A Legend Reimagined – FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE – Creator's Voice | Nintendo Switch 2

President Trump hit a 90-day pause on a whole raft of “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at U.S. trading partners around the world. While many seem skeptical that the heavily criticized and widely unpopular import taxes could come back, what if Trump decided to do just that? A new report models what would happen under that worst-case scenario and predicts a crisis for the video game industry in the process. Suggested ReadingThe Best Reveals From The Game Awards 2023 Share SubtitlesOffEnglishSuggested ReadingThe Best Reveals From The Game Awards 2023 Share SubtitlesOffEnglishThe Best Reveals From The Game Awards 2023“The imposition of the new Administration tariffs on U.S. imports of video game consoles boosts their costs significantly,” the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) writes in its May 2025 report. “Video games are not exempt from the reciprocal tariffs and face tariffs up to 145%. Imports of video game consoles were duty free until now, but average tariffs would increase to 130 percent under the new rates. The increase is owed to the fact that China is currently the source of 87 percent of U.S. imports, and those imports face a new tariff of 145 percent.”Screenshot: CTA / KotakuIf the pause lapses, reciprocal tariffs of up to 46 percent on Vietnam and other countries return, and the rest of the current import taxes continue, the CTA predicts that game console prices would jump by as much as 69.4 percent if the full tariff costs were passed on to consumers. That could mean a hike of up to $428 on the most expensive machines like a PS5 Pro. “American consumers would pay $12 billion more for video game consoles,” the report claims. “As a result, U.S. consumers reduce overall [game console] purchases by 73 percent.”That worst-case scenario would come close to crippling console gaming in its largest market in the world. Fewer consoles sales mean fewer new games being bought, with knock-on effects that quickly filter out to the rest of the ecosystem, especially as each dollar spent on tariffs takes away from money that might have otherwise been spent on a new indie release or battle pass. Trump’s original rollout of the reciprocal tariffs was enough to get Nintendo to halt pre-orders for the Switch 2. Once the freeze was announced, the Mario maker later declared that the upcoming console would remain priced at $450, though individual accessories including controllers and cameras would each go up by $5. But that freeze is currently set to run out on July 9 at midnight. “Our basic policy is to recognize tariffs as a cost when determining sales prices in any country or region and to incorporate them into the price,” Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said during a press conference following the company’s latest earnings report on Thursday, according to Reuters. “If the assumptions regarding tariffs change significantly, we would like to consider what price adjustments we should make and implement them after considering various aspects.” Even if the reciprocal tariffs don’t come back, it’s unlikely that other gaming consoles predominantly still manufactured in China will remain at their current prices. Microsoft already hiked up the price of the Xbox Series X by $100, and is expected to make this year’s Call of Duty the first $80 entry in the multiplayer shooter franchise. It now seems like only a matter of time before Sony does the same, sending the PlayStation 5 up to $600 and the PS5 Pro closer to $1,000. If you were already planning on picking one up at some point, you probably don’t want to wait any longer..

Transform in this co-op adventure!​

Usually in an RPG, when you think “absolute assbeating swordwielder” in a video game, you picture the likes of Cecil from Final Fantasy IV, Auron from FFX, or even someone like Hulkenberg from Metaphor ReFantazio. What you’re usually not thinking of is a tiny befreckled orphan girl who wins the Mia Goth soundalike contest.Suggested ReadingThis Innovative Hades-Like Feels Built For Speedrunners Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingThis Innovative Hades-Like Feels Built For Speedrunners Share SubtitlesOffEnglishBut don’t get it twisted, once the rapier comes out, everything that ain’t part of the Expedition is about to get their life expectancy cut real short. Maelle is Clair Obscur’s indisputable five tool player, and we’re gonna show you how to start running shit the second she’s in your party.Screenshot: Sandfall Interactive / Justin Clark / KotakuMaelle’s weapon of choice is a fencing rapier; and you best believe she knows how to use it. Actually, so should you, since nearly all of her additional moves are, basically, fencing strategies disguised as stat changes. With only a couple of late game exceptions, and a couple of stray Fire abilities we’ll get into, the vast majority of her obtainable skills are about doing either heavy Physical damage, or applying some diabolical shit to enemies in order to do heavy Physical damage. Even if she’s not the one to do the damage, she’s got the skills to set someone else up for success. “Oh ho ho ho,” you might say, “but those are all 1-3 hits and Fire skills. She still has her work cut out dealing with shields.” Au fucking contraire, mon ami, she’s got a skill called Breaking Rules that’s not even terribly far into her skill tree that literally nullifies shields, no matter how many the enemy’s got slapped on. You know that one Nevron with the floating orbs, and shooting one puts six shields on everybody else on the field? Light work. The game should literally come up with a prompt that asks “Are you sure you want to make the biggest mistake of your stupid life” if you ever try to remove Maelle from your party? Screenshot: Sandfall Interactive / Claire Jackson / KotakuBut of course, there’s the real reason you’re here, which is to figure out how to effectively use the Stance system. And the key word is “effectively,” because it’s extremely easy to get caught out there in Offense Mode, wondering why Maelle just got merked by a leaf hitting her face in a stiff breeze. To be fair, the game explains her mechanic way too quick, so let’s go over bascis again.. Every one of Maelle’s abilities puts her into one of four Stances each with their own perks/drawbacks:Stanceless: Where you start in every battle. No effects. Defensive Stance: Take less damage; gain 1 extra AP on every successful dodge or parry.Offensive Stance: Deal 50% more damage, but also take 50% more damage.Virtuose Stance: Deal 200% damage.Now, while Maelle’s skill set can absolutely slay a field of enemies, you still have to think of her in fencing terms. Overextension can get you stabbed, while being a turtle on constant defense doesn’t get things done. Meanwhile, the game actually incentivizes you to keep moving by giving you an additional AP every time you change stances. So, figuring out what to put on her to give you the least vulnerability while still being as effective as she needs to be is the trick of it, but there’s a lot of flexibility therein. The dream, of course, is to get in Virtuose Mode, where Maelle is become death, destroyer of worlds. But even then, you only get two turns to do the most damage with that, and your team may have other needs, like with one of her skills that grants Shell, or if, say, they’re all dead, and you need to use Phoenix Flame to rez them all. For much of the game, the only elemental damage Maelle will have access to is all Fire-based. You get Void damage way down the line. You’ll figure out how that plays out on your own by then. And even then, Fire is going to be enough, especially since the easiest way to get Maelle into Virtuose Mode most of the time is Burning an enemy and hitting them with Swift Stride. Yes, that means go get that off your Skill Board ASAP; it’s gonna be a mainstay through much of the first half of the game. So, naturally, giving Maelle or her companions Fire abilities to back her up and take advantage of the constant Burn is gonna be an imperative. But, even if you decide otherwise, Maelle’s got plenty of her own. She’ll start with Spark which will get the job done, just know that you’ll have to blow a turn to cast it and it’s already gonna cost you another one to cast Swift Stride. Screw that, let somebody else get that ball rolling, least till you pick up the far more devastating Rain of Fire skill for her later. Both are effective, though worth noting that while Spark will put Maelle in Defensive Mode, Rain of Fire ends with her in Offensive. Be prepared for whatever’s coming next. Once she’s Virtuosed out, though, you’ll need to capitalize as best you can, and in the early going, the Critical Burn Picto/Lumina (Critical Hit chance goes up 25% on Burning enemies) is a pretty easy place to start. It’d be nice if one of your companions can slap a Mark or Defenseless on your prey, but the irony there is that if the enemy is Burning already, that first hit will remove the status. Be mindful of the play order on the left of the battle screen so you can line that up just right and have Maelle go right after an enemy’s been afflicted. Percee and Fleuret Fury are usually a death sentence for enemies after that, and since she’s likely gonna be the last thing a lot of lesser enemies see, Maelle can get a lot of use out of the Dead Energy Picto (3 AP after killing an enemy). But in the event those two skills don’t put a Nevron out of its misery, Fleuret Fury will at least re-up on Virtuose. The main issue here is that Fleuret Fury’s expensive. Keeping Maelle topped off on AP is crucial but, especially for a character like Lune who’s less useful in a fight where the elements aren’t as effective, it’s worthwhile having someone whose primary job it is to keep Maelle juiced up if her Pictos haven’t gotten to kick in.Once she’s tapped out, though, your new job is making sure Maelle can build up to a full bar of AP again. And early on, that’s not as easy as it sounds. A Picto like Energising Pain (1 AP after taking damage) can help, but this is the exact situation Defensive Mode is good for, making sure she can take a hit and likely survive longer than her friends.Nail these principles and our little fencer will be an absolute menace against anything that threatens the Expedition.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to the genre-defying open-world adventure, launches on June 26 on PlayStation 5, with 48-hour Early Access available for select editions. I recently had the chance to go hands-on with the first 30 hours of the game.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sam’s next journey takes him from Mexico to Australia Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set 11 months after the previous game. Sam Bridges, now living a quiet life with his BB (bridge baby) Lou, finds himself in Mexico following a request from Fragile. In Mexico, Sam gets caught up in an incident that eventually brings him to Australia. There he must take on the herculean task of traversing across the continent to, once again, re-connect a fractured society.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Fast-paced story and gameplay One point that stood out to me during the game’s hands-on, was its fast-paced narrative and gameplay. The story in the first Death Stranding took things slowly in order to set the scene and carefully lay out the state of the world to the player. However, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s story unfolds at a faster pace, and you’ll get access to new equipment and structures much earlier in the game as well. New players can catch up on the story of the previous game via ‘Death Stranding Recap’ from the title menu and look up game terminology from the in-game ‘Corpus’ feature. Enhanced visuals coupled with a standout soundtrack Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes full advantage of PS5’s capabilities to deliver stunning graphics. The depiction of nature is especially striking — right from the opening scene set in Mexico, where you walk along a rugged desert ridge, I was blown away by the realism. The rocky ground and billowing dust at Sam’s feet are rendered with such precision that the harshness of the terrain truly comes through. The game depicts the diverse Australian nature and wildlife in vivid detail, including an animal sanctuary with lush vegetation that is home to animals like kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. There’s also an option to switch to an ‘aerial camera’ that captures Sam from an elevated bird’s-eye view, which allows you to take in the vastness of the environment as you slowly make your way across the terrain. The game’s soundtrack is also outstanding, and I was moved every time the beautiful music played when I reached a new delivery point. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Increased freedom and strategic opportunities This game gives the player more choice and freedom in terms of strategy and decision-making.  One reason for this is the wide variety of equipment and structures that are available early on, a list that will continue to grow as the game progresses. This is the same for methods of transportation, as an array of infrastructure, motorcycles, and trucks will become available relatively early in the game. In terms of combat, there are many bola guns and firearms to choose from, but if combat is not your forte, you can assemble transportation devices to strategically avoid the danger zones. You can also use smoke grenades to avoid combat as much as possible while navigating through dangerous territories.  Players can also leverage the newly implemented day/night cycle to their advantage. During the day, the terrain and enemies are more visible, but it is also easier for threats to locate you. On the other hand, enemies are less likely to spot you at night and it is easier to sneak around, but you also must proceed with caution since there’s less visibility. Responding and adapting to spontaneous natural hazards Players must also be prepared for various natural hazards triggered by the environment. When an earthquake occurs, you may lose your balance due to strong tremors and falling rocks. If you are planning to trudge through rough terrain in the mountains, it would be a good idea to reduce your load in case of earthquakes. You’ll also need to steer clear of flooded rivers when there’s heavy rain. When I encountered a wildfire during my playthrough, I extinguished it by spraying tar with my ‘tar cannon,’ a new piece of equipment available in the game.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Individual playstyle impacts Sam’s stats In the previous game, Sam’s stats improved depending on his Porter Grade, but Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features 12 new ‘proficiency’ levels.  Similar to how you can upgrade your weapon proficiency by using them more often during combat, your playstyle will directly impact Sam’s stats and abilities. For example, if you spend more time travelling through rough terrain with unstable footholds, Sam’s ability to traverse rough terrain will improve faster. Every players’ stats will be different depending on the choices they make. My Sam was more proficient at fistfights since my combat was focused on melee.  Customize Sam’s traits with APAS Enhancement Another component that modifies Sam’s abilities is the new Automated Porter Assistant System Enhancement. By consuming ‘memories’ acquired during the game, you can enhance four different traits: porter, combat, stealth, and servicemanship. The number of memories you can pick up are limited, so it’s up to you to decide which traits you want to acquire and upgrade.   New enemies, new weapons, and even more compelling combat Death Stranding 2: On the Beach introduces a new type of BT called the ‘watcher,’ which detects and attacks Sam through sight. There are also several new human antagonists, including a group called ‘Armed Survivalists,’ who assault with lethal firearms. To take on these formidable threats, you can utilize a variety of new weapons that have been added to the game. Electrified poles that were the MULE’s weapon of choice in the previous game, can be used to strike or be thrown in this game to electrocute vehicles and enemies. In addition, various holographic grenades can be leveraged to avoid combat. A BT holographic grenade projects a hologram of a BT when activated, causing human enemies to flee. The robust selection of firearms allows for exhilarating combat, but many of these weapons are also ideal for stealth and ambush. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a clear evolution from its predecessor and offers players plenty of freedom and choice. Prepare to face otherworldly enemies and obstacles to save humanity from extinction on June 26 on PS5. Players who purchase the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition can start their journey early with 48-hour Early Access, and pre-order bonuses are available across all editions. More on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Revealing the DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Death Stranding 2: An interview with Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, Collector’s Edition revealed

