typically complain about the lack of interesting new games to play. But this year’s virtual summer trip to Europe to crush a bunch of monsters and collect loot while chatting with the locals about it at the pub afterwards proved to be just the kind of vacation we needed. Runner-Up: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6It may not be an Xbox exclusive, but Microsoft owns Call of Duty now, and the biggest first-person shooter franchise in the world bounced back in a big way this year. And Xbox owners did get to play Black Ops 6 on day one via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, so there’s that. More importantly, Treyarch, Raven, and the myriad Activision support studios that put in yeoman’s work on this series every year came together to craft the best single-player Call of Duty campaign in years. Historically underrated developer Raven understood that the key to a great Call of Duty campaign is variety, and in Black Ops 6 you get to do all kinds of incredibly fun stuff, from going undercover at a casino to freely roaming an open-world desert to hobnobbing at a Bill Clinton fundraiser and so much more. Its story doesn’t quite punch you in the face with a twist as good as Black Ops 1’s JFK moment, but it’s a damn fine story nevertheless that positively reinforces the excellent and unpredictable campaign gameplay. Add in a great, focused multiplayer mode and an excellent return of Zombies, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is one of the best overall gaming packages you can get in 2024. Runner-Up: STALKER 2: Heart of ChornobylThe developers of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl went through a literal version of Hell on Earth in order to get this deeply personal game about their home country of Ukraine made after Russia invaded it midway through development. That it got done at all is an incredible testament to their perseverance and human spirit, and how lucky we are that they did finish it, because it is fantastic. (Side note: the 90-minute documentary about the making of this game is an incredible human story that’s well worth watching. Find it on Xbox’s YouTube channel.) This first-person shooter sequel mixes punishing survival gameplay with brutal combat in a brooding sci-fi atmosphere to create a gameplay loop that feels refreshingly old-school yet delightfully new and modern all at the same time. Though its initial launch was marred by a host of technical issues, its fixes and updates came so frequently that it’s impossible to hold its launch day against it. And if you’re just jumping in now, you’ll only ever see the current, more polished version of the Exclusion Zone. Enjoy playing in the world it creates, as its developers clearly did when building it. Runner-Up: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024A rough takeoff put passengers in a sour mood, but things quickly smoothed out as developer Asobo Studio reached cruising altitude with the latest version of its masterpiece aviation simulator. The team somehow made Flight Simulator even more gorgeous, rendering an even more beautiful and realistic Earth than the one from 2021. They also added a lot more to do, from wildlife photo shoots to inconceivably dotting the in-game planet with every single helipad in the real world. Physics were improved, as were numerous other under-the-hood systems. In all, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may not be a “game” for everyone (hence the “simulator” in the title), but what it sets out to do it does brilliantly. It is a love letter to anyone and everyone who loves aviation, in the same way that Forza Horizon 5 was a love letter to anyone who loved cars and driving. Winner: Indiana Jones and the Great CircleLucasfilm chose wisely when partnering with MachineGames to make a AAA Indiana Jones video game. The talented studio revived and modernized Wolfenstein, and before that made one of the greatest licensed video games of all time and one of the best original Xbox games ever in The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. And so it is high praise when we say that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best game this group of developers has ever made – not to mention the best Indiana Jones anything since The Last Crusade, 35 years ago. Some gamers were skeptical when we found out back in January that Indy’s latest interactive adventure would be played primarily in first-person. But once everyone played it, MachineGames’s choice was quickly validated. The Great Circle completely immerses you as Indiana Jones, from the shadow of your fedora on a wall to the versatile whip in your hand to the leather jacket that squeaks as you walk – not to mention the absolutely S-tier performance of veteran voice actor Troy Baker, who completely disappears into the role of Indiana Jones and convinces your ears and brain that you’re somehow anachronistically listening to a 40-something Harrison Ford. The Great Circle has action, sure, but that action occurs as a complement to the real heart of it: adventure. Your whip can be used to stun enemies – or knock the gun out of their hands – but it’s mostly used for traversal as a makeshift rope to help you navigate the crypts, tombs, cities, and dig sites you’ll visit around the world. And the swelling orchestral score makes the big moments feel extra big, just as it did in the Indiana Jones movies. The writing is also spot-on, with humor being used to punctuate various scenes and make sure the tone always stays fun without ever getting too dark or serious. Oh, and you’ll be solving puzzles too. So, so many puzzles both big and small. And they’re all really enjoyable to figure out. In short, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn’t just the best Xbox game of the year, it’s the best game that Microsoft has shipped under any of its banners since IGN’s 2021 overall Game of the Year winner, Forza Horizon 5. It’s a globe-trotting adventure-action romp that eschews shooting in favor of punching, puzzles, whips, quips, story, sidequests, and setpieces. It is brilliant, impossible to put down, and it plays unlike any other first-person game out there. It easily and deservedly wins IGN’s Best Xbox Game of 2024 award. For more discussion on all of your favorite Xbox games, don’t miss our weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked. And for everything else in the world of video games, you’re already in the right place right here at IGN. More of IGN's 2024 AwardsThe Best Anime of 2024The Best Horror Movie of 2024The Best PC Game of 2024The Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024The Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie of 2024The Best Nintendo Game of 2024The Best Horror Game of 2024The Best RPG of 2024The Best Xbox Game of 2024The Best TV Show of 2024IGN Awards 2024: The Nominees View the full article View full article

Throughout 2024, it felt as if a new amazin RPG was right around the corner at every moment. The year kicked off with a bang when Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth launched just before Persona 3 Reload showed us why the original is a timeless story. And we only had to wait until February to return to Final Fantasy VII when Rebirth expanded the horizons of a beloved classic. Those may have been the headliners early in the year, but Unicorn Overlord worked its way into our hearts with its captivating art style and tactical depth, before Dragon’s Dogma 2 proved why the cult classic deserved a sequel. It was more than enough to hold us over until the big hitters like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age: The Veilguard landed toward the end of the year, showing how two iconic RPG development teams can forge a new path in their own ways. It was an embarrassment of riches for the RPG sickos here at IGN, especially considering the aforementioned games weren’t the only RPGs that stuck with us throughout the year. We can only highlight a handful of them, however, so here’s our list of the best RPGs of 2024. Honorable MentionsTwo RPGs from this year received an Honorable Mention, which we'd like to highlight before getting into our runner-up and winner. You can spot a Vanillaware game from a mile away thanks to its painterly art style and expressive anime-inspired character designs. It's what gives Unicorn Overlord such a distinct fantasy aesthetic, but it’s the unique mix of real-time strategy and tactical gameplay that makes it stand out among a sea of great RPGs. Creating squads composed of different classes and deploying them strategically filled that Ogre Battle-sized void in our lives, and exploring the overworld to build up towns that join your cause brought all its mechanics together. Its story of political drama has intriguing twists and turns, but it’s the squad members we made along the way that left a lasting impression in Unicorn Overlord. Despite it partly being a Hawaiian getaway for the crew from RGG Studio’s RPG debut Yakuza: Like A Dragon in 2020, the follow-up Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth was rather heavy. It’s an examination of family, legacy, and what you do with the time you have left. Series-long protagonist Kazuma Kiryu teaming up with his successor in Kasuga Ichiban made for a beautiful passing of the torch. I came for the detailed and nuanced recreation of Waikiki, but it’s the bittersweet and inspiring moments in Infinite Wealth that reminded us why there’s just nothing like the Yakuza franchise. Runner-Up: Dragon’s Dogma 2Many would consider the original Dragon’s Dogma from 2012 a cult classic for the ways it thrusts you into a harsh fantasy world with very little to guide you. And the sequel in Dragon's Dogma 2 did not forget that. Capcom didn’t sand off the edges, streamline systems, or make its dark world any more inviting, and that’s why it was able to stand out in 2024 despite being one of the biggest years for the genre. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is all about its organic emergent moments. There is a main quest to follow, of course, but NPCs will tap you for sidequests and you never know what you run into along the way. Its mechanics may seem inelegant, but after giving it time, you realize how flexible and deep it is from a gameplay perspective, especially once you grasp how reactive the in-game physics are. The Pawn system adds another layer, letting you customize your own AI-controlled party members, or borrow members from others online to make the goofiest band of heroes. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is not a clean experience and it thrives off of a unique friction that’s tough to find in games these days. When you reflect on how much work you put into surviving in its massive and harsh world, the consequential world-altering events and its message are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Runner-Up: Final Fantasy VII RebirthAfter playing Remake in 2020, it felt as if there were endless possibilities for what the rest of Final Fantasy VII would look like for a new generation. Stepping out into the Grasslands for the first time in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, when Aerith takes in the scenic view and shows excitement about a world worth fighting for, captures the exact feeling. The musical motifs played on our nostalgia and the recreation of its original world was undoubtedly impressive while evoking a sense of wistfulness – it felt like Final Fantasy VII grew up with us. We have our qualms with how Rebirth ends and sets up part three in this remade trilogy, but that doesn’t necessarily define the entire game. Tucked within its reinvention of the existing story are moments that elevate beloved characters to feel like brand new heroes who’ve inspired us in new ways. Its open regions are a beautiful expansion of the original’s overworld, and they’re filled with things to do that are often more than just busy work – and don’t ask us about how many hours we sunk into the new card game Queen’s Blood. In many respects, Rebirth connected us to a world we thought we knew on a deeper level – it made for one of the year’s best RPGs and it has us incredibly eager for what’s next. Runner-Up: Dragon Age: The VeilguardIt’s been 10 years since Dragon Age: Inquisition, and the way in which series fans were thirsty for anything related to Dragon Age in that time was wild to see. With a tumultuous development cycle, it’s kind of a miracle that The Veilguard exists at all, but it turned out to be a worthy successor and one of the best RPGs of the year. Through the lens of Rook, our new customizable protagonist, we get to pick up on the story of Solas that left us hanging from Inquisition and its DLC. Yet, The Veilguard was still able to establish a new direction that stayed true to the core concepts of a series so steeped in its own lore. Its warmer tone may not be what you remember from previous Dragon Age games, but you roll with a party full of bright personalities who create a sense of purpose reminiscent of the BioWare games of yore. Combat will be familiar for anyone who has played a modern action game without sacrificing the kind of depth you’d expect from an action-RPG. Every class feels great to play and retains a unique playstyle while being viable – which is important considering you only control Rook throughout the game. While your party members still play an important role in combat, it's their presence and where you stand with them that makes the journey worth seeing through. Either way, you’ll be treated to some great conclusions that show how The Veilguard carves its own path with confidence. Winner: Metaphor: ReFantazioWith a pedigree of the last three Persona games, I came into Metaphor: ReFantazio with high expectations, and even then, developer Atlus found a way to exceed them. To call it fantasy Persona isn’t necessarily inaccurate (and is a pretty good indication of what you’re getting into), but that would also undersell the nuances that make Metaphor the best RPG of the year. Using the context of a daily calendar system, Metaphor wields familiar mechanics to usher you through its fantasy political drama. Deciding how to spend your limited time makes those choices intriguing, whether it’s spending time with followers to level up bonds, explore dungeons for sidequests, or better yourself by increasing virtue stats – it’s the small moments like these that connect you to its world on the ground level. That’s the social sim element that leaves you naturally invested, and it gives its big moments more weight. So, when you see a character overcome their trauma or push themselves to do what’s right, it feels like it comes from a genuine place. More than anything, Metaphor is the game of the moment. It doesn’t shy away from themes such as racism, inequality, religious extremism, and abuse of power and demonstrates an understanding of the material it's working with through a powerful story. Every character, every bond and follower, and every major story beat feeds into a thoughtful representation of our real world, showing us the ugliest parts of humanity but also what it takes to create a brighter future. Metaphor is very upfront about its message from beginning to end, and yet, what it says about the power of fiction might be the most inspiring part of it all. There’s just nothing like Metaphor: ReFantazio, and it represents the best of what games can offer, especially in 2024. More of IGN's 2024 AwardsThe Best Anime of 2024The Best Horror Movie of 2024The Best PC Game of 2024The Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024The Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie of 2024The Best Nintendo Game of 2024The Best Horror Game of 2024The Best RPG of 2024The Best Xbox Game of 2024The Best TV Show of 2024IGN Awards 2024: The Nominees View the full article View full article

