As the holiday season approaches, companies are revving up their marketing campaigns, and Microsoft’s Xbox is no exception. In a move that has undoubtedly turned heads, Microsoft has secured advertising space on the iconic Las Vegas Sphere, and it appears they spared no expense.

Xbox’s Jeff Rubenstein and others took to social media to share the striking transformation of the Sphere into an Xbox promotional canvas. The vibrant display prominently features the well-known green Xbox logo, seamlessly transitioning into dynamic clips showcasing a lineup of exciting games, including Starfield, Hellblade II, Forza, and the ever-popular Cyberpunk 2077. The visual spectacle crescendos with a captivating presentation of Xbox’s trio of consoles—the Xbox Series X, the 512GB Xbox Series S, and the 1TB Xbox Series S.

While the exact cost of this advertising endeavor remains undisclosed, a one-day ad campaign on the Las Vegas Sphere is rumored to command a staggering $450,000, with a week-long presence reportedly reaching a hefty $650,000. It’s worth noting that these figures originate from an agency pitch deck and may not entirely reflect Microsoft’s actual expenditure for the Xbox ad campaign on the Sphere.

The Las Vegas Sphere itself is an architectural marvel that came to life after years of construction and a whopping $2.3 billion investment. The Sphere’s CEO, James Dolan, is understandably keen on maximizing its revenue potential, and securing external ad placements is one strategy to achieve this. The venue is also known for hosting the ongoing U2 residency and is set to showcase Darren Aronofsky’s groundbreaking 18K movie, “Postcard From Earth.”

This remarkable advertising move represents just the latest in a series of high-impact Xbox campaigns. During a recent Thursday Night Football event, Microsoft introduced its newest addition to the “Power Your Dreams” commercial series, further strengthening its brand presence.

Notably, Microsoft’s recent $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has sparked considerable industry buzz, granting them ownership of gaming juggernauts such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Candy Crush. However, fans anticipating these titles on Game Pass should exercise patience, as it’s unlikely to happen until 2024 due to ongoing transition processes. Microsoft’s investments and advertising strategies demonstrate their commitment to the gaming world, promising an exciting future for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

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Peter Molyneux is a polarising figure. Some adore the ambition and creativity that imbues each of his releases, whereas others feel that he over-promises and under-delivers. No matter which side of the fence you lie on, it’s clear to see that Molyneux is an auteur and his contributions have shaped the industry. 

A pioneer, Molyneux does something many developers refuse to do: take risks. Although not all of his ideas work, he should be applauded for his innovation rather than reprimanded for not sticking to the status quo. Like all incredible developers, failed attempts allow them to refine and perfect ideas. Metal Gear set the foundation for Kojima to alter the landscape of the industry 11 years later with Metal Gear Solid and without Karateka, there would be no Prince of Persia. So why does Molyneux get so much stick for simply being aspirational?

Innovative Ideas

A divisive developer, the British icon has a tendency to oversell parts of his games. While this may be just his excitement about the possibilities getting the better of him, it can also mislead fans. Despite that, the ideas are still there, just not fully realised. For example, the final third of Fable 3 saw you take on the role of King and make decisions that would alter the face of Albion. Although unique and thrilling, choices didn’t include enough weight. Some did halt you in your tracks to consider the ramifications but most were just simple decisions. In addition to that, it jumped a ton of days which meant the segment was over far too quickly. Even though there are issues, it’s a memorable section which stands out due to its originality.

Sticking with the Fable series, the second iteration is my personal favorite. The world is packed with charm and character which makes exploration a joy. British culture seeps into every orifice to create hilarious interactions that stand out amongst its peers. While this is a wonderful adventure, it garners hate for undercooked aspects which you can easily overlook. When promoting the sequel, the dog was a clear focus. The companionship was supposed to be central to the game, with your pet’s appearance morphing depending on your actions. Although a great idea, its implementation was rudimentary.