Have you heard the news? There’s a new Pope. Pope Leo XIV to be precise, aka Robert Francis Prevost. He was born in Chicago. Graduated a Villanova wildcat. Now he’s the first American Pope, which was such an honor to realize. Catholics make up less than 20 percent of the global population, but everyone’s got an opinion about the newest guy wearing the holiest robes. Suggested ReadingGTA 6 Beers Look Tasty As Hell Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingGTA 6 Beers Look Tasty As Hell Share SubtitlesOffEnglishThe internet has changed a lot since the last Pope was selected back in 2013. For example, Pope Francis was not a known poster at the time, unlike Pope Leo XIV who has tweets going back years. Here’s one about how the death penalty is bad. Here’s him retweeting priest memes. He’s from the south of Chicago but is reportedly a Cubs fan. He might be the first Pope ever to have eaten a Chicago hot dog. When the white smoke was first spotted rising from the Vatican on Thursday, many hoped it meant their boy Pizzaballa had won the Conclave royale. Maybe next time.Screenshot: Bluesky / KotakuScreenshot: Bluesky / KotakuScreenshot: Bluesky / KotakuScreenshot: Bluesky / KotakuScreenshot: Bluesky / KotakuHopefully, he’s a good pope, for whatever that amounts to. In the meantime, the Giant Bomb (rip) wiki remains online and has a decent list of all pope sightings in video games. While his holiness’ depiction in the Assassin’s Creed games is well established, I had no idea the pope is also featured in Electronic Super Joy. The 2013 indie action platformer also features a level in which you need to fight the pope. Doing so restores peace to Groove City and the new pope helps you on your adventure. While it remains unknown at this time if Pope Leo XIV has ever played a video game—perhaps a few rounds of Pac-Man or Space Invaders in the back of a pizza shop in the ‘80s—the Catholic Church did recently make young Pokémon and Halo fan Carlo, who died of leukemia, into the first gamer saint. Maybe Leo XIV can become the first gamer pope. .

With the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach coming up on June 26, we recently sat down with Hideo Kojima to discuss how the theme of ‘connection’ played a part in the development of the sequel during COVID, and what challenges he faced when redesigning the gameplay. Familiarizing players with a new genre and offering more choice and freedom PlayStation Blog: What were your goals when creating the sequel to Death Stranding? Were there any major changes or enhancements you were looking to implement? Hideo Kojima: As we made the jump from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, most of the changes were focused on game design and story. As you may recall, Metal Gear Solid was one of the first stealth games, and you had to go completely undetected to survive. There were no weapons available on the elevator at the beginning of the game, because if there were, players would most likely fight the enemies instead of sneaking past them. That defeats the purpose of a stealth game, so we intentionally left them out. Some said it was too difficult to reach the elevator (laughs), but the game included various mechanics to teach players how the stealth mechanics work. Then in Metal Gear Solid 2, we made some enhancements, like making weapon handling easier, or being able to target parts of the body from a first-person perspective. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was designed with a similar philosophy. Players familiarized themselves with the ‘delivery game’ genre with the first game, and the sequel builds on that and provides players with more choice and freedom, particularly around combat; you can go in guns blazing, or you can choose not to use weapons at all. We also made cars and motorcycles more accessible. As for the story, the predecessor was centred around Sam and Cliff. This time, the story delves deeper into who Lou is, her relationship with Sam, as well as Sam’s backstory. Did the way players utilize the Social Strand System (SSS) surprise you in the first game? Did that have any impact on the development of Death Stranding 2? We weren’t initially sure if players would use the SSS, but we found that many players actually enjoyed the feature. Even now, five years after the game’s release, there are players that are still devoted to building highways, and that was a pleasant surprise. When developing the sequel, we came up with various ways to accommodate players who are passionate about building infrastructure like highways, and as part of that, we added the ability to build monorails. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image One system the team debated over was the ‘likes’ mechanic. Likes in the game don’t have a physical impact – they can’t be converted to currency, nor do they make you stronger. Yet it feels good when you receive a like from another player as a token of appreciation. We anticipated some backlash when we implemented the feature in Death Stranding, but instead, players seemed to like the mechanic. When working on Death Stranding Director’s Cut, we reviewed the likes data and heatmaps to rework the feature based on our findings. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach further builds on that, so we have a better understanding of player behavior. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Why did you choose Mexico and Australia as the primary location for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? Mexico shares a border with the UCA (United Cities of America), so the neighboring cities had to be connected. As Sam mentions many times in the game, we were extremely mindful that building these ‘connections’ didn’t appear invasive. Sam’s journey of connecting the Americas from east to west was inspired by the American frontier. With the UCA established, we wanted the sequel to take place in a location that shared a similar geography with the Americas — stretches from east to west and borders the sea in the north and south. Eurasia is too large, and Africa didn’t really fit the bill either. Australia checked all the boxes, but the next issue we faced was how to connect the North American continent with Australia. After a lot of discussion, we decided to implement the ‘plate gate’ to connect the two continents. Revisiting what ‘connection’ means to humanity The core themes of the games shifted from ‘connecting people’ to ‘should we have connected?’ Was this due to your views on social media evolving over time? Death Stranding was in development before COVID hit, and I felt like there was a global divide happening around then, especially following talks of Brexit. The theme of the game reflected my notion at that point in time, that humanity needed to connect and unite to avoid disaster. COVID happened three months after the game’s launch, and the world ended up getting fractured, like the game. However, we survived thanks to the internet. At the same time, I saw more people starting to disregard in-person connections and interactions, and that went against my belief around human communication. Only by venturing out can you meet people by chance or stumble upon unexpected places. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was already in the works before COVID, but we revisited the overall concept of the game after COVID. The predecessor was inspired by the fear of social fragmentation and isolation, but after experiencing COVID, I started ruminating over the dangers of being ‘too connected.’ I left a lot of clues in the game, like the stick and rope theory, so I think players will connect the dots in the end. You’ll encounter characters that will speak my thoughts in the game too. One hint is that the previous logo had strands hanging downwards, which symbolized the game’s theme of establishing connections. Whereas the logo for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has strands running down towards the logo. What does it mean to be connected? Should we have connected? Play the game to find out. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches on PS5 on June 26. Players who purchase the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition can start their journey early with 48-hour Early Access, and pre-order bonuses are available across all editions. More on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Revealing the DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Death Stranding 2: An interview with Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, Collector’s Edition revealed

