Game Informer

Game Informer

Cosmic Adventure Game Genesis Noir Launches Later This Month

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 04:07 PM PDT

Genesis Noir is a tough face to forget once you lay eyes on it.  Although it's been floating in the ether for a few years, some may remember it making a splash during its big showing at E3 2019 thanks to it's eye-catching art and animation. Well good news: the beautiful cosmic noir title is finally launching on March 26. 

The poetic adventure title is a love story that takes place before, during, and after the Big Bang event that formed the universe as we know it. The heavenly explosion takes the form of a cosmic gunshot that threatens to kill your beloved, the goddess Miss Mass. As a god-like being yourself, your goal is clear: find a way to halt the expansion of the universe and effectively stop the Big Bang from taking place. To do so, you must visit different periods of the universe's existence in search of clues to alter destiny. You'll witness the birth of life itself to a version of Earth hundreds of millions of years in the future, meaning you'll experience multiple iterations of the lifeforms you're trying to destroy. 

Gameplay consists of familiar point-and-click interactions with the stylized environments to collect clues and solve puzzles. There's also plenty of more abstractly designed mechanics like planting a space garden or destroying an entire civilization. It's a fascinating premise, and if you're discovering Genesis Noir for the first time, I implore you to watch its latest trailer. It's one of those games that really has to be seen in motion to truly appreciate what it's going for. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Genesis Noir was crowdfunded via Kickstarter in 2018 and was originally announced as a PC-only title. However, the game will also come to Xbox One and Switch. Xbox Game Pass subscribers should be pleased to know that the game will join the service's PC and console libraries on launch day. If this game has landed on your radar, be sure to check out our list of other under-the-radar indie titles worth keeping an eye on. 

What do you think of Genesis Noir's strange but unique take on the adventure genre, and are you willing to give it a shot? Sound off down in the comments! 

Activision Blizzards Esports Division Suffers Layoffs

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 02:58 PM PDT

Activision Blizzard has laid off approximately employees from its esports division, partly due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a lack of live event opportunities. 

Following a year of quarantines and social isolation, the company has decided to continue its shift away from live events, even post-COVID. In a report from Sports Business Journal, as shared by esports insider Rod Breslau, the decision indicates future moves planned once society returns to a semblance of normalcy. 

In an interview with Activision Blizzard president of sports and entertainment Tony Petitti, he confirmed that the divisions impacted the most have to do with both the Overwatch and Call of Duty leagues. According to Petitti, this is a part of a larger shift regarding how the company tackles its event-centered business and is part of the strategy to become "less dependent" on this social gathering type. 

While this doesn't mean that live events will be going away completely, the pandemic has dramatically altered the face of esports over the past year. Not just Blizzard-related competitive scenes, either; esports as a whole has seen a dramatic pivot away from flashy on-stage events due to safety concerns. 

"We learned a lot last year in terms of how the leagues can be structured for online play, and we'll look to carry forward the best practices from that," said the president during the interview. "In terms of timing, it's a reaction to the realities of how the leagues are playing and what resources we need to allocate to serve best the league, owners, teams, and fans." 

He then added that the decision to lay off about 50 employees wasn't a decision they made "lightly." However, the memory of when this same company abruptly cut over 800 jobs is still fresh from 2019, and it then shortly followed those cuts with a call for approximately 2,000 new employees. 

A separate, later report from Bloomberg indicates the layoffs aren't just impacting the esports division. In response to a wider range of layoffs, a spokesperson told the site that other areas affected include Candy Crush developer King. A spokesperson from Activision Blizzard has reached out to confirm that the number of King employees affected is one. 

Included in the severance is a 90-day package and continued health benefits for one year post-layoffs. Bloomberg also reported that as part of that severance, all employees impacted also received a $200 gift card to Battle.net, the launcher for Blizzard games. 

[Update]: Following the publishing of this article, more information has come to light. A spokesperson from Activision Blizzard reached out with the number of esports external employees that were impacted. The number of known layoffs for the esports side is estimated to be much higher than the initially reported 50. The exact number has not been confirmed through official channels. 

Story developing...

[Source: Sports Business Journal via Twitter]

Survive A Hostile Volcanic Apocalypse In Ashwalkers

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 02:40 PM PDT

Ashwalkers is an ambitious new narrative survival game by French developer Nameless XIII, a small studio co-founded by Life Is Strange co-creator Hervé Bonin. Set 200 years after a volcanic disaster transformed Earth into a ravaged wasteland, players must keep a party of characters alive as they fight to survive this hostile, ash-blanketed world. 

These four survivors (referred to as "The Squad") have their own distinct personalities with an ever-evolving relationship between each other. Gameplay involves keeping these four alive by seeking out shelter and harvesting vital resources. You'll need to carefully manage your rations, however, as there isn't always enough to go around. Party members can succumb to madness and other mental traumas if they aren't well taken care of. When the lack of resources isn't threatening to wipe you out, Ashwalkers' world presents plenty of other hurdles such as deadly weather (including lightning storms) and clashes with other survivors. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Given Bonin's history with Dontnod developing Life Is Strange, it's not surprising to learn that Ashwalkers features choice-driven gameplay, non-linear storytelling, and multiple endings: 34 different conclusions total, in fact. With so many different ways that Ashwalkers' story can go down, Nameless XIII promises players will discover new paths every time they play, depending on their choices.