Taking a Risk

Taking the bold move to leave Microsoft, Peter developed his most innovative title to date, Curiosity: What’s Inside the Cube. The mobile game was a huge cube with tiles on each side. You and millions of others would simply tap it to remove a tile, with the last person winning something ‘life-changing’. Okay, they fully dropped the ball with the prize as it felt like an advert for his next game. The winner didn’t seem to get everything he was promised, never mind something ‘life changing’. Regardless, the social experiment is a groundbreaking idea and led into his return to the God game genre.

Godus looked to take inspiration from his previous titles, Populous, Black & White and Theme Park to create a new take on the genre. Plenty of creators have gone to Kickstarter to help fund their projects. Heck, we wouldn’t have got Shenmue 3 or the Castlevania spiritual successor, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night without the platform. However, Molyneux was panned for his method of funding which ultimately led to bad press for the release of his mobile venture.

Admittedly, his career has gone downhill since 22cans but surely it’s time for a comeback? For the first time in years, Peter is back coding for a new game that is due to release on consoles and PC. The decision to leave mobile is sure to help the success of this upcoming project and comments made about the similarities with his Fable games will pique the interest of gamers from that era. 

What’s Next?

It is clear that Molyneux creates games to push the envelope and that’s what excites me about his upcoming project. He is an innovator. He wants to try things that will inspire others. I can’t even imagine what interesting quirks he’ll embed in his new game, but I’m positive it’ll be like nothing else currently available. Due to this, I think as a community, we should encourage Molyneux to proceed with his vision and receive his next project with open arms. Yes, not all his ideas work but whatever he’s working on could include that special something that inspires a generation.

What are your thoughts on his upcoming game? Are you excited to see what he comes up with? Will it reach the heights of his earlier work? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.

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According to VGC research, customers of the Xbox 360 won’t be able to purchase any new Xbox 360 games or other content through the Xbox 360 store. Xbox 360 customers may still redownload their previously purchased games for storage purposes in the future, though. On July 29, 2024 the Xbox 360 Marketplace will likely end.

This choice by Microsoft is a component of its goal to concentrate on more recent gaming platforms and offer owners of the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S more significant support. Before the shop closes permanently, Xbox 360 owners must prepare and make sure they have downloaded all the games they wish to keep.

According to research, two hundred twenty games will reportedly wholly disappear and never be seen again. This list does not contain any of the outdated, backwards-compatible games. Customers would need Windows 10 or a PC running a newer version of Windows, an Xbox Series console, or both to view any content purchased from the Xbox 360 store after July 2024.

It’s anticipated that popular Xbox 360 shop titles, including 0D Beat Drop, 1942: Joint Strike, Amy, and Ancients of Ooga, will all be entirely removed. Fans who have cherished these games have been disappointed by this news. Many users are considering updating their hardware to guarantee they can keep accessing their paid material and enjoy the beloved gaming experience.

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The new update in Diablo 3 has introduced Solo Self Found. The video game lovers had requested a way to play solo officially. The new mode has been introduced keeping in mind the same. This new mode allows players to fully experience the game’s challenges and rewards without relying on trading or group play. It adds fresh excitement and accomplishment for those who prefer to tackle the game’s content on their terms.

A hardcore version would be present for the players who want to try their luck. The solo mode will also constitute its leaderboards. Blizzard Entertainment is cheering the players to try the unattended mode as much as possible in the PTR test period. This new solo mode provides a unique opportunity for players to showcase their skills and strategies as they navigate the game’s obstacles independently.

Blizzard Entertainment aims to encourage healthy competition among players and recognize the top performers in this challenging gameplay style by offering a separate leaderboard for solo mode. The PTR test period is the perfect platform for players to explore and provide valuable feedback on this exciting addition to the game.

In the Solo Self Mode, players can choose a solo hero in the character creation window. This allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game and experience the thrill of taking on challenges alone. Additionally, the Solo Self Mode will provide a unique gameplay experience that requires strategic thinking and adaptability, as players will need to rely solely on their chosen hero’s abilities and skills to overcome obstacles.