Fallout’s highly anticipated Season 2 is done filming as confirmed by some of the stars of the show, including The Ghoul himself, Walton Goggins, who is now free to rip off all those prosthetics and smile. And that’s nice. I’m happy for you, Mr. Goggins. Suggested ReadingWhy Fallout: New Vegas Is Still Canon After The TV Show Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhy Fallout: New Vegas Is Still Canon After The TV Show Share SubtitlesOffEnglish Amazon and Bethesda’s live-action Fallout TV show show premiered back in April 2024 to positive reviews from critics and (most) fans. The post-apocalyptic series was also nominated for a ton of awards, won two Emmys, and was one of the most watched TV shows of 2024. Its success led to a massive surge in popularity for basically every Fallout game currently available. So nobody was shocked to learn that shortly after Fallout premiered, Amazon ordered a second season. That next season will be set, at least partially, in New Vegas, as teased by the season one finale. Since then, we’ve seen some sets from season 2's version of New Vegas leak online. And now we know that filming for the upcoming season has wrapped.On May 8, the official Fallout TV show Twitter account posted the message: “Achievement unlocked! Fallout Season 2 has wrapped production.” Included in that post was a short video of Walton Goggins, who plays The Ghoul, ripping off all his prosthetics and makeup. By the end he has got most of it off and can be seen smiling. Elsewhere, Ella Purnell—who plays Lucy in Fallout—posted on Instagram that the show had wrapped production. She also shared a selfie with Kyle MacLachlan, who plays her dad in the series. I’m very jealous that she gets to hang out with MacLachlan while making Fallout. That sounds awesome. I’d be willing to wear some gross ghoul prosthetics to get a chance like that. Fallout season 2 doesn’t yet have a release date. It will likely not be available on Amazon Prime until early 2026. .

Faber-Castell is an unusual company in that they produce for both the mass-market and the luxury market, under the same brand name. As one of the world's largest producers of writing utensils, the German company is well-known in schools and art supply stores for their affordable pencils; yet their E-Motion Fountain Pen, at $200, goes above and beyond their pedestrian fare. Made of black anodized aluminum, the pen's barrel is adorned with a guilloche finish. (This is essentially the finer, more manufacturing-intense version of knurling. The former is done by engraving, whereas the latter is achieved by pressing a patterned tool against the workpiece.) The spring-loaded clip recalls the gesture lines of a sports car. Overall, the "dynamic shape" of the design "stirs passion," according to the company. "The look and feel of the masculine aluminium barrel with its guilloche pattern mesmerises pen-connoisseurs." The E-Motion line also includes a capped rollerball ($200), a twist mechanism mechanical pencil ($175) and a twist mechanism ballpoint pen ($132).

Hey everyone, Mafia Game Director Alex Cox here. On behalf of the team at Hangar 13, we’re thrilled to unveil our new Gameplay Trailer for Mafia: The Old Country.  Play Video With so many in-game details to pore over, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer some extra insights into all of the exciting action we just revealed. Here’s a breakdown on some of the finer details we’ve packed into each scene of the trailer: As our protagonist, Enzo Favara, rides out after receiving orders from Don Torrisi, you may notice the striking contrasts between the various environments of 1900s Sicily on display. From dirt roads flanked by rural villages to dark catacombs, ornate mansions, and more, the game’s distinctive setting includes a wide variety of richly detailed locales – all authentically overlapping in a way unique to this rapidly changing time period. We were spoiled for choice when deciding which visually stunning vistas would serve as the lifelike backdrop for our gritty crime drama. Following Enzo as he descends into an ancient cistern, you’ll get a closer look at Mafia: The Old Country’s grounded, era-appropriate combat – including a brutal showcase of Enzo’s stiletto blade in action. After quietly dispatching the guard outside, Enzo distracts the next patrolling enemy before burying a knife in his neck. Spotting another guard nearby, he hurls his blade, silently killing him from range – a moment too late as others are alerted. Even as the situation erupts into a tense firefight, this encounter highlights how gameplay blends stealth with guns-blazing combat. Each approach complements the other, creating a scrappier, more resource-strapped experience. Enzo may have missed two shots, but with the help of his knife and an explosive lantern, he clears the room using only four bullets. A core pillar of Mafia: The Old Country’s combat design is the idea that “every bullet counts” – so think twice about relying solely on your firearms! Next, a fiery match cut brings us to another franchise staple: white-knuckle driving. This time, Enzo is behind the wheel of a turn-of-the-century motorcar – barreling down the same rough dirt roads once worn in by horses. These vehicles handle with the weight and quirks you’d expect from a vintage car, but you can still count on plenty of thrilling driving gameplay. Across the entire Mafia series, we’ve always taken pride in tuning our in-game vehicles to authentically capture the feel of older automobiles – and the cars in The Old Country are no exception.  Blasting into another bloody gunfight, we double down on Mafia: The Old Country’s “every bullet counts” philosophy in a slightly different context. After taking down a nearby enemy, Enzo misses his next shot and is left with just two rounds in his revolver. Rather than hanging back to reload, he drops into cover and swaps to a shotgun for a close-range exchange. Making every bullet count isn’t just about scrounging for ammo; sometimes, aggressively pushing forward is the smarter tactical choice – or even essential to your survival. Mafia veterans will feel right at home in these adrenaline-fueled shootouts, and we know that added edge of danger will resonate with long-term fans of the franchise. And while it’s easy to focus on the action in this sequence, let’s not overlook the incredible setting: the sumptuous banquet hall of an opera house. This stunning scene showcases the visual enhancements we have been able to achieve since switching to Unreal Engine 5. The new toolset has allowed our team to fill environments with more detail than ever before, perfectly complementing the game’s more realistic approach to combat. Of course, exciting gunplay and chases won’t be limited to on-foot or driving sequences – you’ll also need to take the reins on horseback. Pursuing or battling enemies on the road might involve horses, cars, guns, or any combination of the three – yet another example of how Mafia: The Old Country’s unique setting opens the door to fresh twists on the kind of action you know and love. Finally, the last section highlights how Mafia: The Old Country takes knife combat to a whole new level with one-on-one duels. Inspired by Sicilian knife-fighting traditions, these lethal encounters unfold at pivotal moments in the story – when Enzo has to put his life on the line for the Torrisi crime family. It’s a gripping new way for our hero to get up-close and personal with his enemies and for us to deliver the life-or-death gameplay fans expect. There’s so much more I could say about this rich crime drama, but I can’t possibly give more details without further breaking Omertá. That said, you’d do well to keep your eyes peeled for more info in the coming weeks. The team and I can’t wait for you to experience Mafia: The Old Country when it launches on August 8. The game is available for pre-order now on PlayStation 5.

In new interviews, the devs behind Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 have explained why the popular career mode from the original THPS4 isn’t going to be included in the upcoming remake. Suggested ReadingThe Week In Games: What’s Releasing Beyond Exoprimal Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingThe Week In Games: What’s Releasing Beyond Exoprimal Share SubtitlesOffEnglishAnnounced in March after a bunch of rumors, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 looks to be a fantastic remake of two of the best skateboarding games ever made. THPS 3+4 is set to launch in July on consoles and PC, boasting improved visuals, quality-of-life features, and new levels. But the open world and the NPC quest givers found in THPS4's original career mode won’t be included. Instead, they have been replaced by the same two-minute runs and objectives found in the first three games. This upset a lot of hardcore players. And now Iron Galaxy, the team behind the remaster package, has explained why it cut the OG career mode. Speaking to Game Informer, THPS 3+4 design director Mike Rossi said that the team looked at THPS 1+2 and thought it was a good representation of the essence of those OG games. So they looked back at 3 and 4 before developing this new remake. “We looked at 3, and that was obviously another very highly regarded title in the franchise. So then it was, ‘Let’s look at 4. It’s quite different, but what, at its essence, is it?’ Our goal here is to make the ultimate package of 3 and 4. So ultimately, we felt that taking it into feeling more towards the 3 format, as opposed to what 4 did originally, was a better representation for a cohesive package that we were making.” In a different interview with Gaming Bible, THPS 3+4 game director Kurt Tillmanns said that once they put the timer in THPS 4's levels, they knew that “this is totally going to work.”“We recreated some of those classic goals that you remember [from THPS 4]; skitching the professor’s car, freeing the prisoner — in this new format all of those things still work.”Activision / PlayStationSpeaking to Press Start, Rossi was asked if the inclusion of an option to extend the timer in THPS 3+4's career mode for up to an hour—as opposed to the hard and fast two minutes found in the old games—was a reaction to the negative feedback they received from fans who wanted the open-world career mode of THPS 4. “No,” said Rossi. “We knew going into it that it was going to be tough and that people were going to be looking at it. But we felt this was the right way to approach it, and it made it a more cohesive package. We had already been thinking, you know, we’ve got the mods, which, in our eyes, is another way of putting accessibility things in.”“And a lot of the feedback we were getting internally, plus we’d see online, was that people didn’t always love the two-minute timer. You know, they’d want just a little bit more time. ‘Oh, I was just about to figure that out, or finish this thing. If only I had one more minute.’ And so why not give them that extra minute, or whatever extra time they want? It doesn’t feel like that impacts the overall goal that we’re trying to accomplish; it doesn’t impact progression,” said Rossi. “So we just threw that in, it’s a nice coincidence, and now, hopefully, we can point to that as a solution for those people who are looking for more time in those levels.”I’m not sure these answers will calm fans who believe the open-world format of THPS4's levels was a big part of the game’s identity. But at this point we are just a few a months away from launch and the devs sound committed to the objective-based run format for THPS 4. It’s a shame for fans of the OG game, but at least the original game is still around for those who prefer it. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 launches July 11 on Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation, Switch, and PC. .