"We are huge fans of 'Choose Your Own Adventure books'" said Bonin in a press release. "Our ambition is to combine that sense of a detailed unfolding world with the interactivity of a video game, a game where every choice matters. The player feedback we have gotten for our public demo in the latest Steam Festival was extremely positive so we are super excited to let players explore the world of Ashwalkers."

If Ashwalkers sounds right up your alley, you'll be happy to know the game is just a month away from release. Ashwalkers launches April 15 for PC. There's currently no word on if the game is coming to consoles. Check out the gallery of screenshots below.

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What do you make of Ashwalkers? Share your first impressions down in the comments!

Bungie Officially Removes Destiny 2 12-Player Raid Bug

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 01:52 PM PDT

We knew it would have to happen eventually, but the time is here, Guardians. Bungie has officially fixed the Destiny 2 12-player raid bug that we loved so much. Granted, the studio gave us extra time with it because they saw we were all having so much fun, but eventually, it was going to go, and now it's gone. 

In the latest patch for the game, Bungie tackled quite a few issues, especially concerning Strikes and the Forfeit Shrine Ascendant Challenge. What they also tackled, unfortunately, is the 12-player glitch. According to the patch notes: "Fixed an issue where players were able to cram 12 people into an activity that clearly couldn't handle the might of that many Guardians." The studio gave us a heads up previously, but we were hoping we had some more time. 

Where the team says "clearly couldn't handle," we say "definitely handled and beautifully." Still, Bungie clearly stated in a previous update that though they weren't tackling it then, that didn't mean they weren't ever going to patch it up. 

Personally, I'm pretty sad about the removal. My clan and I were loving this particular bug. It made taking other players through raids infinitely more enjoyable for those who really just didn't care about learning the more complicated mechanics, but it also gave a fun edge for other activities like Dungeons and Strikes for those that were just curious to mess around and explore a little more. Similar to the feeling of playing an Overwatch match with a team of nothing but Reinhardts, taking to Gardens of Salvation with a group of 12 players, all of which were having fun and the freedom to spec out the way they'd like versus the way they should, was nothing short of chaotically fun. Now it's gone, and I'm back to hating Garden. 

I said what I said. 

Hatred for certain raids aside, I am enjoying the pacing of Season of the Chosen thus far. Though this week (and last week, come to think of it) had fewer challenges, overall, the feeling of this season is pretty darn good. Other than some areas of improvement the studio is still looking into, the recent PvP changes with Stasis and the storyline regarding Crow have been immensely satisfying. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing what future updates bring. 

Thoughts on Destiny 2 Season of the Chosen and the removal of the 12-player raid bug? Sound off with those hottest of hot takes in the comment section below.

Fortnite Season 6: Where To Find Golden Artifacts Near The Spire

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 12:30 PM PDT

Fortnite Season 6 is here, and brings with it a return to primitive life, animals, and even Lara Croft. With each new season and each new week, there are more challenges added. For those itching to get a golden llama, here's where you can find the Golden Artifacts near The Spire to knock something off of that 'ol to-do list. 

Fortnite Season 6: Where To Find Golden Artifacts Near The Spire

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Unlike other challenges, this one is fairly straightforward because all three artifacts can be found near The Spire. The downside is that this is the only place to find the artifacts, which means that it's going to be a hot zone for other players. Keep that head on a swivel, because I can attest to the fact that it is swarming with enemy players and I died way more than I'm going to admit. 

For reference, this is where you are going to be aiming for. I recommend dropping not immediately in the vicinity unless you've got those Pro Gamer Moves™: 

Now that you're at The Spire, there are three artifacts to look out for. Here's where you need to go: 

  • For one of the artifacts, go to the bottom of staircase that leads right up into The Spire. There, you'll find a wall at the bottom; look behind it, and you'll spot a golden llama. 
  • Another artifact will be found on the first story of a house just below where you see the "I" in this location. Go there, and you'll see a glowing Kit statue. You'll know it when you see it; you can't miss the blue glow.
  • The final artifact will be located in the marketplace area in the vicinity when headings towards The Spire. You'll see fruit stands. Head to the stalls that are against the rocky base. You'll find the third artifact there alongside the stands with red banners. 

The below images are a better representation of the locations you'll encounter when tracking these down: 

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Other Fortnite Season 6 challenges include: 

  • Investigate an anomaly detected at Lazy Lake
  • Craft a Hunter's Cloak
  • Collect mechanical parts from vehicles, trailers, buses, or tractors
  • Craft mechanical weapons using mechanical parts and a makeshift weapon
  • Hunt wildlife
  • Legendary Challenge – Craft 3 items

To learn more about what the new season has to offer, including the newly added single-player experience and wildlife you will need to hunt, you can check out our previous breakdown here. 

Thoughts on Fortnite Season 6 and the return of a less technology-dependent setting? What other cool crossovers would you like to see happen with Teen Titans and Tomb Raider now in the mix? Sound off with those hottest of hot takes in the comment section below! 

Valheim Player Recreates Impressive U.S. Navy Battleship In-Game

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 10:24 AM PDT

Valheim players are incredible when it comes to putting their creativity to the test. Earlier this month, we shared an impressive 1:1 replica of Skyrim's Whiterun that is still in progress. Now we're sharing a slightly different kind of creation: a humongous U.S Navy battleship replica. 