Ubisoft's failed Call of Duty rival XDefiant has received a hefty final update today, December 18, ahead of its shutdown in 2025. The XDefiant X/Twitter account shared the patch notes, below, while executive producer Mark Rubin thanked fans and the development team in his own post for their dedication to the game since before and after its May 2024 launch. "I wish everyone who worked on this game directly or indirectly the best for their future endeavors," Rubin said. "And the same goes for all of the fans who played our game, who streamed it, or who worked to build the XDefiant community." XDefiant's final S3.0+ update includes the previously announced Assassins class, which are modelled after Assassin's Creed's titular heroes, alongside myriad additional features that were planned for now cancelled future seasons. This includes a total of three new factions, 13 new maps, a new experience called Tactical, a means of gaining experience versus bots, new weapons, new progression mechanics for Faction Mastery and Badges, and more. xDefiant is a free-to-play, fast-paced arena shooter that combines intense gunplay with personalized loadouts and specialized factions. But that market can be incredibly brutal, and perhaps after PlayStation arena shooter Concord was shut down after just two weeks on the market, some fans of xDefiant grew concerned for its longevity. While Rubin said in September that XDefiant "is absolutely not dying," Ubisoft announced earlier this month it would be shut down on June 3, 2025. XDefiant Update S3.0+ Patch NotesFactionsNew Faction: Assassins Hiding in plain sight through the centuries, the Assassins have waged a clandestine war against their ancient enemies, the Templars, to safeguard human freedom. Assassins combine rigorous combat training, unconventional weaponry, and a sixth sense to track and take out their targets. Their signature Hidden Blade is a one-hit melee elimination.The Assassins receive combat guidance from Rebecca Crane, the technical genius who developed the Animus 2.0, an advanced model of the machine that lets Assassins relive genetic memories. She guided some of the Order's most well-known Assassins, including Desmond Miles. With Crane's assistance, the Assassins work in the dark to serve the light, combating oppression with lethal force.New Faction: Wolves Ex-special forces gone rogue, Wolves employ an arsenal of Skell Tech drones for both offense and defense. The Wolves trait allows the pack to be a sight unseen, undetected by AI abilities and devices. Their Legion drone acts like a homing proximity mine, while the Stolas is effectively a mobile turret. And their ultra, Drone Swarm, is the last word on area denial.New Faction: Blood Dragon Super-deadly cyber commandos from a dark future where cyborgs and mutants collide. Use your cyberstrength, throw deadly shuriken, strike with your shock punch, or use the Killstar laser to deal massive damage.Fixes and Changes:CleanersFixed a couple of glitches with the Cleaners' Incinerator Drone when Hijacked by a DedSec player: The Drone no longer explodes next to the player who Hijacked it.The Drone now leaves a complete fire trail back to its point of origin.EchelonNo longer have a 50% reduction in flash grenade duration debuffPhantomsAEGIS – Addressed issue with shots not registering at point blank range.Blitz – Increased movement speed to truly “Blitz” your opponent.DedSec Spiderbots 2.0 – We got the message. Spiderbots, DedSec's infuriatingly face-adjacent electro-minions, are now less in your face and more of an area-of-effect threat. When activated, Spiderbots will now dutifully follow their deploying player for 30 seconds, emitting an electromagnetic pulse that disrupts all enemy equipment within a 10-meter radius. And with that, the era of Spiderbot facehugging comes to a close.HighwaymenM79Fixed an issue that would lock the skill when activating right after a weapon swapThis should now have damage dealt while on different elevationsImproved handling and reload speedCooldown reduced to 40sBuzzsaw LauncherIncreased ammo countAddressed issue with damage inconsistencyMapsNew S3 Maps Mykonos (Arena): Experience the island of Mykonos like the ancient Greeks did, except with more rooftop firefights, in this new map for Season 3. Your itinerary includes sprinting by market stalls, seeking roof access for the high ground, and jumping across boat decks in high-risk flanking maneuvers.El Barrio (Arena)Jorvik (Linear)Animus Anomaly (Tactical): Ancient worlds collide in Animus Anomaly, a new corridor-style map for Season 3. Hunker down among Viking castles, flank around the waterways of ancient Greece, or go out with a boom in the new Defuse tactical variant of BOMB!.New Future Maps - These maps were scheduled for later seasons but were too much fun not to release! ArenaCarlyle’s LabEnchanted ForestKillstar TempleRazia’s RealmSkell CityWest EndLinearSkell ComplexEsperanzaHimalayaFixes and Changes: Adjustments were done to invisible collision and areas where players were able to jump to places that are out of bounds for the map.Adjustments to some maps where scrap turrets were also being placed where they’re not supposed to be.DUMBO has decked the halls to be more festive for the holidaysPlayers can no longer climb and leap their way into what was supposed to be an inaccessible area of some maps, where they were using El Remedio to heal allies and doing other sneaky exploits.Many maps have undergone improvements to mantling which should now be fixed in several map locations that previously were not.Map voting improvementsGame ModesNew Modes: DefuseThis season sees the debut of Defuse, a tactical and slower-paced version of BOMB!. Teams take turns planting and defending bomb sites, yet all players only have one life. Defuse is designed for play on a new "corridor" type map, in this case the Animus Anomaly created exclusively for this category.Vs BotsThere’s now a Vs Bots option where you can face off against varying levels of computers. You’ll even earn XP by battling bots. Although at a slower pace with human enemies.Lum HuntCatch them if you can, Lums (beings of pure energy possessing of a mindbogglingly sunny disposition) have been placed around the Enchanted Forest map in this variant of Hot Shot. Also available in Private Matches.TiltNow available in our Linear playlists, this mode is a simultaneous battle over who can push around Carlos the most, poor robot.Turbo XDSuper jump your way to victory in this gravity defying mode.New Party Modes Playlist From one shot kill, to headshots only, and even no skills allowed, there’s a little something for everyone in this playlist. With no one here to make names for them, we wish you the very best of luck to figure them out.Fixes and Changes: Team balancing overhaul to ensure the fairest matches.BOMB!Several quality-of-life improvements to BOMB! spectator cam.Planting and Defusing behavior improved not to conflict with other game features like looking at the scoreboard.Private MatchFixed an issue where the lobby menu would become blank after another player accepts a private match party invite.Now allows you to select the server you wish to play on.RankedRanked BOMB! With Ability Restrictions still in place, we took it 1 step further and you will only be allowed to use your ability once per life. Round timer changed in Ranked BOMB! from 2 mins to 1min 30s, plant and defuse times adjusted, and Round 11 will go to highest scoring team.Top 500 Leaderboard Season 3 sees the debut of the Top 500 leaderboard, which showcases the top 500 players globally each season as they progress through the ranks until the season's end. These top players are displayed in descending order of total Rank Points earned in the current season. Highlighting a player on the Leaderboard displays the following stats:Current rank insignia and RP total.Win/Loss: Player’s ratio of wins to losses.Kill/Death: Player’s ratio of kills to deaths.Average Score/Minute: Player’s average score per minute.MVPs: Number of times the player earned MVP.Ranked Emblem in HUD Proudly display your ranked tier right on your heads-up display for all to see.New Ranked Rewards New S3 specific Ranked Rewards are available (to everyone).Fixes and Changes: Matchmaking ranges have been disabled and join in progress has been enabled so that matches are easier to find.Reduced the forfeit timer duration from 20s to 5s.Players are no longer pulled out of active Ranked game sessions after accepting the Party invite for a Private Match.Added a new menu experience, now players will be able to search for games and jump back to the Ranked menu tab to view rewards, info, and the top 500 leaderboard.Removed Domination and CTF from Ranked playlists.WeaponsAssault RifleFAMAS - The FAMAS is a burst-fire rifle like the M16A4 but with faster ADS time, movement, and rate of fire. It is slower to reload, however, and inflicts less hurt per shot. G36KSub-Machine GunM1928Light Machine GunMG5 - Despite its shorter range and lower ammo capacity than other belt-fed LMGs, the MG5 with its higher rate of fire makes it a powerful and versatile option for those who can master its challenging recoil.MarksmanM1A - An agile warhorse built for medium-range battles, the M1A offers a speedy rate of fire but deals less per-shot damage compared to other marksman rifles.Sniper RifleSRSPistolDicerosFixes and Changes:Sawed-off Shotgun Balance Adjustment The range and damage potential of the Sawed-Off Shotgun have been adjusted to better focus it on its intended role as a short-range kill-finisher and prevent it from killing full-health opponents with a single shot.Short Range reduced from 8m -> 6mMedium Range reduced from 12m -> 10mShort Range Damage reduced from 12 -> 11Bullets Per Round reduced from 12 -> 9Tweaked smoke grenade effects so that some components of cosmetic skins will no longer be visible through the smoke, while also improving the size, shape, and transparency of the smoke particles and radius of effect.Adjusted the camera shake so that now it is based on distance to explosion. Removed friendly explosion camera shake.AttachmentsTapered BarrelIntroduced the Tapered Barrel, an attachment for most weapons that increases handling speed but reduces damage. Here are the pluses and minuses: Pros:25 percent boost to sprint-out time15 percent ADS speed increase5 percent movement speed increaseCons:20 percent short-range damage decrease20 percent medium-range damage decrease10 percent ADS walking speed decreaseIn other words, this barrel will help you scoot around the map at a zippier pace, but you'll likely need to land more shots than normal to get kills.New Reticle Customization New for Season 3: Customized reticules. Players can unlock new reticule shapes and adjust their colors (a helpful feature for players with colorblindness). Custom reticules will be tied to individual loadouts.Fixes and Changes: Fixed a graphical glitch that let players see parts of their weapon barrel through the Reflex and Holographic sights.Fixed a lagging magazine when player reloads weapons.Fixed floating when using left-handed skills and reloads.Fixed a scope crosshair missing when player ADS in spectating mode.Several skins have had their sights adjusted to match the base weapon being used.Various visual improvementsProgressionPrestige System!Introducing Prestige, an optional new progression system that rewards long-haul dedication with flashy cosmetics and extravagant emblems that showcase your experience to other players. Available to anyone who has completed their Base Challenges, Prestige resets player progress in exchange for an eye-catching Prestige Emblem. All starter and owned weaponry are locked – except the M4, M9, and frag grenade – but can be earned as players earn XP and Prestige Tokens to access their original gear plus new weapons until they complete the current Prestige Tier and acquire the next eye-catching emblem. Players can opt out of Prestige at any time and recover their weapons, or they can commit to unlocking the final Prestige Emblem, the ultimate display of dedication.Badges!Badges are part of a mysterious new challenge-based progression system where players earn Badges for performing impressive feats and engaging with the game in creative ways. All Badge challenges have hidden requirements, encouraging players to go online and engage with the XDefiant community. Badges can also evolve, requiring players to complete the challenge a second or third time but with more challenging requirements for success.Faction Mastery!Allows players to level up characters, earn prestigious rewards, and track their progression within the gamePristine Weapon Mastery SkinA new Pristine Weapon Mastery skin is unlocked at weapon level 50 as an early reward to encourage players to pursue Weapon Mastery. These new Pristine skins are like unmarred, fresh-from-the-factory versions of these weapons. Pristine skins are retroactively applied to any weapons that have already reached level 50.Daily Rewards and CreditsPlayers can now earn various rewards just for logging into the game. Bigger rewards are granted every 5th and 10th login. The days do not have to be consecutive.Credits are a brand new in-game currency. Use Credits to buy cosmetics from previous seasons, giving you the opportunity to get any skins you may have missed back then, but you have everything now, so that’s niceFixes and Changes: Some Challenges, particularly those related to faction characters, weren't progressing on the main menu, but now they are.AudioBattle announcer lines have been tweaked for their frequency of play:Lines announcing death streaks (or dying multiple times without killing an enemy) will trigger less often (now players need to die five times rather than three, and the death streaks will only trigger during the second half of a match).Lines related to suffering from fire damage (from the Purifier, (Firebomb, Incendiary Drone–really anything involving the Cleaners) will trigger less frequently.Phantoms – Blitz – Now has sounds for blocking a melee attack and for attacking others with a Blitz Shield. GSK – Hardhat – Audio improved for impact confirm headshotHighwaymen – M79 – Now has sounds for hit confirm and impact confirm with the M79.Other various audio improvements.MiscellaneousNew Assassin’s video on the main menuNew Career Stats pageNew Store LayoutNew Weapon InspectInput-based matchmaking is now disabled by default for faster matchmaking times.Fixed various crashes and errorsRyan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day. View the full article View full article

