Game Informer

Game Informer

Apex Legends Comes To Switch In March

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 04:25 PM PST

When the Switch version of Apex Legends was first announced last summer, Electronic Arts said it would be releasing in the fall of 2020. That didn't happen, but a recent post seemed to indicate that Respawn's shooter would be hitting today, February 2, alongside season 8. That also didn't happen. But even if Switch owners aren't claiming their in-game victories today, at least now they know exactly when they can: March 9. 

The news came via this post on the game's official site, which finally provided the solid date for the release of Apex Legends on Switch. 

In the post, Apex Legends game director Chad Grenier reveals the March 9 release date, and gives credit to the team at developer Panic Button for handling the port to Switch. But that isn't all: Grenier also outlines some of the other features and benefits to expect from this version at launch, including bonuses like free Battle Pass levels and an extra XP boost.

"Apex Legends will launch on Switch with support for cross-platform play, our latest seasonal content, and full feature parity with the other versions of the game," Grenier says. "Plus, since we're launching a few weeks after the start of Season 8, Switch players will be granted 30 free levels for their Season 8 Battle Pass. For the first two weeks after launch, playing on Switch will also earn you double XP."

If you don't know much about Apex Legends, today might be a good time to jump in! Season 8 just started, which brings all kinds of new, fun things to the game that community is experiencing for the first time together. You can watch us play for a few hours right here, with Game Informer's own Top 500 player Jay Guisao showing off his skills.

Apex Legends is a free game, and it is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. And, as mentioned above, Switch is coming pretty soon.

The Once Rumored Live-Action Legend Of Zelda Series Was Allegedly Canceled After Netflix Leaked It

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 02:36 PM PST

Some may remember that in early 2015, The Wall Street Journal ran a story that claimed sources had informed the outlet that a live-action Legend of Zelda TV series was being developed by Netflix and Nintendo. The story made the rounds, of course, but Nintendo's then-president Satoru Iwata shut down the rumors stating the information was incorrect, which seemed true given a series never materialized. According to comedian Adam Conover of CollegeHumor fame, the Zelda show was very real, and the only reason it got canned, along with other potential Nintendo adaptations, was because someone at Netflix leaked it.

Speaking on The Serf Times podcast, Conover reveals that at one point he and CollegeHumor were working on a secret project to create a claymation Star Fox in the vein of Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Nintendo was on board with the idea, and Conover says Shigeru Miyamoto even visited their office at one point. 

In a clip picked up by supererogatory on Twitter (as reported by Eurogamer), Conover goes on to say that it was during this time when rumors of the Zelda Netflix show began ramping up. 

"Then, like a month later, suddenly there were reports 'Netflix isn't doing this Legend of Zelda anymore, they're not doing The Legend of Zelda.' And I was like 'What happened?' and then I heard from my boss 'We're not doing the Star Fox anymore', and I'm like 'Oh, that's weird'. So I went and asked him 'What happened?' and he said 'Oh, someone at Netflix leaked the Legend of Zelda thing, they weren't supposed to talk about it.' Nintendo freaked out because it was the first time they had done any IP in years for, like, any project, they had no television, no adaptations of any kind for years and years but when Netflix leaked it, they freaked out and they pulled the plug on everything. They pulled the plug on the entire program to adapt these things."

The full clip is worth watching, especially Conover's funny story about missing his chance to meet Miyamoto during his visit. Not much is known about Netflix's mysterious Zelda show, other than WSJ's sources at the time describing it as "Game of Thrones for a family audience" It's a sad story, but not entirely surprising. If someone at Netflix really did spill the beans, it doesn't shock me at all to hear that Nintendo, a company extremely protective about its IPs, reacted by basically scorching the earth. Time has clearly healed some of those wounds, though, since Illumination of Despicable Me fame is currently working on the animated Mario film. And while a live-action show won't be happening, we still think Zelda would make a great Netflix animated series. 

[Source: supererogatory via Eurogamer]

Cyberpunk 2077 Mod Warning Issued Over Security Risk, CDPR Says A Fix Is Coming Soon

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 02:09 PM PST

Mods for games are nothing new and Cyberpunk 2077 mods have been pouring out pretty much since day one of the game's launch. While there is always a risk of corrupted save files when modding any game, CD Projekt Red is warning players about potential security risks relating to a DLL file vulnerability. 