As a former U.S. Navy sailor (turned greenside Marine), this wooden creation by Redditor u/wjdql64334 was too good not to share. This creation was modeled after the USS Iowa (BB-61), a retired battleship that was actually the fourth ship to be named after this particular state in North America. Given that Valheim doesn't quite have the same creative resources that titles like Minecraft have, this build is insanely impressive. 

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It's impossible to get an exact replica with the in-game creative tools in its current Early Access state, but who knows? The team behind Valheim continues to make updates to the Viking experience to prepare for a full launch; maybe even more color options and crafting help will be on the way. 

If you're really particular and want to compare in person (there are even online tours), the battleship Iowa is on display in the Los Angeles, California museum seen here. 

As for the game itself, it's been taking our community by storm. Valheim continues to dominate the Steam charts, and for a good reason. This survival game is one of many, but where it shines is that it's a survival game for those that might not particularly like this genre. It's not as unforgiving as other titles in this same niche, and the soundtrack is beyond compare. It's soothing, it's challenging, and it's all done perfectly in tandem for a social experience that is amazing shared and equally enjoyable solo. 

There are so many mods out there to make a great game even better, as well. While many more have been added since our recommendation list was added, you can find a list of essential mods that we love right here. You can also learn more about what it takes to succeed in the world of Valheim with some helpful tips and tricks, courtesy of our own Dan Tack, with our game hub here. 

Assassin's Creed Valhalla Gets Item Transmog Today In New Update

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 10:12 AM PDT

In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Eivor collects a wide variety of weapons and gear – and some even have godlike power. But optimizing your performance and customizing your appearance don't always go hand-in-hand; you may like the look of one piece of gear, even if its stats aren't ideal. Starting today, that won't be a problem in Valhalla anymore. The new title update introduces a transmog feature that lets you change the way an equipped item looks while keeping its other properties intact. 

According to Ubisoft's latest blog about the game, the new content and features (which are free to all players as Title Update 1.2.0) are rolling out today, March 16. As for the ability to change the appearance of your weapons and armor, this is what the post says:

"We added Change Appearance aka Transmog to the game.

  • Change your gear and weapon appearance within the same category of items at Gunnar's blacksmith in Ravensthorpe for 50 silver. "This piece was already exceptionally beautiful, but if there's anyone who could improve it, it's me!" —Gunnar
  • Changed items will be marked with a star in the inventory."

The transmog feature may be familiar to players of Assassin's Creed Odyssey; the feature was also added to that installment as part of the game's extensive and impressive post-launch support.

The new title update also lays the groundwork for a new seasonal festival (like the Yule Festival this winter) called the Ostara Festival, but the event isn't actually available until March 18. Ubisoft's post describes it like this: "The Ostara Festival will be available from March 18 to April 8. It will feature a bloomy Ravensthorpe, some unique side activities (such as egg hunts), and special rewards."

That's not all the update holds! Players can also find three added skills, make use of a new close camera option, and benefit from a huge list of bug fixes and balance tweaks.  

Are you going to jump back into Assassin's Creed Valhalla to check out transmog and the other new additions? Let us know in the comments below! It might be the perfect way to reacquaint yourself with the game before the Wrath of the Druids DLC launches later this spring. 

Jade Raymond's New Studio, Haven, Is Already Working On A New PlayStation-Exclusive IP

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 09:46 AM PDT

Jade Raymond is an incredible talent in the gaming industry. Following her departure from her executive position for Google Stadia, Raymond has started up a brand new studio called Haven Entertainment. The Montreal-based team has many plans coming down the pipeline, including a new IP already in development for PlayStation. 

The CEO and founder of Haven Entertainment took to the PlayStation Blog to tease what's next, first outlining the wild ride the last 12 months has been. From the ongoing pandemic and social justice movements happening in the U.S. to the tragedy that is how Google has handled its staff working on Stadia, all of it played a part in Raymond's self-reflection regarding what's next for her. After asking herself "what really matters," she decided that it was time to put her 25 years of industry experience into a brand new studio with Haven. 

What is Haven Entertainment? 

Haven is an independent studio made up of many talented individuals within the gaming industry, some of which Raymond herself has a working history with. The vision is to "do what we are most passionate about" and make incredible video games. 

It's time for us to refocus on games in a place where we can practice our crafts without any barriers or impediments. We want to create worlds where players can escape, have fun, express themselves, and find community. We want to pour our passion into a project. We want to make something wondrous for people to experience. Because we believe in the power of games to bring joy to people's lives. And Sony does, too. Their commitment to excellence is unmatched. It's why I couldn't be happier for their backing and support.

With an unbridled passion for game creation with incredible freedom, Raymond feels that PlayStation is the best fit to realize that vision. The new studio's first IP will be anyone's guess, but she did mention that she can't wait to share what this unannounced IP is with the world and that it will be exclusive to PlayStation. 

There is no denying that PlayStation is a powerhouse for exclusive games and incredible first-party titles. The philosophy by which Haven stands is admirable and a breath of fresh air for gamers and developers alike that want to experience new and exciting gaming adventures. For those that create them, this freedom to create without overbearing boundaries and restrictions is a massive deal, and we're excited to learn more about what fruit this new studio will bear. 