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Microsoft strikes a colossal $69 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard and has garnered another stamp of approval, this time from New Zealand. The Commerce Commission of New Zealand’s resounding decision adds another milestone to the list of green lights. With Australia being the sole country yet to make a call and the UK’s verdict still a mystery. The global game of approval dominos gains an extra layer of suspense.

Microsoft president Brad Smith tweeted, “With today’s approval from New Zealand, we’re cleared to move forward with our acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 41 countries,”. He said, “We will continue to work to resolve outstanding concerns and bring this deal to a close.”

The Commerce Commission explained its approval of the deal in a statement shared via Press Start. He said “In reaching its decision, the Commission focused on the importance of Activision games (such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft) to New Zealand gamers, and whether Microsoft would be likely to stop rivals like Sony and NVIDIA from offering those games on consoles and on cloud platforms,”

Unlike other regulatory bodies that emphasized the continued availability of Activision-Blizzard games on various platforms over time, the New Zealand decision didn’t consider this crucial for fair competition.

Commission chair Dr. John Small explained, “While Activision games, in particular Call of Duty, are popular with New Zealand gamers, our enquiries did not find that they are likely to be ‘must have’ in order to compete with Microsoft in New Zealand,”

All countries except Australia have made their own decisions on the matter. This year, Australia paused its investigation while engaging with regulators from other countries. This means it will probably wait for the UK regulator’s discussions with Microsoft to finish before they make their final decision.

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The Metal Gear series revolutionized the stealth game genre. It stands as one of the greatest gaming experiences to date with a whopping 17 games (including remakes, ports, or remasters) and it continues to captivate fans worldwide. The franchise first debuted in 1987 and has since become one of the most iconic and acclaimed video game series.

The franchise’s popularity knows no bounds, having sold over 60 million units across the globe. By September 2021, it had already reached a staggering 57.7 million units in sales. In November 2022, the number of units sold increased to 59.3 million, from the previous figure. The developers are even planning to resume sales on titles that got suspended temporarily. The series already generated 1 billion in revenue in February 2007. It is one of the highest-grossing video game franchises ever.

Hideo Kojima, the Japanese visionary and highly influential figure in the video game industry designed the series. The upcoming release is Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Don’t miss out on this epic adventure. Work as a member of U.S. Special Forces Unit FOXHOUND and experience the thrill, the stealth, and the extraordinary storytelling.

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The Street Fighter franchise has continued to innovate for over 30-plus years. Each release possesses original ideas which create a delicious base for intense 1v1 combat. With every game being distinct, I have decided to revisit and rank the iconic titles. Due to the number of versions available, I am only ordering games developed by Capcom (so, none of the EX series), no crossovers (sorry Street Fighter X Tekken fans) and only one entry per numbered title. Well, with that out of the way, let’s rank the Street Fighter series starting with the worst of the series.

9. Street Fighter

Although the original set the foundation for every subsequent release, it sits at the bottom of the pile in terms of gameplay. While you can still deliver a devastating Hadouken, it lacks the fluidity and personality that enshrouds the series. The flair that we have come to expect with Capcom characters is absent with even franchise favorites coming across as bland iterations; however, it is packed with ideas that would soon morph into the most important game in the history of the genre, but that’s higher in the list.

8. Street Fighter Alpha

After several iterations of Street Fighter 2, many expected Capcom to release the highly anticipated sequel, however, they threw a curveball with the Alpha prequels. With its stunning art direction, the inclusion of Final Fight characters and much more, it was a hit with fans. Introducing the three-tiered Super Combo, Street Fighter Alpha is a key title that shaped the future of the franchise.

7. Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold

A natural expansion on its predecessor, Alpha 2 welcomed new and returning characters into the fray. Minor tweaks refined the experience to deliver incredible combat that resonated with fans. While it doesn’t drastically alter anything, it is still an incredible fighter that continues to be a fan favorite. 

