Game Archives - PURE ENTERTAINMENT

Nintendo Interactive Museum to Open in Kyoto on October 2

tvcecontent — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:41:28 +0000

The Uji Kokura factory, originally built in 1969 in Uji City, Kyoto, has been transformed into the Nintendo Museum, set to open on October 2, 2024.

The museum will showcase products from Nintendo’s history, starting from its origins as a playing card company in 1889. It will feature historical exhibits and interactive sections named “Learn,” “Experience,” and “Create and Play,” allowing visitors to explore how Nintendo’s iconic products might look if recreated with modern technology.

One standout exhibit is a giant version of a card game based on Hyakunin Isshu, where players listen to a poem verse and search for the corresponding card. Visitors can play on historic Nintendo consoles and try mini-games inspired by the company’s 1960s toys, such as the Ultra Machine pitching machine and the Ultra Hand. Another game is based on the Love Tester, which measures romantic compatibility.

Visitors receive 10 “coins” upon entry, needed to interact with exhibits and mini-games. However, since not all exhibits can be experienced with just 10 coins, visitors must carefully choose which activities to participate in.

In the “Create and Play” section, visitors can make their own Hanafuda playing cards, the original product Nintendo released in 1889. The “Let’s Make Hanafuda Cards” exhibit allows crafting cards using a kit, while “Let’s Play Hanafuda Cards” uses image recognition and projection to teach newcomers the rules.

The museum features a café called Hatena Burger, serving classic burgers and special drinks. The gift shop named Bonus Stage will offer official Nintendo merchandise, including exclusive items only available at the museum.

The museum seeks to preserve the essence of play by changing the scale and method of interaction while incorporating modern technology. Whether these reimagined experiences will be as enjoyable as the originals is something only those familiar with the past can judge.

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Black Myth: Wukong Captivates Fans and Becomes a Major Success in China

tvcecontent — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:09:51 +0000

Players worldwide are diving into Black Myth: Wukong, an action role-playing game that has quickly become one of the most successful video games developed in China.

Featuring shape-shifting monkeys and epic battles against giant demons, the game was released globally on August 20, achieving remarkable success on its opening day, with nearly 1.2 million pre-release copies sold and a peak of over 1.4 million concurrent players on Steam.

Li Song, a gamer in Beijing, expressed his excitement after purchasing the game as soon as it became available for pre-order. “It feels great,” he said, as his character navigated a vibrant forest, dodging furry adversaries and transforming into an insect. “The controls and overall experience are solid,” he added.

China’s First “Triple A” Game

Now, reembark on the Journey to the West!#BlackMythWukong is now available on PS5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and WeGame. Confront your destiny on the journey westwards! pic.twitter.com/CMsnde97Ho

— Black Myth: Wukong (@BlackMythGame) August 20, 2024

Black Myth: Wukong is recognized as China’s first “Triple A” title, a term used for high-budget, major standalone games. The game draws inspiration from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, allowing players to embody a character akin to the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. As a classic role-playing game, players must gather magical powers and weapons while controlling the “Destined One.” Li noted, “The basic combat feels fantastic, and there are no issues there,” praising the game’s story rooted in Chinese mythology.

Cultural Pride and Global Impact

Yuanyuan, a gaming shop owner, expressed her pride in the game’s success, stating, “It showcases our myths and stories to a global audience. As a Chinese person, I feel very proud.” By Tuesday afternoon, Black Myth: Wukong had attracted over 1.4 million players on Steam, ranking as the fourth-highest concurrent player count for a game, surpassing popular titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. The game has also received positive reviews from Western gaming media, with an average rating of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic.

Development Challenges and Controversies

The anticipation for Black Myth: Wukong has been building since 2020, when its first trailer garnered 10 million views within 24 hours on the Chinese video platform Bilibili. Violet Zhang, a 21-year-old university student, remarked at a launch event in Shanghai, “It feels like it’s been a long wait, but it’s exciting to finally reach this day.”