Xbox Game Pass Adds 10 New Games This Month With Star Wars, Nier, And More

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 09:35 AM PDT

In addition to the 20 new Bethesda games, Xbox Game Pass is adding even more games to the subscription service with popular adventures like Octopath Traveler, Yakuza 6, and more. Oh, and Undertale, which was confirmed earlier this week with exclusive Xbox-only additions. 

What's new on Xbox Game Pass? 

The Xbox Game Pass is an always-evolving subscription service with a constant influx of new titles added and games being removed to make room. Here is what's coming to (and what's leaving) Xbox Game Pass this month without further adieu. 

Xbox Wire

What's coming: 

  • Undertale, Cloud, Console, and PC - Available today
  • Empire of Sin, Cloud, Console, and PC - March 18
  • Nier: Automata, PC - March 18
  • Star Wars: Squadrons, Console - March 18
  • Torchlight III, PC - March 18
  • Genesis Noir, Console, PC - March 25
  • Octopath Traveler, Console, PC - March 25
  • Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Ultimate Edition, PC - March 25
  • Supraland, PC - March 25
  • Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Cloud, Console, and PC - March 25
  • Narita Boy, Cloud, Console, and PC - March 30
  • Outriders, Cloud, Console - April 1

DLC and game updates: 

What's leaving:

  • Hyperdot, Console, PC - March 31
  • Journey to the Savage Planet, Console - March 31
  • Machinarium, PC - March 31

What is Xbox Game Pass?

For those that may not have Xbox Game Pass yet, it's a deal that you've likely heard a lot about in the past year. It's grown exponentially, and the value is undeniable. For those still on the fence, there are two options to choose from with the normal Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Game Pass is $9.99, whereas the Ultimate version includes Xbox Live for $14.99. 

It's a solid investment, especially if you're a little pickier when it comes to games. Xbox Game Pass allows players access to over 100 titles at no additional cost outside of the membership, including first-party day one additions and acquired studio games (like Bethesda). 

Thoughts on the latest Xbox Game Pass additions? What do you hope gets added next? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below! 

Xbox And Marvel Team Up To Get Falcon Back Into Gaming With New Video

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 09:15 AM PDT

Sam Wilson (a.k.a. Falcon) returns in the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on March 19, and Marvel and Xbox are celebrating by teaming up to show actor Anthony Mackie how it's done. You know, since he was booped out of literally existing for five whole years. 

The question of "Where the hell is Bucky?" is answered once more when the Winter Soldier and Falcon team up for the new show, but a shiny new television series doesn't equate to "getting gud" in games. In a playful new promotion for the upcoming Disney show, Sam Wilson wanders aimlessly into a game store with money in his pockets and five years' worth of life missing. When he approaches a familiar face in the store to ask what he's missed out on, a conveniently perfect advertisement for the Xbox Game Pass comes into play. 

Crafty marketing is crafty. 

Click here to watch embedded media

On March 19 there will be another Falcon experience on Xbox Live and it will include the chance to earn 100 Microsoft Rewards points for those that download the Disney+ app through Xbox. To get this offer, it will be available from March 19 to March 22! You can learn more here. 

There was another video added in the latest Xbox Wire blog post, which can be seen below: 

Click here to watch embedded media

With the new series on the horizon with Falcon front and center, Disney+ continues to kill it in terms of content. With even more Star Wars experiences on the horizon and the conclusion of WandaVision, it will be interesting to see how this particular streaming service continues to evolve. 

Thoughts on the Marvel and Xbox crossover with the above Falcon promo? Sound off in the comment section below! 

Someone Recreated “That Song” From WandaVision In Animal Crossing: New Horizons And It's Fantastic

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 09:05 AM PDT

Even though The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is set to premiere on Disney+ this weekend, many of us are still reeling from the events of WandaVision. Namely, one particular revelation that became one of the show's best sequences. Like anything that's cool, someone has remade that enchanting moment in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the result is both impressively accurate and hilariously cute.

Spoilers exist from this point on so be sure you've watched at least most of WandaVision (as in the first seven episodes) before proceeding forward. You have been warned!

Okay, so if you're still reading at this point then you've probably already guessed that the moment in question is the wonderful earworm that is the "Agatha All Along" song from episode 7 of the series. The reveal of Agatha Harkness as the true culprit behind Wanda's troubles was a memorable one, mainly due to the absurdly catchy musical number announcing her presence. Great-Bit Arcade, a YouTube channel filled with fun Animal Crossing parodies of popular TV shows, managed to accurately remake the sequence in Animal Crossing. In short, it's phenomenal and provides a new reason to relive that moment one more time. 

Click here to watch embedded media

Great-Bit Arcade uploaded the video two weeks ago but we figured we'd wait until now to share it, in order to give our readers ample to catch up on WandaVision and for the fallout from spoilers to settle a bit. I loved this song when I watched the show live (I think it's one of the singular best things in the entire MCU), and I legitimately laughed out loud at this parody. Also, the image of villager Agatha holding a shovel when she gleefully admits to killing Sparky the dog is even darker here than in the real version. 

For more standard Animal Crossing content, Nintendo just unveiled a big update laying out all of the upcoming additions hitting the game this week. If you're looking for another MCU crossover with gaming, Microsoft hooked up with actor Anthony Mackie to help get Falcon back into video games.