6. Street Fighter 5: Champion Edition

The initial release of Street Fighter 5 was an unexpected misstep. The lack of modes, characters locked behind paywalls and other aspects left a sour taste in the mouths of fans. While Capcom made some perplexing decisions such as the addition of adverts, the gameplay was still incredible. Most of the issues were addressed in the Arcade and Champion Editions, and by the end, the game boasted the largest selection of World Warriors, however, a lot of players already checked out before this.

5. Street Fighter Alpha 3

The third release in the prequel series is the best. Capcom overhauled the gameplay adding three new fighting styles: A-ISM, V-ISM and X-ISM. Each of these alters the combat, offering a simple mode suitable for newcomers, standard and variable options. With a packed roster and breathtaking animation, Alpha 3 is a must-play for fans of the genre.

4. Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo

Street Fighter 2 has a ridiculous number of iterations, but Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo is the pinnacle of these. One key factor to this is the introduction of Akuma. A fierce rival of Ryu, he went on to become a major antagonist of the series and a fan favorite. As well as this, the game also was the first to include the Super Attack, which has since become a staple of the series. With the ability to turn on the turbo mode as well, this version took the classic to the next level.

3. Ultra Street Fighter 4 

It took 11 years for the next numbered entry in the series but it was definitely worth the wait. The shift from pixel art to fully rendered 3D model was a move that could have gone awry but Capcom’s attention to detail and signature personality shone through to capture the hearts of fans. Cinematic flair was added to Supers to heighten their impact and the Focus Attacks gave new strategic options during battles. The culmination of this not only reinvigorated the franchise but also the genre. The Ultra version of the game balances the characters and adds a plethora of fan favorites to make this one of the greatest fighters ever.

2. Street Fighter 3: Third Strike

Arguably the most technical of the series, Street Fighter 3 is a wonderful fighter. In a brave move, Capcom introduced a number of new characters with only a few big players returning. The overall presentation is magnificent. Visually, it perfects the pixel art style of its predecessor to deliver a smooth experience with incredible animation. However, it was the parry system that was a game changer. The ability to counter, allowed players to portray an elite level of skill and pummel their opponent in a stylish and slick manner. 

1. Street Fighter 6

After SFV stumbled at the starting block, it was important for Capcom to make sure that Street Fighter 6 did not fall over the same hurdles. In complete contrast to its predecessor, SF6 is packed with content. With a full single-player mode, various combat options and a unique online experience, the game is larger than any other in the franchise. In addition to this, mechanically, it’s the best it has ever felt. The Drive System combines aspects of prior releases to create a strategic layer to combat. New characters offer interesting options to cap off a truly remarkable fighter that raises the bar for its opponents.

So, that’s my list of the best Street Fighter games. Do you agree with the rank order? If not, what would you change and why? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for some great video game content.

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Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is considered to be the pinnacle of the AC series. It came out at the height of Assassin’s Creed popularity, refined the gameplay, and captured the exact right setting that fans wanted at the time. While the series has forward to new games, Ubisoft is returning to Black Flag one more time.

In a slew of gaming announcements today from Ubisoft, they also announced Assassin’s Creed: Forgotten Temple. This limited series will be a digital comic made by Webtoon and serve as a sequel to Black Flag, taking place immediately after the base game ends.

When we last left Edward Kenway, at the end of Assassin’s Creed IV, he had just sailed off with his young daughter after securing the Observatory for the Assassins. Later, he returned to London, married, and had a son named Haytham, who would go on to join the Templar Order. Before Haytham turned, Edward became a Master Assassin of the British Brotherhood. He was killed by Templar mercenaries.

Forgotten Temple takes place after Edward returns to London and joins the Brotherhood. In this series, he will travel the seas of Southeast Asia in search of other Pieces of Eden. In the present day, a Korean descendant of Edward Kenway named Noa Kim researches his Assassin heritage.