The open, medieval world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was built with even greater authenticity in mind than its historically-grounded predecessor was capable of. Whether you played the first one or not, there are plenty of potentially overlooked details you'll want to pay attention to. Sometimes because it might help you succeed on your journey, and other times because it's just a neat touch of realism. As part of this month’s IGN First, we’ll be taking a look at eight little things you won't want to miss in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. 1. Find An Old FriendHenry, the hero of the Kingdom Come: Deliverance saga, will get the chance to reunite with a number of old friends from the first game if you know where to find them. And one of them is a four-legged companion who's been given a bit of a special buff for the sequel. Your very first horse, Pebbles, has somehow managed to survive the turmoil of war brewing in Bohemia. And what's more, he's even learned some new tricks. In KCD1, his stats were… less than impressive, given you got him pretty early on. But in KCD2, he has a secret perk that will allow him to grow along with Henry. The more you ride him, the better his stats will get, so you don't have to say goodbye forever in favor of a more impressive steed. 2. Check the Freshness DateWhile in a game like Skyrim you may be able to pack your coat pockets with fresh fruit and set off into the wilderness for days without worry, KCD2 is a bit more unforgiving in how it simulates perishable foods. But it also provides you with historically-accurate ways to solve this problem. The longer something like bread or a cabbage has been in your inventory, the more it will degrade. And some foods keep longer than others. If you want things to keep longer, well, you're not exactly going to be able to haul an ice chest around on your back. But you can do what people in the actual middle ages did. Facilities are available around many settlements for smoking and drying foods, extending their shelf lives. This process also reduces their weight, so you can carry more food – or make room for an extra dagger. Smoking and drying foods extends their shelf lives. This even works with the herbs you'll use for alchemy. Freshly-picked herbs will always make the strongest potions, but dried ones keep for a long time and will do in a pinch. 3. Liquid CourageFolks in medieval Bohemia loved their drink. After all, we didn't know much about water safety at the time, so alcohol tended to be safer. And there weren't any open-world RPGs around either, so options for entertainment were more limited. In KCD2, booze can be both a blessing and a curse. "Basically any alcohol will give you some positives when you are only slightly drunk and there's a lot of perks that will even improve this," lead designer Prokop Jirsa explained. "But be very careful because if you overdo this and if you get really drunk, it'll give you a lot of negative stats." There's also a risk of addiction if you imbibe too often in KCD2, with increasing stages of severity. And, of course, you can drink so much you pass out. In most games, this wouldn't be too much of an issue. But in KCD2, NPCs who don't like you might take that opportunity to steal the clothes right off of your back. "A situation can happen when you just fall unconscious because you're drunk and when you wake up you see somebody wearing your shoes or your hat," Jirsa said. "So yeah, be careful about it." 4. Do Your HomeworkOne of Henry's biggest character moments in the first KCD was learning how to read, which was so rare it was practically a superpower in the Middle Ages. And he can continue his erudite journey in KCD 2. But the Reading skill has been replaced with Scholarship, which is not so much about learning what the letters mean, but what they… well, mean, on a deeper level. Gaining ranks in Scholarship will unlock things like new dialogue options and even the ability to gain more experience in other skills. Bohemia is full of books, and collecting them will allow you to level up your Scholarship. There are even specific places that are better for reading due to their chill atmosphere. And gaining ranks in Scholarship will unlock things like new dialogue options and even the ability to gain more experience in other skills. After all, understanding the theory behind something like chopping someone's head off with an axe helps you with the practice. 5. A Likely StoryAnd whether you're an academic, a drunk, or both, your roleplaying possibilities will expand to fit your personality. "There are perks in Drinking skill and in Scholarship that will unlock completely new dialogue options with guards," Jirsa told us. "And you can use these new dialogue options to get away from crime. And they're really funny, especially the one from drinking. Try those. It's really funny, like drunkenly explaining why you didn't kill the chicken is hilarious." 6. Malicious MakeoverWhile Henry's abilities and even attire can affect his chance of success in different social situations, like being well-dressed giving you more play with the nobles and being covered in blood letting you scare off bandits easier, these buffs and debuffs don't only apply to you. What an NPC is wearing and how healthy they are affects their social stats in the same way. Do you see where I'm going with this? If you need to win a charisma challenge against an NPC of high social status, and spiffing up your own wardrobe isn't an option, you can always come at the problem from the other direction and sabotage theirs. So the night before you can steal their fancy clothes," Jirsa advised. "Or if you want to intimidate them, it might be easier if you poison them a little bit the day before." 7. Dress to ImpressIn the first game, it could be a bit of a pain to optimize your fit for every possible situation. After all, it takes quite a while, even on an inventory screen, to squeeze out of heavy plate armor and into something a bit snazzier or sneakier. But KCD2 has made this a breeze. You'll be able to save three different outfits that you can switch between seamlessly. This lines up perfectly with having one set of nice-looking clothes for navigating social situations, a suit of full armor for intense combat, and some dark-colored clothing that doesn't make much noise when you're moving around for sneaky deeds. 8. When in Doubt, YellThis far along on Henry's journey, though, he's not necessarily just dressing for the job he wants rather than the job he has. No, he's a bit more of a force to be reckoned with, and it's possible to flaunt this with certain enemies who really don't have any business crossing swords with him. KCD2 introduces battle cries and taunts, which can influence an NPC's will to fight. In our Survival Tips list, we mentioned how certain enemies might think better of trying to tangle with you if you kill their commander or a bunch of their friends in very flashy ways. Letting out a fearsome battle cry probably won't do much if you haven't even drawn blood yet. But if things are going your way, it might serve as a signal for the remaining opponents to take stock of the situation and decide if this is really still worth it. And, of course, there are unlockable perks that will make your bellowing even more terrifying. There are tons more little things to discover in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for the sharp-eyed explorers out there, so don't hesitate to take it slow and try out new things. For more, stay tuned all December long as our exclusive IGN First coverage of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues. View the full article View full article

