There is a part of us all that craves the peaceful life. Wake up, say hi to the neighbors, do some chores, put some time into a meaningful project, produce something small toward a greater good, then go to bed after a hard day’s work, looking forward to tomorrow. That isn’t the reality most of us find ourselves in, but through the magic of video games, we can experience these simple pleasures and escape from the real world. My Time at Sandrock gives players a slice of what that life has to offer, along with a playful taste of the strange and mysterious.

This game is a follow-up to Pathea’s previous entry to the series My Time at Portia. While the two games take place in different parts of the world, there are connecting threads, both through the gameplay mechanics and through a few characters and a shared world history. Sandrock is one of the Free Cities, located in a dry desert, a stark difference to the lush, green fields and plains of Portia. The peoples of the Free Cities are remnants of an old civilization. Their hubris led them down a path of dangerous technological advances, ultimately destroying them. Sandrock is a settlement built right on top of an Oldworld city. Because of this, there is no end to the scrap of wood, stone, and metal unearthed by the shifting sands.

We Built This City

The premise of My Time at Sandrock is nearly identical to Portia. You come to a new town as one of the new resident Builders. As a Builder, you take Commissions and jobs from the townsfolk to earn your living. Build whatever they need, whether that may be furniture, mechanical parts, machines, or other resources. I played My Time at Portia and really enjoyed it. To minimize the risk of this becoming a compare and contrast between the two games, My Time at Sandrock has a more mechanically refined gameplay loop than its predecessor. Quality of life improvements that might make in-game tasks almost too easy, but you’re not meant to break your back playing this game. The changes help the game feel cozy and laidback.

Though the gameplay is very similar to My Time at Portia, Pathea does a good job making sure that Sandrock is not just Portia with a desert skin. Salvaging and recycling Oldworld junk is a central part of My Time at Sandrock and shakes things up for those of us from Portia. Crafting and building works the same as the first game, but with the addition of the Recycler machine and Pickhammer tool, the amount of salvaging the player does and its utility in the community really makes you feel that Sandrock has a different way of doing things than the other Free Cities.

New and Improved

Building is not the sole activity you can take part in in Sandrock. You might think that farms out in the desert would not thrive, but through a new, unconventional method called Sandfarming. Players can grow and harvest crops, albeit a little differently than in Portia. Combat is another gameplay mechanic that has been revamped since the previous game.

The fallout from the Oldworld has left the Free Cities full of dangers. Whether you are hunting wild animals for resources, defending yourself from robots in the ruins, or fighting for your life against mutant creatures, you will need to be prepared with weapons. My Time at Sandrock has a new Break system for combat. Your enemies have a Break meter which will make your target stagger when they are hit enough. This leaves them vulnerable to more damage, but be careful because your character has a Break meter too.

Sandrock has a wide variety of weapons you can use in combat. There are a Sword and Shield, Spear, Dual Daggers, Broadsword, Hammer, and Firearms. All type have their own advantages and drawbacks to using them. It is really a matter of preference though. Combat is by no means challenging, but again, this isn’t meant to be a stressful or hard game to play.

The Frontier Experience

Nearly every action you take will earn you Experience, whether that is building an item, completing a commission, slaying a monster, or salvaging scrap. This experience contributes to your overall level, which will increase certain attributes, such as HP or Stamina. However, those actions will also contribute to a specific skill tree. Building items increase your Workshop level. Killing monsters increases your Combat level. Completing quests for other characters increases your Social level, and so on.

This leveling mechanic gently pushes players toward skills you wish to improve, while also rewarding them for playing the way they want. When a specific skill tree earns a Skill Point, it can be invested into a perk. Perks will have various bonuses, such as increased damage with a specific type of weapon or getting more relationship points when interacting with other characters.

As you complete story-related missions, more locations, jobs, and resources will become available to you. There becomes a natural flow of building machines, expanding your property, upgrading machines, to take on more interesting projects. Eventually, you will find yourself with a nifty operation of processing, forging, sawing, and assembling.

Sandrockers

The singleplayer campaign is the core experience, but Pathea is also refining a multiplayer portion of My Time at Sandrock. While they could have just made the same game, but with room for more players, the multiplayer is quite a different experience. Multiplayer games also take place before the singleplayer game. Players will notice that many of the buildings, landmarks, and pathways are missing. The building projects in multiplayer are actually things that will come to be in the main game.

The gameplay is largely the same, but up to four players can work together, sharing resources and money. Progression is also streamlined and easier for a team to build and upgrade their Workshop. Unlike singleplayer, overall levels offer Skill points to invest into perks to remove any obstacles in getting more out of a multiplayer session.

If the multiplayer aspect is a turn-off for you, you will be happy to know that you don’t actually need other players for this mode. Playing on your own is enough to get the experience of this mode, which is different enough to warrant giving it a try. Again, multiplayer is a work-in-progress and won’t be available on console at launch. However, knowing Pathea and the commitment they have to improving their games in the long run, I believe it will have the same quality as the singleplayer portion some point soon after the game launches.