For those that may not know, DLL is short for Dynamic Link Libraries and they are like EXEs but aren't directly executable. DLL contains things like UIs, classes, variables, and other functions and is a part of virtually all operative systems. These files include important coding that most systems require at startup, and a failure to recognize this library can result in the failure for a system to boot up at all. 

The studio behind the open-world RPG took to Twitter to offer up a warning, saying, "If you plan to use Cyberpunk 2077 mods/custom saves on PC, use caution. We've been made aware of a vulnerability in external DLL files the game uses, which can be used to execute code on PCs. [The] issue will be fixed ASAP. For now, please refrain from using files from unknown sources." 

How the studio "became aware" of the issue is a Reddit thread that has since gone viral, detailing the security issue regarding certain Cyberpunk 2077 mods. "Through the use of a mod or a crafted save game, malicious codes can be executed to take control of the PC by the creator of the save game/mod," reads the initial post. "CDPR was made aware of this serious security vulnerability for almost one week. They went on to release the Hotfix 1.11, but didn't bother to address this. You have PixelRick (Red Tools Team) to thank, whose discovery brought this to the attention of the modding community."

The redditor then went on to clarify the original post, mentioning that they originally thought this was a PC-specific issue given that PC modding is the most accessible and readily available avenue, but then another user confirmed that the vulnerability also extends out to PS4 players. 

The entire thread details alternatives for players to use when modding as well, including how to spot malicious code when using resources like Nexus Mods. To learn more about the vulnerabilities CDPR is warning about, you can check out the full post right here. You can also learn more about Cyber Engine Tweaks for safer modding practices as well, seen here, while waiting for the official fix from the studio to push through. 

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mako Changes, What's Different

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 12:51 PM PST

Click here to watch embedded media

Ah, the Mako. Many Mass Effect fans love it and just as many loathe it. I myself have a love/hate relationship with the rugged terrain vehicle, which is why when we spoke with BioWare as part of our cover story one of the first questions we asked was "What did you do to the Mako?" For those curious about testing those awful driving skills once more, here is the Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mako changes you can expect when the remaster drops later this May. 

While the bulk of mechanics remain unaffected in the trilogy in an effort to keep the experience "organic," a few quality of life improvements were a priority. With HUD adjustments and smoother shooting mechanics in the first game, the Mako changes are among a few adjustments made to make the first game even better. 

When driving the Mako in the first game, a feeling of chaos is definitely felt. Crash-landing on various worlds only to spin out of control into a pool of lava isn't the standard definition of fun, but that doesn't take away from the other in-air moments that felt nothing short of exhilarating. So what's changed? 

The original Mako design made the vehicle move at almost a snail's pace. While a speed variety was there, it varied between "Oh my GOD, drive faster" to "TOO FAST, TOO FAST." With the Legendary Edition, BioWare felt it was important to make small changes to how the vehicle operates, making it slightly more realistic in terms of a solid driving experience. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Smoother camera operations when driving and sighting down the barrel for assault, updated physics to make the Mako feel more weighted and the player in more control, and better aiming for the actual weaponry are among the tweaks made. The studio also offered an alternative control scheme so that players can move even more seamlessly between the camera-centric controls and the Mako-centric controls. 

With the updates made to the entire base of the world in the first game, including full-level relighting and special VFX, exploring in the Mako looks like it will actually be fun for those that loathed the cart of terror. Better handling and target acquisition makes it a little smoother without completely changing what made the Mako what it was: a staple to a beloved trilogy. 

"The footprints of every level are quite large, but they're also somewhat sparse," director Mac Walters explains to us when talking about the environmental changes that Mako lovers can explore. "Part of that was the beauty of it – going out and finding these locations that had that sort of stark beauty to them. But at the same time, you couldn't also help but feel like they could be a little bit more fleshed out."

To learn more about the upcoming remaster, be sure to check out our game hub here with exclusive looks inside of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition all month! Video, interviews, and so much more on the way to celebrate our newly revealed cover that features three variants to enjoy! 

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Preview Impressions

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 12:50 PM PST

Click here to watch embedded media

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition officially has a release date alongside a shiny new trailer to see all of the differences BioWare made, especially to the first game. Now that we know it's coming this May and what the upcoming trilogy remaster is bringing with it (and what it is leaving behind), we decided to sit down and talk about what our short time with the Legendary Edition was like and what parts fans should be excited for the most. 

Join our chat about our Mass Effect Legendary Edition preview impressions as Alex Stadnik, Kimberley Wallace, and Liana Ruppert dive deep into how the smaller changes made are more important than many might think.

