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Science fiction Zelda-like, XEL, coming to PC and consoles

3/9/2021

 
XEL

Developer Tiny Roar and publisher Assemble Entertainment are bringing their sci-fi adventure title, XEL, to PC and consoles next year.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

XEL is described as a “vibrant sci-fi Zelda-like”, blending colourful biomes and a futuristic setting with a top-down perspective, intricate puzzles, “mysterious dungeons”, and an explorable overworld connecting it all. Players must help Reid, the game’s amnesiac protagonist, solve the mystery of the world she crash landed on that’s “filled with secrets, puzzles, and a not-so-stable sense of time”.
Along the way, players will be able to meet “charming, enduring” characters and utilise a variety of upgradable weapons and items to take on “merciless robots and exotic wildlife”. Reid will even be able to manipulate space and time in order to reach new areas and solve puzzles.

Here’s an overview of the game’s key features:

  • ​​​Sci-fi Dungeon Diving: The world of XEL features a vast, extensive overworld and challenging, Zelda-like dungeons to explore.
  • A Deep Combat System: Become proficient at using a variety of attacks and combos, while dodging and parrying to tackle and take out foes.
  • Gadgets & Guns: Master and upgrade your weapons, shield and gadgets to smash your foes and open up new areas to explore.
  • Deep Lore and a Deeper Mystery: What exactly happened to this world, and who is responsible? Piece together a captivating story and dive into the legends behind the cryptic history.
  • Spacetime? Not a Problem: Unlock special abilities that allow Reid to bend the rules of space and time, granting her access to previously impassable areas and opening up new ways to defeat difficult enemies.

There’s no solid release date or platform info just yet, with XEL said to be coming to PC and consoles sometime in 2022.

What do you think of the game? Let us know below or in the forums.
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eFootball 2022 launch content detailed, available this month

2/9/2021

 
eFootball-2022

Konami have revealed the release date for their free-to-play title eFootball (the franchise formerly known as Pro Evolution Soccer) and detailed the game’s launch content.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The first “season” of content, eFootball 2022, includes two modes:​​​  

  • Offline matches featuring nine teams and six stadiums.
  • Online events where players use “pre-set” teams to earn GP, one of three in-game currencies. ​
The nine eFootball teams available at launch are: ​

  • ​FC Barcelona
  • FC Bayern München
  • Juventus
  • Manchester United
  • Arsenal FC
  • SC Corinthians Paulista
  • CR Flamengo
  • CA River Plate
  • São Paulo FC

eFootball’s six launch stadiums include:
​
  • ​Camp Nou
  • Old Trafford
  • Allianz Stadium
  • Emirates Stadium
  • Allianz Arena
  • eFootball Stadium

Several “core features” are said to be coming to eFootball 2022 starting this autumn, including a number of new game modes.

Here’s a list of additional modes that will arrive sometime post-launch:

  • Creative Teams - Lets players build their own dream squad by choosing and building upon a Base Team from one of 600 licensed clubs.
  • eFootball Creative League – This is a league where players can use their Creative Team to compete against other players to become the best in the world. Earn points in order to be promoted to the next league level and earn rewards based on your performance in each of the 10 rounds of matches.
  • Tour Event – Play against AI opponents in a tour format, earning rewards by accumulating Event Points.
  • Challenge Event – Play against other players online, completing assigned objectives to earn rewards.
  • Online Quick Match – Play a casual online match against other players using over 600 licensed clubs/teams, including newly added cross-platform matchmaking (PC and consoles only).
  • Online Match Lobby – Create an online match room and invite other players for a 1vs1 match.
  • Match Passes (including a paid Advantage Match Pass) - Players can earn rewards to buy higher-rated footballers for their team and gain in-game currency.
  • Edit Mode - Allows users to completely customise teams, kits, players and more on supported devices for no cost.

eFootball 2022 is out 30 September on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and PC.

Android and iOS versions will also be released later this month and will replace the current eFootball 2021 experience available on those platforms. Details on what content will carry over between the two versions, including any in-game currency, can be found here.

Are you looking forward to the debut of eFootball 2022? Let us know below.
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Marvel’s Avengers Black Panther – War for Wakanda expansion adds T'Challa and Wakanda

17/8/2021

 
Marvel's-Avengers-Black-Panther-War-For-Wakanda

Square Enix have today released the latest content drop for their superhero action title, Marvel’s Avengers, bringing Black Panther and the Wakanda region into the fold.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The update, which is free for all owners of the base game, is said to be the biggest to date, adding new story content, additional missions, new enemies, an entirely new location, plus the ninth playable hero in the form of Black Panther. Black Panther - War for Wakanda’s story is delivered through the game’s Avengers Initiative War Zone missions, which “take the Avengers around the world and beyond” and can be played solo with an AI team or with three friends via online multiplayer.
Players will be able to explore famous locations from within the Black Panther universe in a new Outpost, such as Shuri’s laboratory, Zawavari’s chambers and the Wakandan War Room, as well as the Royal Palace that overlooks Birnin Zana.