In China's Taishun mountains, feed is delivered to this chicken farm via vehicle. But the farm itself has no interior roads that a truck can traverse, and thus the farmers have developed this elaborate monorail to distribute feed buckets across the property:I love how the poster edited the visuals so that the daring hen methodically eats the watermarked logo.As for how the trolley gets back up the monorail after unloading, there's no word, but it's probably an arrangement like this:As someone who keeps chickens, I was also struck by the indigenous design of the nesting/laying structures for egg harvesting. Mine are simply boxes in a coop filled with grass clippings, but here they've constructed bi-level bamboo-pole-supported structures with 360-degree visibility, stuffed with straw and capped with smartly sloped wicker roofs to shed rain. This is my version of property envy.

THPS Fest at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles celebrates the return of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 by providing a closer look at some of the parks coming to the game on July 11. Read on for a breakdown of the game content, including a look at the featured skateparks being brought into the game by the developers at Iron Galaxy Studios. Iron Galaxy has a long history of working on some of the top IPs in video games. Their meticulous attention to detail and quality creates unforgettable gameplay experienced by players around the world. And now they’re extremely excited to put their stamp on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. The Parks Let’s take a look at five parks from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 Skate Tour and four from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 Skate Tour, including the new Waterpark level. THPS 3 Skate Tour Parks Los Angeles: Hit up sick tricks in the urban landscape of L.A. underneath the Hollywood sign. Watch out for traffic, check out upcoming movies advertised on a vert ramp outside the El Rey theater, and set an earthquake into motion. Foundry: The first skatepark players will drop into as part of the THPS 3 Skate Tour, Foundry is set in an industrial steel mill with molten metal, ramps, grind rails, a secret area, and explosive environmental hazards. Canada: Shred in the mountains of Calgary, Alberta in a snowy outdoor skatepark with ramps, rails, and cabins in an area blending urban and natural elements for diverse trick opportunities. Rio: A vibrant competition level set in Brazil featuring a colorful stadium in downtown Rio with high-scoring lines designed for intense contest runs. Suburbia: Drop into a neighborhood cul-de-sac during Halloween and skate in a construction zone, a haunted house, and a backward swimming pool. As tasty as it may look, try not to get run over by the ice cream truck. THPS 4 Skate Tour Parks College: Skip class and shred the sprawling CCHU campus, stopping in to pop off tricks over the rooftops and across the student plaza while building up huge combos over the stadium rails. San Francisco: Skate outside the Boardwalk View Hotel with views of the San Francisco Bay. Skitch a ride on the trolley, go sightseeing at The Pier, and grind along the overhead walkway in this park blending street skating with vert elements across a large, explorable cityscape. Alcatraz: Visit the gritty island prison and skate its rooftop and the surrounding grounds including a line up to the lighthouse and some sick vert action inside the compound in view of the jail cells. Waterpark: A new park being added to the THPS 4 Skate Tour, Waterpark takes place in the Mojave Desert at a water theme park with rides you can combo on and a skateable lazy river. Get a deeper dive on the new skatepark with our Bird’s Eye View feature found here. Stay Tuned for More Stay tuned to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater blog found here for more info on THPS 3 + 4 as we approach its July 11 release date! Digital Deluxe Edition: Early Access and more Purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition and gain Early Access* to play Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 three days before the official July 11 launch date. Shred the parks and spread fear as the Doom Slayer and Revenant skaters plus get extra music, skate decks, and Create-A-Skater gear: Doom Slayer: Play as Doom Slayer, featuring a Standard and Retro outfit plus two unique special tricks and the Unmaykr Hoverboard. Revenant: Get evil with the Revenant, including two unique special tricks. Additional Music: Headbang to a selection of classic and modern music tracks added to the in-game soundtrack. Skate Decks: Access additional skate decks including Doom Slayer and Revenant themed designs. Create-A-Skater Items: Kit out your skater with additional apparel items, including a baseball cap, two sweatshirts, and two t-shirts. * Early Access based on three days estimated access; actual play time subject to possible outages and applicable time zone differences.

If you spend any amount of time online, you’ll find that, as is common with anything cool on the internet, there’s a ton of discourse surrounding the Huntress in Path of Exile 2. Some find her incredible, myself included. Others think she’s weak, subpar, and squishy. To those doubters, I’d like to emphasize that I’m pushing endgame with a homemade build, playing almost entirely solo, and I find the Huntress to be stronger than any I’ve played previously. If you want to enjoy her the same, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the Huntress!Suggested ReadingWhat Is Dragonsplague? Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Devastating Contagion Explained Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhat Is Dragonsplague? Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Devastating Contagion Explained Share SubtitlesOffEnglish 1. Dexterity is essential2. Lightning Spear dominates all3. Ask for help in the chat!Screenshot: Grinding Gear Games / KotakuDexterity in Path of Exile 2 measures agility, attack speed, accuracy, and evasion. It’s movement incarnate, and if you’re wise enough to invest in additional attribute points for Dexterity on the Passive Skill Tree, you’ll find the Huntress becomes a highly mobile, hard-hitting, and accurate woman with a grudge and a spear. That said, don’t be like me. Initially, I incorrectly assumed that dropping points into Strength would ensure a higher damage output with my melee-based attacks and Spear Throw. While helpful in some odd cases, Dexterity reigns supreme here. So hit those nodes!Screenshot: Grinding Gear Games / KotakuThere are numerous viable builds for the Huntress, including a powerful Bleed build that will likely wind up the go-to for many. However, I’ve found that during my playtime, it’s Lightning Spear dominating enemies. It’s especially useful in clearing groups with the following combo:Whirling Slash x3DisengageLightning SpearWhirling Slash is an excellent AOE (area-of-effect)attack that creates a whirlwind with your spear, dealing melee damage and causing knockback. Hit that two or three times, then pop Disengage to create a bit of breathing room, and immediately launch Lightning Spear into your Whirling Slash. It’ll combine with the whirlwind, enhancing your lightning damage significantly and wiping mobs with a satisfying pop!Screenshot: Grinding Gear Games / KotakuAs an active member of the Path of Exile 2 community, I’ll be the first to tell you that those who hang around in global chat tend to be some of the sweatiest die-hard fans in the game. They’re looking to discuss the merits of specific builds or prophesize the end of PoE 2 due to Grinding Gear Games’ decisions. Despite the loud-mouth players bogging down chat, if you take a moment to type out a quick message, a simple, “Hey, can anyone help me beat this boss?” you’ll find numerous players willing to drop everything to help.That said, Huntress proves rather powerful. I managed to push through to endgame primarily solo, only asking for help for four or five of the big bosses, including Ketzuli and Viper Napuatzi, the former because my build didn’t have enough fire resistance. The latter because, well, it’s Viper. Everyone could use help with Viper.The point is, don’t hesitate to ask for help, no matter your class!Path of Exile 2 “Dawn of the Hunt” is on now, and players are rushing to the endgame, so join the fun on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs!

At first blush this CargoMate bike rack, by German bike accessories company Flectr, doesn't look like much. But the draw is that it can be installed in 30 seconds, without tools, on any bike. The ingenuity of this design is not in the refinement of the object; with even basic tools and materials, many of us could rig something like this up in an afternoon for any individual bike. The accomplishment is in how they designed both the fast, tool-free installation and the universal fit, compensating for different styles of handlebar. A lot of work and thought clearly went into this, as you can see by how it's installed in the video: The CargoMate has been successfully Kickstarted, with 35 days left to pledge at press time. The units are going for €69 (USD $79) and should ship in October.