From changes to Ios, to more cohesive elements added to connect the three games together even more – here is what you should know about the Mass Effect Legendary Edition before it arrives on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (with forward-compatible upgrades for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) this May 14. 

Want even more N7 fanfare? Check out some of our exclusives already available to read to kick off our month of Mass Effect right here. You can also see the stunning new cover art for the magazine as well, including all three covers that fans can enjoy! 

Thoughts on the video above diving into our Mass Effect Legendary Edition preview impressions? What moment from the trilogy are you looking forward to seeing again the most? Sound off in the comment section below! Commander Shepard would want you to. 

Diving Into Apex Legends Season 8 With A Top 500 Player – Game Informer Live

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 12:35 PM PST

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Apex Legends Season 8 arrives today, and with it comes a new legend named Fuse, the 30-30 Repeater rifle, and a ton of changes to the game's original map, Kings Canyon. Fuse is an explosives expert with a passive Grenadier ability that allows him to stack extra grenades per inventory slot while the character's tactical power launches a cluster bomb that stuns nearby opponents on impact. Lastly, Fuse can cast his ultimate ability, The Motherlode, to launch a bombardment of missiles that create an area-of-effect flame wall.

On this episode of Game Informer Live, join Alex Van Aken and Alex Stadnik as they dive into Season 8 with our resident Apex Legends expert and Top 500 player, Jay Guisao. Starting at 2:45 P.M. CT, join us as we become the next Apex Champions. Yeah, we're gonna win some games today. If you can't get enough of our live shows, remember to subscribe on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook to get notified when we go live each week!

New Gameplay Today – Destruction Allstars

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 11:49 AM PST

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Destruction Allstars is a new destruction derby game that released today on PlayStation 5 via PlayStation Plus. Developed by Lucid Games and published by Sony, the game pits up to sixteen racers in a combat arena that's reminiscent of games like Twisted Metal or even Monday Night Combat. However, the game's twist is that players can eject out of their cars to hijack other vehicles or compete in various platforming challenges that are scattered around the level. Destruction Allstars utilizes the DualSense PS5 controller in many ways, including using the gamepad's adapter triggers to apply pressure when braking or to simulate the feeling of driving a rattling vehicle after surviving a fight.

On this episode of New Gameplay Today, Marcus Stewart and I play a few matches of Destruction Allstars and check out some of the game's characters and abilities. If you're interested in playing the game yourself, all you need is a PlayStation 5 and an active subscription to PS Plus. Did you enjoy this video? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch previous episodes of New Gameplay Today. 

Fortnite’s New Limited Time Mode Makes You The Mandalorian's Target

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 10:55 AM PST

As fun as it is to masquerade as Mando from The Mandalorian in Fortnite, how fun (or terrifying) would it be to be on the opposite end of his rifle barrel? And by that, I mean "actual" Mando and not some pre-teen rocking his skin. That's the premise for Mando's Bounty, Fortnite's exciting new limited-time mode.

The Star-Wars-flavored mode tasks players with earning galactic credits by hunting down designated targets (displayed on bounty pucks) or other players in general. The catch is that whoever takes the lead becomes the bounty of the Mandalorian himself, meaning the top player will have to face-off against one of the galaxy's greatest hunters. If you can best Mando and achieve a Victory Royale, you'll be rewarded with the Beskar Umbrella, a spiffy cosmetic that can presumably withstand lightsaber beams, laser bolts, and giant monster teeth. Or maybe it just makes you look a bit cooler. Mando's Bounty also introduces a new location, Kit's Cantina. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Mando's Bounty kicks off today and runs until February 9 at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time. Fortnite Season 5 continues to be a wild ride (and perhaps the best time to play the game) with its hunters theme introducing a (literal) murderer's row of crossover guests. In addition to the Mandalorian, the game now has G.I. Joe's Snake Eyes, Terminator's Sarah Connor/T-800, the Predator, Black Panther/Captain Marvel, Master Chief, Daryl Dixon/Michonne, and even Kratos. Who or what else could possibly appear in Fornite? The sky is the limit at this point. 

BioWare Explains Pinnacle Station DLC Exclusion From Mass Effect Legendary Edition, "Heartbreaking"

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 10:52 AM PST

The Pinnacle Station DLC in Mass Effect was actually developed by Demiurge Studios and allowed players to hone combat skills in an exciting way on top of a top-secret Alliance space station. With 13 competitive combat scenarios and a new location to discover, Pinnacle was an enjoyable add-on for fans of the space-faring action/RPG. But will it be included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition remaster? Unfortunately, we've got some bad news. 