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is reviving classic Sega arcade game The Ocean Hunter in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, marking its first release on console. As reported by Automaton, RGG Studio revealed on X/Twitter the wealth of minigames coming to the incoming Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii including The Ocean Hunter as an arcade game. The Yakuza / Like a Dragon series is known for its myriad minigames and inclusion of full classic titles by visiting actual Sega arcades in the fictional takes on Japan and Hawaii. Yakuza 0 had Out Run and Space Harrier, Yakuza Kiwami 2 had Virtua Fighter 2, Yakuza 6 had Fantasy Zone, and so on. 2025年2月21日(金)発売予定 『龍が如く８外伝 Pirates in Hawaii』 ゲーム内で楽しめるプレイスポットやサブストーリー、「ミナト区系女子」の概要が、公式サイトにて公開されました！https://t.co/zab3Bec4b5#龍が如く８外伝 pic.twitter.com/8rcinRKXOL — セガ公式アカウント🦔 (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) December 12, 2024 Bringing over The Ocean Hunter, a 1998 on-rails shooter about killing giant sea beasties like great white sharks, was a "very difficult task that required the cooperation of many people," however, according to an X/Twitter post from RGG Studio technical director Yutaka Ito. As mentioned, The Ocean Hunter has never been ported to console, so RGG Studio had to do everything from the ground up. This included visiting actual arcades to understand exactly how it worked, since the game doesn't exist in any other, more accessible, capacity. Ito said the development team had been talking about bringing The Ocean Hunter over for a year ahead of actually beginning work, because it's lack of license-related complications made it an ideal choice and it also very much fits the theme of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The game, which arrives February 21, is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth including Yakuza 0). It follows Majima as he wakes up with amnesia and becomes a pirate, exploring the likes of Hawaii along the way. A trailer released at the October Xbox Partner Showcase revealed a proper first look at ship combat akin to Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and the return of the beloved character Taiga Saejima, perhaps teasing more ties to the main series than previously thought. It will also be a decent bit longer than previous Yakuza spin-off Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with its story taking around 15 to 18 hours to complete. Fans can also dress up Majima as longtime series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma, but only if they sign up for email notifications. Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day. View the full article View full article

Helldivers 2’s Killzone crossover, confirmed and released today, December 18, has already sparked a backlash over the cost of its items. Part one of the Helldivers 2 and Killzone crossover includes a Killzone-themed armor set, assault rifle, banner, cape, and player title. Amid excitement that Sony has remembered the Killzone franchise exists over a decade since the launch of the last game in Guerrilla’s first-person shooter series are complaints about the cost of these items. The new armor costs 500 Super Credits, the new cape 310 Super Credits, the new helmet 310 Super Credits, and, most egregious of all, the new assault rifle costs 615 Super Credits. Oh, and all these items are only available for five days before they’re rotated out of the store. It’s worth putting these prices into context. 1,000 SC costs $9.99 / £7.99 in the in-game store. One of Helldivers 2’s premium Warbonds costs 1,000 Super Credits, which means that if you want all the Killzone items, you’re looking at just shy of twice the price of a premium Warbond. Now, there will be Helldivers 2 players who have Super Credits saved up after nearly a year of playing the game, and it’s worth noting that you can unlock 300 Super Credits in Warbonds with your medals, or find them out and about by looting in gameplay. But the fact remains that these items are also being sold for real-world money, and the pricing is unlike anything fans have seen so far in Helldivers 2. Meanwhile, the Killzone assault rifle has sparked renewed pay-to-win accusations from some in the game’s community, despite it being considered a bit of a downgrade compared to already available guns. The Helldivers subreddit is already littered with complaints, many of which point out that Helldivers 2 is not a free game and so should take a different approach to monetization. User Straight-Break-4169 said: “No set should cost over 1,000 SC. Even if we forget the armor set, a new AR?? They seriously add a new gun and lock it behind a 600 Super Credit paywall!?” “615 SC for a primary weapon is straight up ridiculous,” added Goopmaster_. “I get the game needs to be monetized in some way, I get that the devs’ work isn’t free, but charging half a Warbond price for an assault rifle with no optic is straight up nonsense.” “I knew it was a slippery slope, but didn't think we'd reach that part of the slope already,” SovietMarma commented. “I've willingly paid for 1,000 SC packs for each and every Warbond release so I could support the game and buy the Super Store armors that came with them. Don't think I'll be doing the same here.” In a blog post, Arrowhead said the Helldivers 2 x Killzone 2 belongs to a new tier of “special” premium content reserved for collaborations and other “uniquely-themed work.” “Our plan is to offer you something distinct and special,” the developer added. Helldivers 2’s recent Illuminate update breathed new life into the game, sparking a resurgence in players and enthusiasm around the addition of a new faction to fight against. But as has been the case multiple times during the game’s rollercoaster first year of live service, it’s a case of one step forward, two steps back for community sentiment. And, as you'd expect, fans are taking to Steam user reviews to express their dissatisfaction over the Killzone prices. "The Superstore items are straight scams," one negative review reads. "Such a shame after such a great update." Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me. View the full article View full article

Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, you know just how versatile and fun this console can be, whether you’re playing at home or on the go. But to really make the most of your gaming experience, investing in a few accessories can take things to the next level. TL;DR – These are the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories: From the best Switch controllers that give you better control during intense gameplay to screen protectors that keep your Switch safe from scratches, the right accessories can enhance both performance and protection. Need more space for your growing game library? An SD card for your Switch can expand your storage so you’ll never have to worry about running out of room. Whether you’re aiming for convenience, comfort, or just a better overall gaming experience, the best accessories for the Nintendo Switch can make all the difference. 1. Nintendo Switch Pro ControllerBest Switch Controller The small thumbsticks and triggers available on Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers can be a pain, so unless you're gaming exclusively on the go, you owe it to yourself to play with something bigger and better. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a welcome solution. This gamepad offers all the controls you need for a Nintendo Switch with a familiar and far more ergonomic design. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and charges using a USB-C cable. Boasting a 40-hour battery life, you’re all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls and real D-pad provide undeniable improvement to your gameplay, while HD Rumble should immerse you further into the action. It even supports Amiibo with its NFC chip. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch's life cycle, making it a very sound investment. See more of our picks for the best Switch controllers. 2. amFilm Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorBest Nintendo Switch Screen Protector If you spend far too much time in a state of panic when you accidentally drop your Nintendo Switch, maybe it's time to make a tiny investment in a screen protector. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector goes right over your Nintendo Switch's display, keeping it safe and giving you a little peace of mind when the device starts to slip from your grasp. The screen protector is built to take the brunt of an impact, so you don't have to live with your Switch permanently in docked mode. At under ten bucks for a two-pack and an installation kit, it’s hard to come up with an excuse not to buy this. A cracked display on a Nintendo Switch will set you back a lot more than this economical solution, and the device's touchscreen capabilities and screen clarity remain the same. 3. RDS Carry CaseBest Nintendo Switch Case When taking your Switch on the go, you want a hardy case to protect it from the elements, possible scratches, and the inevitable drop. The RDS Carry Case does just that, thanks to its hard-shelled exterior and fitted linen interior with a padded screen protector. There’s even a handy rubber handle to make toting it around easy. Beyond that, inside the case is a pair of hard clamshell cases for games that slot into a recessed panel, while a small attached zipper pocket provides a place to store cables or even more games. There's a built-in adjustable stand, too, which makes for easy playing or viewing on the go. If you’ve got the Switch Lite or OLED, those devices can also fit comfortably in this case. See more of our picks for the best Switch cases including Nintendo Switch battery cases. 4. SanDisk 128GB UltraBest Nintendo Switch Memory Card Unless you're comfortable carrying around a bunch of game cartridges, you’ll want your favorite games installed directly on your Nintendo Switch. However, there's a little hitch in that plan, given how little storage the Switch actually has for games. So, it's worth it to pony up for a Switch microSD card, especially if you're going to pick up a ton of game deals. It can dramatically increase the storage capacity for your Nintendo Switch and do it for an affordable price. The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive hits a sweet spot. You can pick it up for under $20, which means it's cheaper than even a so-so controller but provides serious utility. That 128GB offers plenty of room for games, and you can always grab another later if you end up needing more room for your game library. With 120MB/s read speeds, the card ensures you don't run into painfully slow loading times for games stored on it. SanDisk also backs it up with a 10-year warranty, which should be more than enough time for Nintendo to launch its next console. 5. CRKD Nitro DeckBest Switch Deck Don’t love the Switch’s traditional Joy-Cons? Well, the CRKD Nitro Deck upgrades the controllers and offers a slew of other features to make your gaming experience on the device even better. Rather than attaching Joy-Cons to either side of the Switch, the Nitro Deck lets you slide the screen into it, connecting via USB-C, providing a sturdy, secure, and more comfortable-to-hold option. It is noticeably heftier than the Joy-Cons, but the weight is distributed evenly. However, the quality controls will be the main reason you grab the Nitro Deck. There are Hall effect thumbsticks, so you can say goodbye to that pesky drift that plagues the Joy-Cons. All the rest of Switch's traditional controls are accounted for with clicky buttons and a good amount of tension in the D-pad, while the four shoulder buttons are longer with more travel. You also get four programmable back buttons, which, beyond shooters, we found handy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 6. Satisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3Best Nintendo Switch Grip The Nintendo Switch's almost entirely flat form-factor can be a pain to hold, literally, and the small size of the Joy-Cons also isn't fun for users with large hands. The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro helps prevent your hands from cramping up and provides a more ergonomic hold on the console, making you a lot more comfortable during your gaming marathons. The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is all about giving your hands a pair of simple, grips to hold onto. With them, your fingers and thumb can properly wrap around rather than dig in at the bottom of the Joy-Cons. The handles are diagonally arranged, so your wrists sit at a more natural angle, while the plastic frame can also act as a stand. It even features silicone tabs to prevent the Switch from getting scratched. The only real fault with this grip is it makes your device a bit less portable when attached. Though, if you're looking to add a little extra comfort to your Switch gameplay, the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is a good place to start. 7. Hori Split Pad ProBetter Joy-Cons The joy-cons your Switch comes with are great, but sometimes you want a better grip and larger controls. With the Hori Split Pad Pro, you get just that, plus some convenient extras. Everything on this controller is scaled up. You get a bigger, textured grip to help distribute weight better, and in turn, makes your Switch more comfortable to hold even during your longest gaming sessions. You’ll find the larger analog sticks, triggers, and D-pad provides more accuracy in your games and decreases cramping when pulling off combos. Unfortunately, there is no motion control, rumble, or NFC reader on this joy-con alternative. On top of experiencing a full-size controller in handheld mode on the Hori Split Pad Pro, you also get the option to use the joy-cons as a separate wired controller. With this Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, you dock each one in and get a quality standard controller. You even get a mic input for gaming audio and voice chat. Two additional rear paddles are also included, which can be remapped, but only the right-side buttons can be mapped to the right rear paddle, and vice versa. 8. GENKI Covert Dock MiniBest Nintendo Switch Portable Dock Given the Nintendo Switch is ultra-portable, one would’ve thought its dock would be too, but that’s not the case. It’s clunky and prone to damage, so you’ll want to find something else to take on the go. Luckily, the GENKI Covert Dock Mini measures just 1.35 x 1.66 x 1.3 inches and has foldable prongs, making for a super compact, pocketable device that has the ability to increase your screen size. This mini dock isn’t equipped with a bunch of extras or the fastest charging speeds. However, it has exactly what you need; a USB-C port and an HDMI output. The USB-C offers 20W charging speeds to keep your Switch topped up as you play; a USB-C cable is even included with the dock. After the Switch is plugged into the USB-C, an HDMI port transfers video signals at up to 4K/30Hz, exceeding the Switch’s 1080p max output. You aren’t limited to only using the Switch with the GENKI Covert Dock Mini either, it works seamlessly with the best laptops, iPads, and the Steam Deck. 9. Nintendo Joy-Con WheelBest Nintendo Switch Steering Wheel The Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel is a simple yet effective Switch accessory that brings a more hands-on feel to your racing games, particularly when playing titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While it’s not as advanced as a fully-fledged racing wheel, it’s a great option for casual gamers and younger players who want to get more involved in the action. With its easy setup (just insert a Joy-Con into the wheel) you’ll feel like you’re right behind the wheel, making it a fun and engaging way to race. The Joy-Con Wheel is especially useful for kids, offering them better control and an intuitive way to steer through races. Plus, the package comes with two wheels, making it great for multiplayer sessions. Though basic in design, it’s excellent value for money, providing a simple way to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank. It’s a practical and enjoyable accessory that turns every race into a more interactive and enjoyable experience! 10. 8BitDo Arcade StickBest Nintendo Switch Fight Stick Want more precise control for fighting games? Using a fight stick helps you dominate your competition, and the 8BitDo Arcade Stick has you covered when it comes to the Switch. It features the typical joystick and the eight buttons found on most fight sticks, but it also offers two additional macro buttons. A simple switch lets you change the function of the joystick to serve as the left thumbstick, right thumbstick, or D-Pad. And, if you want to mod it, it's compatible with other arcade parts, including Sanwa's. Pulling off combos and different attacks will be a breeze with this controller. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick connects to your Switch over Bluetooth, USB-C, or a 2.5GHz wireless receiver, giving you plenty of options for how you get playing, so you can easily use it at home or on the go. As a bonus, it connects to a PC, too. The fight stick’s look and feel should take you back in time to a less complicated life and much simpler games, but all the modern features will make you happy with the investment. See more of the best fight sticks for fighting games. 11. HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2Best Joy-Con Charger The way Nintendo designed the Joy-Cons to charge when connected to the Switch was ingenious. But, if you're hosting a big Mario Party or Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament, this becomes a huge headache. These are the exact scenarios that call for a dedicated Joy-Con charger, like the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2. Rather than just being able to juice up only two Joy-Cons with your Nintendo Switch, you can charge up to four simultaneously. HyperX ChargePlay Quad allows each Joy-Con to slide easily into the sturdy base, and indicator lights let you know when they're all charged up. The long USB-C cord for power means you can keep the charging station close. It also makes it easy to hot-swap controllers, so you barely miss a moment of a game’s action. The Pokeball look also adds to the charger's aesthetic. 12. Marseille mClassicBest Nintendo Switch Upscaler Nintendo isn’t known for chasing the most stunning graphics despite how beautiful its games end up being. Sharp-eyed gamers are likely to spot some jagged edges here and there, and the Switch could benefit from some extra anti-aliasing. Its resolution limit can also result in a blurrier experience when you pair it with a higher-res display. Enter the mClassic adapter. This unit sits between your Nintendo Switch and display, connecting via HDMI, and adds a bit of post-processing magic to your video feed. The mClassic upscales gameplay to a higher resolution, applies extra anti-aliasing to smooth out pixelation and jaggies, and can add depth of field effects and image sharpening. It performs this processing with negligible lag, too, so you can continue to tackle even the hardest games. The mClassic is also particularly handy for retro games on consoles like Nintendo 64, where you want to see smoother visuals, but you can apply it to anything coming out of the Switch. There’s even a special 4K upscaler mode to enhance 1080p video content. 13. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power BankBest Nintendo Switch Power Bank Grabbing one of the best power banks is the most simple and effective way to extend the battery life of your Switch. Its stock battery will only last about nine hours, and you’ll be lucky to get that much playtime. So during long travel days or time away from an outlet, a portable charger, like our favorite, Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, can be a lifesaver. Unlike your typical power bank, this one straps onto the console, adding a little extra bulk to the device but still providing an enjoyable playing experience. With the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank comes 10,000mAh of extra juice, which should effectively double the battery life of your Switch. A 15-watt power delivery ensures a quick fill-up, while a built-in USB-C cable means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own along. You aren’t limited to just charging your Switch either, as it comes with an additional USB-A and USB-C port ready to juice up the best gaming phones, wireless earbuds, and more. Where to Get the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in the UK How to Choose the Best Switch AccessoriesWhen deciding on the best Nintendo Switch accessories, you must determine your budget for these extras first. Some items you can get away with not having right away or ever, while others help ensure the device's longevity. These products also vary in price, but luckily, only a few are over $100. Grabbing a case, screen protector, and SD card is a great place to start. That immediately ensures the safety of your device and allows you to store more games; best of all, you can usually find all three for under $50. From there, you’ll want to focus on quality-of-life products, be it a controller for a more ergonomic hold than the Joy-Cons, a power bank to extend playtime, or maybe one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets for more immersive gaming. As for other accessories like upscalers, docks, or printers, you can grab these down the road depending on your needs and budget. No matter which accessories you decide to purchase, do research before buying, especially when straying from our picks. Everything won’t work perfectly with each Switch model, and some products that sound great on paper fail in practice. Making note of build materials, ergonomics, and connectivity may take extra time but can save you the hassle of returns or wasted money down the road. Best Nintendo Switch Accessories FAQWhich Nintendo Switch accessories should you buy first in 2024?There are a lot of different Switch accessories you can buy, but if you've just purchased the console, there are a few things you should get first. The most essential accessories are a carrying case, an SD card, and a screen protector. These items will allow ou to protect your Switch and also download more games to the console. You may also want to look into getting a more comfortable Pro controller or a nicer set of Joy-Cons since the base set are not very ergonomic for long-term gameplay. Should you buy third-party Switch accessories?One of the main issues with buying any of official Nintendo Switch accessories is that they tend to be pretty spendy. This has led to a lot of third-party sellers offering cheaper alternatives to things like Joy-Cons and charging docks. While some third-party options work fine with the console, it can get pretty dicey when it comes to connecting something cheap to your Switch. Your best bet is to buy third-party accessories when connectivity isn't directly involved, but you can also check reviews outside of Amazon before you buy anything to make sure it won't cause problems. What accessories normally come with a Nintendo Switch? When you purchase the Switch, it offers all the accessories you need to get gaming. The original 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen console comes with an AC adapter for power, while a Nintendo Switch dock and HDMI are included for displaying your games on your gaming TV. Beyond that, there are left and right Joy-Cons, along with straps for individual Joy-Con use and a grip for using the two controllers together detached from the gaming device. With the seven-inch OLED model, you get all the same accessories as the original, but there’s a LAN port on the Switch dock for a wired internet connection. As for the Switch Lite, it’s also light on accessories. There’s no dock or HDMI, as you can’t connect it to your TV. The Joy-Cons are also not detachable, so you’ll only find the console and USB-C charger in the box. What are the best Nintendo Switch accessories according to Reddit?If you're wondering what Reddit users are suggesting, the best place to look is this thread on the r/NintendoSwitch subreddit where users are discussing their favorite accessories. The top comment refers to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller as the best overall accessory, which we also include at the top of our guide. This comment is followed up with a note that the 8Bitdo Ultimate is also a great alternative to the Switch Pro controller. When do Nintendo Switch accessories go on sale?Although the Switch itself doesn't go on sale very often, Nintendo Switch accessories will often see discounts throughout the year. The general rule of thumb is that the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch are also the best times to buy accessories. Some of the more popular events where you're guaranteed to find discounts on gaming accessories are Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November. Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam. Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian. View the full article View full article