Developed by Game Science, the game has been in the works since 2018. However, the development process has faced controversy, including reports of a “history of sexism” within the studio. This led to backlash from players who defended the game and rejected claims of imposing “woke” Western ideals onto a Chinese context. Yuanyuan expressed hope that audiences would be more accepting of the game and its imperfections, allowing for future improvements.

Focus on the Gaming Experience

Li stated he was “not really interested” in the surrounding controversies, emphasizing that they were irrelevant to his gaming experience. Meanwhile, Wu Tianyu, a 29-year-old tech worker in Shanghai, expressed his emotional connection to the game, saying, “I hope our domestic video games continue to achieve great success in the future.”

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Microsoft Brings Indiana Jones to PS5 After Xbox Debut

tvcecontent — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:32:14 +0000

Microsoft and Bethesda have officially announced that “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” will be available on PlayStation 5 (PS5) after its initial release on Xbox.

During the Gamescom Opening Night Live event, Bethesda confirmed the game will debut on Xbox and PC on December 9th, with the PS5 launch slated for spring 2025.

This announcement follows a report from The Verge in February, which revealed that Microsoft was considering a PS5 release for “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” It was noted that Bethesda’s game featuring the iconic archaeologist would likely enjoy a brief exclusivity period, with plans for a PS5 version to be released a few months following its December 2024 debut on Xbox and PC.

The PS5 release of “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” aligns with a new strategy for multiple platforms regarding select Xbox titles, referred to internally as Project Latitude. Additionally, Bethesda’s upcoming title “Doom: The Dark Ages” is also set to be released on PS5 in 2025. Moreover, Microsoft has previously made several Xbox-exclusive games like “Hi-Fi Rush,” “Pentiment,” “Sea of Thieves,” and “Grounded” available on PS5.

#IndianaJones and the Great Circle swings onto PS5 in Spring 2025! pic.twitter.com/6TcQdeFeo5

— Bethesda (@bethesda) August 20, 2024

The Indiana Jones films have notably influenced the Uncharted series, which stands as one of PlayStation’s most successful original franchises. Thus, it seems fitting to introduce an Indiana Jones game on PlayStation, catering to fans eager for a fresh Uncharted experience.

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Borderlands 4 Set to Launch in 2025

tvcecontent — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:06:40 +0000

The highly anticipated Borderlands 4 is officially on its way, with a release date set for 2025.

Announced during Gamescom, this new installment in the beloved franchise comes from Gearbox Software and 2K Games.

While the teaser trailer released today did not showcase any gameplay, this is not unexpected for an early announcement, especially with the game still over a year away from launch. Fans of the series can look forward to the signature first-person shooter mechanics and humor that Borderlands is known for.

Interestingly, the teaser suggests a departure from the franchise’s iconic cartoonish art style, presenting a more serious aesthetic reminiscent of a high-end sci-fi series. However, as development progresses, more updates are expected from the studio.

Gearbox likely aimed to capitalize on renewed interest in the franchise following the recent film adaptation, which unfortunately received mixed reviews. Fans are hopeful that the upcoming game will deliver a fresh and exciting experience.

Borderlands 4 will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, allowing players to once again step into the shoes of a legendary Vault Hunter on a new planet in search of treasure.

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Epic Games Launches Its App Store on iOS in the EU and Android Worldwide

tvcecontent — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:10:00 +0000

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has officially launched its rival iOS app store in the European Union. The Epic Games Store is also being introduced on Android devices globally.

The app store is debuting with popular games such as Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Epic Games is collaborating with developers to bring more games to the Epic Games Store in the future.

Additionally, Epic Games is supporting the independent mobile store AltStore PAL, which announced yesterday that its app store would be available for free thanks to a grant from Epic Games. In the coming months, Epic Games plans to bring its games to Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and ONE Store on Android.

Fortnite’s return to iOS comes over four years after Apple initially removed the game from its App Store. This follows years of legal battles between the two companies and regulatory changes brought by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which is forcing Apple to open up to new competitors.