A Fine Piece of Machinery

After playing Portia, and then seeing My Time at Sandrock announced, I was skeptical. How can Pathea make this work again? And in a desert of all places? Well, I have to say I was surprised and impressed. Pathea has a very creative team behind this world of theirs. On top of the quality of life improvements, and the new multiplayer component, My Time at Sandrock recaptures the feeling of “I’ll do one more day” at the end of every day. Not only that, but now I’m excited for the prospect of My Time at Highwind or My Time at Atara, just to see what can be done with a new part of this world.

***A Steam code was provided by the publisher***

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Resident Evil 4 Remake has been out for a while and is one of the many hits of 2023. This coming week, players will be able to see a new side to the game. A new update will launch alongside the DLC Separate Ways.

Separate Ways of course is the alternate campaign for the game. Normally, players follow Leon on his mission to save Ashley. At times, he will cross paths with Ada Wong. Separate Ways follows the story from Ada’s perspective. This is based off the original Separate Ways storyline from the PS2 release of the original game.

This DLC will explore Ada’s involvement with Albert Wesker and Major Krauser. The trailer suggests we will learn more about her personal feelings in the role she plays and how she ultimately decides to help Leon rather than hinder him.

Take a closer look at what we revealed yesterday for Resident Evil 4:
Separate Ways DLC (Sep 21)
A free update for The Mercenaries (Sep 21)
VR Mode for PSVR 2 (Winter) pic.twitter.com/feYNOSMcBq

— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) September 15, 2023

Even if you don’t buy the Resident Evil 4 Remake DLC, you can play as either Ada Wong or Albert Wesker in the Mercenaries Mode. This update will go live at the same time as the DLC.

This reveal at State of Play also showed off something for VR players. Resident Evil 4 VR Mode will be launching on PSVR 2 sometime this Winter. It is unclear if the VR mode will be available on Steam or not.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Will you be playing the DLC and Mercenaries? Let us know in the comments below.

SOURCE

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Thursday’s State of Play didn’t show us very much that we were not already preparing for, but it was a good way to rev up excitement for some of the biggest games on their way. We learned the early 2024 release date for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the slick items included in the Collector’s Edition.

The Collector’s Edition contains codes for several DLC items, but the big ticket item is the 19″ statue of Sephiroth. He stands atop a stone pillar while the ground burns below him. His one wing is extended and he holds his iconic Masamune behind him. The wing can be detached.

DLC items include the Moogle Trio Summoning Materia, Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory, Orchid Bracelet accessory, and Midgar Bangle Mk II accessory.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Deluxe Edition includes an artbook, soundtrack, and steelbook case. These items are also included in the Collector’s Edition. If you have save data on your console for Remake/Intergrade, you will automatically get the Leviathan Summoning Materia (Remake) and Rumah Summoning Materia (Intergrade).

In this stage of the story, Cloud and his friends will be journeying across the Planet in search of Sephiroth. He is joined by Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII. Along the way, they will meet Yuffie, Cait Sith, and Vincent. We haven’t seen Cid yet, so maybe Square Enix will reveal him at a later date. Either that or in the next game.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be coming out on February 19th, 2024 for PS5.

Which edition do you have your eyes on? Let us know in the comments below.

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Later this year, Ubisoft will be releasing Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Mirage is a return to the roots of the series in more ways than one. Visually, we are reminded of the very first entry to the series. It is also a return to form in terms of the Brotherhood of Assassins, otherwise known as the Hidden Ones.

You play as Basim, who you may remember from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This game takes place before Valhalla and, presumably, we will see Basim get from being common street thief to the Master Assassin we eventually becomes.

In terms of gameplay, there are strong elements of some of the earlier games. The swordplay and combat is very reminiscent of the first titles. Combat emphasizes on parries, dodges, and carefully timed strikes rather than brute force. Though Assassin’s Creed Mirage is not absent of all modern features. The parkour and free running is feels very much like Assassin’s Creed Unity. It feels very flowy and easy to control ascent and descent on buildings.

There are skill trees to invest points in, which will unlock abilities and tools. The Phantom tree improves stealth skills, Trickster skills unlock more tools and gadgets, and the Predator skill tree improves fighting abilities.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will launch on October 5th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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Crash Team Rumble launched on PlayStation and Xbox earlier this Summer. Now that school is back in session and leaves are starting to change, a new season is upon us. Toys For Bob has launched the second season for their team battle game and now we have details on what exactly they have planned.

The Season 2 roadmap is pretty packed. There are a lot of dates, a lot of events, a lot of everything. There’s just a lot to take in. Let’s break it down month by month. In September, Dr. N. Gin became playable just a couple of days ago. Between the 21st and 25th, there will be a limited time event called Team Takedown. Then at the end of the month, a new map called Waste Deep.

Next month, Crash Team Rumble will add a new party mode game called Balloon Bounce, as well as a 3v3 limited time event. From October 19th to 31st, players can celebrate a Halloween event, which is also when the new Jazz Junction map will be playable.

Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect in Season 2 of #CrashTeamRumble pic.twitter.com/cAyIlKtTZl

— Toys For Bob (@ToysForBob) September 14, 2023

In November, rotating limited time modes will include Zap Trap, Team Takedown, and Wump-a-Rama. The new hero Ripto will also launch in November, but a bit earlier for early access players. In early December, the new power Minefield will be active, as well as a Boss Beatdown limited time event.

There will also be 2x XP boosts scattered throughout the season, which players should take advantage of. Crash Team Rumble is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Will you be Crashing this season? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Is there anything that Xbox can’t do (other than run Starfield at 60fps)? The answer is no. You can game, you can socialize, you can watch TV, and now you can finance. Today, Xbox announced their new Xbox MasterCard.

Just like every company with a credit card, Xbox incentivizes the use of their MasterCard, issued by Barclays. Money spent with the Xbox MasterCard can earn Card Points, which roughly translates to $1 per 100 points. Card Points can then be redeemed and put toward eligible digital products at Xbox.com.

The bonus on Card Points on this credit card are as follows:

• Xbox & Microsoft – Earn 5x card points on eligible products at the Microsoft Store.  
• Streaming Services – Earn 3x card points on eligible streaming services like Netflix® and Disney+®. 
• Dining Delivery Services – Earn 3x card points on eligible dining delivery services like Grubhub® and DoorDash®. 
• Everyday purchases – Earn 1x card points on all other everyday purchases. 

Other benefits include:

• A bonus of 5,000 card points (a $50 value) after their first purchase. 
• Three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members after their first purchase. If they’re already a Game Pass member, they can easily gift it to a friend to play together. 
• Choice of one of five iconic designs for their card, with the option of personalizing it with their gamertag. 
• Flexibility of use with contactless payments and digital wallets. 
• Free online access to cardmembers’ FICO Credit Score, which allows users to keep an eye on their credit score and receive alerts when their score has changed. 
• $0 Fraud Liability protection, so cardmembers are not responsible for charges they didn’t authorize. 

Would you use an Xbox MasterCard? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Over the last few years, Swedish video game and entertainment holding company, Embracer Group has been busy. They have been buying up gaming other entertainment studios, as well as getting some big investments. Today, rumors began swirling concerning their relationship with Gearbox Entertainment.

Dan Hewitt, Chief Communications Officer of Gearbox Entertainment, emailed staff regarding their place in Embracer Group. In part, the email read “The base case is that Gearbox remains a part of Embracer. However, there are many options under consideration, including Gearbox’s transfer, taking Gearbox independent, and others. Ultimately, we’ll move ahead with whichever path is best for both Gearbox and Embracer.”

Of course, nothing is official or set in stone. However, it sounds like there are several options for Gearbox. They could be sold to another holding company or maybe even break off and go independent. Though only purchased by Embracer Group in 2021. If that was in their best interest just two years ago, their priorities and needs may not have changed all that much.

If Embracer Group is indeed looking to cut Gearbox loose, that could spell bad news for the Borderlands developer. Perhaps their acquisition had not been the profit-turning purchase they had hoped for. Who knows? Time will tell… maybe. Again, maybe nothing will change at all.

Gearbox Entertainment is currently made up of Gearbox Publishing, Software, Properties, and Studios, plus Cryptic Studios, Lost Boys Interactive, and Captured Dimensions.

Would you like to see Gearbox go independent? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Everybody thinks being a singer is easy. You get out on stage, fans scream your name, you sing your songs, go party, then do it all again then next day. That’s not how it actually works. Let’s Sing 2024 will be giving you the premium singer experience… I think. I’m not a singer.

Later this year, Plaion and Voxler will be releasing this year’s karaoke game. The Let’s Sing series has been active and releasing a new title every year since 2013. There are also special spin-offs for specific elements, like Country, Queen, and ABBA.

This year, Voxler is doing some firsts for Let’s Sing 2024. Players will get to embark on a story mode for the first time in the series. There aren’t any details shared regarding the journey of players, but they will begin as a student taking singing lessons on their way to stardom. There will also be other characters to meet along the way.

Let’s Sing 2024 will also be the first time players can customize their avatar. Keep in mind, it does not appear that avatars will have their own body. They are floating head with floating hands to hold their microphone. There are options for hair style/color, make-up, and accessories, such as hats, glasses, and cat ears. Players can also customize their microphone.

The game will be shipping with 35 songs, which is on par for the series, but significantly less compared to many other music and rhythm games. Let’s Sing 2024 will be coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Would you get this for your karaoke needs? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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In just under two weeks, Payday 3 will officially launch. What a wild ride of risk and reward this game has been with its real-world funding ventures. If you want all the cash, loot, and content that the game has to offer, check out and consider getting the Gold or Collector’s Edition.