Xbox Game Pass Adds Undertale With Exclusive New Items

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:56 AM PDT

Following the arrival of a ton of new games to Xbox Game Pass, the subscription service on the Microsoft platform has just added one more. Not only does Undertale come to Xbox Game Pass today, it comes also bearing exclusive Xbox-only items as well. Play the game at no additional cost and new goodies? Not a bad deal, if we do say so ourselves. 

Xbox Game Pass adds Undertale

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Undertale is a challenging 2D role-playing game created by Toby Fox and it has an incredibly large community for good reason. Playing as a child that has fallen into the "Underground," you'll meet tons of monsters on your way back to the service. It's a charming game with characters that will stick with you, making it the perfect addition to the Xbox Game Pass for those that may still be on the fence about trying out a game like this. 

While the game itself is nothing new and it's actually be a part of the Microsoft Store for awhile, the console version has a few new reasons to try it out. According to Xbox, "If you've been paying attention, you may have noticed that the aforementioned PC version of Undertale has been available on the Microsoft Store for a while now. While the Xbox version provides for a largely similar experience, there are a few Xbox-specific enhancements designed to make for a more comfortable time for those playing on a home console. Because of these, progress and save data between the two versions are unfortunately not compatible. But this also means that, similar to previous console releases, the Xbox version features its own little…shrine, one might say…of exclusive content to look out for."

Undertale is available on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X, S, and One today! 

But I don't have Xbox Game Pass

With the Xbox Game Pass, there are two options to pick from with the Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Both offer Xbox players the option to play over 100 titles at no additional cost, including day-one launches of first-party titles (and games like Outriders, which was just confirmed to be a day one Game Pass addition). 

Xbox Game Pass is $9.99 a month, whereas Xbox Game Pass Ultimate comes in at $14.99 and includes Xbox Live Gold. It's one of the better deals on the market currently, especially for those that are a little more picky when it comes to which titles are worth investing serious gametime into. Plus, if you don't like the game you tried out? There's nothing to lose! You didn't pay any additional money, so no harm done. Simplicity is nice sometimes. 

Mundaun Review – A Sketchy And Unsettling Neighborhood

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:39 AM PDT

Publisher: MWM Interactive
Developer: Hidden Fields
Release:
Rating: Mature
Reviewed on: PC
Also on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch

Mundaun observes some of the best, well-worn elements of the horror genre – a creepy setting, an emphasis on inventory management, and plenty of puzzle-solving – and sketches them onto a living notebook for players to both admire and grimace at. Because of this, the game doesn't do too much to differentiate it from its horror contemporaries nor does it entirely replicate the fun of those mechanics. But like admiring the rough sketch of a still image, I find myself enjoying the finished product despite its rough edges. Mundaun serves as a respectable descent into madness that provides its fair share of disturbing moments. 

The narrative takes players on an unsettling journey through a cursed version of the real-life Swiss village of the same name. As the grandson of a retired soldier, you return to the small mountain town to learn the cause of your grandfather's mysterious demise and get more than you bargained for thanks to the presence of a malevolent entity.

Click here to watch embedded media

Much the adventure is spent finding keys to unlock doors and solving generally solid environmental puzzles. None of the obstacles present any real challenge, and the game walks you through some objectives, but they at least come in many different shapes and sizes. One puzzle tasks the player with creating the right symbols on a series of wheels to open a gate while another has players hitting hanging meat slabs to form the correct sequence of musical notes (somehow). Most problems simply involve finding the right tool for the right job but navigating the clunky inventory menu is a pain. Saving progress also requires a degree of babysitting. The game doesn't auto-save as regularly as you'd expect, so, unless you're manually saving regularly, you can easily lose 15 to 20 minutes of progress when you die, which can put a damper on things. 

Mundaun's setting serves as a semi-open hub where players gradually make their way up the summit of a mountain, either by foot or by driving a somewhat unwieldy hay-collecting truck. I enjoyed exploring the charcoal tinted world and uncovering lore-building notes and clues. Mundaun also rewards thorough exploration with upgrades to its three character branches: health, gun-handling, and fear resistance. Things are generally fine during the day, but exploring at night brings out a limited selection of enemies that players can avoid or (eventually) confront. I recommend sticking to stealth as gunplay isn't great and warding away spirits using a special lantern feels less effective than it should. Thankfully, confrontation is completely optional; you can complete Mundaun without hurting a soul.

Mundaun's pencil-drawn art style gives the game a unique and effective visual identity. The experience is best described as a creepy sketchbook come to life, with rough charcoal strokes and scratches that look cool and lend Mundaun an eerie atmosphere. Everything just looks "off," and I regularly found my hairs rising when I stared at a weird-looking face or creepy photo for too long. The visuals are enhanced by the stilted animations, which actually work in the game's favor. These rough-drawn characters don't look like they were designed with fluidity in mind, so the choppy animation adds to their "living artwork" quality.

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The forboding atmosphere succeeded in keeping me on edge; I only encountered a couple of big jump scares, but they work because they aren't overused. I found the mystery engaging enough to pull me forward, and the story is more straightforward than I expected. That isn't necessarily a bad thing; sometimes it's easier to appreciate the creepy moments when you aren't trying to unravel a convoluted mystery. Players can steer the narrative to some degree with a small handful of choice-driven dialogue options during the game's second half. They don't hurt the narrative, but the choices are boilerplate and feel tacked on.

