Game Informer

Game Informer

Magic: Legends Addresses Open Beta Launch Issues

Posted: 27 Mar 2021 03:22 PM PDT

Magic: Legends graced a Game Informer cover a bit ago, a game where Diablo-style gameplay and the Magic: The Gathering universe intersect. Since Magic: Legends went into a state of open beta last week on PC, everything from what's available in the cash shop to technical glitches have been scrutinized as players begin working on their characters and progression hubs. Currently, Magic: Legends is only available on PC, but the free-to-play game is expected to arrive on both Xbox and PlayStation later this year during its official launch. We recently took a deep dive into the game that you can check out here!

In an open letter regarding the state of the Open Beta, executive producer Steve Ricossa addresses many of the concerns that have been cropping up since opening day. You can check out the entire letter here, and you probably should if you're interested in Magic: Legends at all. The main points highlighted are significant shifts, and fast changes that might get things rolling in the right direction.

First, the performance issues are highlighted. During my time with the game, there have been numerous technical glitches and bugs. They're working on these issues. That's good!

The second issue of monetizing classes has been a big one. Originally, the Dimir Assassin class was only available from the cash shop with a low drop rate (or via an obscene amount of gold on the open market). Now, the Dimir Assassin class is being added to the apex of the battle pass (including the free track), so anyone can get it assuming they play a lot. This is a pretty radical shift from the original monetization model around this special class, and a welcome one.

The other big and relevant takeaways in this letter involve a streamlined tutorial and doubling the drop rate of new spells for players, shortening the time it takes to get into the real game and letting players explore new options in their gameplay much faster. These are both great decisions, as the laborious onboarding process had players wandering around for hours and hours with basic starter cards wondering when the customization aspect was going to kick in. New card acquisition rates will let players experiment more and find synergies they're interested in while they grind away at events. 

Magic: Legends has only just launched in open beta, but these changes coming so fast after release is promising. We'll see where the game is at in a few more weeks and months!

Halo Infinite Devs Got Smash-Happy By Destroying A Piano For Unique Game Sounds

Posted: 27 Mar 2021 02:53 PM PDT

What do you do when you need a unique sound? Smash some pianos, apparently. At least according to the team over at 343 Industries. In a new video, the studio revealed how Halo Infinite devs smashed a piano to smithereens in order to make some unique sound effects. Oddly enough, this isn't the weirdest thing done to get game audio, but here we are. 

Have you ever been so mad you just wanted to break something? I can't speak for others, but I've definitely been there before. If you're like me, definitely watch the video below, because it is incredibly satisfying: 

Click here to watch embedded media

In the above footage, the team can be seen getting their audio goods via getting a little smash-happy with hammers and other blunt objects. But it wasn't just a blind smash and grab, the team also shared how they used a subwoofer on the piano itself before the destruction began in order to use it like a resonator. Then it got a little weird...

To get more than just the normal sounds one would expect from the destruction of an innocent piano just minding its own business, the team also put dry ice on various parts of the broken piano in order to produce sounds described as "singing, bellowing, screeching, and everything in-between." 

That's definitely going to be my excuse next time. No, I'm not angry, it's art. 

But the latest blog post wasn't just about smashing pianos and creating audio art, it was also revealed how the team tackled other sound desires as well. In the most recent Halo Waypoint blog post, audio director Sotaro Tojima was joined by a few other key members of the dev team to talk a little more about this part of the creationary process. 

"We started gathering and evaluating player feedback right after shipping Halo 5," said Tojima. "Our entire team went through all of the feedback, discussed each item in-depth, then set about defining our audio goals for Halo Infinite.

"We received a variety of great feedback and suggestions, but the highest-level takeaways for us, and our key goals for Halo Infinite, are 're-capturing the legacy essence of Halo' and 'strengthening the excitement and impact of Halo's combat.' With those primary goals established, our team has been passionately working to deliver on our vision as our partner teams around the studio have been bringing Halo Infinite to life."

Click here to watch embedded media

The team also completely revamped how they approached the sounds surrounding in-game weapons, especially when firing off particular guns. "Let me share one example to explain how our team tried to achieve that," Tojima said. "There are many gun sounds in our game - multiple enemies, teammates, and players are constantly firing weapons. In our past Halo titles, we handled each gunfire's listening-volume purely by distance. So, all gun sound volumes were exactly the same if they're originating from the same distance. As a result, we had too many loud gun sounds constantly overwhelming a player, which made it very difficult to detect true threat position."