With the exception of the Season Pass content, none of the digital content changes how the game plays or anything, so you won’t miss out by getting the Standard Edition. Pre-ordering any edition on any platform will get you the Trifecta Loot Bag, which includes a set of cosmetic items. It contains the Venomous Verdigris mask, Obsidian Glitz suit, and Cotton Stripes gloves.

The special content has three tiers of items. Payday 3 Silver Edition comes with the Dark Sterling Mask, Gold Edition has the mask, plus the Statue of Liberty Mask and Golden State Gloves. The Collector’s Edition comes with both previous tiers and the Solidius Mask. Pre-ordering the Silver or Gold Editions will also get you 3 days of early access.

Payday 3 also has two Season Passes. The first grants access to two new Heists, Tailor Packs, and Weapon Packs. Season Pass 2 includes the first four of those. Silver Edition comes with the first Season Pass, while the Gold and Collector’s Edition come with both.

The Collector’s Edition does not come with early access, but includes several physical items. This includes a life-sized Gold Mask, a gold deck of playing cards, a set of stickers, and a membership letter to the Collector’s Club.

Payday 3 will be out on September 21st for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Which edition would you like to get your hands on? Let us know in the comments.

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Tekken 8 will be coming out early next year and fighting games have to stick together. While they are wildly different in design and structure, characters from the Tekken series will be spending some time in Brawlhalla before their next game.

The Tekken fighters in this crossover are Devil Jin, Nina Williams, and Yoshimitsu. Like the other crossover characters, these fighters take on the abilities of Legends in Brawlhalla. Devil Jin is a skin of Zariel, Nina is a skin of Lucien, and Yoshimitsu is a skin of Jiro.

This crossover also comes with a neat Tekken emote. A character can start gaming on an original Tekken arcade cabinet and characters can join in by emoting nearby. There are also some Tekken-themed avatars, emojis, and a KO effect. Mishima Dojo becomes a playable map for 1v1 matches and Tekken Brawl is a new map for Volleybrawl.

The Brawlhalla x TEKKEN Crossover has begun! Devil Jin, Nina, & Yoshimitsu are ready to brawl on Mishima Dojo, use the TEKKEN Arcade Cabinet Emote, see the Panda Slam KO, and more. pic.twitter.com/vraZYA8WeK

— Brawlhalla (@Brawlhalla) September 6, 2023

Something not part of the crossover is an experimental gadget called Sticky Bomb. There are no surprises here; it is what it sounds like. In Training Mode or the Experimental queues, you can throw the Sticky Bomb at enemies, where it will detonate a short time later. It can also be passed on to other fighters for a game of Hot Potato.

Brawlhalla is free-to-play on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

Would you like to see more fighting game crossovers like this? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Some of the coolest design elements in the Horizon series is the fashion of the different tribes. Functional for the lives they live, yet stylish. Gamers like to rep their favorite titles with apparel, so fans of Horizon Forbidden West might like these items.

In a collaboration with Rocklove Jewelry, PlayStation Gear has launched the Horizon Raw Materials line. The jewelry in this line is inspired by items from the game, as well as other accessories characters wear. They range in price from $75-$125.

Starting with the least expensive items at $75, there is the Nora Feather Necklace. The chain carries a charm of an arrow with feathers protruding, in the shape of a larger feather. There is a replica of Rost’s Charm Necklace, which has a bird skull, that he gave to Aloy. Of course, there is also a Focus Ear Cuff. This fits over your ear, placing the Focus the way it rests on Aloy’s face.

Enhance your look, with the Horizon Raw Materials @RockLoveJewelry collection, available for pre-order now on the PlayStation Gear Store! Accessorize yourself to prepare for your adventures in the wilds. Find them here: https://t.co/B7OmM16Dtl pic.twitter.com/mldlx0Dymq

— Guerrilla (@Guerrilla) September 6, 2023

At $95, there is a Hunter’s Bow Necklace. This one has moving parts. The bowstring is a chain that can be pulled back, shifting the arms. At $125, we have the Cauldron Spinner Unisex Ring. This can be ordered in different sizes. It also has a rotating face with symbols of the Cauldrons.

All the Horizon Forbidden West jewelry is made out of silver-plated brass except the Cauldron ring. The Cauldron ring is made out of sterling silver.

Horizon Forbidden West is available on PS4 and PS5.

Would you get any of this jewelry? Let us know in the comments below.

SOURCE

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Oh great. Another video game movie is coming out. But wait, that’s not all there is to it. The game in question is 2022’s prospective GOTY Stray. It launched on PlayStation and PC, but recently landed on Xbox. On all fours, of course.

What gives this film adaptation some hope is the studio behind it. Annapurna Interactive the publisher of the game, but Annapurna Animation will be producing the movie. Hopefully, this means that the integrity of the game will be translated well into the film adaptation.

Robert Baird, lead at Annapurna Animation, said this about the game: “This is a game that’s all about what makes us human, and there are no humans in it. It’s a buddy comedy about a cat and a robot, and there’s such a hilarious dynamic. So, there’s comedy inherent in this, but there’s not one human being in this movie. I think it’s one of the reasons why the game was incredibly popular, that you are seeing the world through the point of view of an adorable cat. How did they pull that off, and how are we going to pull that off in the movie? We will, even though sometimes it feels impossible, but we know that’s the essence of the game and the key to telling the story.”