With a creepy vibe, solid gameplay, and intriguing narrative, Mundaun is a good time even if it won't blow away horror veterans. It's worth checking out if you're looking to experience a few good scares and to see its wicked art direction in motion. Much like its aesthetic, Mundaun winds up being a rough but respectable depiction of some of the best horror games in the genre. 

Score: 7.75

Summary: Mundaun has some rough edges, but an effective art style wrapped around solid frights and an intriguing mystery make for a respectable, if flawed, horror experience.

Concept: Uncover the cause of your grandfather's demise in small Swiss village overtaken by a decades-old curse.

Graphics: The hand-drawn art makes it resemble a living charcoal sketchbook. It looks great, and the creepy character designs contribute to its eerie atmosphere.

Sound: A foreboding soundtrack gets the job done and a European radio station further immerses players in the setting.

Playability: Combat, driving, and inventory management feel clunky. Exploring the mountain for clues and engaging in decent puzzle solving balances out the fun.

Entertainment: Mundaun has some rough edges, but solid frights wrapped around an intriguing mystery make for a respectable horror experience.

Replay: Moderate

Click to Purchase

What To Expect From Animal Crossing: New Horizons April Update, Including Bunny Day Event

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:38 AM PDT

Animal Crossing's Bunny Day event is on the way back in addition to more Sanrio items and new design options. For those looking for new ways to spruce up that island life, here is what you can expect from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons April update starting on March 18. 

Animal Crossing: New Horizons April Update

Cake and Sanrio

The "April update" starts a little early with March 18, where a 1st Anniversary Cake item is added to commemorate one year of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. When the update is installed, this cake will appear in your in-game mailbox.

Sanrio-themed items will officially be making their way into the game on March 26 with Sanrio Collaboration Pack Amiibo cards, Custom Design enhancements, and seasonal items centered around franchises under the Sanrio umbrella, such as Hello Kitty. These cards also bring popular characters to a player's island like Toby, Chai, and Rita. 

You can learn more about what exactly that brings to the table with our previous coverage here. 

Custom Design Pro Editor+

The Custom Design app on the NookPhone is also getting a significant upgrade. Players can use their Nook Miles at the Resident Services area to unlock the new feature, adding more design options, customization options, photo stands, and more. Expansion options have also grown with 50 new slots added, making it even easier to let that creative flag fly. 

Custom Design Portal

The Able Sisters store also has the Custom Design Portal, but you don't want to go there every time to use it. With the new update, now the  NookPhone app has this design feature available right in that in-game cellular device. Look pretty; you deserve it.

Seasonal items 

With Spring in full bloom, New Horizons is getting a ton of new items. With April Fool's Day, islanders can play pranks on one another with whoopie cushions that will be available from March 26 through April 1. 

Pranks not your thing? There are some prom-themed items also on the way from Nook Shopping, including outfits and special decorations. 

Island Tour Creator

You know you want to show off that island. After one year, it's got to be looking pretty sweet about now. Now it's even easier to do just that with the new Island Tour Creator that is on the way for March 23. It's a limited-time web service that will be good for this year, but it makes it easy to upload video and screenshots to help make trailers, posters, and more for your ever-evolving creation. 

Bunny Day

The Bunny Day Easter event returns on April 4 and will once more give players the option to collect eggs and craft themed DIY items to celebrate the occasion. Like last year, the Nook Shop will also offer unique items with one special Bunny Day Event item per day. 

Thoughts on the Animal Crossing: New Horizons April update? What has you the most jazzed up about what's on the way? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below! 

Fortnite Season 6 Introduces Single Player, Lara Croft, And Animals

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:06 AM PDT

In the single-player experience that was just added to Fortnite, Agent Jones seals the Zero Point anomaly in a tower, but not before it pulsed one last time, removing all advanced technology from this region and sending it back to a primitive state ruled by wildlife. As you explore this new play space, you'll run into wolves, boars, and magical guardian spires that are heavily protected. Chapter 2's sixth season is fittingly titled Primal, and looks to have plenty of mysteries to unlock.

As you play through the single-player experience, you'll transform into other characters, and see plenty of new things. Some of it is contained within this season's Battle Pass, which brings a face most gamers will recognize. Lara Croft can be unlocked, and she offers three skins, one of which is a polygonal throwback to her PlayStation 1 days. For comic book fans, Teen Titans staple Raven is also in the game, as is Neymar Jr., a Brazilian soccer player.

New weapons are once again littered across the island, but some of the tools for the fight must be constructed by gathering supplies. You can craft your own primal rifle, revolver, and the powerful sounding Flame and Metal Bow. Not everything is primitive in design, however. New bunker chests hold rare and legendary gear from more advanced times, like rocket launchers. Epic says more weapons will be added as the season progresses.

Fortnite continues to evolve in fun and unexpected ways, expanding upon the game's own fiction and growing roster of characters, all while introducing a wide variety of familiar faces from other popular licenses. It will be interesting to see where Epic Games takes this season next, and if more single-player experiences will arrive within it. Primal once again rewrites the rules and gives players plenty to dive into, again showing that Fortnite is unlike anything else out there.