If you’ve ever wanted to raid ancient tombs or explore Croft Manor – but with pinballs flying everywhere – you’re in for something special. Tomb Raider Pinball arrives in Pinball FX on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on June 19, including two awesome new tables: Adventures of Lara Croft and Secrets of Croft Manor. But why is this an amazing crossover, you may ask? At their core, both Tomb Raider and pinball are about quick reflexes, careful planning, and that rush you get when you finally pull off the impossible. Whether you’re dodging traps in a crumbling tomb or trying to save a ball rolling toward the drain, it’s that same exciting mix of precision and chaos. But there’s more to pinball than just keeping that silver ball alive. Each table tells a story that makes it unique. Let’s see what lies behind the ramps and rails of these two beauties! Play Video Adventures of Lara Croft is all about Lara’s classic expeditions – from Peru’s jungles to Egypt’s pyramids, from the Great Wall to the frozen caves of Tibet. Along the way, you’ll face off against familiar foes like Mark Willard, Werner Von Croy, or Natla and the Atlanteans. While exploring these remarkable locations and fighting your way through your enemies, you can even play a special third-person shooting mode with Lara’s iconic dual pistols.  There’s a lot to discover while you explore this world, choosing your missions from the globe pictured above: massive Tomb Multiballs, tricky trap ramps, dangerous pits, and finally, the Survivor Wizard Mode that pulls moments from the Survivor Trilogy for one final showdown. It’s pure, distilled Tomb Raider adventure mixed with the excitement of pinball. In Secrets of Croft Manor, you’ll flip your way through the grand halls, uncover hidden rooms, and unlock the secrets that lie deep within the Croft family estate. There’s a ton going on here: agility courses, combat training, puzzle-solving sessions, and a maze to get lost (and found) in.  Even the Croft family butler, Winston, makes an appearance. Be careful not to lock him in the freezer! The magic is in the details in this table – the grand staircase ramps, the spiral library staircase, the hidden study… It’s a love letter to anyone who ever spent hours just exploring Croft Manor between adventures. This table also features a rotating “fireplace” target in the middle, which will transform into interactive table elements according to which main mission you’ve activated.  By translating Lara Croft’s world into fast-paced pinball gameplay, Tomb Raider Pinball captures the spirit of discovery, challenge, and triumph that has made the series legendary, with a whole new perspective that’s perfect for fans and newcomers alike.  Do you have what it takes to become the ultimate tomb raider? Find it out on June 19, when Tomb Raider Pinball launches in Pinball FX!

Grand Theft AutoByKenneth ShepardPublished18 minutes agoWe may earn a commission from links on this page.Screenshot: Rockstar Games / KotakuI was gonna play Grand Theft Auto 6Jason and Lucia. While Jason is in a loving relationship with Lucia and seemingly straight (to be determined), that hasn’t stopped gay men from latching onto the guy after he was shown shirtless, sweaty and gross in the latest trailer. Grand Theft Auto 6 may still be a year away, but its male lead is already becoming a sex symbol among the gay community after just two trailers.Suggested ReadingYou Should Play Grand Theft Auto III Before GTA VI | Total Recall Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingYou Should Play Grand Theft Auto III Before GTA VI | Total Recall Share SubtitlesOffEnglishIt’s easy to see why gays are latching onto the guy. Rockstar probably knew what it was doing when it led the latest trailer with a scene of Jason working hard while his jacked upper body glistened in the sunlight. Though choosing this scene probably had a double meaning, as Jason mentions that he’s “fixing some leaks” on a rooftop, which is likely a nod to the giant leak GTA 6 suffered in 2023. While Jason’s filthy, country trashbandit disposition may win over some ladies, too, it’s the kind of thing gays flock to. Sure, there’s probably something to unpack about gay guys gravitating towards men who look like they wouldn’t respect them, but that’s a psychologist’s job, and I am simply a gay man who is predictably drawn to men who look like they would call me a slur. But I’m not alone. Plenty of us are thirsting for the next Grand Theft Auto protagonist in the out-of-pocket ways they tend to.This is a win for the girls and the gays. A mere 20 seconds of footage has piqued the interest of every gay gamer you’ve ever met. That’s exquisite targeted marketing on Rockstar’s part, and now the game will get even more free promotion through the inevitable bump in Rule 34 searches for Jason in the coming months. Not that the game really needs that much promotion. This is the kind of game that sells millions of copies on the first day, then stays near the top of the charts for several years. But it’s nice to see Rockstar is aware of every market it can possibly corner..

These strange-looking buses operate in rural Shikoku, Japan. They're Toyota buses that have had an unusual proboscis added. The non-standard snout houses an extra axle fitted with steel wheels. Another of these axles, unseen, is tucked under the rear. When the roadgoing buses get to the train tracks, the axles with the steel wheels are lowered onto the rails. The bus can then power itself along the railway tracks.These DMV (Dual-Mode Vehicle) buses were developed by Japan's Asa Seaside Railway as a cost-effective way to provide public transportation. While the modifications require investment, the buses are significantly cheaper to maintain that trains—and also prevent residents from needing to transfer between travel modes. Here's a video of the DMVs in operation:

Attention, heroic Helldivers.  To celebrate the eradication of the Illuminate invaders, Super Earth mobilizes our most regal looking troops yet – a true celebration of our forebears. Enter the Masters of Ceremony Premium Warbond*! Wield all-new elite weaponry, capes and armours to step into the boots of Super Earth’s most decorated units.  Play Video To start, let us look at the R-2 Amendment. Carve through bugs like butter with an attached bayonet for close-quarter combat alongside a 20-round magazine. Perfect for vanquishing foes in style both up close and at a distance. Paired with the CQC-2 Sabre. A sabre hailing from an elegant time will inspire you to lead the charge and thrust your blade through the heart of our enemies.  To round out the parade spectacle; introducing the G-142 Pyrotech Grenade.  When thrown, it will spin and shower the surrounding area in sparks before ceremoniously exploding in a ball of flames. Farewell, pitiful enemies of Super Earth. Show off your love for Managed Democracy and inspire those around you with the CQC-1 One True Flag.  Feared across the galaxy and attesting to the might of Managed Democracy, this sharp symbol of freedom doubles as a spear to drive home the values of our glorious sovereignty. It brings a tear to our eyes. Sure, your killing looks great. But how do you look, Helldiver? Let’s accessorize.  For formal occasions the RE-1861 Parade Commander brings old-school prestige whilst being lightweight enough to react in the heat of battle. Pair it with the Humble Regalia cape to make it shine for Democracy in red, black and gold. After something a little more menacing? Look no further than the RE-2310 Honorary Guard. A traditional but battle hardened armor. Pair with the Federations Embrace cape to pay honor to the glory of Super Earth and our fallen forebears.  Both armors come stock standard with the Reinforced Epaulettes perk, offering your limbs the chance of not breaking so you can continue to wave the flag of victory. For maximum respect, unlock the Decorated Hero title and Lockstep emote to ensure you and your fellow Helldivers parade together on the bodies of your victories. In unison. An intricate new look from Warbonds of past eras By popular demand, we are adding a new stash of FRV patterns to previously released Warbonds to all owners. Go check out the Viper Commando, Freedom’s Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbond pages in Acquisitions on May 15! Are you ready to join the rank of heroes? The Masters of Ceremony and new FRV patterns march in on May 15 for PS5 and PC.

Keep the supplies moving with the latest piece of hardware for Porters heading out on a new journey – we’re excited to reveal the new DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition.  We worked closely with Kojima Productions on the controller design, customized with the insignia and motto of Drawbridge in vibrant orange.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A photo of Hideo Kojima introducing the controller at a recent event for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for a recommended retail price of $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480. Pre-orders start on May 22, 2025 at 10am local time at direct.playstation.com (where available), as well as participating retailers. The exact launch date and availability for the controller may vary by country/region.    The new controller launches on June 26, 2025 on PS5 alongside Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, where players can join Sam and his companions on a mission to save humanity from extinction. Pre-order the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition for Early Access from June 24, 2025 – learn more about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and check out the latest trailer. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image direct.playstation.com purchase Information  Starting May 22, 2025 at 10am ET in the U.S., and 10am local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, players will be able to pre-order the DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition exclusively through direct.playstation.com in limited quantities.   When ordering directly from PlayStation, enjoy free launch day delivery for eligible pre-orders. Visit direct.playstation.com for more details.  More on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Death Stranding 2: On the Beach hands-on report Death Stranding 2: An interview with Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, Collector’s Edition revealed

Keep the supplies moving with the latest piece of hardware for Porters heading out on a new journey – we’re excited to reveal the new DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition.  We worked closely with Kojima Productions on the controller design, customized with the insignia and motto of Drawbridge in vibrant orange.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Caption: “A photo of Hideo Kojima introducing the controller at a recent event for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.” The DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for a recommended retail price of SGD 119 / MYR 419 / IDR 1,549,000 / THB 2,890 / PHP 4,890 / VND 2,399,000. Pre-orders start on May 22, 2025 at 10am local time at participating retailers. The new controller launches on June 26, 2025 on PS5 alongside Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, where players can join Sam and his companions on a mission to save humanity from extinction. Pre-order the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition for Early Access from June 24, 2025 – learn more about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and check out the latest trailer. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image