While the Legendary Edition offers over 40 DLC, including all of the additional storylines like Citadel and Leviathan, the Pinnacle Station DLC is not among the added content to enjoy. The training facility was the second DLC to be added to the game, though PS3 players were not able to partake due to the source code being lost. While the team would have liked to include Pinnacle in the upcoming remaster, the reason behind its exclusion was honestly beyond their control.

When speaking with game director Mac Walters, he confirmed that the entire ordeal of trying to get the code was "an emotional roller coaster." The team tried to contact everyone and anyone that had any connection to this DLC. When BioWare and EA contacted Demiurge, the studio responsible for this DLC, hope surged only to come crashing down once more when the backups for the code sent over contained almost all corrupted data – even vital links were missing. 

Walters added that in order for Pinnacle to see a revival, it would have to be an entire remake; made from the ground up and entirely from scratch. "It would basically take us another full six months just to do this with most of the team we've got," he told us. "I wish we could do it. Honestly, just because this is meant to be everything that the team ever created, brought together again - all the single-player content. And so, leaving it all on the cutting-room floor, it was heartbreaking." 

While sad, the decision to move forward without Pinnacle makes sense. This is a project BioWare has wanted to do for years and to delay it over DLC that is not a core part of the Mass Effect experience would have been counterproductive to development efforts. Luckily, there is over 40 DLC for fans to enjoy instead, including my personal favorite with the hilarious Citadel expansion. 

Want more Mass Effect goodness? You can learn why BioWare decide to cut ME3 multiplayer entirely with our interview right here. 

EA Sports Announces Return Of College Football Games

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 10:51 AM PST

It's been seven years since EA Sports' last NCAA Football game. Following a 2014 ruling that prohibited college athletes from getting compensated for their likenesses, EA's popular college football franchise was halted indefinitely. A new announcement, however, has unveiled some exciting news for fans who have been waiting to take to the collegiate gridiron once again. NCAA Football is coming back, except under a new name: EA Sports College Football. 

In an interview with ESPN, EA Sports VP and GM Daryl Holt talked about the reason behind the franchise name change, "EA Sports College Football gives us a name and a brand to kind of work around for some things that might evolve as well as what we're focusing on really out of the gate, which is really the FBS Division I schools and the road to the College Football Playoff and college football championship."

Additionally, in a recent press release, EA Sports' EVP (not to be confused with VP) and GM Cam Weber stated, "We've heard from the millions of passionate fans requesting the return of college football video games. We love the energy, tradition and pageantry of college football and I am beyond thrilled to say we are back in development. We have a lot of really exciting work ahead of us, and a great team that is eager to bring a new game to players in the next couple of years."

Despite development still being in its early stages, NCAA Football and Madden studio EA Tiburon will be helming the process. EA has partnered with a collegiate licensing company called CLC to gain access to over 100 FBS schools, including each school's traditions, uniforms, and playbooks. Team rosters will still be devoid of student likeness, but EA Sports will be continuing to watch any developments to likeness rulings.

While it's safe to assume that large-scale events like the National Championship or potentially other well-known bowl games will make appearances, there has been no word on any new or returning game modes from the previous NCAA series. A launch date is likely faroff, but fans can rest assured that a new college football experience is in the works. 

[Source: ESPN]

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition Digital Issue Is Now Live

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 10:47 AM PST

Digital subscribers of Game Informer can now read our Mass Effect Legendary Edition cover story, as well as our massive feature about 50 exciting games we're looking forward to. Following today's cover reveal, our digital issue is now live to subscribers on web browsers, iPad/iPhone, and Android devices. Individual issues will be available for purchase later today. You can download the apps to view the issue by following this link. All of these digital options are included in a standard subscription.

The issue launches later this week on our third-party subscription apps including Kindle and Nook.

Not a digital subscriber yet? Star a new subscription here!

BioWare Explains Why It Didn't Bring Back Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer In Legendary Edition

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 08:15 AM PST

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The Mass Effect 3 multiplayer is the hidden gem of the community. Being able to experience combat as an Asari, a Drell, a Turian, and more was thrilling and the mode quickly developed a very dedicated player base despite initial concerns. So why didn't BioWare bring it back for the Mass Effect Legendary Edition? We sat down with the team to find out why this addition was deemed "too complicated" during the remaster's development period. 