He added, "The new Halo Infinite audio system detects all gun sounds frame by frame, and prioritizes them in a threat order to decide output sound volume for each gun. With this mechanic, if a gunshot is aimed at the player, the sound will be louder, and if it's not aimed at a player or if it's a teammate's gunfire, the sound is still audible but quieter. then you could hear only threat sounds clear. With the cleaner audio feedback, the player can ascertain the appropriate threat to make the right action quicker and more accurately, which results in a more immersive and exciting combat experience in Halo Infinite."

 There is a lot of "new" happening with the audio design of Halo Infinite, but that doesn't mean that it's all unfamiliar. Based on feedback, the team has resurrected a few OG experiences, including the original Master Chief shield sounds. 

That latest blog post is honestly one of the most fascinating ones to-date, more so for those interested in sound design and the development process. To learn more, including exactly how the team took to design roadblocks, you can check out the full blog post right here. You can also learn more about Halo Infinite, including the latest rumors, with our game hub! 

How To Get Started In Monster Hunter Rise

Posted: 27 Mar 2021 10:17 AM PDT

The latest chapter in the Monster Hunter series launched yesterday. We know that a large majority of players will likely be returning veteran hunters, but let's not just forget about the novice adventurers who might struggle with the series' (sometimes) harsh difficulty curve. Join us as we get you up to speed on some of the most important tips that you'll need to get started in Monster Hunter Rise.

Capture Monsters Instead Of Slaying Them 

Here's a classic Monster Hunter tip: Stop killing everything that moves (especially your larger, more ferocious opponents). The rewards that you gain at the end of each quest determine the equipment pieces that you can forge back in Kamura Village. Capturing your prey can net you some exclusive materials in addition to your normal haul.  I'll be the first to admit that outright obliterating monsters (especially that pesky Somnacanth) is cathartic as hell. But if you're looking to get more bang for your buck, equip yourself with a trap or two and a couple of tranq bombs (or tranq rounds if you're a bowgun main like me). When your target monster is weak enough, place a trap in its path and pop those tranquilizers as soon as it's immobilized.

Lock On With The Targeting System

The early hours of Monster Hunter Rise are bursting at the seams with tutorial text, and it can often be overwhelming for certain players. If you're having trouble remembering how to lock on to big targets, we've got you covered. Look to the top right of the screen to see the icons that are associated with the large monsters currently present on the map. Click the right analog stick to cycle through and highlight one of those targets at a time, and then once you're within proximity of the monster you can simply tap L to focus on it. Once locked on, flick the right stick right or left to cycle through the specific hitboxes on the monster's body. 

Use Wirebugs Often 

Among the most significant additions that Monster Hunter Rise introduces are wirebugs, which essentially serve as a grappling hook mechanic that can be utilized to scale large mountains, engage in aerial combos, and execute powerful silkbinds on monsters. Each weapon has two unique silkbind moves that can be used by combining ZL with either X or A. These attacks range from stationary traps that the monster can run headfirst into all the way to flying acrobatic attacks that deal massive damage. Be sure to time your moves wisely, as each wirebug move consumes one of your two wirebug cooldowns. Lastly, Great Wirebugs can also be found within the environment, and when used will send your Hunter flying to new heights.

Damage Other Monsters While Wyvern Riding 

Wyvern Riding is hands down the most exciting new feature in Monster Hunter Rise. Successful silkbinds allow you to mount stunned monsters and exert control over them, albeit for a short amount of time. After straddling the backs of these majestic beasts, you're given one of two options: dash against hard surfaces to quickly bring your mount to its knees or attack other unsuspecting monsters in the vicinity. The latter of the two is the optimal option simply because your damage output is guaranteed to be higher. Just imagine taking down a terrifying monster with a Rathalos fireball or Tobi-Kadachi tailspin. Quit day-dreaming and go try it out for yourself!

Enable The Focus Camera Option For Handheld Play

The Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons have less-than-great analog sticks that make smooth movement and tracking difficult to execute. It can be annoying to keep up with fast-moving monsters if you don't have a Pro Controller handy, but luckily the Focus Camera option makes handheld gameplay so much more enjoyable by centering the camera on and automatically following the monster that's currently targeted. To enable this feature, press the Plus button and navigate to the System sub-menu and select Options. Scroll down to Camera and then find the Camera Style option to switch from the Target Camera to the Focus Camera.

Look For And Build Sub-Camps As Soon As Possible 

While exploring each environment, you might happen upon suitable spots to set up sub-camps. These hidden areas allow you to establish extra footholds for quick transport. This is beneficial in spacious locales like Lava Caverns and Sandy Plains. Of course, setting up extra camps isn't as easy as pressing a button; you'll have to accept camp-specific sidequests back in Kamura Village which might require you to slay certain monsters or gather an array of materials.  Once you've completed the assigned task, a new camp icon will appear on your worldmap and fast-traveling is enabled. Use your sub-camps to get to certain collectibles or wandering monsters as soon as you load in. 