Start SlideshowStart SlideshowScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuStar Wars Andor is back just over two years after its first season ended on Disney+. The first three episodes of season two premiered on Disney+ on April 22 and the show is just as good as before, with lots of great dialogue, intense action, and a whole bunch of tension. And sprinkled throughout Season 2 are some fantastic Easter eggs and references to the greater Star Wars universe. Like season one, Andor’s second season (so far) hasn’t been packed with Easter eggs and callbacks. Instead, these nods to the rest of theStar Wars franchise are a bit more buried or integrated organically with the story, so you might have missed some of them. Don’t worry, I’m always here to help. Here are 24 Star Wars Easter eggs, secrets, and references I spotted in the first nine episodes of Andor season two. We will be updating this list each week with new stuff as more episodes drop. Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuPrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesYes, that was Yavin-4List slidesYes, that was Yavin-4Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuLet’s start with the biggest and most exciting Easter egg. When Andor finally escapes the dysfunctional rebels, we get a shot of his ship flying away and see that all of this has been happening on the jungle moon of Yavin-4. Yes, the same Yavin-4 seen in the original Star Wars movie. This will eventually become the HQ of the Rebellion, but for now its temples remain abandoned.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesA little girl with an AT-ST toyList slidesA little girl with an AT-ST toyScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuA smaller Easter egg I spotted was the appearance of an AT-ST puppet held by a child as seen in the third episode, Harvest. Bit odd to let your kids play with a war machine controlled by the evil empire that rules over you. But hey, parents let kids play with toys referencing the US military so... (Oh and yes, another kid has a bowcaster toy, too. Chewbacca would be proud. Or confused.)Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesMore info about the Rakatan invasionList slidesMore info about the Rakatan invasionScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuBack in season one of Andor, Luthen mentioned the Rakatan invasion. This is a direct reference to Knights of the Old Republic and some old “Legends” era lore. Now, in season two, Luthen has given us more detail and confirmed that, in canon, the alien invasion happened 25,000 BBY. That lines up with the dawn of the Jedi and could confirm that the Rakatan will show up in James Mangold’s Star Wars movie set that far back in the timeline.Previous SlideNext SlideList slides“Unlimited Power”List slides“Unlimited Power”Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuAt one point, during Director Krennic’s super-secret meeting with other Imperial higher-ups, he mentions that the Emperor wants an energy source that could provide “unlimited power.” Of course, this is connected to the Death Star, but that specific line also calls back one of the Emperor’s most famous quotes from Star Wars Episode III. Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesWulf Yularen / Tarkin referencedList slidesWulf Yularen / Tarkin referencedScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuAlso during that same super-secret space-Nazi meeting, Krennic explains that the only people who can know about this gathering are the people in the room. He then directly namedrops two Imperial higher-ups: Moff Tarkin and Wulf Yularen. Of the two, Tarkin is perhaps the most interesting namedrop, as we know the two of them have some beef which we see in Rogue One. It’s very funny to think that Krennic specifically made sure Tarkin was kept out of the loop on his Ghorman plans.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesCanon debut of the TIE AvengerList slidesCanon debut of the TIE AvengerScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuIn the opening minutes of the first episode of season two, we see Andor steal a prototype TIE Avenger. This is an advanced Imperial starfighter we had only previously seen in some “Legends” stories. Seeing it in live-action was a treat, even if Andor nearly crashed it like 10 times.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesRange Troopers returnList slidesRange Troopers returnScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuWhen Andor steals the TIE Avenger he is attacked by Stormtroopers, but we also see a different kind of trooper during the fight. This fluffy soldier with a rocket launcher is a Range Trooper. We first saw them in Solo: A Star Wars Story on the planet Vandor. They are highly trained troopers normally deployed in places where the Empire needs a lot of security.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesErskin Semaj appearsList slidesErskin Semaj appearsScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuI don’t need to explain how awesome it was that Erskin Semaj appeared. Okay, I probably do. During episode three, when Luthen is talking to a young man about where he is from, they are interrupted by a drunken Tay bumping into them. That young boy is Erskin Semaj, an aide of Mon Mothma’s first seen in Star Wars Rebels. Is he an important character? No, but hey, it was cool to see the show include him as it makes sense he’d be at that wedding.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesThe importance of ‘Kafrene’List slidesThe importance of ‘Kafrene’Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuThe password, Kafrene, given to Andor by the Imperial engineer at the start of episode one isn’t some random planet or made-up nonsense. (Okay, well, this is all made-up nonsense, but you know what I mean.) Kafrene is actually where we first meet Cassian Andor in Rogue One. Specifically, the Ring of Kafrene is a seedy mining colony where Cassian learns of the Death Star and kills a dude. Kafrene is also set to appear in the upcoming tactical game Star Wars Zero Company as the squad’s HQ.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesFirst look at GhormanList slidesFirst look at GhormanScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuIn Star Wars, the planet Ghorman is the site of the infamous Ghorman Massacre, an event that we know happened in canon, though we don’t know the specifics of it. This season of Andor seems to be building toward the massacre, which is a pivotal event in Star Wars as it kickstarts the rebellion and pushes Mon Mothma to publicly stand up against the Empire. We actually see Mothma stand against the Empire and then escape into hiding in an episode of Rebels. It seems Andor is going to fill in that part of the timeline and show us the massacre.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesThe Ghorman Massacre From LegendsList slidesThe Ghorman Massacre From LegendsScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuA big moment in Star Wars history, one that we’ve never seen before, is the Ghorman Massacre. This moment is what spurs Mon Mothma to publicly call out the Emperor and helps galvanize the rebellion. In Legends, the massacre happened when Grand Moff Tarkin landed a large ship on a group of protestors. And now we know that it still happened, but it isn’t the massacre that will eventually lead to Mothma taking a public stand against the Empire. It’s an interesting way to honor the past and old EU stories, while still letting series creator Tony Gilroy and company tell their own new story. And if you don’t know anything about Star Wars lore, it just adds some extra flavor to the world.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesPodracing!List slidesPodracing!Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuThis is an easy-to-miss Easter egg, but when Syril returns to the office to get his notes (and contact someone about his secret mission), he distracts some guards from watching a podrace. We first saw podracing in The Phantom Menace, and it’s fun to see it still being a sport all these years later.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesThe Resistance HQ From The Force AwakensList slidesThe Resistance HQ From The Force AwakensScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuDid Saw’s HQ on the planet D’Qar in episodes 4 and 5 look a little familiar? That’s because we’ve seen this grassy military base before in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. This is where Leia’s Resistance is headquartered before they are attacked by the First Order and have to escape.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesMassiff mealList slidesMassiff mealScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuWhile on D’Qar we see Saw’s rebel group eating an alien that is being cooked over a fire. This being Star Wars, it shouldn’t surprise you that this isn’t some random alien created just for this scene. Nope! This is a Massiff, a spiky lizard-alien-dog that is common on Tatooine. Tusken Raiders often have them as pets and guard dogs. How did it end up here? I don’t know. I await the five-part comic miniseries explaining this alien dog’s origins.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesYes, That Was Bail OrganaList slidesYes, That Was Bail OrganaScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuNo, you’re not going crazy, that was Bail Organa that popped up briefly to say hi to Mon Mothma during the Imperial Ball. However, this time around, the character wasn’t played by Jimmy Smits but instead by Benjamin Bratt. Don’t worry, Smits isn’t dead or anything like that. Instead, he just couldn’t appear in the show due to a scheduling conflict. It’s a shame that Smits won’t get to finish out Organa’s pre-New Hope storyline, but Bratt is a solid replacement, and I’m happy Organa will be a part of Andor’s final season as the character is a key part of the rebellion.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesGrand Vizier mentioned aka that big blue alien dude from the prequelsList slidesGrand Vizier mentioned aka that big blue alien dude from the prequelsScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuA very tiny Easter egg, but one I love, is that at some point, Luthen and his assistant Kleya were able to overhear a conversation by the Emperor’s Grand Vizier Mas Amedda aka that big blue guy from the prequels. Amedda is a fascinating character in Star Wars as he’s one of the very few people in the galaxy who know about the Emperor’s true nature as a Sith Lord. Previous SlideNext SlideList slides“The Lab at Eadu”List slides“The Lab at Eadu”Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuIn a conversation with Dedra Meero, ISB Major Partagaz mentions that they really need the Kalkite buried in Ghorman, as Krennic and his science team back in “the lab at Eadu” haven’t figured out a suitable synthetic replacement. Eadu is the rainy, rocky world first seen in Rogue One where Jynn Erso’s dad, Galen, is being held as he is forced to work on the Death Star project. Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesForce healerList slidesForce healerScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuWhile on Yavin, Bix takes Andor to a Force healer to help him with a blaster wound. He’s not a big believer in the Force, but the healer senses Andor and immediately shows up to talk cryptically about his future and his spirit. We first saw Force healing in canon in The Clone Wars, but it became a big deal when Rey did it multiple times in Rise of Skywalker.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesDraven and MelshiliList slidesDraven and MelshiliScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuWhile on Yavin Andor talks to General Draven, who isn’t happy about him leaving whenever he wants. This is a character who first appeared in Rogue One. Later, in the comics, he was killed by Darth Vader after helping delay the Empire and letting Leia and other rebels escape after the events of The Battle of Yavin. Meanwhile, we see Vel pick up a blaster she recognizes as something used by Andor and asks who owns it. Turns out that person is Melshi, a soldier we see in Rogue One but who was also a prisoner in Narkina 5 with Andor. And yeah, they probably should have given a bit more context about him because I think most people were like “Who is that?” Previous SlideNext SlideList slides“Rebellions Are Built on Hope”List slides“Rebellions Are Built on Hope”Screenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuThis famous Cassian Andor line from Rogue One probably didn’t need an origin story, but it was nice to see a random hotel clerk on Ghorman provide it. Truly, anyone can be a rebel in the fight against fascism.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesThe Ghorman MassacreList slidesThe Ghorman MassacreScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuAnd here we are. We knew going into this season that we’d eventually see the Ghorman Massacre on screen for the first time. After years of it being mentioned in shows like Rebels and other reference books, we finally got to see it, and it was a horrific moment that only could have happened in a show as grounded and mature as Andor.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesCassian’s familiar rifleList slidesCassian’s familiar rifleScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuWhile on Ghorman to assassinate Dedra, Cassian brings a modular blaster rifle that can be modified into a pistol. This is the same rifle he uses in Rogue One to try and kill Galen Erso.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesK-2SO origins changedList slidesK-2SO origins changedScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuFor the most part, Andor has been careful not to change canon or ignore past Star Wars events. But a big shift happened in the show’s eighth episode, as we now have a brand new origin story for how Andor found K-2SO. Previously, before the events of Rogue One, a comic book established that the droid arrested Andor during a mission and was turned off and partially reprogrammed into the sort-of-helpful-but-still-sassy robot companion we see in the movie. Now, he tried to kill Andor and was destroyed by a Ghorman rebel before being taken back by Cassian to Yavin, where he was rebuilt by a team of slicers who, instead of reprogramming K-2SO, just suppressed some of his “impulses” and “orders” to make him a useful ally. Personally, I don’t mind retconning this because the original origin wasn’t that interesting. I don’t think this new version is much better, but at least it connects the droid to a big moment in Star Wars history.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesSenator Mothma meeting up with Gold SquadronList slidesSenator Mothma meeting up with Gold SquadronScreenshot: Lucasfilm / KotakuAfter saving Mothma from the Empire after her powerful speech against the Emperor, Andor isn’t given the mission to take her back to Yavin. Instead, she is to be handed off to Gold Squadron via another ship and will make a bigger speech about the rebellion in an effort to rewrite the narrative. We see this moment and this speech in the animated show Rebels. It’s interesting that, after giving a big speech about truth, Mothma is about to help create some propaganda herself. I guess, as Luthen said himself, sometimes you have to use the tools of your enemies to defeat them. .