The first five installments of the series will be released exclusively on Webtoon on April 24th. Following that date, a new episode will be released every week. There are three seasons planned for this series.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is available on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch.

Would you like to see more of Edward Kenway’s story? Let us know in the comments below.

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It’s that time of year again when we overindulge in chocolate eggs and scour the wardrobes for elasticated pants. In order to celebrate the occasion, I’ve decided to look at a different kind of Easter Egg in the medium we love the most. So join me as I explore the most delicious secrets that developers burrow within their games.

Spoilers Ahead

Metal Gear Solid 3

One of my absolute favorite games is Metal Gear Solid 3 and this includes a gem of an Easter Egg. The End is the oldest of The Cobra Unit, however, he is an incredible sniper. When you begin your confrontation with the master, if you save the game and return a week later (or simply change the date), The End dies of old age! In addition to this, there is an early opportunity to rid the world of the character. When you first see him, you can take a shot and assassinate him before these events even take place. It’s clever and very Kojima!

Metal Gear Solid 5

While I could easily write a list that consisted simply of Kojima games, I’m not going to do that. However, the Easter Egg in Metal Gear Solid 5 definitely deserves a shout. Yes, I could mention the nods to 80s pop culture, the fact that Kojima himself is in it, or even the nuclear disarmament but sometimes the subtle ones are the best. As you progress through the story, you realize that Snake doesn’t seem the same. His attitude and his morals seem skewed. Fans around the world were shocked to learn that you were actually playing as a different person who had undergone surgery to look like Snake, however, this was foreshadowed throughout. As you sit in the chopper and select your missions, at certain points in the day you can see your reflection and you guessed it, in the window is your true identity!

Dead Rising

Capcom’s Dead Rising is a fun and playful take on the zombie genre. You can use all manner of silly weapons to slice up enemies as you try to survive in an infested mall. Throughout, you’ll notice a range of shops that you can visit for items and one is a lovely nod to the Resident Evil series. An eatery is called Jill’s Sandwiches after the iconic line from the first game. The little reference keeps with the humorous nature of the game while paying homage to the most famous zombie game.

Dead Space

As Isaac, your main goal is to find your wife, Nicole, and get off the USG Ishimura. As missions progress, there are hints that your mental state is deteriorating. Although the twist cements the notion, the game spells it out for you through the title of each chapter. Read only the first letter of missions and it spells out ‘Nicole is Dead’. A haunting but fitting way to foreshadow the conclusion. 

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

GTA is full of secrets. Rockstar has placed a ton of hidden treats throughout their rich world which constantly reward exploration. Parodying is part and parcel of the developer’s ethos and their mockery of the actual Easter egg is one of its greats. If you go to the roof of a building near the VCN, you can jump through to enter a room that literally has a large chocolate egg that sits on a pedestal.

God of War: Ragnarok

There are plenty of things to discover in Santa Monica’s epic but Kvasir’s poems are, in my opinion, the best. Throughout, you’ll discover several well-written poems which are about iconic titles released on the PlayStation. They are extremely well done and work within the game’s premise, however, astute fans will be able to make links to famous franchises which will make you want to find them all.

Mortal Kombat

Reptile is synonymous with the franchise, however, you had to jump through several hoops to unlock him. You need to achieve two flawless victories on the pit stage while not blocking for the entirety of the fight. You must also conclude the battle with a fatality when an object sails past the moon. This is no joke. Once all of the criteria have been met, you are then transported to the bottom of the pit to face the green ninja.

Arkham Asylum

Some Easter eggs are hard to find but the Warden’s room in Arkham Asylum was missed by everybody! Inside were hints about the future of the franchise, showing blueprints for the eventual sequel, Arkham City. Rocksteady was so eager for this to be discovered that they actually announced its existence in a podcast! This led to fans scurrying back to the game to see this glimpse into the future.