Use The Detailed Map View For Efficient Farming Runs

Certain weapons like the bow gun require various ammo types for certain situations, which are crafted by collecting resources from the environment. To make those farming runs more efficient, we recommend switching to the detailed version of the mini map. 

To do so, open up your System options again. This time, then go to Game Settings. Scroll down to HUD Map Type and switch it from General Map to Detailed Map. Below that, make sure HUD Map Toggle Type is on. Now your mini map will display a close-up view of the collectibles within the environment, and if you'd like a larger view of the map you can tap L to look at the General Map again.

Prioritize Defense Stats In The Opening Hours

In the beginning, you're the lowest hunter on the totem pole despite having serious "chosen one" potential. As per usual, your starting gear will have negligible stats and low rank monsters like the Great Baggi and Kulu-Ya-Ku will be tossing you around like a ragdoll. Don't worry, that's normal; this is the notorious Monster Hunter difficulty curve. Gain your bearings, make sure to eat an order of Bunny Dango at the Canteen prior to a big hunt, and throw everything you've got into each quest. During return trips, use monster parts to craft better armor. Sure, stronger weapons are appealing, but it's far more important that you take your time and live to see another day than go out in a blaze of glory with no post-battle loot to your name. 

Get To Know The Training Area With Friends

The best way to enjoy Monster Hunter Rise is with friends, but as is the case with most multiplayer games, sometimes you'll find yourself waiting on someone that's busy exploring menus or doing something else off-screen. Instead of sitting around and doom-scrolling social media, head over to the training room, which can be quickly accessed by fast travelling around the village or by the small ferry that rests on the Buddy Plaza's waterfront. 

The training room offers a safe environment to test out new weapons. You'll be able to practice combos on a giant stationary monster while input commands are displayed on screen to help you better understand the individual moves within any given combo. And the best part is that multiple friends can practice in the training room together!

Use The Buddy Plaza Facilities Often 

Your pet palicoes and palamutes do more than just assist in fights or transport you from Point A to Point B. At the Buddy Plaza, your furry friends can be sent on missions of their own to nab miscellaneous items from the lands beyond Kamura Village's borders. Meowcenaries, a small band of elite palico scavengers, can be mobilized and sent on long journeys to secure monster parts and crafting materials from a bevy of different locations. Rhondine the Trader gives you submarines that your pets can operate to travel overseas and barter for foreign trade goods. Or, if you'd prefer to have your buddies by your side at all times, you can opt to level up their stats and skills in the Buddy Dojo. Hire a ton of palicoes and palamutes and create an intercontinental empire.

Whether you're a new fan or a returning one, there's plenty to explore in the game's many biomes and a lot of enjoyment to find in its arsenal of weaponry and companions. Regardless of how you choose to play, we hope these ten essential tips help you when getting started in Monster Hunter Rise.

Watch Mythic Quest's Ashly Burch And Imani Hakim Test Their Skills In Paper Football, Juggling, And More

Posted: 27 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PDT

Click here to watch embedded media

Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet is an Apple TV+ comedy that showcases the inner workings of a fictional studio striving to keep its successful MMORPG on top, and it comes from the minds of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz. The first season was an interesting look at the trials and tribulations of game development, using smart comedy to tackle some of its growing issues. Season two is headed our way on May 7 and focuses on the zany game development team returning to the office after quarantine and trying to launch an expansion for their beloved MMORPG. Ian and Poppy are now both co-creators, but can they really work together, or are they destined to butt heads and drive each other crazy? 

In anticipation of the new season, two of its stars decided to have some fun to celebrate. Actresses Ashly Burch (Rachel) and Imani Hakim (Dana) play game testers on the show, but they decided to put down their controllers and test more traditional games like paddle ball and cup stacking. Watch them deliver their verdict on these famous pastimes, rating things like "bounciness" and "fun." As expected, a lot of laughter ensues as they try out various activities with varying degrees of success. You can watch the silly antics in the video (that we received as an early exclusive) above, which also features some glimpses and hints at the events of season two. We'll just say, Burch and Hakim have really mastered the art of punching balloons, and it's no surprise that their great chemistry translates so well to the small screen. 

What did you think of Mythic Quest's first season? And are you looking forward to season two? Let us know in the comments below.

For more on Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet, you can read our interview with its creators here.
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