An animated ‘STRAY’ movie is in the works.

(Source: https://t.co/nBLeNMhcJ8) pic.twitter.com/Esij5DfGV5

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 5, 2023

Stray has no spoken dialogue from the automatons the cat meets. That will likely change in the film, which will create opportunities for connections between the cat and B-12, and perhaps some other characters.

Stray is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Do you think this will make for a good movie? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Crunch is a very dirty word in gaming. We hate to see people getting worked to the bone to meet a deadline or produce mediocre results. I’m talking about gamers in this case. There are so many games that have come out this year, we need more time. That is why Alone in the Dark is getting a delay.

THQ Nordic was planning to release their game this year in October. After all, it is the perfect month for spooky, frightful games. Humanity never thought this possible, but there are just too many good games. For that reason, the developers are pushing back the release of the Alone in the Dark re-remake.

The delay isn’t a small one either. The game is being pushed back into January. This is also a great opportunity to polish and get any kinks worked out.

Horror games thrive on the eerie embrace of solitude, something that is impossible to achieve in a gaming month as busy as October.

To ensure a breathtaking experience for everyone, we have made the decision to move the release of #AloneInTheDark to January 16, 2024. pic.twitter.com/W5EgV4aTZc

— Alone in the Dark (@AITDGame) September 5, 2023

The timing of this could mean that AITD will be going up against a different group of games for popularity at release. Not that it’s a competition or anything. THQ Nordic is still planning on releasing Last Train Home and Tempest Rising sometime in 2023.

The new release date for Alone in the Dark is January 16th, 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Are you thankful for the delay or is this one of your most anticipated titles? Let us know in the comments.

SOURCE

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Well, they’ve done it. Bethesda has finally released Starfield. It is one of the biggest releases of the year, already stacked as it is. It is also a brand new IP from Bethesda, so there is a lot to live up to. In our opinion, it has lived up it the excitement.

Very little actual information was released on the game before its launch, so many prospective players just consider it “Fallout in space.” While that is hyperbole, there is a bit of truth to it. Fans of the Fallout games will feel right at home with Starfield. There is lock-picking, hacking, shooting, sneaking; all the Fallout gameplay you know and love.

The game is also as vast as it looks. It has a 30-hour main story, hours of faction quests, side quests, and repeatable jobs, like bounties. The planets, which there are more than we can count, are procedurally generated, so no two experiences will be the same.

While the story is very fun and engaging, most of the content will be the optional side quests. Of course, one of the biggest differences between Starfield and other Bethesda games is the setting. Space. You can build your own spaceship, build outposts, and have space fights. As you travel, you will get pulled into helping strangers or delivering something for cash or fighting for your life.

The planets are expansive, but if you are without a quest, the exploration feels kind of empty. Points of interest of randomly generated locations, but the areas and structures themselves are copies of each other, depending on what type of location it is. Some features like this are not explored very well. Planet surfaces are often boring and difficult to navigate without vehicles. Outposts can be built, but serve almost no purpose. Oxygen can also be a limiting factor for players.

For all the qualms we have, Starfield is Bethesda’s most successful and quality launch, pun intended.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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We are currently in Starfield (early access) week! Everyone who paid a bit more cash for the game gets to play Bethesda’s new space adventure. The rest of us space peasants have to wait until September 6th. Private Label has collaborated with Bethesda and Xbox to produce a sweet backpack for fans.

The backpack has a kind of rectangular shape. It has the Constellation logo on the front and a Starfield x Private Label key tag. There are three main ways to open the main compartment; left side, right side, and top. The main compartment has two dividers which can be adjusted or removed.

There is a quick access pocket on the front and each of the side flaps. The inner side flaps also have smaller pockets and zipped pouches. Private Label says that users can comfortably fight their Xbox Series X|S, controller, peripherals, and cables in the bag.

Change the Way You Travel with our Limited Edition Starfield x Private Label backpack
11am EST – Exclusively online at:https://t.co/q4ZWnNqVB8#PrivateLabelNYC #Starfield pic.twitter.com/IhQtuTxTtz

— Private Label (@privatelabelnyc) August 31, 2023

Unfortunately, the bag is currently sold out. What do you expect with an officially licensed Starfield backpack during release week? Hopefully, they will restock soon, so you can pick up your own.

Starfield will officially launch on September 6th for PC and Xbox Series X|S. Players who bought the Premium or Constellation Edition can play it now in early access.

Are you looking for Starfield merchandise? Let us know in the comments.

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The timeless tale of toddlers known as Rugrats is one of the most famous adventures of babies. The show debuted in 1991 and ran until 2004, where it was succeeded by the sequel series All Grown Up. Wallride Games and The Mix Games is bringing them back with Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland.