Donkey Kong Country 2

An overlooked classic is the incredible Donkey Kong Country 2. Not only did it refine its predecessor, but it also took the genre to new heights with its innovative level design. If you 100% the game, you will reach the top spot in Cranky’s Video Game Heroes and knock off Nintendo characters from the podium. While it’s nice to see Mario, Yoshi and Link in the game, the real treat is at the bottom right of the screen. Near the trash can is a sign that says ‘No Hopers’ and on the floor lay Sonic’s red trainers and Earthworm Jim’s gun. It’s rare for Nintendo to throw shade at other games but when they do, they don’t hold back!

Dead Island

Dead Island has gained cult status due to several reasons. Its luscious beach setting was a wonderful contrast to the visceral zombie action. Within the horrific world is Jason Voorhees. Yes, you read that right. While it isn’t the licensed version, the psychopath dwells in a small hut near a camp, wears a hockey mask and has a machete. A bunch of other references to the legendary Friday 13th franchise is also evident which makes this encounter one of the best Easter eggs.

Well, there you have it. Those are my favorite Easter eggs in video games. Are there any on the list that you’d swap for something else? Are there any on here that you didn’t know about? Let us know in the comments on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for some great video game content.

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Xbox Live Gold subscribers have exclusive access to various video games as part of the Games With Gold program. The service offers a ton of benefits to subscribers. Furthermore, persons subscribed to the Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s latest initiative and service, will also have access to these titles, along with hundreds of other high-quality games. For the month of April, players will have access to Out of Space: Couch Edition and Peaky Blinders: Mastermind.

From April 1st to April 30th, players can jump into space with Out of Space: Couch Edition. it is also available for $9.99USD. Moreover, it is described as follows, “It will take all your strategic skills to keep each newly generated spaceship house creating resources and recycling alien goo by automating tasks to help keep it clean and comfy. Play with friends to build a sustainable environment that you can all enjoy together.”

Similarly, from April 16th to May 15th, players can enjoy the world of Peaky Blinders: Mastermind. In this game, the Shelby family has their own strengths and weaknesses and players can use a range of characters to to leverage game mechanics and succeed in missions. The family’s business is the priority and players must be willing to do what it takes to win.

Microsoft continues to provide its subscribers with quality games and services, through Xbox Live Gold and the Xbox Game Pass.

What are your thoughts on Xbox Live Gold? Are you still subscribed to the platform? What do you think about the free games each month? Are you excited for the free games for the month of April? What do you think about the Xbox Game Pass subscription service? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook.

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There’s so much excitement over Resident Evil these days. There is the RE 4 Remake coming up, plus the VR version of Resident Evil Village. The base game is still a banger as well. However, it seems that Resident Evil 5 is feeling left out, so a new update on Steam was pushed out.

This is the game where Capcom began to focus more on the action and gunplay of Resident Evil. It was also structured for co-op, something that was really only explored in 5 and 6. We don’t like to talk about RE 6 though.

The new update doesn’t reinvent the wheel or anything, but it is an improvement nonetheless. For one, Games for Windows Live support has been removed, so players don’t have to deal with that anymore. The other big point is that Resident Evil 5 now supports split-screen on Steam. The co-op game finally feels like a co-op game.

Other than other minor bug fixes, there isn’t really anything else new with the game. Since Capcom has been busy remaking all the Resident Evil games, it will be interesting to see if Resident Evil 5 and 6 get the same treatment as the others.

Resident Evil 5 is available on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Where does this game fall in your list of favorite RE games? Let us know in the comments below.

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Minecraft is approaching its 1.2.0 update, and Mojang has a surprise in store. They just revealed that the update will also come with a whole new biome, filled with cherry blossom trees!

“This beautiful biome is filled with cherry blossom trees“, says Mojang, “that bring a unique look to the horizon as their crowns are big and flat, like fluffy pink clouds. It’s no wonder that three adorable mobs, pigs, sheep, and bees, are drawn to them and will spawn in this biome.”