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has received its first major card drop since launch with the Mythical Island Themed Booster, and the long-established meta has already been shaken up to push Mewtwo ex up, Pikachu ex down, and the new Celebi ex potentially above them both. The Genetic Apex meta saw four decks stand above the rest. Pikachu ex was perhaps the best, followed or rivalled by Mewtwo ex. Charizard ex followed in third place, and Starmie ex in fourth. Of these, Mewtwo ex and Starmie ex have received a slight boost, while Pikachu ex seems to be the target of a meta shift as many new cards are poised to take it down. Mythical Island is built around Mew, the mythical relative and predecessor of Mewtwo. It therefore includes many Psychic type cards, but it's not the headliners like Mew ex itself that provide a bump but instead a new Item called Mythical Slab. "Look at the top card of your deck. If that card is a Psychic Pokémon, put it into your hand," reads the effect. "If it is not a Psychic Pokémon, put it on the bottom of your deck." Card draw effects are incredibly important in card games as they essentially reduce the random chance element and allow players to pull exactly which cards they need to execute winning combos. It's the reason why every deck in the game runs Poké Ball and Professor Oak; they let players draw cards. Mythical Slab is another card draw exclusive to Psychic types, so including it in a Mewtwo ex deck is practically an instant bump. It lets players dig through their deck quicker and pull the likes of Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir to execute the deck's best play, removing some of the random chance that's perhaps the Mewtwo ex deck's greatest flaw. As for Starmie ex, a new Vaporeon variant threatens to make the infamous Misty card even more powerful. It allows the transfer of Water Energy between Pokémon, essentially meaning Misty coin flips of three or more are no longer wasted and can boost myriad Pokémon at once. Charizard ex, being a Fire type deck that's weak to Water, could see some reduced play as a result of this boost, but is otherwise largely unaffected by the Mythical Island expansion. It's Pikachu ex which seems to take the most hits, with several of the new cards seemingly designed with taking Pikachu ex down in mind. Pidgeot ex, for example, despite being weak to Electric Pokémon like Pikachu, has an ability that works directly against Pikachu ex's. A three Colorless Energy attack does 80 damage plus 20 more for each of its opponent's Benched Pokémon. Unlike other meta leaders Pikachu ex relies on having a full Bench, as its attack does 30 damage times the number of Pokémon there. Stacking the Bench against Pidgeot ex will only lead to disaster though, with Scattering Cyclone doing 140 damage in that instance, enough to take down Pikachu ex in one hit. Another Colorless card can also take down Pikachu ex in one turn too. A new Tauros card is fairly simple, being a basic Pokémon with 100 HP and a single attack called Fighting Tackle. It does 40 damage for three Colorless Energy, unless its opponent is an ex Pokémon, in which case it does 120 damage. This won't take down Mewtwo ex in one hit, nor Charizard ex, nor Starmie ex, but is just enough to take down Pikachu ex in one hit. These Colorless cards likely won't fit into the aforementioned meta decks but they will fit into the also popular anti-meta category, in which players build decks with the sole purpose of taking down the likes of Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex. Finally, what's emerged as a potential new threat to the meta is Celebi ex. It can be combined with a new Serperior card that doubles the value of all Grass Energy, allowing Celebi ex to do up to 100 damage with just one energy, up to 200 with two, up to 300 with three, and so on. Mythical Island just arrived yesterday, December 17, and the meta will no doubt continue to chop and change as time goes on and players discover new combos. The main game arrived around six weeks earlier on October 30 and is a certified hit for Creatures Inc. and The Pokémon Company, having earned an estimated $200 million in its first month across more than 60 million downloads. This huge amount of money comes as Pokémon TCG Pocket follows the standard mobile and free to play game model, flooding players with rewards in the first few days before soon drying up, with spending real world money the only real way to re-experience that early thrill outside of the occasional set drop like this. Completing Genetic Apex, the first set of cards which totals 226 officially but also contains 60 rare alternate art cards, will take players not spending money around two years according to one estimate, while those looking to make it rain can wrap up the collection after dropping around $1,500. Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day. View the full article View full article

From iconic names like Indiana Jones and Final Fantasy to indie sensations like Balatro and Animal Well, 2024 has provided gamers with a variety of incredible experiences. IGN is in the process of picking our game of the year, but now you have the chance to have your voice heard too in the IGN People’s Choice Tournament. With our partners at Truth, we’ve selected 64 of the best titles of the year to be placed in a bracket and randomly sorted into groups. They’ll go head-to-head, with the winner moving on to the next round and the loser being eliminated. As the rounds progress, the competition will get tougher, until there’s only one title left standing as the fan-voted Game of the Year. If you’re familiar with how March Madness brackets work, it’s the same concept. Tournament Schedule and How to VoteVoting will take place on IGN’s Instagram starting today, December 18. We’ll post the matchups to our Instagram stories around 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT, and you’ll have 24 hours to vote. The 32 winners will move on to the next round, where the process will repeat. Here are the dates when each round will be posted (around the same times listed above), so make sure to check back on our Instagram stories to continue voting for your favorite games: Round 1: December 18Round 2: December 20Round 3: December 23Quarterfinals: December 27Semifinals: December 30Finals: December 31 Which Games Are Grouped Together?As we mentioned earlier, the bracket placements of the 64 games we selected were randomized. They were split up into four groups, like the regions of March Madness. Group 1 is led by some heavy hitters: Helldivers 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. But they’ll have to go up against breakout indie Animal Well. Plus, three popular sports games: Madden NFL 25, College Football 25, and MLB The Show 24. And you can’t look past the beautiful visuals of Unicorn Overlord and Infinity Nikki. Group 2 is led by the excellent Silent Hill 2 remake, but it’ll face stiff competition from a trio of RPGs — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. There’s also heralded remasters and remakes from Nintendo with Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. And we can’t leave out the technical marvel Senua’a Sage: Hellblade II, or another standout indie in Lorelai and the Laser Eyes. Group 3 ended up stacked with three games that have been cleaning up during awards season: Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Black Myth: Wukong. They’re joined by an eclectic group of competitors. There’s entries from massive franchises in Star Wars Outlaws and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (which will face off against each other in Round 1). There’s games from other long-running series in Tekken 8 and Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble. There’s the latest version of sports franchises in EA Sports FC 25 and NBA 2K25. But also some notable new IPs with Stellar Blade and Slitterhead. Rounding things out, Group 4 is also full of some big names. First, there’s indie darling Balatro, which has also done very well for itself this awards season. But it’ll have to get through two huge RPG sequels in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Dragon’s Dogma 2, as well as a popular RPG remake in Persona 3 Reload. And they’ll be up against several family-friendly opponents in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, LEGO Horizon Adventures, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and The Plucky Squire. Not to mention the often overlooked Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and surprise hit Enshrouded. As you can see, this year is going to be a hotly contested race. So make sure you head over to Instagram to vote for each matchup and help determine which games will move on and which will be sent packing. It’ll all build to a big reveal of the fan voted Game of the Year. Happy voting! View the full article View full article

According to tradition, the holiday season actually began over a month ago when Mariah Carey once again emerged from a giant block of ice to sing Christmas anthem "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Fortnite's is arriving a bit late to the holiday party, but leakers say an upcoming update to the game will replicate this timeless holiday tradition and have Mariah Carey burst forth from a large block of ice in the game, bringing with her holiday character skins and the Winterfest event. Santa Shaq, Snoop Dogg, and Mariah Carey pic.twitter.com/zGvE8xyhQH — iFireMonkey (@iFireMonkey) December 18, 2024 This news comes from prominent Fortnite leaker iFireMonkey, who has previously been a source of credible Fortnite leaks. Per their information, Mariah Carey will be getting a Fortnite skin as part of its upcoming Winterfest 2024 event, alongside Snoop Dogg and Shaquille O'Neal. All of them will, of course, be dressed in holiday finery. Another leaker, Egyptian_Leaker, suggests that there will be an additional event involving a large block of ice that's already appeared on the Fortnite map. Per them, the ice block will defrost after three days, and Mariah Carey will appear in-game as an NPC handing out gifts to players. MINI-LIVE EVENT CONFIRMED: There's a very small Winterfest event at the start of it ‼️ Mariah Carey will be an Ice block on the map for 3 days. After she defrosts there will be a small sequence with Fireworks. Mariah Carey will then be available as an NPC that gives gifts to… pic.twitter.com/lzoBCUuues — Egyptian Fortnite Leaker (@Egyptian_Leaker) December 18, 2024 For the time being, she remains tragically frozen: Alongside Mariah Carey, iFireMonkey has posted a number of other holiday-themed leaks we're likely to see in the coming days. These include loads of holiday-themed skins and accessories (one of them is a backpack full of bread dogs!), new emotes and dances, and the return of Sgt. Winter as an NPC. We've also heard that Skibidi Toilet is coming to Fortnite...tonight. Just in time for the holidays. Winterfest 2024 launches on December 20 and runs through January 7. In addition to the rumored holiday skins and Mariah Carey's ice block extravaganza, Epic Games has confirmed we'll see the return of Jonesy's Cabin. Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com. View the full article View full article

The anime "I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic" has unveiled its second trailer of its January6 premiere. It will be available streaming on Crunchyroll as part of their Winter 2024 anime lineup. In Japan episodes will stream one week early on U-NEXT and Anime Hodai, beginning with a 2-episode premiere. Studios DEEN and Marvy Jack are responsible for the animation. The anime released its first main trailer in October, featuring the theme song "Wanderlust!!" by saji. The new trailer previews the ending "JOY!!" by Miho Okasaki. The latest showcases all the previously announced characters, which can be viewed below: The voice cast includes: Ayumu Murase as Liam Saori Hayami as Jodie Haruka Tomatsu as Asuna Tomokazu Sugita as Lardon Shizuka Ito as Scarlet Rie Kugimiya as Mysterious Girl Yuya Hirose as Bruno Ryuichi Kijima as Albrecht Yume Miyamoto as Reina Miho Okasaki as Chris Kenta Miyake as Gai Kenichi Ishikura is directing the anime, with Midori Otsuka as the character designer, Alisa Okehaz composing the music Tatsuya Takah in charge of the series composition. The anime adapts the light novel series "I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic" by Nazuna Miki and Kabocha. J-Novel Club has the light novel in English. The story follows a middle-aged commoner who reincated into the body of a young noble whose family is on the verge of collapse. In this new world, he can use magic, and he endeavors to save his new family by leveraging his experiences from his previous life. .Source (Anime Corner) View full article