At first glance, it looks like a basic platformer from the NES era. However, it is fresh as a newborn, stylistically designed to match the games of the Rugrats’ time. Adventures in Gameland is a 2D platformer, but has some fairly interesting features.

You can play as Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, or Lil, and each of them have unique stats. Each baby has strengths in Jump or Lift stats, affecting the height of their jumping and speed at which they pick up throwable items. Babies can also crawl into small spaces, ground-pound enemies, and boost off of bouncy things.

Fresh off MIX Next & Published by The MIX Games

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland

Unique playable babies Tommy, Chuckie, Phil & Lil
Play solo or local co-op
Toggle between retro or HD artwork
and more familiar faces!

Coming to PC & Consoles 2024! pic.twitter.com/tFHZ4g3Wwz

— Media Indie Exchange (@indieexchange) August 31, 2023

What’s more, players can toggle between the 16-bit sprites and the HD models. The HD models are sprites drawn like the characters from the show. Backgrounds, enemies, and items are also designed this way.

There is currently no exact release date, but Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland will be coming out in 2024. The supporting platforms have also not been detailed, but it will be coming to “PC and consoles”.

Will you be trying out this new Rugrats game? Let us know in the comments.

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14 years later, after the release of the first game, the Borderlands series is put together into one neat package. Earlier today, Gearbox Software and 2K announced that Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box will be coming out later this year. All the games, all in one place.

There is a whopping six full games in this collection. There is Borderlands: GOTY Edition, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3, and New Tales from the Borderlands. That’s a lot of borders and lands. It also includes all of the DLC packs from each of the games.

With the exception of the Tales games, which are episodic, each of the other games have multiple DLC packs. The first game includes three story expansions and an arena expansion. Borderlands 2 comes with five full expansions, the four Headhunters episodes, and two additional Vault Hunters. The Pre-sequel comes with a story DLC, an arena DLC, and two more Vault Hunters. Borderlands 3 comes with four story DLCs, the Designer’s Cut, and Director’s Cut, which adds a new game mode and an expanded skill tree.

Make Complete Mayhem with 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀’𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐗…
Borderlands: GotY Edition
Borderlands 2
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Tales from the Borderlands
Borderlands 3
New Tales from the Borderlands
…and all DLC! pic.twitter.com/1bLjxBRdSJ

— Borderlands (@Borderlands) August 31, 2023

The Borderlands Collection will also be the first release of Borderlands 3 on Nintendo Switch. A release date was not specifically given for the Collection, but October 6th was the date provided for the Nintendo Switch release of Borderlands 3. We can stand to reason that is the launch date of the collection.

Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

How many of these games do you already have? Let us know in the comments.

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Late next month, Omega Force‘s new game Fate/Samurai Remnant will be launching on PC and select consoles. The Fate/ series is exploring Edo Period Japan in this samurai RPG. The new trailer shows off some of the gameplay and mini-game features. There is also a crash course in the story, but without context, it is wildly confusing.

Players control Iori Miyamoto, a swordsman’s apprentice. After the death of his master, he discovers a strange mark on his hand, propelling him into an adventure and battle over the Waxing Moon. Iori learns that he is a Master, who can fight for the Waxing Moon. Masters also have Servants, who are Heroic Spirit companions.

While the core gameplay of Fate/Samurai Remnant is combat, there are several side quest and mini-games to take part in. The trailer shows a weapon customization feature, as well as an upgradeable workshop. Iori also does odd jobs, such as wood-carving.

Your wish shall perish…” A Holy Grail War begins in Edo Japan.

“Your wish will lie shattered.” – Saber

Take a glimpse into the deeper aspects of the story and the various elements you will experience in the town of Edo.#FateSR #KTfamily pic.twitter.com/W4aZJkCIhk

— KOEI TECMO AMERICA (@KoeiTecmoUS) August 29, 2023

For fans of the Fate/ series, you can pre-order a couple of different editions. There is a physical Treasure Box Edition, which comes with a poster, artbook, soundtrack, a short story, and Command Spell stickers. The Digital Deluxe Edition comes with digital versions of the artbook and soundtrack, as well as the DLC season pass.

Fate/Samurai Remnant will be coming out on September 29th for PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

Have you played any of the Fate/ games before? Let us know in the comments.

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Last year’s beat ’em up from WayForward has been steadily adding new content and features. One of the biggest and best gameplay features is now out for River City Girls 2. Today, players can now join 4-player online co-op games.

Before now, online co-op only supported two players. Four players could play locally, but are no longer restricted to one screen. Coupled with the previously implemented cross-play feature, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch players can all beat up bad guys together. The holy unity of gaming has appeared.

Players can choose between six characters in River City Girls 2. Your main girls from the first game are Misako and Kyoko, plus their boyfriends Riki and Kunio. The guest fighters Marian and Provie, from Double Dragon and River City Ransom: Underground, respectively.