“The tide is turning and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition,” said Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. “We are grateful to the European Commission for making it possible to launch the Epic Games Store and offer our games to iOS users in the European Union. Now European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, as they’ve always been able to do on open platforms like PC and Mac.”

Epic Games has published tutorials to guide users through the process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android. However, the company notes that due to intentional barriers introduced by Apple and Google, the installation process is currently lengthy and involves multiple steps, confusing device settings, and scare screens.

The launch of the Epic Games Store marks a significant challenge to Apple’s App Store dominance, as it is the first time the tech giant is facing a notable rival in the mobile app market.

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Until Dawn Remake Launches on October 4

tvcecontent — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:06:23 +0000

Until Dawn, the popular PlayStation 4 exclusive, is getting a remake, set to launch on October 4.

This narrative horror game has been completely rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5, and its release is perfectly timed for the spooky season.

The remake is being developed by Ballistic Moon, as the original developer, Supermassive Games, is occupied with other projects. The studio aims to enhance the game’s cinematic and intimate feel, especially relevant since a movie adaptation has recently begun filming.

Players returning to the game can expect updated character models, environments, interactive props, visual effects, and animations. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 allows developers to utilize advanced rendering and ray-tracing capabilities, making death scenes appear more gruesome with realistic real-time fluids and an improved injury mask system.

The gameplay will now feature a third-person perspective with a controllable camera, moving away from the fixed angles of the original. Ballistic Moon has also added more collectibles and revamped the prologue to improve pacing. Additionally, the studio is incorporating various accessibility settings to ensure a wider audience can enjoy Until Dawn.

While the initial gameplay preview raised some cautious expectations, fans won’t have to wait long to experience the full game. Until Dawn will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC, with preorders currently open.

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Dragon Age: The Veilguard Set to Release on October 31

tvcecontent — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:56:22 +0000

BioWare’s highly anticipated action RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be released on October 31.

This game marks the first installment in the Dragon Age franchise since 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition, making it a long-awaited arrival for fans who have eagerly anticipated the game for ten years.

The Veilguard serves as the fourth major game in the Dragon Age series. Despite the relatively lukewarm response to the Inquisition, excitement surrounds its release. In June, players had the opportunity to see the game in action, leaving them impressed but cautious about certain aspects.

One notable change in The Veilguard is the more cartoonish style compared to its predecessors, though it maintains a distinct look that sets it apart from games like Fable. The game brings back fan-favorite characters such as Varric and Solas, with the latter expected to play a significant role as the primary antagonist.

Visual Style and Character Return

The change in visual style towards a more cartoonish aesthetic distinguishes The Veilguard from previous installments. However, it preserves a unique look that separates it from other games, such as Fable. The game reintroduces beloved characters like Varric and Solas, with Solas anticipated to play a crucial role as the main antagonist.

The Veilguard appears to have a faster pace than earlier titles in the franchise, but players can still pause the game to strategize. The game features a quick launch menu for activating hotkeys and a decision wheel for making narrative and dialogue choices, which will undoubtedly have consequences later in the game.

Combat and Accessibility Options

Like previous Dragon Age games, The Veilguard is an action RPG. Parries serve as the core defense mechanic, and party members work to strip away armor and magical protections before engaging in actual combat. The game offers a diverse array of accessibility options, including standard difficulty modes and custom settings to make select aspects more forgiving.

While the brief glimpse of the game in action left players cautious, many unknowns remain to be discovered. Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with preorders currently available. Fans eagerly await the game’s release on October 31, marking a significant milestone for the beloved Dragon Age franchise.

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Fortnite’s Upcoming Marvel Season Features Doctor Doom

tvcecontent — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:13:59 +0000

Epic Games has officially announced the Marvel-themed “Absolute Doom” season for Fortnite, revealing exciting details about what players can expect when they enter the battle royale island.