Are you looking for a new video game to play on your PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, or even your aging PS4 console? Do you not want to spend more than, like, $20 bucks? Well, today is your lucky day. Sony is running a massive PSN sale focused on $20-or-less video game deals. Suggested ReadingThe Week In Games: What’s Coming Out Beyond Assassin's Creed Mirage Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingThe Week In Games: What’s Coming Out Beyond Assassin's Creed Mirage Share SubtitlesOffEnglishThe sale started on May 7 and features over 1,000 video games across basically every genre imaginable, and all of them are priced at or under $20. There’s a solid mix of newer games—stuff released in the last five years or so, like the fantastic Resident Evil 4 remake—and older titles, like Assassin’s Creed Syndicate which turns 10 years old this year. Wild! But don’t let the age scare you off. Not that long ago Ubisoft updated it to run at 60FPS on PS5 and PS5 Pro, so now is the best time to jump in and check it out. This big under $20 sale is live now and ends on May 21, so you have about two weeks to scrounge up $20 and pick up something cheap. Here are some recommendations from us to help you find your next game:Resident Evil 4 [Remake] - $20 ($40) Assassin’s Creed Valhalla - $15 ($60) Assassin’s Creed Odyssey - $12 ($60) Assassin’s Creed Origins - $9 ($60) Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Gold Ed. - $15 ($50) Need For Speed Heat - $6 ($60) Need For Speed Payback - $5 ($20) RoboCop: Rogue City - $9 ($60) Call of Duty: WWII Gold Ed. - $20 ($60) Call of Duty: Ghosts Gold Ed. - $20 ($60) Call of Duty Advanced Warfare Gold Ed. - $20 ($60) The Last of Us Remastered PS4 - $10 ($20) Bloodborne - $10 ($20) Dark Souls Remastered - $20 ($40) Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - $20 ($40) Uncharted Collection - $9 ($20) Dragon Age Inquisition - $10 ($40) Mad Max - $5 ($20) Soul Calibur VI - $10 ($60) The Outer Worlds - $10 ($30) Evil West - $18 ($60) MGS V: The Phantom Pain - $12 ($20) Psychonauts 2 - $12 ($60) Just Cause 3 - $3 ($20) Watch Dogs 2 Deluxe Ed. - $9 ($60) XCOM 2 - $15 ($60) Prey - $6 ($30) Journey to the Savage Planet - $7.50 ($30) Rage 2 - $8 ($40)   .

With multiple companies developing humanoid robots, it's a matter of time before one of them goes haywire and hurts someone. It hasn't happened yet, but two videos making the rounds show how it will likely start. In the first video, one of Unitree's H1 'bots "unexpectedly lunged toward a spectator who had extended their hand for a handshake:" In the second, also an H1 'bot, a "coding error" causes it to lose its sh*t and start flailing dangerously: I was once a fan of having big, red "off" buttons located in a prominent location on the robots' bodies. But watching these things flail, it's obvious you'd never be able to reach it without getting whacked. Remote kill switches or perhaps "safety words" are needed.

Rockstar Games are known for their big open worlds and ambitious cinematic swings, but they are just as much about painstaking attention to detail and meticulously fusing the real and the imaginary into an uncanny send-up of American culture that’s both fun to play and hard not to marvel at. So it’s not entirely surprising that the beer looks incredible in Grand Theft Auto VI, but it’s still worth obsessing over. Suggested ReadingGTA 6 Trailer 2: 13 Details You Might Have Missed Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingGTA 6 Trailer 2: 13 Details You Might Have Missed Share SubtitlesOffEnglishCold ones were a major motif throughout the second GTA VI trailer, and not just because bars, clubs, and other fixtures of Vice City nightlife make up important locations in the game. It’s hot down there in not-Miami and the rest of Rockstar’s pastiche of southern Florida, a fact visually underlined by the beads of perspiration gathering on bottles even after the sun goes down. While it’s been a glaze-fest out there over the level of visual detail on display in the trailer, many fans have pointed to the beers in particular. Some are even calling them the horse testicles of GTA VI, as fans might remember that the ones in Red Dead Redemption 2 had their own physics and also got bigger or smaller depending on the temperature.One part of the trailer shows a scene in a room with the TV on (is that you, Phil Cassidy?) and two beers on the table, and the individual bubbles can be seen floating up to the surface beneath the amber glass. “If beer bubbles are 1tb of textures and graphics… I support this whole heartedly,” one person wrote. Screenshot: Bluesky / KotakuThere’s also a moment when romantic leads Jason and Lucia are outside clinking glasses on a deck. You can practically feel the gold foil peeling off of the tops of their parody Modelo bottles. The liquid even splashes inside when the bottles collide. And then there’s the treasure trove of new screenshots Rockstar released after the fact. How closely they resemble GTA VI as it will actually look when running at home on your own PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S remains to be seen, but they’re certainly flexing a similar level of sudsy exceptionalism. The one that appears at the top of this article shows light glistening off the side of a beer bottle in Jason’s hand as the translucent arm of his friend Cal Hampton can be seen through the tinted glass.Another screenshot shows Cal in a pool with a beer can floating in the water next to him as little bubbles trickle up to the surface from the backwash that’s still leaking out. Warmed-over dregs of carbonation popping in 4K is as big-budget “next-gen” blockbuster as it gets. More than a decade has passed between GTA V and GTA VI, and Rockstar is clearly not taking that lightly. It seems impossible to think that the most anticipated game release ever can live up to the hype. Whether the game as a whole does or doesn’t, though, it sure looks like the beer bottles will. .

Like others in its field, Chinese robotics company Unitree has been working on humanoid robots. But they've gone back to their dog-bot roots to develop this B2, a firefighting robot dog designed to work alongside humans. The quadruped form factor can easily navigate uneven terrain and climb stairs. Being more compact than a human or humanoid, it can squeeze into tighter spaces. It boasts 360-degree cameras, LiDAR, gas sensors and a self-drenching system to keep dust and heat from fouling its systems.It can be fitted with a hose for spraying duty. Alternatively, it can be attached with a blower for extinguishing smaller blazes.Hot-swappable batteries keep the thing in action. The B2 can operate autonomously or be remote-controlled. While this might seem like a fanciful prototype, it's currently deployed with the Qingdao Firefighting and Rescue Support team.

Grand Theft Auto 6's second trailer is packed with a lot of action, crime, and vehicular mayhem. This is the kind of stuff you expect to see in a GTA game. But what it also contains is something we’ve never really seen before in a Grand Theft Auto sequel: a couple cuddling and having a real relationship. And that’s the part of GTA 6Suggested ReadingGTA 6 Delay Has Enormous Implications For The Industry Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingGTA 6 Delay Has Enormous Implications For The Industry Share SubtitlesOffEnglishReleased on May 6 with no warning, Grand Theft Auto 6's second trailer arrived over a year after its first and featured a lot more of Jason and Lucia, the two main characters in this upcoming Rockstar open-world sequel set in Vice City and its surrounding state of Leonida. We already knew that this new sequel would feature the couple in a big way, but that trailer seems to suggest that Rockstar is aiming to make them a believable, relatable, and dare I say, cute couple. Rockstar GamesOne moment that really stuck out to me in the trailer as something we’ve never really seen in a GTA game before happens at the very end. Jason is laying on the couch half asleep and watching TV. Lucia enters the living room, tosses her keys on the table and collapses onto Jason to cuddle with him. It’s the kind of moment that most people in loving relationships have experienced. Your significant other gets back from a big trip, a hard day at work, or some other grueling experience and lands directly next to or on top of you for some comfort and love. It’s a cute and genuine moment. And it’s in the middle of a GTA trailer! Strange. This is a franchise that has mostly treated relationships as jokes. Think back to how CJ and Catalina are portrayed in GTA San Andreas. She’s a lunatic and frequently called horrible names. Similarly, in GTA V Michael’s relationship with his wife is shown to be a mostly toxic and hostile experience that only gets better at the end due to violence. There’s also the bit in GTA V where Trevor kidnaps an old woman and they fall in love. And the earlier GTA games, like Vice City, mostly treated relationships as silly punchlines about how women are annoying and controlling. In GTA 3, after saving the woman he apparently “loves,” Claude shoots her offscreen for talking too much! Yikes. The closest GTA has ever gotten to a real relationship is Nico and Kate in GTA IV. But that’s barely part of the game, and if you choose the wrong option she gets gunned down by the end. However, in the trailer for GTA 6, we see Jason and Lucia being a real couple. They seem genuinely enthralled with each other. The moment where Jason picks Lucia up out of prison and they smile warmly for a second is so unlike anything in GTA before. And throughout the trailer we see them snuggling, getting intimate, holding each other, kissing, dancing together, and even at one point holding hands. In a series that has featured so much violence and sex, it’s surreal to see two people in love and holding hands. Screenshot: Rockstar Games / KotakuNow the real question is: will Rockstar be able to pull off a full 30-70 hour game featuring a relatable and caring relationship? I don’t know. We are truly in uncharted waters for this franchise right now. But I hope they nail it. I think if Jason and Lucia’s relationship is the core of GTA 6's story, it could help it not only stand out from past GTA games, but it could signal that Rockstar has grown up a bit.Sure, it will still put in silly joke products and background signs that make me roll my eyes. But if, at the front and center of this massive AAA video game, there’s a realistic and well-done take on a real relationship between two people, that would be a wild accomplishment that I didn’t expect from a franchise famous for letting you kill sex workers to get your money back. .