When speaking with Kevin Meek, environment and character director, and project director Mac Walters, the topic of multiplayer came up and why the studio decided to nix its inclusion. When speaking with , he compared multiplayer to restoring a Porsche, and the analogy actually worked. 

"I had all of these analogies early on to try to help people understand what this remaster is going to be about," he said. "It's one thing to take a 1982 Porsche that needs to be fully restored, but now I want you to imagine that it was actually buried in concrete. So you've got to chip away at all of that, and every time you go to try something it's like 'is this even going to work?' Do I blow the engine turnover? You know, it's just a lot of work. And I think people underestimate what it's like to do this game, because - at every step - you are given an agonizing choice of 'is this the thing that we want to spend our time on and really try to improve it' and 'where will this lead us down the road?'" 

He added, "I feel strongly that we've chosen the things that are what the majority of our fans were most passionate about. On the topic of multiplayer, it was just really hard. Getting all of the online systems working and functionality would have been another large chunk to do but at the same time, there are a lot of other logistics involved. The economy is built completely differently. Then questions came up like, "Do we support it post-launch? What about people who are still playing multiplayer today? Do we try to find a way to somehow do crossplay between the PS3 and PS4?" 

With the work that would have been put into those logistics, the bulk of the project would have suffered, time-wise, and ultimately it was decided that multiplayer was not the road bump this remaster needed, especially since the studio has been wanting to do this for a long time now.

Considering the mass majority of players are interested due to playing as Commander Shepard once more and their single-player experience, the decision to ax multiplayer was one done in consideration of development time. While I enjoyed the ME3 multiplayer experience immensely myself, the player base pales in comparison to those that loved the base story. 

What do you think? Do you think it was a mistake to leave multiplayer out of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, or did they make the right call? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below! 

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Gameplay Trailer Revealed, Coming This May

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST

The Mass Effect trilogy is an iconic action/RPG franchise that still has fans in love even years after release. Now the already-impressive community is about to get a lot bigger because the remaster is opening up Commander's Shepard story to gamers of this generation. To celebrate, we've got our first look at the Mass Effect Legendary Edition gameplay in a new trailer alongside a Game Informer-exclusive release date reveal. 

The beauty of the Legendary Edition is it's got something to offer for newcomers and longtime fans alike, especially those N7 fans that may have missed out on the DLC. With updated graphics, smoother UI for the first game, and over 40 included DLC to enjoy, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a space experience that shouldn't be slept on. 

"As Commander Shepard, rise to become the galaxy's most elite soldier and lead an epic war to stop an ancient and ruthless enemy: the Reapers," reads the official description of the upcoming remaster. "Heart-pounding cinematic action intersects with gripping interactive storytelling in a heroic battle against the unknown where you will decide how the story unfolds. You will assemble a crew of intriguing characters, learning their own unique stories as they traverse the galaxy in the state-of-the-art ship, SSV Normandy. The fate of the galaxy lies in your hands."

Click here to watch embedded media

The above trailer is exciting, but what all does the Legendary Edition come with? Glad you asked: 

  • Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3
  • Over 40 DLC, including all promo weapons, armors, and packs
  • Remastered for 4K
  • Enhanced visuals concerning models, lighting, shaders, and special effects
  • Gameplay and Quality of Life improvements
  • All available under one single launcher. 

Seeing the side-by-side comparisons of quests in the first game especially shows how much modernization went into this remaster. On Ios, seeing dimension in this lost area that Shepard must explore when learning Saren's true motives. On Noveria, seeing the backdrop added on the walkway when nothing but destruction can be seen. On Horizon, seeing the cohesive details added to connect this location to the same location seen in Mass Effect 3 alongside similar tweaks to Eden Prime; the area that started it all. 

DLC:

  • Bring Down the Sky
  • Genesis
  • Zaeed – The Price of Revenge
  • Kasumi – Stolen Memory
  • Lair of the Shadow Broker
  • Firewalker Pack
  • Overlord
  • Normandy Crash Site
  • Arrival
  • Genesis 2
  • From Ashes
  • Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut 
  • Leviathan
  • Omega
  • Citadel

Weapons, Armors, Packs:

  • Equalizer Pack
  • Aegis Pack
  • Firepower Pack
  • Cerberus Weapon and Armor
  • Arc Projector
  • ME2 Alternate Appearance Pack 1
  • ME2 Alternate Appearance Pack 2
  • Firefight Pack
  • Groundside Resistance Pack

Promos:

  • Recon Operations Pack
  • Collectors' Weapon and Armor
  • Terminus Weapon and Armor
  • M-29 Incisor
  • Blood Dragon Armor
  • Inferno Armor
  • Recon Hood
  • Sentry Interface
  • Umbra Visor
  • N7 Warfare Gear
  • AT-12 Raider
  • Chakram Launcher
  • M-55 Argus
  • M-90 Indra
  • Reckoner Knight Armor

The Legendary Edition doesn't, however, come with the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer, which is still active to date, but it does offer hours upon hours of additional content from the vanilla trilogy experience. 