But of course, the highlight of a biome like this comes from that iconic color. Minecraft could really use more pink!

“These beautiful new trees fill the horizon with a stunning shade of pink,” Mojang says. “Of course these new trees can also be broken down and crafted into a full wood-set, including the newly introduced hanging signs and cherry tree saplings to grow more of the lovely pink trees.”

All the wood is a wonderful pink shade, because of course it is. You can read more about the update here, on Mojang’s official site. If you want images of just how pink everything is, that’s the place to go!

And obviously, new trees means new wood. New logs, planks, doors, trapdoors, the works. What sort of Minecraft creations will you be making with this new palette update? Got any special priorities? How are you feeling about the update as a whole, anything catch your eye? Let your voice be heard in the comments down below!

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Lara Croft is an iconic video game character, who chases down the truth buried in myths and legends. Now, she’s on a very meta adventure where her own Tomb Raider games are caught up in a mystery of a Nintendo Switch port.

The games in question are Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and its sequel the Temple of Osiris. They each came out in 2010 and 2014 respectively, for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. In 2021, these titles were announced to be coming to Nintendo Switch in 2022. Well, here we are on Christmas Eve and not a Tomb to be Raided.

News of these two Tomb Raider games had gone quiet until last week. Feral Interactive, publishers of the Nintendo Switch ports, are now aiming for a 2023 release date. Of course, with an entire year of possibilities, there is no telling exactly when Nintendo Switch owners will be playing these games.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light/Temple of Osiris are now coming to Nintendo Switch in 2023. We look forward to sharing more in the new year!

— Feral Interactive (@feralgames) December 21, 2022

These games are almost ten years old at this point. Gamers truly desperate to play them might as well find them on other platforms. Hopefully, Feral Interactive can convince them to wait just a little longer if they show how they run on Nintendo Switch.

Feral Interactive says that they will be able to share more information in 2023. For now, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is available on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3. The Temple of Osiris is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Have you played these Tomb Raider games or are you waiting for the Switch ports? Let us know in the comments below.

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It’s that time of year again when classic forms of media resurface to get you in the holiday spirit. Although you may be able to quickly select your favorite song or play your most beloved movie, you may draw a blank when thinking about the best Christmas game. Well, I’ve scoured the exhaustive list that fits the bill and selected the finest titles that allow you to step into Christmas.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is, without a doubt, my favorite festive game. What’s more Christmas-y than swinging around a frosty New York with your friendly neighborhood web swinger? Its slick combat and fast-paced traversal in a decked-up Big Apple make this one of the best games set at Christmas. 

Batman: Arkham Origins 

The Arkham games managed to capture the many aspects that make the Dark Knight the greatest superhero of them all. While not the greatest in the franchise, Origins is unfairly overlooked. Its great boss battles, improved detective mechanics, and story make this a memorable time with the caped crusader. Set on Christmas Eve, the snow-covered Gotham is an excellent way to get you in the festive mood.

Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 is one of the greatest action games to date, so what better reason to revisit the classic than to get you in the holiday spirit? While you may remember the over-the-top, ridiculous action set pieces more than the story, the game is actually set at Christmas. Seeing the witch herself purchasing presents and Rodin dressed as Santa is both bonkers and brilliant.

Tom Clancy’s The Division

After a virus decimates the population, the world is sent into chaos and anarchy reigns supreme. Doesn’t sound too Christmasy right? Well, this happens in the lead-up to the big day, so New York is covered in snow and decorated with lights. So you get that warm, fuzzy feeling as you pump enemies full of bullets. 

Dead Rising 4

Dead Rising is good ol’ silly fun. Knocking down zombies with a bowling ball, using the undead as a boxing bag, and slicing up a horde with a massive samurai sword is the perfect way to relieve the stress of the holidays. Its iconic setting and crazy cast of characters make this a wonderful Christmas time.