There was a period in human history where we developed glass, but hadn't yet figured out glassblowing. In order to shape the glass into vessels, Mesopotamians got creative and developed a technique called slumping.They started with the glass ingots they were able to produce, and fused several of them together to create a larger mass. This was then placed over a form made of clay or stone, then placed into a kiln. Firing the kiln heated the glass, which then began to slump down over the form. In this manner, they were able to produce glass bowls and plates.Industrial designer and design researcher Marco Compardo demonstrates the technique here, which he worked on at the UK's Grymsdyke Farm, an experimental design lab."These are photos of the slumping process, showing how heat and gravity are used to shape glass (and ideas) over a mold. As the glass softens in the kiln, it gently conforms to the form beneath it—capturing smooth, organic curves without the need for cutting." "'Unroll' is a butter tray conceived through digital calculations, designed to create a seamless, wrinkle-free dome using the slump glass technique. The outcome recalls the material handling found in ceramics." "Although rooted in contemporary, digital methods, the design resonates with processes that are more closely associated with the tactile, hands-on approach of ceramics, where craftsmanship and material manipulation are key elements." You can see more of Campardo's work here.

Elden Ring Nightreign,  a spin-off action adventure set within the Elden Ring universe, launches on May 30. We spoke with the game’s director, Junya Ishizaki, about what we can expect from FromSoftware’s upcoming co-op multiplayer. Game design focused on compelling combat PlayStation Blog: You have experience working on level and combat design for FromSoftware’s past titles. Was there anything you gave particular attention to when creating Nightreign? What were some of the challenges? Junya Ishizaki: If I had to pick one aspect that we focused on the most, it would be combat. The game’s main goal is to defeat the Nightlord at the end of each night, and the elements that form the character builds and the world map are placed around the world to make the gameplay more compelling and to encourage players to be more strategic in their combat. In terms of challenges, honestly, everything was a challenge (laughs). Especially when it came to making major changes to the game mechanics, we had to make sure the game was still viable and truly enjoyable. We could have changed the mechanics without putting much thought into it, but there was a risk that the game would become something completely different, even though it was part of the Elden Ring universe. Finding the perfect balance between something that felt fresh and new, while still feeling true to Elden Ring, was challenging. What was the idea behind the unique revival system that allows you to rescue incapacitated teammates by attacking them? Since we were using many existing assets from Elden Ring, we wanted to find ways to leverage them in interesting ways. As we were tossing around ideas, we realized that ‘attacking’ is the most consistent element of Nightreign’s gameplay. We tested to see if it would work for resuscitation, and we discovered a wide variety of tactics depending on range, frequency, and probability, so we formally implemented it. We also found it quite amusing (laughs). After playing the network test, while I enjoyed building my characters, I also felt like the strategy aspect became a little repetitive. Can we expect more unpredictability that encourages players to be more tactical, in the final product? Yes, we’re also pursuing that approach, so the same strategy won’t always work when fighting the bosses. Your initial strategy may be effective for a while, but the bosses will gradually evolve and your tactics will no longer be viable, forcing you to rethink your approach. Also, in the final version of the game, you’ll be able to determine the weakness of each boss before heading out. So, if poison is effective against an upcoming boss, you may proactively search for and loot items that inflict poison more often in that run. Taking advantage of their susceptibility will give you an edge in the fights. We intentionally designed the game so that you’ll need to adapt and evolve your strategies along with the changes that happen in the game. Fine-tuning the clarity and difficulty – adding buffs to Gladius, Beast of Night Did you make any changes or adjustments to the game, following the results of the network test? During the network test, some players found it difficult to understand what elements were visible on the map, and said it was hard to identify next steps or how to use some of the character movesets. To address these issues, we made some changes so that information was conveyed more clearly to players during gameplay. We also received a lot of helpful feedback regarding the difficulty. We made some adjustments to strike a balance that makes the game challenging as you progress, but still manageable. Gladius, one of the Nightlords, will also receive some updates, so players have that to look forward to in the final game. Eight playable characters derived from build and fantasy archetypes Each playable character – or Nightfarer – in the game represents a different class. How did you decide on the eight characters and their unique abilities? We mapped out what sort of characteristics we wanted our playable characters to embody, and ultimately landed on eight Nightfarers.  There were two pillars that guided our thought process, and one of them was ‘build.’ In the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring, you can distribute your stats to create builds that use certain weapons or magic, and these are often labeled as Strength builds or Pure Magic builds. The other pillar was the idea of ‘fantasy archetypes.’ Swordsmen who fight on the front lines, those who protect you with their shields, wizards skilled in magic, and so on. We ruminated on how we can combine these two pillars to create playable characters that fit into the world of Nightreign. A character like a  ‘macho wizard’ may exist if there were a hundred variations, but it’s a bit too eccentric when we only have a few playable characters (laughs). We simply created combinations of characters that felt most natural, and that ended up as the current eight Nightfarers.    Elden Ring Nightreign launches on PS5 and PS4 on May 30.

The grind is just as important as the hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds. While we all want to grind away to make stylish armor, Artian Weapons are a huge focus for grinding in this installment. They’re a new customizable weapon type that functions as endgame equipment and they can come across as a little daunting between the materials needed for their unique forging process and their reinforcement system. Read on below to find out what makes Artian Weapons so special.Suggested ReadingWhat Is Dragonsplague? Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Devastating Contagion Explained Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhat Is Dragonsplague? Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Devastating Contagion Explained Share SubtitlesOffEnglish1. How to get Artian Materials2. How to Forge Artian Weapons3. How to reinforce Artian WeaponsScreenshot: Capcom / Samuel Moreno / KotakuThe best way to gather and farm Artian Materials is to go out and hunt some Tempered Monsters. You’ll earn Weapon Shards as rewards for defeating these powered-up monsters, which are then immediately appraised as one of the following four Artian Materials:Broken BladeCracked DiscCrushed TubeRusted DeviceEach of these will have a specific element type and Artian Bonus (boosting either Affinity or Attack) as traits. Both the type of material you receive from the Appraisal and its traits are completely random. The only thing that’s different across the Tempered Monsters is that tougher foes will grant higher rarity materials, similar to Hunter Symbols. My recommendation is to either hunt the strongest Tempered Monsters for rarer materials or take on quests that involve two of them so that you leave with double the amount of rewards.Hunting strong enemies isn’t the only option to attain these rare items. Another way to get Artian Materials is to visit the Melding Pot in Suja to turn unwanted Artian Materials into randomized new ones. This works just like Smelting in the Oilwell Basin, with each material you use filling up a point gauge. The option is labeled as Meld Relics and will first unlock after completing the Chapter Five Storm-Cold Vortex quest. Once you reach hunter rank 100, you’ll also unlock the option to directly craft a high-rarity material of your choice.Screenshot: Capcom / Samuel Moreno / KotakuAll of the above leads to finally forging one of these special weapons. You can do so by using the “Forge Artian Weapons” option in Gemma’s Smithy menu and offering up three Artian Materials. Not only does each weapon type use a different mix of materials, but they all need to be the same rarity to be forged together as well. Don’t be surprised if you need to hunt quite a few Tempered Monsters before it’s possible to create exactly what you want.Selecting two materials with the same element type will grant that element to your weapon. If the third material also shares the element type, it will add an element stat bonus. Although this won’t apply when forging an Artian Heavy or Light Bowgun, it will enable the use of the corresponding ammo type.Screenshot: Capcom / Samuel Moreno / KotakuWe can still take it one more step after Forging. Choosing the Reinforce/Dismantle Artian Weapons option in the Smithy menu can increase the power of these new weapons with up to five Reinforcement Bonuses. This process requires materials you gain from Festival Shares or through smelting ore. The only wrinkle is that what you receive is randomly distributed among the following bonuses:Affinity BoostAttack BoostElement BoostSharpness BoostAmmo Capacity (only for the Bowguns)Technically, you can re-roll Reinforcement Bonuses until you have what you need for your dream weapon. There appears to be an internal seed list for these enhancements that are assigned to an Artian Weapon once they’re initially forged. That means you’ll need to forge and reinforce multiple trash weapons, preferably without saving, until you find the best set of bonuses.Let’s say you want to make the dream Charge Blade, because who wouldn’t? You’ll have to keep maxing out these Artian Weapons until you discover that the sixth weapon will have the stats you want. Now you’ll need to exit without saving and reload your previous save. Forge five of those trash Artian Charge Blades again, and then finally forge your ideal Charge Blade that will pair seamlessly with the perfect Reinforcement Bonuses.It’s a tedious process that can require a lot of money and a lot of materials. I would only recommend doing this if you’re super serious about min-maxing your stats. Unless the RNG completely screws you over with the bonuses, most of the time these Artian Weapons will be a beneficial option.Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.