Mod Corner: Dragon Age Invades Skyrim With These BioWare-Inspired Mods

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:00 AM PDT

If you're like me, the wait for Dragon Age 4 is pretty unbearable. We have justice that needs to be seen with a certain egg and taking on Tevinter is mighty enticing. While we still have a nice little wait time before we get a DA4 launch date, we figured these Dragon Age mods for Skyrim might help pass the time. 

Bethesda sure does know how to make moddable games. Both Skyrim and Fallout have arguably the biggest mod libraries out there. With so many, it's easy to find a few Dragon Age-inspired ones that take us back into the world of Thedas while not leaving Tamriel, and here are a few of my personal favorites as a massive PC gamer. 

Fenris

Fenris is the broody elf that escaped slave life in Tevinter and became a loyal follower of Hawke in Dragon Age 2. Though rough at first, he eventually became one of my favorite elves in the entire Dragon Age franchise, which is why this Fenris Follower mod is a must-have in my book. 

"Fenris, a former slave in Morrowind, served the House Dres for most of his youth. His Dunmer masters forced him to endure a Daedric ritual which resulted in the unique magic markings on his skin. One day he was finally able to escape, and he ended up in Skyrim."

Snag this mod here. 

Alistair

Swooping is bad, but more Alistair is definitely not. First introduced as a companion in Dragon Age Origins, he later became the king of Fereldan (depending on your in-game choices and if you've read the comics or not). With a penchant for cheese and licking lamp posts in the winter, this mod is perfect for those that miss this adorable little warden. 

According to the mod's creator, "For those who wanted to play as Dragon Age: Origins' Alistair Theirin, fret no more! Modeled after the Origins version of Alistair Theirin, I have made a preset for RaceMenu so you can play as your loveable companion!"

You can download this mod here.

Anders

Look, we all had that "dammit, Anders" moment in Dragon Age 2, but let's be real: he was awesome in Dragon Age: Awakening. This mod gives us back our sassy mage, though no Ser Pounce-a-Lot in tow, though this time no political buildings are being blown up. 

We think. 

"I love Anders from Dragon Age, so I tried to create a character like him in my Skyrim," said the creator of this particular mod. "The character turned out quite like him, I think. You may find here 2 versions of Anders follower mod and a saved game file with main character of same appearance."

Get your Anders on with the mod download right here. 

Morrigan

Morrigan, oh Morrigan. First introduced in Dragon Age Origins and eternal nemesis to Alistair, this character was an freaking icon. With a no-nonsense attitude and a survivor's instinct that you can't help but to admire, Morrigan is a mainstay character that made an incredible return in Dragon Age Inquisition. 

She's one of my favorites, so bringing her into Tamriel is another must-have. 

Download this one right here. 

There are a few others, including Merrill right here, but they aren't quite as solid as the ones previously tested. I absolutely love modding. I love using them and I love creating them, so if you like seeing mod recommendations like this be sure to leave a comment in the section below and tell us what you'd like to see more of! 

The Walking Dead: Survivors Is Poised To Infect Mobile Devices With PvP Focused Strategy

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 07:00 AM PDT

The Walking Dead: Survivors is a brand-new PvP survival experience for mobile devices that blends tower defense and settlement building to create a strategic approach to zombie survival. The game comes courtesy of Skybound Entertainment and developer Elex and gives fans of the hit comics and TV show a new avenue to enjoy their favorite post-apocalyptic series.  

The game stars fan-favorite characters from the popular comic series such as Rick, Michonne, Maya, Glenn, and many more. Each has their own unique skill set and are divided into two classes of survivor: Combat and Development. Combat survivors consist of Melee, Sharpshooter, and Cavalry types who each have their own upgrade tiers and can be promoted to more capable positions of power.

Development survivors, meanwhile, focus on fortifying the town. As the town leader it's your duty to recruit and train citizens in order to raise an army, farm resources and gather supplies, construct defenses such as fences, and, eventually, expand into new territories. There's a strategy in knowing what buildings to construct and when. The camp is always under attack by undead as well as other players, so maintaining a sturdy HQ is vital.

Fans of The Walking Dead know that humans pose the biggest threat and that holds true here. Negan and his band of Saviours are also out to make players' lives miserable. Thankfully, you can also team up with friends to form clans where you can build and expand territories together to, hopefully, keep Negan at bay. Or you can go after other players' encampments too, if you'd rather play the role of conqueror instead of conquered. 

The Walking Dead: Survivors will launch sometime this summer for iOS and Android. You can pre-register for the game now. For more on Skybound's other dealings in games, check out their latest partnerships for The Callisto Protocol and Before Your Eyes. 

What do you make of The Walking Dead: Survivors? Let us know in the comments!

Zero Crisis Finale and Fortnite Season 6 Gameplay – Game Informer Live!

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 06:59 AM PDT

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Fortnite's brand new season has finally arrived, and with it comes a primal aesthetic that features wild animals that can be tamed or hunted, a crafting system that allows players to create primitive weapons like bows, and of course, map changes to reflect the latest themes of the popular battle royale. To celebrate, we're exploring the single-player Zero Crisis Finale, which should address the colossal damage caused by Season 4's Galactus event, and then we'll showing off Fortnite Season 6 gameplay!

Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 6 not only introduces ample gameplay changes, but as always, there's a premium battle pass chock full of gliders, emotes, and new skins like Agent Jones, Tomb Raider's Lara Craft, a gun-toting chicklet named Cluck, and perhaps my favorite of all, Raven from Teen Titans. As you track down new avenues of XP to grind out the battle pass, there's plenty of new parts of the island to explore. Perhaps the most notable of the Fortnite map changes is the addition of the new primal biome, which features a massive stone spire as its centerpiece. Surrounding the monolith is a small village and if once you leave its threshold and enter the island's newfound wilderness, you'll quickly be on the way to new points of interest like Boney Burbs and Colossal Crops. 

We'll be streaming alongside a wonderful crew of friends from across the industry, including Ty Galiz-Rowe (Editor-in-Chief, Uppercut), Moises Taveras (Games Intern, Paste Magazine), and Jesse Vitelli (Editor, Prima Games). We'll start streaming right around 9:15 a.m. Central over on the Game Informer YouTube channel and Twitch page, so be sure to stop by and chat with us during our 2-hour live stream!

These surely won't be all of the new changes coming to Fortnite this season. As tradition goes, the island will slowly introduce new weapons, gadgets, and cosmetics throughout the course of Season 6. To keep up with all of the latest video game news, be sure to stay tuned to Game Informer. Thanks so much for watching our Fortnite Season 6 gameplay livestream. We hope you enjoy it!

Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance – New Gameplay Today

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 06:00 AM PDT

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Let me take you back, back to a simpler time where video game events were held in person, and you could walk down the block and not worry about breathing in someone's disease. During The Game Awards 2019, Geoff Keighley took the stage with Jeff Hattem, founder of Tuque Games, to unveil Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance with a bonkers trailer featuring heavy metal, a head-turning camera angle, and a whole lot of goblin killing. Seriously, what is going on in this?

Flash forward to today and Tuque Games is finally giving us a look at what players can expect from the gameplay of Dark Alliance. You won't be slaying frost giants, white dragons, and other mythical creatures on your own, though. Dark Alliance is a co-op game that has players choose between four distinct heroes that fans of the series may be familiar with. The action RPG also features all the looting and hack and slash action one could hope for, all set on the backdrop of the seminal tabletop series.

And who better to talk about Dungeons and Dragons than our king of the tabletop, Matt Miller? Join Matt and me as he takes us through his hands-on time with Dark Alliance. Not only do we chat about how the game feels to play, but we also discuss how Tuque Games is smartly implementing lore and history that D&D fans will appreciate.

Fans of the tabletop series don't have too much longer to wait, as Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance drops June 22 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC!

Do you not only like video games but tabletop RPGs as well? Be sure to check out Matt Miller's most recent Top of the Table column, where our game expert discusses five fantasy RPGs that he thinks you'll like if you enjoy the classic adventures of Dungeons and Dragons.

2K Announces Agreement With Tiger Woods And Acquires Acclaimed PGA Tour Studio

Posted: 16 Mar 2021 05:01 AM PDT

In a recently emailed press release, 2K— known for its NBA 2K series as well as its WWE franchise (among a bevy of popular, non-sports related titles) — has agreed to a long-term deal with legendary golf player Tiger Woods. Additionally, 2K moved to acquire HB Studios, the private development team behind PGA Tour 2K21 as well as The Golf Club. The acquisition of HB Studios is expected to close at some point during the first quarter of this year. 

"I am looking forward to making my return to the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I've found the right partners to make it happen," said Tiger Woods. "I'm honored to take part in this opportunity and look forward to sharing my expertise and insights as we build the future of golf video games together."

This partnership with Tiger Woods includes rights to his name and likeness in future PGA Tour 2K titles. Woods will also serve as an Executive Director and consultant on the acclaimed golf franchise. Dave Ismailer, President at 2K detailed his excitement for the new agreement with Tiger Woods, "We have been eager to announce our partnership with Tiger, whose legendary career has transcended the sport. We are thrilled to have him join our PGA Tour 2K series as an Executive Director."

Dave Ismailer would also go on to emphasize 2K's newfound commitment to creating polished and player-focused golf experiences, "Through our new partnership and acquisition of HB Studios, we've reaffirmed our commitment to the PGA Tour 2K franchise, expanded on our successful independent studio model and invested in both the right people and resources to bolster our portfolio of world-class sports experiences."

Click here to watch embedded media

Ultimately, HB Studios will be joining the likes of heavyweight developers like Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, Cloud Chamber, and 31st Union as a wholly-owned 2K studio once the acquisition is finalized.  James Seaboyer, President and Studio Head at HB Studios stated, "Our work with 2K on PGA Tour 2K21 brought our capabilities and aspirations to the next level, and we can't wait to show the world what we're planning for the future."

We enjoyed our time with HB Studios' PGA Tour 2K21. Andrew Reiner concluded his review commending HB Studios' for their expertise as a premiere golf development team, "PGA Tour 2K21 certainly has areas that could be improved, but the golfing – the heart and soul of the experience – is exceptional, and can make you feel like a pro when you make perfect shots. HB Studios' expertise in this sport shines and helps this new series get off to a hell of a start."

In other acquisition news, Microsoft has finally closed its deal with ZeniMax Studios, meaning that a long line of beloved Bethesda games are now available on Xbox Game Pass.

Are you looking forward to HB Studios' next PGA Tour title? Let us know in the comments below! 
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