The highlight of this season is the prominent presence of Doctor Doom.

The Absolute Doom battle pass will include a variety of heroes and villains, such as War Machine, Gwenpool, and, of course, Doctor Doom. Players can explore Doom-themed locations like Doomstadt and Castle Doom, where they can find Doom’s Arcane Gauntlets as weapons. Additionally, Captain America’s shield will return, previously featured in a 2019 Endgame-themed mode.

This marks Fortnite’s second Marvel-themed season; the first launched in August 2020 and included characters like Iron Man, Storm, and another version of Doctor Doom. While Epic will not reoffer outfits from the previous battle pass, they are changing this policy with the Absolute Doom pass.

Furthermore, Fortnite will see additional Disney crossovers, featuring three Disney villains and characters from The Incredibles. Given Disney’s recent $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, fans can anticipate even more Disney appearances on the battle royale island, including a whole Disney-themed universe in the works.

Overall, the upcoming season promises to deliver a wealth of new content and exciting gameplay for Fortnite players.

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Sony Unveils Adorable Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense Controller for PS5

tvcecontent — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:05:22 +0000

Sony is preparing to release a new Mario-inspired adventure game for the PS5, featuring the cute Astro Bot mascot character.

To celebrate the game’s launch on September 6, Sony has announced a themed DualSense controller that is undeniably adorable.

The Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller pays homage to the titular character, who first appeared in a collection of VR minigames released in 2013. Sony describes the controller as a “true work of art,” and it’s easy to see why. The touchpad features a pair of robotic eyes, while the handles and buttons sport Astro Bot’s signature blue accents.

Sony has also revealed how the upcoming 3D platformer, titled “Astro Bot’s Playroom,” takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s unique features. The developer has increased the number of textures that players can feel through the controller via haptic feedback, and the adaptive trigger response has been refined to match the protagonist’s new powers. As an example, Sony mentions being able to “feel the thruster rattling” when using a jetpack.

Furthermore, Sony states that every new power-up in the game “has been given that same special treatment.” This includes the Dual Speeder gadget, which turns the controller into a motion-controlled spaceship. These new features are applicable to all DualSense controllers, not just the Astro Bot-themed one.

The limited-edition controller is priced at $80 and will be available on September 6, the same day as the game’s release. After playing a demo of Astro Bot’s Playroom in June, reviewers were impressed, describing the game as “fantastic” and “infused with childlike joy.” With its adorable design and innovative use of the DualSense controller’s features, the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense controller is sure to be a hit among PS5 owners and fans of the Astro Bot series.

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Saudi Arabia Chosen to Host First-Ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025

tvcecontent — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:09:34 +0000

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This event is part of a 12-year partnership with the country’s National Olympic Committee. The host city, venues, dates, and specific games are yet to be determined, as is the qualification process for each event.

Partnership and Games Selection

The IOC plans to collaborate with international federations and national Olympic committees already involved in digital sports and esports. This approach mirrors the trial event held last year, which included competitions in Gran Turismo, Fortnite, Just Dance, Zwift, and lesser-known mobile games.

The IOC aims to include more popular esports titles in the Olympic Esports Games. Reports indicate that the organization is in talks with the publishers of Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends to potentially feature these games. The Olympic Esports Games may become a biennial event, with South Korea and the United States considering hosting future installments.

Controversy Over Saudi Arabia as Host

The IOC’s decision to hold the inaugural event in Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy due to the country’s human rights record. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in esports and gaming, using entertainment, sports, and esports to improve its global image. The country has poured billions of dollars into esports and gaming companies, formed partnerships with publishers for professional circuits, and is currently hosting the Esports World Cup with a $60 million prize pool. Reports indicate that a state-funded company now owns 40 percent of the esports market.

The Olympic Esports Games represent a significant step in integrating esports into the Olympic movement. However, the decision to hold the inaugural event in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the IOC’s commitment to human rights and the potential for the country to use the games for image-washing purposes.

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