Here’s a blurb detailing War for Wakanda’s new story content:

“When arch-villain Klaw's forces threaten Wakanda's safety, T'Challa must take the fight right to them to defend everything and everyone he holds dear. Blindsided by a betrayal and the resulting tragedy, T'Challa finds it difficult to entrust his duty to anyone else, even his sister Shuri, while also confronting those who wish to do Wakanda harm.”

Black Panther – War for Wakanda is available now for all Marvel Avenger’s players on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and PC.

​Looking forward to exploring Wakanda? Let us know below.
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Chivalry 2 House Galencourt update adds new mode, maps and cosmetics

11/8/2021

 
Chivalry-2-House-Galencourt

Torn Banner Studios have released the free House Galencourt update that adds two new maps and a game mode to their medieval multiplayer title, Chivalry 2, alongside further customisation options.

by Liam Andrews
Picture

@pass_controller

This update introduces the new Galencourt and Courtyard maps. The former supports the large Team Objective game mode and sees the Mason Army laying “brutal siege” to the walled Agathian city of Galencourt. The latter, meanwhile, supports Team Deathmatch, Free-For-All and the brand-new Arena Mode game types. There’s a look at gameplay on both maps in the trailer below.
Arena Mode pits two teams of three against each other in smaller scale battles with a “focus on teamwork”, the first team to win five rounds being declared victorious. The mode will take place on reworked versions of the Tournament Grounds, Fighting Pits and Courtyard multiplayer maps.

Also arriving in the update are more than 60 new customisation options, including new voice lines. There’s also the return of Arrow Cam from the original Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, which will allow for some “truly cinematic action shots.”

Chivalry 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and PC via the Epic Games Store.

​What do you think of the new content? Let us know below.
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New Overcooked DLC celebrates the series’ fifth anniversary

10/8/2021

 
Overcooked!-All-You-Can-Eat-Birthday-Update

Ghost Town Games and Team 17 are celebrating the Overcooked! franchise’s fifth anniversary with a free content drop.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The Birthday Party update is coming to the Overcooked! All You Can Eat edition of the game, an upgraded bundle of the original Overcooked! and its sequel, Overcooked! 2, that includes all previously released DLC and also adds online multiplayer support for the original game’s levels. The update includes five new stages, a new tabby cat chef character, and a new tea recipe.
As seen in the trailer, the update also introduces a new switcheroo feature that sees players being transported across the kitchen if they wander into one of the portal-wielding playing cards.

​Anyone that wants to sample the game’s delectable gameplay can give Overcooked! All You Can Eat a try for free on Steam until tomorrow. Be sure to also check out our attempts to conquer the culinary chaos that is Overcooked! 2 in our Let’s Play.
Are you looking forward to the new update? Let us know below.
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Rainbow Six Siege Containment Event now live, adds new PvP mode

3/8/2021

 
Rainbow-Six-Siege-Containment-Event

Ubisoft have released a new game mode for their multiplayer shooter, Rainbow Six Siege, as part of the game’s three-week long Containment Event.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The event sees the game’s Consultant map given a sci-fi/horror twist thanks to a Chimera Parasite infestation. The new game mode, Nest Destruction, is said to offer a “tease into the world of Extraction,” Ubisoft’s upcoming PvE title set within the Rainbow Six universe. Nest Destruction sees a team of human attackers trying to complete a two-tiered objective scenario in which they must first destroy a parasite’s nest before moving on to the final objective.
Defenders, meanwhile, will take on the role of corrupted, humanoid operators and must stop the attackers by either eliminating them entirely or successfully defending their nest. Defenders won’t be allowed to use weapons, but will have additional health, increased speed and the Aruni’s Punch and Oryx’s special abilities.

​There will be 33 “unique” and time-limited operator items for players to collect over the course of the event, including headgear, uniforms and weapon skins. These items can either be bought with R6 Credits – Siege’s paid in-game currency – or via Renown, another in-game currency which can be earned for free by playing matches and levelling up.

The three-week Containment Event kicks off today and ends on 24 August. Rainbow Six Siege will also be free to play during a portion of the event, from 13 to 15 August.

What do you think of the new game mode? Let us know below.
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Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer rebranded as free-to-play game eFootball

21/7/2021

 
eFootball

Konami, the producers of football game series Pro Evolution Soccer, have announced a rebranding which sees the franchise going free-to-play as eFootball.

by Liam Andrews
Picture

@pass_controller

Not only will eFootball be free-to-play, but it’ll also eventually feature cross-play between console, PC, Android and iPhone (as long as mobile users have a controller connected). The digital only title has been built using Unreal Engine and features new “Motion Matching” technology, said to achieve “highly realistic” player movement by selecting accurate movements in real-time.
The game will launch sometime this Autumn, with many key features – including new game modes, some of which will be sold as “optional” paid DLC - being added to the game as the year progresses, including a “Match Pass” system which lets users earn items and players by playing eFootball.