A new update to the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions of River City Girls 2 is here: 3 & 4-player online co-op! To celebrate, we’ve got a brand-new RCG series trailer narrated by River City’s own resident historian, Godai (thanks, @Jacksepticeye)! https://t.co/PouSpYUAMH pic.twitter.com/EjTSUSzQKj

— WayForward (@WayForward) August 29, 2023

What’s more is that WayForward also released a bundle of the trilogy today. River City Girls Zero, 1, and 2 can be purchased on Steam, the Microsoft Store, Nintendo Online Store, and the PlayStation Store. Separately, they are an $85 value, but together the bundle costs $75.

Each of the games in the bundle are available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Do you have the games already or would you like to get them in the bundle? Let us know in the comments.

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Digital Extremes celebrated Warframe’s 10 year anniversary this past weekend. At TennoCon 2023, Digital Extremes revealed two expansions coming to their free-to-play futuristic, third-person action multiplayer game. One of those expansions, Warframe: 1999, is generating buzz for several reasons, one of which is the setting of the alternate 1999.

Digital Extremes also developed the 2008 game Dark Sector, which is largely considered a precursor to Warframe. Fans recognize the nods and similarities between the two, which are pretty hard to ignore in this gameplay demo.

As the title suggests, Warframe: 1999 takes place at the turn of the current century. However, it is an alternate history of 1999. It still has the hallmarks of the 90s, like CRT TVs, Nine Inch Nails, and bad boy center-part haircuts.

Albrecht Entrati would like a word with you, Tenno.

See the full #TennoCon 2023 Demo for #Warframe’s next two major updates, Whispers in the Walls and Warframe: 1999 https://t.co/IOish01mZ5 pic.twitter.com/cjMztclwJa

— WARFRAME (@PlayWarframe) August 27, 2023

The gameplay follows a man named Arthur, who wears a basic Excalibur Warframe, which is pretty on the nose. He fights through a deserted subway station on New Year’s Eve 1999. The enemies appear to be infected with a primitive version of the Technocyte virus, growing CRT TVs all over their body.

For those of you wanting there to be a more concrete connection between Warframe and Dark Sector, you might just get that. Digital Extremes has not come out and said it, but this is a perfect opportunity to include it in the lore or at least draw from it more. Warframe: 1999 appears to be setting up the origins of current world of Warframe.

Warframe is free-to-play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The 1999 expansion is expected to come out in 2024.

Which of the Warframe expansions are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments.

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PDP Gaming is a controller and accessories retailer. Their products have both useful and attractive functions. I was lucky enough to review their wired Afterglow Wave controller. More recently, PDP launched a new series of controllers called REALMz.

The draw to the REALMz collection is the diorama built in. They take the transparent hardware design of the early 00s and mash it with licensed characters. These REALMz controllers are Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired. Each variant has a different Sonic character and background in the controller.

This PDP Gaming series has five controllers for Nintendo Switch and one for Xbox Series X|S. For Nintendo Switch, there is a blue controller with Sonic, a yellow one with Tails, and a red one with Knuckles. There are wired and wireless versions. The Xbox Series X|S controller has a different Sonic design, wired. They also has a wired REALMz headset for Nintendo Switch, also with designs inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog.

Explore the REALMz.
Pre-orders available now at https://t.co/VEyXHnsm2I and at participating online retailers.#PDPREALMz #SonicTheHedgehog #NintendoSwitch #Xbox pic.twitter.com/sv1SsDdkMH

— PDP (@PDPgaming) August 25, 2023

Not only does this collection have unique visual features, but the products are pretty inexpensive, compared to standard counterparts. Nintendo Switch Pro controllers will cost you $70. The REALMz controllers from PDP Gaming cost $60 (wireless) and $40 (wired). A wired Xbox controller will cost $60, but again, $40 from PDP (wired).

Do you like this diorama-style, transparent hardware? Let us know in the comments.

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Just over a week ago, Kinetic Games released one of their more significant updates to the horror hit Phasmophobia. Ever since its release in 2020, this game has been the standard for co-op ghost-hunting games. It was meant to finally release on consoles this month, but not anymore.

The developers announced that the PlayStation and Xbox versions would not be coming out in August as previously expected. Normally, a developer would say something along the lines of We need more time to polish to provide the best experience for our players. Kinetic Games’ reason is a little more tangible.

A statement, in part, reads: “Due to a fire incident in our office building and unpredicted development issues, our ability to test and develop has been significantly impacted. After careful consideration, we have made the tough decision to delay the console release, initially set for August, while we get everything sorted. We are now aiming for a special launch during the week leading up to Halloween this October.”

We have an update on our console release.#Phasmophobia #Xbox #PlayStation pic.twitter.com/eFxe3M0xXL

— Phasmophobia (@KineticGame) August 24, 2023

Fires are no joke. Sprinklers are also pretty bad for computers and other development tools. At least a lead-up to Halloween is a more fitting release window. Phasmophobia is available now for PC and VR. Barring any further delays, it will be out on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PSVR 2 in October.

Are you looking forward to the console release? Let us know in the comments below.