J.C. Staff's 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, a cosplay-centered harem anime, concluded its second cour on December 13th. Cosplay as a major theme in anime is not new, with shows like Otaku no Video, Comic Party, and Genshiken existing for decades. In the current decade, anime featuring otaku and cosplay themes continues to be popular. In 2022, My Dress-Up Darling, another cosplay-centered show, premiered and received positive attention from millions of anime fans during its 12-episode run. My Dress-Up Darling currently has over one million users on the MyAnimeList database while 2.5 Dimensional Seduction has around 114,000 usersMy Dress-Up Darling features spectacular animation and hilarious characters that capture the audience's interest, deserving its recognition. However, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction delves deeper into the experiences of being a cosplayer and otaku from diverse backgrounds, and I hope it can receive similar acclaim as My Dress-Up Darling. The narrative centers on Masamune Okumura, a devoted otaku who has immersed himself in 2D media to escape reality The boundary between 2D and 3D becomes indistinct when he encounters Ririsa Amano, a fellow otaku, at school. Ririsa shows interest in Masamune’s manga research club, andamune eventually allows to join after she demonstrates her dedication to the manga character, Lilliel – Masamune’s idol. Ririsa showcases the Liel cosplay she crafted herself, initiating her friendship Masamune. The initial episode of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction may not be particularly captivating, as it contains extensive dialogue and ecchi scenes that might disengage or bore some viewers. Initially, I did not expect the anime to surpass My Dress-up Darling or Comic Party in my preferencesgood luck dethroning Ore), but as the series progressed, became increasingly invested in every new character introduced. Without resorting to cliché "it gets better, trust me," the second cour of the 24-episode series is what ultimately made 2.5 Dimensional Seduction a contender for my anime of the year. Sometimes anime introduces a plethora of characters that don’t add anything to the story, or characters that don’t make us empathize with them. 2.5 Dimensional Seduction doesn’t fall into this, and I thought every character introduced had an important story to tell and a vital place in the plot. Each main character comes from a different background: Ririsa is a hard-core otaku starting her cosplay journey, Mikari is an established fashion model turned cosplayer, Nonoa is a well-known cosplayer who struggles with anxiety and social situations, Aria has no idea how to cosplay until a family issue pushes her to try it, Mayuri deals with shame and career stagnation throughout her cosplay hobby, and Nagomi is the most popular career-cosplayer in the scene. Each girl comes with their own reasons for cosplay, and they all explore and experience the hobby differently, which made the show easily binge-able for me. The directing and of "25 Dimensional Seduction" make it easy to binge-watch episode after. While it may seem like an ecchi full fanservice and scenarios on the surface there is much to the. If you are anaku or a cosplayer, will likely relate to at one of the characters as the anime delves into subjects such as shame, anxiety, rejection,, and high expectations. Without spoilers, episodes 19 through 21 of ".5 Dimensional Seduction" are what solidified this anime as potentially my number favorite of 2024 (I still have a significant backlog, Kami-sama have mercy on me). These episodes explore Aria and her family history. Her in cosplay is ignited by her’s hardships and it is heart to see otakudom bringing people together casting a positive light on an otherwise dark situation. I am relieved that2.5 Dimensionaluction" was able to run a full 24 episodes concluding the first season. This duration allowed for every character to present their background story and built a strong foundation for what anticipate be a great second season. I might not even wait until the already announced Season, as I am eager to dive into the manga, especially after the final episode If you have enjoyed past otaku-themed anime, highly recommend watching "2.5ensional Seduction" as you will likely be pleasantly surprised. Source (Anime Corner) View full article

The Kowloon Generic Romance TV anime has unveiled a new visual and trailer, as well as the main staff, additional voice cast, and an April 2025 release date. The anime was announced in October, along with a live-action movie adaptation that will premiere next year. Studio Arvo Animation is responsible for the animation. The trailer introduces the mysterious setting for the anime, along with the new cast members. Ryotaro Okiayu as Miyuki Hebinuma Taito Ban as Gwen Tao Aoi Koga as Yaomay Sayumi Suzushiro as Xiaohei You can watch the first trailer for Kowloon Generic Romance below. Kowloon Generic Romance anime staff: Director: Yoshiaki Iwasaki Series Composition/Script: Jin Tanaka Character Design: Yuka Shibata Art Director: Yuji Kaneko Animation Production: Arvo Animation This is another work by Jun Mayuzuki, who is also known as the creator of After the Rain He began the Kowloon Generic Romance manga in 2019. It is serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine and currently has nine released volumes. Yen Press licensed the manga in English, describing the story: Welcome to Kowloon Walled City: a dystopian townscape where the people are brimming with nostalgia, and where the past, present, and future converge. Amid the hidden emotions and extraordinary daily lives of the men and women working in its confines, a tale of romance begins to unfold for real estate agent Reiko Kujirai—one that feels as familiar as Kowloon itself… In the live-action movie, Riho Yoshioka will play Reiko and Koshi Mizukami will play Hajime. Source (Anime Corner) View full article

The Farmagia anime, which showcases character designs by Hiro Mashima, the creator of Fairy Tail, has previewed its ending theme song in second. The anime is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, with studio Bridge responsible for the animation. The new trailer features the ending theme song "miss-dystopia" by Soko ni Naru The opening theme song for the anime is "Life is Beautiful" by AS KUNG-FU GENERATION, which was previewed in the first trailer visual last month. The Farmagia anime was announced in June, and the game was released on November 2. You can check out our review if you are interested in giving it a tryThe voice cast for the Farmagia anime includes: Kohei Amasaki as Ten Ayane Sakura as Arche Takuya Sato as Anzar Ryusei Nakao as Glaza Sayaka Oohara as L’Oreille Hiromichi Tezuka as Ada Atsumi Tanezaki as Lookie-Loo Inori Minase as Chica Shigeru Chiba as Dentro Koki Uchiyama as Manas Yoko Hikasa as Lisan Yuki Ishikari as Beeza Reiou Tsuchida as Leii Hiro Shimono as Emero Mikako Komatsu as Nares Tetsu Inada as Corpus Kenjiro Tsuda as Diluculum You can also check out the full staff working on the anime. Director: Akihiko Sano Chief Director: Shinji Ishihira Series Composition: Toshizo Nemoto Character Design: Toshiomi Izumi Character Concept Art: Hiro Mashima Monster Design: Satoshi Matsuda Prop Design: Hidefumi Kimura Art Director/Design: Masanori Nishiyama Color Design: Yoshimi Kawakami Cinematographer: Atsushi Iwasaki 3D Animation Director: Hisashi Akimoto Animation Editor: Toshio Henmi Sound Director: Hiroto Morishita Recording Studio: Delfisound Music: Shuhei Mutsuki Animation Production: Bridge Regarding Hiro Mashima’s other works, Fairy Tail currently has ongoing adaptation of Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, while EDENS ZERO concluded its second season in September 2023. Fairy Tail:100 Years Quest remains ongoing, whereas EDENS ZERO ended in. Source (Anime Corner) View full article

The Pokémon Trading Card Game has grown so valuable that Japanese crime syndicates are reportedly using it to launder money. The former head of a crime syndicate told Shunkan Gendai Online, translated by Automaton, that his organization used Pokémon cards as a means of transporting stolen money abroad. The cards being so small, literally the size of a regular playing card, but holding so much value allowed them to be easily bought, transported, and sold abroad, the crime leader said. Some Pokémon cards are indeed incredibly valuable. The record holder sold for more than $5 million but even some cards in regular packs are worth hundreds of dollars or more. The crime syndicate used well-documented methods of finding these expensive cards too, which are usually the ones with lots of shiny foiling. Thanks to this, advanced metal detectors are able to pick up the foiling from outside the pack, or incredibly sensitive scales can pick up incremental increases in weight. This allows the crime syndicate to buy packs in bulk using their illegaly obtained cash, open all with actual value, and then re-sell the remaining ones at cost. Perhaps inspired by Team Rocket, Pokémon cards and crime have long gone hand-in-hand, though plain theft appears to be at the forefront of criminals' exploits. Tokyo police reported an unprecedented number of trading card thefts in the latter half of 2022, and there are many high profile examples making headlines. An independent gaming store in Minnesota reportedly had around $250,000 worth of Pokémon merchandise stolen in February 2022, for example, and one month later, again in Tokyo, a man was arrested for allegedly launching a literal heist in order to steal the treasured cards. Making the most of a bad situation, a trading card shop in California also posted a video of thieves who stole 35,000 Pokémon cards from them in January 2024 and mocked them for not knowing what to take. Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day. View the full article View full article