​Check out Konami’s eFootball 2021 schedule:

Early Autumn

  • All-new gameplay experience, powered by Unreal Engine
  • Cross-generation matchmaking (i.e. PS5 vs. PS4, Xbox Series X|S vs. Xbox One)
  • Local Matches featuring FC Barcelona, Juventus, FC Bayern, Manchester United and more

Autumn

  • Cross-platform matchmaking between consoles and PC (i.e. PS5 vs. Xbox Series X|S, PS5 vs. PC Steam, etc.)
  • Team Building Mode (Name TBC) opened – build your own team by acquiring players
  • Online Leagues (Name TBC) opened – take your original team and compete in a global, competitive league
  • Match Pass system – earn items and players by playing eFootball

Winter

  • Mobile controller support added
  • Full cross-platform matchmaking across all available platforms including mobile when using a compatible controller
  • Professional and amateur esports tournaments kick-off

​More information, including additional partner clubs and more details on the mobile version of the game, will be shared over the next few weeks.

Is PES becoming eFootball a good thing? Let us know below.
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Amazon Games’ New World closed beta now available

20/7/2021

 
New-World

New World from Amazon Games enters its closed beta phase today, with players able to explore the MMO ahead of its release next month.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The closed beta runs until 2 August and is open to players who pre-ordered the game, though those who haven’t can try their luck by signing up for the chance to take part. Participants will be able to explore a portion of Aeternum - a “stunning diverse and natural” fictional island that’s set during “the twilight of the Age of Exploration” - plus partake in both PvE and PvP gameplay.
Here are the New World game modes that players can experience during the beta:​​​​​​

  • Expeditions - 5-player instanced dungeons that take players into the farthest corners and deepest depths of Aeternum, where they’ll face deadly foes and uncover truths about the island.
  • War - Epic siege warfare on a massive scale, with up to 100 players on the battlefield at once. The outcome of each war determines which company controls contested territory or settlements - and the resources they contain.
  • Outpost Rush - Teams of 20 players from two competing factions fight for control of fortifications and resources in this max-level instanced game mode that combines PvE and PvP play.
  • Invasions -  Twisted armies of Aeternum muster their forces to assault player-controlled territory, and groups of 50 max-level players rally together to fight off waves of monsters.

New World’s combat is said to be “skill-based and visceral,” with position, timing and aim all playing a key role. It also features a “classless” progression system, in which combat style is determined by the type of weapon being used by the player.

Users will also have access to a “deep” crafting system that allows them to “explore New World in their own way – from becoming the best blacksmith on the server to making a name as a fierce warrior.”

The New World release date is 31 August, 2021 exclusively for PC.

Will you be joining the closed beta? Let us know below.
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Chivalry 2 closed beta access available with pre-orders

31/3/2021

 
Chivalry-2

Pre-orders for Torn Banner Studios’ medieval first-person multiplayer title, Chivalry 2, are now open, with the studio also sharing details on next month’s closed beta.

by Liam Andrews
Picture

@pass_controller

A follow up to Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, those who pre-order the digital version of the sequel will be guaranteed access to Chivalry 2’s upcoming closed beta as well as receiving the exclusive Royal Zweihander weapon skin upon the game’s full launch. To celebrate Chivalry 2 pre-orders going live, Torn Banner have released a pair of new videos detailing each of the two factions players will be representing in skirmishes.
The closed beta runs from Friday, 23 April - Monday, 26 April and will include cross-play between all platforms. Participating players will be able to compete in “mass-scale combat” with multiplayer matches supporting up to 64 players.

​The Siege of Rundhelm map, which will see teams competing for control of a well-fortified castle in Team Objective mode, will be playable for the first time. Meanwhile, smaller modes such as Team Deathmatch and FFA will also be included in the beta.

Torn Banner Studios’ closed beta will also be a chance for the developers to show off the game’s revamped environmental combat system. Players are now able to use a variety of weapons found on the battlefield, from Ballistae, Trebuchets and Battering Rams to flaming chickens and empty mead cups.

Chivalry 2 is out 8 June on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC via the Epic Games Store. The standard edition has an RRP of $39.99/€39.99/£34.99, while the special edition is listed at $49.99/€49.99/£44.99.

Will you be pre-ordering Chivalry 2? Looking forward to the closed beta? Let us know below.
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New Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part Two trailer lands to mark today's launch

17/3/2021

 
Doom-Eternal-The-Ancient-Gods-Part-Two

Bethesda and id Software are celebrating the arrival of DOOM Eternal’s final piece of DLC – The Ancient Gods Part Two – with a new trailer.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The Ancient Gods Part Two brings an end to the Doom Slayer’s story that began with DOOM (2016) and continued with its sequel, DOOM Eternal. Players will once again be going up against the forces of Hell, though this time, they’ll be bringing their own army of Sentinel’s for a final showdown of “incredible scale.”
Part Two introduces new locations such as ancient Sentinel settlements, an overgrown Earth city that hides a “mysterious gateway” and the “cosmic wonders” of the World Spear.

​New enemy types will also be making an appearance, including the armoured Baron, the Stone Imp and a Screecher Zombie that’s said to empower nearby demons when it’s killed.

The Ancient Gods Part Two is out today, 18 March, on Xbox One, PS4, PC and Stadia. The expansion is available at no extra cost to those who own the DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition or the Year One Pass, while it can also be bought as a standalone purchase.

Looking forward to the conclusion of the Doom Slayer’s story? Let us know below.
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