BioWare shared with Game Informer an exclusive reveal of the release date, with the remaster arriving on May 14, 2021. 

Are you excited to dive back into the combat boots of Commander Shepard once more? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!

Cover Reveal – Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST

To this day, the Mass Effect trilogy still sparks passionate discussions and heated debates, showcasing how beloved its characters and worlds still are. The sci-fi RPG's impact on gamers and the industry cannot be denied, especially in how it experimented with player choice and its place in an authored story. As Commander Shepard, we all created our own stories while also being treated to an intense narrative packed with touching and tragic moments spanning three games. Whether you worked to gain each character's loyalty, created your own romantic love triangles, or used paragon and renegade interrupts to showcase your leadership style, you have your own Shepard tale to tell. BioWare truly achieved something wonderful by making people care deeply about Shepard's fight to save the galaxy. 

Click here to watch embedded media

After years of requests, BioWare is finally remastering the trilogy with Mass Effect Legendary Edition, giving fans the opportunity to re-experience Shepard's story on modern hardware – while also allowing a new crop of gamers to discover what made the series the popular force it is today. For the latest issue of Game Informer, BioWare sat down with us to share how it approached bringing the series to 4K, and no topic was off the table. Find out why some things (like Mass Effect 3's multiplayer) ended up on the cutting-room floor, what swayed the team in the direction of a remaster versus a remake, and how the team approached Mass Effect 1. After all, the first entry needed (and received) the biggest upgrades – and yes, that includes the Mako. 

And that's only scratching the surface on the behind-the-scenes details. The full cover story dives into BioWare's complicated creative process, detailing the big and promising changes in full. Since this is a trilogy, we have three different covers (pictured below) that pay homage to Shepard, all featuring different beloved squadmates who helped our hero along the way. 

Speaking of upcoming games we're excited about, this issue is packed with them! We picked 50 games we can't wait to play and shared what makes us enthusiastic about them. As part of this massive round-up, we have also extended looks at space-combat shooter Chorus and the wild co-op adventure It Takes Two, which comes from Josef Fares, who brought us Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. 

We also don't hold back on examining some recent headlines, such as looking back at Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch and breaking down what Lucasfilm's return to gaming really means. And if you're a Yakuza fan, you'll be happy to know associate editor Blake Hester sat down with series mastermind Toshihiro Nagoshi to discuss his life, career, and why Sega should have fired him in the '90s. Yes, this issue is quite a read, and that's not even everything, so look forward to more opinions, reviews, and other surprises when you open it. 

Print subscribers can expect their issues to begin arriving in the coming days/weeks. The digital edition of this issue launches in a few hours for PC/Mac, iOS, and Google Play. You can also get the latest issue through third-party apps on Nook and Kindle. To subscribe to either the digital or print version, click here.

February's Xbox Game Pass Additions Includes Final Fantasy XII, Project Winter, And More

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST

A new month means a new batch of games coming to Xbox Game Pass. Beginning this week, subscribers can look forward to playing a JRPG classic, engage in some social deception, or play as a mouse across console, PC, and Android via cloud gaming. You can also check out January's Game Pass additions here.

What's Coming

  • Ghost of a Tale (PC) - Feb. 4
  • Project Winter (Console, PC, Android) - Feb. 4
  • The Falconeer (Console, PC, Android) - Feb. 4
  • Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Console, PC) - Feb. 11 (our review)
  • Jurassic World Evolution (Console, Android) - Feb. 11 (our review)
  • Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones (Console, Android) - Feb. 11
  • Wolfenstein: Youngblood (Android) - Feb. 11 (our review)

What's Leaving

  • De Blob (Console) - Feb. 15
  • Ninja Gaiden II (Console) - Feb. 15
  • World of Horror (PC) - Feb. 15
  • Shadows of the Damned (EA Play/Console) - Feb. 16

DLC Updates

Microsoft also announced the following cloud games now have touch controls on Android:

  • Donut County
  • Enter The Gungeon
  • Fractured Minds
  • Monster Sanctuary
  • River City Girls
  • The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics
  • The Walking Dead: A New Frontier – Episode 1
  • The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Miniseries
  • The Walking Dead: Season Two
  • The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
  • Touhou Luna Nights
  • What Remains of Edith Finch
  • Yes, Your Grace

As always, these games are yours to keep so long as you maintain an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. If you missed the free slate of games available for Xbox Live Gold members this month, you can check out that list here. Finally, if you missed the recent drama surrounding Gold, Microsoft recently came under fire for hiking up the subscription price of Xbox Live Gold before the uproar forced them to reverse that decision only hours later. What do you think of this month's Game Pass offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Collector's "Cache" Revealed

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 07:40 AM PST

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition just dropped an explosive new trailer, showing off the remaster's strengths and that it includes over 40 DLC to enjoy. For those that want to become Commander Shepard in real life, we've got just the thing with the recently revealed collector's edition!

The collector's edition comes with not only a replica of Commander Shepard's helmet, but an N7 acceptance letter, art prints, and more. 

So what's included? 

  • Includes:
    • 1 Mass Effect Legendary Edition Metal Game Case (Game not included)
    • 1 Morality Spinner Pin
    • 1 N7 Acceptance Letter
    • 2 Canvas Art Prints (Including one you can only find here at the BioWare Gear Store)
    • Comes in a full color custom box featuring the game's key art

 Let's go through these collectibles one by one.

N7 Helmet

It's wearable, beautifully-detailed, faithful to the games… and yes, it lights up, too.

The star of this bundle is undoubtedly the life-sized replica of Shepard's N7 Breather Helmet. Created with the actual 3D model used in-game and under the direct supervision of Mass Effect's developers, it's as authentic and believable as it gets.

It features the helmet's carbon fiber texture and LED lights that illuminate the visor and the accents on the sides and back. And just like in the game, the choice is yours—are you Paragon Blue or Renegade Red?

And if you want to learn more about the making of the N7 Helmet, check out our article on our blog

FEATURES

  • 1:1 scale
  • 16 x 9.5 x 11 inches
  • Wearable replica of the N7 Breather Helmet
  • Detailed design that's faithful to the games
  • With adjustable straps to keep it in place
  • With LED effects
    • Helmet includes a switch on the inside for choosing between Paragon Blue or Renegade Red
    • Lights illuminate the visor and accents on the sides and back
  • Powered by 2x AA batteries (not included)
  • Comes with an instruction manual

N7 Acceptance Letter

"Well. What about Shepard?"

Can you see the opening sequence in your head? Shepard aboard the Normandy. Looking at the Earth through a window. Immerse yourself in Shepard's story before this scene, with a letter from Captain Anderson welcoming you to the N7 corps.

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 8 x 11.5 inches

Morality Spinner Pin

Choosing between Paragon and Renegade is easier said than done. You could be torn between what you think is honorable, and what you think somebody deserves. Ultimately, they are two parts of the same Shepard. That's what this wearable is all about.

Use it to display your moral alignment. Or choose between order and chaos with the flick of a finger.

FEATURES

  • Soft Enamel Spinner Pin
  • Diameter: 1.75-inches
  • Double-sided
    • Paragon (Blue & White)
    • Renegade (Red & Black)

Metal Game Case

The game itself isn't part of the Mass Effect Legendary Cache. But if you have it, you can display it in this premium metal game case. And even if you don't, the art on the case still makes it well worth showing off.

FEATURES

  • Metal hard shell
  • 5.25 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
  • Design
    • Front:Mass Effect Legendary Edition Key Art
    • Spine:Mass Effect Legendary Edition Logo
    • Back: N7 Logo

PLEASE NOTE: The Mass Effect Legendary Cache does not include the game.

Canvas Art Prints

If you wish to Relive the Legend, then you must have some very fond memories of it. How about we immortalize and put them on display?

The Mass Effect Legendary Cache includes two canvas art prints. One shows your ship, the SSV Normandy flying above the Earth. And the other - which is only available in this BioWare Gear Store Exclusive Version - features the female Commander Shepard with her Omni-Blade and N7 armor.

FEATURES

  • Dimensions:
    • Width: 16.25 inches (41.27 cm)
    • Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
  • 2 Canvas Art Prints
    • Normandy SR-1
    • FemShep Art Print (BioWare Gear Store Exclusive)

Pre-orders are available now for $149.99 right here. 