Activision has outlined the steps it’s taken to combat cheating in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 after Ranked Mode came under fire by fans. Ranked, Black Ops 6’s most competitive Multiplayer mode, began November 21 but reaction so far has been largely negative. This is because of the apparent prevalence of cheaters who are ruining the integrity of the mode. And yes, as has become Call of Duty tradition, console players are turning off crossplay in a bid to avoid PC cheaters. In a new blog post, Activision’s Team Ricochet, the division responsible for its Call of Duty anti-cheat tech, admitted not enough had been done to prevent cheating with the launch of Season 1. “After a series of updates our systems are in a better place today across all modes; however, we did not hit the mark for the integration of Ricochet Anti-Cheat at the launch of Season 01 — particularly for Ranked Play,” Activision said. “We understand the promise of glory and notoriety from Ranked Play leaderboards makes Ranked Play an attractive target for cheaters. For this reason, our teams have been especially focused on turning the tide to deliver the competitive arena our players seek.” Activision said account bans are now happening hourly due to increased “velocity” from several Ricochet Anti-Cheat systems, in addition to the over 19,000 accounts it’s removed recently. Cleanup of the Ranked leaderboards, which has suffered greatly from cheaters, is now faster, Activision said. And Activision has “significantly expanded” its Replay Investigation render farm (the machines used to generate clips for examination.) The company said it’s also ramped up the group dedicated to manually reviewing clips based on a priority order that favors detections. “In the last several weeks, the Replay tool updates have been highly effective at validating detections and reports, providing further training for AI systems for the anti-cheat team, and removing cheaters,” Activision added. The things you work so hard to earn (Ranked Play status, camos, etc.) are attractive targets to cheaters who want nice things but don’t like to put in the work.Activision also promised more updates to come for its Ricochet Anti-Cheat systems, including its kernel-level driver and brand-new server-side protections. These are set to launch during Season 2 and 3. In the meantime, Activision encouraged players to enable 2FA on their account, and report cheaters in-game. “The things you work so hard to earn (Ranked Play status, camos, etc.) are attractive targets to cheaters who want nice things but don’t like to put in the work,” Activision said. “The Ricochet Anti-Cheat team will be continuing its work to fight cheaters throughout the remainder of the month. While we have made progress, we know more needs to be done and we’re eager to share details of our planned major updates coming in the new year.” Most Activision anti-cheat updates are met with a healthy dose of scepticism from hardcore fans, and this latest one is no different. Cheating is not unique to Call of Duty of course, but it has become a significant reputation issue for Activision ever since the free-to-download battle royale Warzone exploded in popularity back in 2020. The mega publisher has spent millions of dollars developing its anti-cheat technology as well as pursuing cheat makers in the courts, with a number of recent high-profile successes. In October, ahead of the launch of Black Ops 6, Activision said that it aimed to kick cheaters out of the game within one hour of them being in their first match. Black Ops 6 launched with an updated version of Ricochet's kernel-level driver (this also applied to Warzone), with new machine-learning behavioral systems focused on speed of detection and the analysis of gameplay to combat aim bots in place. "The people behind cheats are organized, illegal groups that pick apart every piece of data within our games to look for some way to make cheating possible," Activision said at the time. "These bad guys are not just some script kiddies poking around with code they found online. They are a collective who profit from exploiting the hard work of game developers across the industry. "But cheat developers are flawed (clearly — they have to pretend to be good at video games). Every time they cheat, they leave breadcrumbs behind. We’re always looking for those breadcrumbs to find the bad actors and get them out of the game." Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me. View the full article View full article

Last updated December 17, 2024: Checked for new Infinity Nikki codes! If you're looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in December 2024, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals. All of the Infinity Nikki codes below have been tested as working at the time of submission. Spotted a new code or one has expired? Let us know in the comments! Active Infinity Nikki Codes (December 2024)Below, you'll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in December 2024, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known): PEARFECTGUIDES - 10x Shining Particles, 15K Bling NIKKIXWEBTOON - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15K Bling ニキプレゼント1205 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15K Bling おめでとう - 50x Threads of Purity, 15K Bling リリース - 10x Shining Particles, 15K Blingインフィニティニキ - 15x Shiny Bubbles, 15K Bling無限暖暖公測開啟 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15K Bling 無限暖暖公測FB社團限定 - 10x Shining Particles, 15K Bling インフィニキDISCORD - 50x Threads of Purity, 15K BlingGROUPSTYLIST - 10x Shining Particles, 15K BlingREDDITSTYLIST - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15K BlingDISCORDSTYLIST - 50x Threads of Purity, 15K BlingINGIFT1205 - 50x Threads of Purity, 15K Bling NIKKIBEWITHYOU - 126x Diamondsinfinitynikki1205 - 20x Limited-time Revelation Crystal. Expires December 18, 2024 BDAYSURPRISE - 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024GIFTFROMMOMO - 80x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024 GIFTTONIKKI - 90x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024nikkihappybirthday2024 - 500x Diamonds, 2x Energy Crystals, 12,600x Bling. Expires December 31, 2024NIKKITHEBEST - 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024QUACKQUACK - 126x Diamonds. Expires December 31, 2024Expired Infinity Nikki CodesThe Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of December 2024: NIKKIRELEASEdreamweavernikkiNIKKI20241022How to Redeem Infinity Nikki CodesTo redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below: Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings - Land of Wishes main quest. It's about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.Scroll over to the Other tab.You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards. Why Isn't My Infinity Nikki Code Working?If the Infinity Nikki code that you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to one of the following reasons: There's a typo in the code.The Infinity Nikki code is expired. When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn't work, it's probably expired and can no longer be redeemed. How to Get More Infinity Nikki CodesThe best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you're in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You'll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP! Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we'd recommend checking our article every so often. What is Infinity Nikki?Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she's whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You'll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki's adorable feline companion. For Infinity Nikki game help, check out our guides below: Tips and TricksThings to Do FirstInfinity Nikki Resonance Banner Schedule and HistoryInfinity Nikki Interactive MapMeg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures. View the full article View full article

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has received its first major update alongside the release of the Mythical Island Themed Booster, which adds 86 new cards to the game alongside new missions and rewards. Mythical Island arrived today, December 17, and as a Themed Booster is a smaller set compared to the debut Genetic Apex, which includes 286 cards. Developer Creatures Inc. has still added myriad new missions and solo battles for players to interact with though, which somewhat recreates that opening day feeling of the digital trading card game. There are plenty of special cards added with Mythical Island too, which despite adding 86 cards total officially caps out at 68 cards. This means there are 18 of the "secrete" alternate art cards, including one immersive and one crown card. On the mission front, Mythical Island Dex Missions have been added which, just like Genetic Apex, reward players with special shop tickets for collecting five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, and 60 unique Mythical Island cards. These can be used to redeem a Mew icon. Deck Missions are added too, rewarding players with Rental Decks for collecting some of the major new cards available in Mythical Island including Celebi ex, Gyarados ex, Mew ex, Aerodactyl ex, and Pidgeot ex. Finally, Themed Collections are also updated for Mythical Island. A variety of missions here reward different items for collecting, well, themed collections of cards, such as the Flower Travelers mission tasking players with collecting the three flower Pokémon in the Florges evolution line. Solo Battles at the Step-Up and Expert tiers have also been updated with new challenges. Eight new Step-Up Battles have been added for Mythical Island decks, with players able to take on the second most challenging versions of decks such as Celebi ex and Mew ex to earn rewards such as pack hourglasses. Another eight decks are added at the Expert Battle tier, which each reward seven Pack Hourglasses upon completion. The Step-Up Battles offer five, so a total of 96 Pack Hourglasses are available in solo battles alone, letting players open eight booster packs at no cost. This comes on top of 12 Pack Hourglasses that Creatures Inc. offered as free gift to all players. As for Wonder Picks, these now appear to only serve Mythical Island packs and no longer Genetic Apex, though it's possible the new set is just dominating the random selection since the majority of players are presumably opening it on launch day. Other changes to the game will emerge over the coming days, as the 86 new cards are slotted into the meta and shake up the player versus player scene. A new Vaporeon card is already threatening to make Misty even more powerful, while Aerodactyl ex may lead Pokémon TCG Pocket's first control deck by stopping players evolving their Active Pokémon. Pokémon TCG Pocket arrived October 30 and is a certified hit for Creatures Inc. and The Pokémon Company, having earned an estimated $200 million in its first month across more than 60 million downloads. This huge amount of money comes as Pokémon TCG Pocket follows the standard mobile and free to play game model, flooding players with rewards in the first few days before soon drying up, with spending real world money the only real way to re-experience that early thrill outside of the occasional set drop like this. Completing Genetic Apex, the first set of cards which totals 226 officially but also contains 60 rare alternate art cards, will take players not spending money around two years according to one estimate, while those looking to make it rain can wrap up the collection after dropping around $1,500. View full article

Tekken chief Katsuhiro Harada is now also the executive producer of Shadow Labyrinth, the surprise Pac-Man spin-off first revealed in one of the episodes of Amazon’s anthology animated series Secret Level before a reveal trailer for the video game itself at The Game Awards 2024. All of which begs the question: could The Swordsman, the main character from Shadow Labyrinth, appear in Tekken as a guest character? In many ways it would make sense, given both Tekken and Pac-Man are owned by Bandai Namco, and The Swordsman is an actual humanoid fighter who wields a sword. But what does Harada himself think? IGN put that question to the man himself in a recent interview, and his response suggested such a crossover is certainly possible. “Perhaps,” Harada responded when asked, “because the game environment would be a good crossover for Tekken, atmosphere-wise.” It turns out that Harada explored the possibility of adding Pac-Man to Tekken as a guest character long before Shadow Labyrinth was a thing. But designs for the character, which saw Pac-Man as a head on a muscular humanoid body, horrified original Pac-Man creator Tōru Iwatani. “Many years ago, Iwatani-san, the original creator of Pac-Man, was still in the company when we were here. And I thought about maybe using Pac-Man as a guest character,” Harada remembered. “So I had the artist come up with a sketch and it turned out to be that the character had like a Pac-Man head, but the body was this really muscular bodybuilder type. “I showed it to Iwatani-san, and Iwatani-san got so upset and scolded me quite heavily. So I was surprised that, ‘Oh, I can't just be quite liberal with the Pac-Man IP, I have to be more constrained.’ At the time I was a bit surprised, but now because of the atmosphere of this [Shadow Labyrinth], it's something that could be considered.” Iwatani, by the way, is apparently fully on board with Bandai Namco’s plan to take the Pac-Man IP in totally different directions. “Iwatani-san seems to realize that that's something that's needed at this point,” Harada added. 2D action platformer Shadow Labyrinth stars The Swordsman, a character whose only goal is to "eat" as they attempt to escape a maze. It’s a Metroidvania of sorts, and a significant departure for the world famous arcade franchise. Meanwhile, Tekken 8 gets Clive from Final Fantasy 16 as a DLC character. Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me. View the full article View full article