Yakuza Kiwami

The Yakuza games are complex crime-thrillers that explore the underbelly of Japan, however, this is countered with ridiculous scenarios that make the game an absolute joy. Kiwami is set in December, so the streets of Kamurocho have a real festive feel. Decorations lace the area and there are several yuletide-themed presents hidden within.

Die Hard Trilogy 

Many argue that Die Hard is the best Christmas film, well, they’re wrong because it’s Muppets’ Christmas Carol. Regardless of this, John McClain and his ass-kicking antics are now synonymous with the period and this classic is a fun iteration of the franchise. Each game adopts a different genre with the second entry being a highlight of the bundle. The first is a sketchy third-person action game, but the second is a fun on-the-rails shooter that will help you do Christmas harder.

Batman Returns

The second entry on the list for the World’s Greatest Detective is Batman Returns on the SNES. The combination of the comics and Christmas work wonderfully. While the game follows conventions of side-scrolling beat-em-up of the era, its chunky sprites and the number of offensive maneuvers make this a stand-out title in the genre. 

James Pond II: Codename RoboCod

James Pond is a classic. Often overlooked, this cute platformer was released in the early 90s and references many cinematic heroes. Its story focuses on the unimaginable horror, of a villain taking over Santa’s Workshop. With all his helpers held hostage, it’s down to you to save the day.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time & Space

While not all of the game is Christmas-themed, Episode 1: Ice Station Santa definitely is.  With its signature humor, Sam & Max have to take down the crazed, bearded man himself in a hilarious tale. The point-and-click adventure captures that Christmas spirit by infusing elements of Dickens’ classic.

So there you have it, those are my picks for the best games set a Christmas. Have I missed your festive favorite? Is there a snowy story that captures the spirit of the holidays better?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and get even more amazing video game content through the links below.

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It’s the weekend and our cosplay fans know exactly what that means! That’s right, we are featuring another fantastic cosplayer who deserves all of the love and attention! Elle AKA Sailor Virgo is a Floridian cosplayer whose been in the cosplay scene since 2007. She’s been sharing her craft with video game and anime fans alike and bringing some of our favorite waifus to life. Scroll on through to see some of our favorite shots!

Esmeraude from the Black Moon Clan – Sailor Moon

Gwenn Stacy – Spiderman

Want to check out even more awesome cosplay?

Be sure to check out the cosplay of the talented Azane or check out some saucy TikToks that’ll keep you warm. And we can’t forget the stunning Crystal Fae of course!

The post The Stunning Sailor Virgo – Serving Us Fierce Looks & Cosplays appeared first on COGconnected.

Gearbox Publishing is a massive video game publisher with major titles under its belt such as Tribes of Midgard, Godfall and Subnautica. Today, the company has announced that it has purchased the Risk of Rain IP, or intellectual property. However, it is to be noted that it has not acquired Hopoo Games, the team behind the game. Hopoo Games is an independent developer, founded in 2012, that struck gold with the release of its hit title, Risk of Rain.

Via its official Twitter for the game, the team welcomed Gearbox to the family. The release stated, “After years of passionate publishing work on Risk of Rain 2, we have developed a deep love and respect for the IP. We are eager to prove ourselves as worthy custodians by continuing to bring you world-class content and ensuring a bright future for the genre-leading franchise.” Furthermore, the team went on to indicate that it is working hard on the Survivors of the Void DLC.

Additionally, in Risk of Rain, players are tasked with escaping a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of monsters. Along the way, players will be able to unlock new items, discover powerful weapons and unlock new ways to play. Gearbox Publishing acquiring the IP is interesting. There is a lot of potential for the game and the future is bright for the Risk of Rain franchise.

What are your thoughts on Gearbox Publishing? Are you a fan of their games? What do you think about Risk of Rain? Have you played either game in the series? What do you think is the future of the series? What is your favorite aspect of the game? Are you interested in the future? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE

The post Gearbox Publishing Has Acquired The Risk of Rain IP appeared first on COGconnected.