Chase Away Those Winter Blues With This Adorably Huge Kirby Plushie

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 07:39 AM PST

For many of us, we are stuck in the dredges of winter. What makes that cold a little more palatable is a nice, hot drink, cozy blankets, and a humongous Kirby plushie. 

Kirby is a gift to this world. A gift that we may not deserve, but we've been blessed with anyway. This adorable little Nintendo monster has had a lot of merch through the years, but a large than life plushie to cozy up to at the end of a hard day? That's just beautiful: 

The gigantic plush was announced over on the official Takara Tomy Japan website (spotted by GameRant) and I'm not really sure exactly how large it is all fluffed up, but it looks big enough to love and comes in at a length of 31.5 inches. The site also describes it as having a "mochi-like" feeling of softness, which is really all you need to know. This adorable little addition is now available to pre-order in Japan for the entire month of February with shipments heading out sometime in June. 

Discouraged by the Japan-only pre-order? Don't be. The website also confirms that the company is looking into a western release of the giant Kirby as well, though when that will happen is unclear at this time. As with the case with a lot of the Nintendo merch out there, this one is for Japan first but at least it's not for Japan only!

What do you think about the adorably large Kirby plushie? Sound off with those comfy thoughts in the comment section below! 

Destiny 2 Season Of The Chosen Revealed In New Trailer With A New Strike And Returning Favorites

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 07:00 AM PST

Season 13 is almost here in Destiny 2: Beyond Light, and Bungie just showed off a brand new trailer to highlight what's next for Guardians. Called Season of the Chosen, the latest period for the space shooter brings with it a new Strike (and a few returning favorites), new gear, and the seasonal Battleground activity that pits Guardians against hordes of Cabal. 

Destiny 2: Beyond Light giveth and it has taketh away, but the new season is all about bringing in new reasons to grind. With the Pyramids and Xivu Arath destabilizing the system, it's up to the leader of the Cabal (and Calus' daughter) to reset that balance. To achieve that balance, Empress Caiatl is looking to strike an alliance with Guardians. Unfortunately, her demands are a little too steep for our pal Zavala and negotiations quickly spiral out of control. From there, her expanding war council is at a unique precipice, one where Guardians themselves become the tip of the spear. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Season 13's main focus is jumping into the Battlegrounds. Battlegrounds is a three-player activity that will pit players against Caiatl's most valuable warriors in ritual-like combat meant to challenge and invigorate. If Battlegrounds aren't your cup of tea, Bungie also confirms that Devil's Lair and Fallen S.A.B.E.R. Strikes are returning from the original Destiny ahead of a new Strike arriving with Proving Grounds. 

It wouldn't be a new season without new gear, as well. Season Pass owners can look forward to unlocking the Praefectus Armor Set instantaneously, as well as the new Ticuu's Divination Exotic Bow. The bow, for those that like a little more old-fashioned combat, charges multiple Solar arrows that can track moving targets simultaneously. Players can also unlock over 25 Exotic, Legendary, and ritual items as well. 

Season Pass rewards

  • New Exotic Cosmetics
  • Umbral Engrams
  • New Triumphs and Seals
  • Guardian Games
  • Iron Banner
  • Trials of Osiris
  • New Artifact and Mods to Unlock
  • Season Progress Track with Unlockable Rewards
  • Second Seasonal Progress Track with Additional Rewards at Every Level
  • Exotic Bow, Ticuu's Divination, Instantly Unlocked
  • Praefectus Seasonal Armor Set Instantly Unlocked
  • Bonus Seasonal XP
  • Exotic Weapon Quest
  • Exotic Catalyst Quest
  • One Week Early Access to Proving Grounds Strike
  • Additional Exotic Ship, Sparrow, and Ghost Shells
  • Complete Suite of Prismatic Recaster Focusing Features

All Destiny 2 player rewards

  • Battleground Matchmade Activity
  • New Weapons and Ornaments
  • Three New Strikes
  • The H.E.L.M.
  • New Exotic Cosmetics
  • Umbral Engrams
  • New Triumphs and Seals
  • Guardian Games
  • Iron Banner
  • Trials of Osiris
  • New Artifact and Mods to Unlock
  • Season Progress Track with Unlockable Rewards

Destiny 2: Beyond Light Season of the Chosen kicks off on February 9 and will run until May 11.

To learn more about the season ahead, you can check out the official Bungie blog post right here. You can also learn more about what is staying (and what's getting left behind) until the end of Year 4 with our previous coverage here. 
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