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Many fans of Remedy Entertainment have seen the connections between their games. Alan Wake 2 references characters and events in Control, Control had Alan Wake DLC, and Quantum Break also references Alan Wake. What is part of the Remedy Connected Universe and what isn’t? The lines are a little blurred.

Yesterday, Sam Lake announced that Shawn Ashmore is playing a character in Alan Wake 2. As you may well know, Shawn Ashmore played Jack Joyce, the main character of Quantum Break, however he will be playing a different character in the new game. At least, that’s what they say.

The main element of Quantum Break is time manipulation. You would think that fits right in with the supernatural in Control and Alan Wake. However, Remedy Entertainment says that the time travel adventure is not connected to those games. Ashmore’s new character is named Tim Breaker. That name almost seems like a cruel tease to Quantum Break. How could this NOT actually be Jack Joyce?

The brilliant actor and our good friend, the legendary @ShawnRAshmore plays Tim Breaker in ALAN WAKE 2. We have wanted to work together again ever since Quantum Break. Now it’s happening!! So good to have you in this, Shawn! @alanwake @remedygames pic.twitter.com/LQ9lnjA0gx

— Sam Lake (@SamLakeRMD) August 25, 2023

Well, Remedy Entertainment does have a history of using actors in multiple roles across games. Sam Lake has been the face of Max Payne and Alex Casey in the upcoming game. Courtney Hope plays Jesse Faden in Control and Beth Wilder in Quantum Break. James McCaffery plays the voice of Max Payne, Thomas Zane in Alan Wake, and Zachariah Trench in Control.

While it is a little disappointing to see Quantum Break left out of the larger world of Remedy, it is great to see Shawn Ashmore back in the gaming-sphere. And who knows? Maybe this is a big gotcha. Alan Wake 2 will be coming out on October 27th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Would you like to see Quantum Break connected to Control and Alan Wake? Let us know in the comments below.

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It was not too long ago that Persona 3 Portable was re-released for modern consoles. You barely have enough time to 100% it before Persona 3 Reload comes out next year. If you enjoyed it when if first came out in 2006, consider getting the Aigis Edition.

Of course with the remake, Persona 3 Reload has a wealth of modernization features from Persona 4 and 5. Some of the digital content is inspired by these games as well. The Aigis Edition, which is basically a collector’s edition is simple, but quite costly. Only you can determine if the price is worth it though.

The Aigis Edition comes with several physical items. There is a physical artbook, a 2-disc soundtrack, the base game, an a statue of Aigis. Everything is bundled into a collector’s box. It also contains a DLC pack voucher, which includes the Yasogami High School uniforms from Persona 4, the Shujiin Academy uniforms, and Phantom Thieves of Heart costumes from Persona 5.

It’s going down now!

Hunt down Shadows and secrets as you climb the heights of Tartarus, this time with an all-new battle BGM track! pic.twitter.com/ydX7Kjs4xZ

— Official ATLUS West (@Atlus_West) August 23, 2023

Pre-ordering either Aigis or standard edition of Persona 3 Reload will also come with the Persona 4 Golden BGM soundtrack. The standard edition is the cost of a full-priced game, but cool collector’s items will cost about $200.

Persona 3 Reload will be coming out on February 2nd, 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Will you be replaying Persona 3? AGAIN? Let us know in the comments below.

SOURCE

Persona 3 Reload Guides:

• 100% Schedule Walkthrough
• Class & Exam Question Answers
• Twilight Fragments
• Persona Compendium
• Trophy Guide

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Just days before Gamescom’s reveal of Tekken 8, rumors of a leaked release date began swirling. The rumored release date was January 26th, 2024, which ended up being true. Now that we have the release confirmed, Bandai Namco has begun pre-order sales for the Premium Collector’s Edition.

Most fighting games lean on their digital content for their deluxe edition, which this game has. However, there are some really great physical items as well. The big ticket item is the 25cm statue of “Electrified Jin”. It appears glow at the base and on the wing.

The other physical items in the Tekken 8 Premium Collector’s Edition include a steelbook case, eight glossy collectible cards, 5 arcade tokens, and a Leroy Smith metal ring and velvet pouch.

Fighting is all about style.

It’s time to show off with the #TEKKEN8 Collector’s edition

Available NOW for pre-order https://t.co/YYmfFW0P4p pic.twitter.com/x2TvB4U0Oe

— TEKKEN (@TEKKEN) August 23, 2023

There is a bunch of digital content as well. Each edition beyond the standard edition comes with the Year 1 Character Pass (4 characters), Gold Suit Pack (32 costumes), and dozens of avatar items. Your in-game avatar will get skins for Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, Jun Kazama, Kinjin, and 32 Classic Tekken T-shirts.

Pre-ordering any edition of Tekken 8 will come with a 5-piece Paul Phoenix Set for your in-game avatar. The non-premium Collector’s Edition is cheaper, but the Jin statue is non-electrified, so what’s even the point, right?

Tekken 8 will be coming out on January 26th, 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Do you have your eyes on the Collector’s Edition? Let us know in the comments below.

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