Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Casually Classic: Does cosmetic transmog belong in WoW Classic?
This opinion piece discusses the controversial topic of adding transmogrification to World of Warcraft Classic. The author argues that transmog, a feature allowing players to change gear appearance, would be a positive addition, enhancing character personalization and replayability, despite community division and arguments against it.
Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look
Final Fantasy Resonance, a reimagining of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius's first arc as a single-player RPG, offers a spectacular and lush experience despite adverse demo conditions. The game features deep, rewarding turn-based combat with a unique 'stagger' system, gorgeous HD-2D visuals, and exciting cameos from iconic Final Fantasy characters.
Final Fantasy Resonance: The Final Preview
Final Fantasy Resonance aims to be both a tribute to past Final Fantasy titles and a fresh take on the series. The preview highlights its gorgeous HD-2D aesthetic, impressive soundtrack, and engaging battle system, suggesting it's on the right track.
"I'm a massive fan of Aliens, but it is a very different beast": Why Creative Assembly are still ignoring every movie but the original in Alien Isolation 2, despite heading planetside
Creative Assembly is focusing Alien: Isolation 2's design solely on the original 1979 film and its own predecessor, deliberately ignoring sequels like Aliens. This approach emphasizes pure horror and disempowerment, with developers Archie Whitehead and Ana Sopikova detailing how they meticulously recreate the original film's aesthetic and technology for an immersive, authentic experience.
Guild Wars 3's devs think they've found an answer to one of MMOs' biggest problems, but can ArenaNet pull it off?
ArenaNet is developing Guild Wars 3 with a focus on dynamic momentum-based movement and combat, aiming to break away from traditional MMORPG design. Studio lead Colin Johanson and combat lead Kevin Stocker demonstrated how chaining traversal and combat actions creates a more fluid, action-RPG-like experience, contrasting it with the static nature of many MMOs. The game will also feature more defined player roles and cooperative multiplayer combos.
Guild Wars 3 Plays Unlike Any Other MMO, And That’s A Good Thing
Guild Wars 3 is set to redefine the MMORPG genre with its unique, fluid combat and traversal systems, moving away from traditional action bars and tab-targeting. Developed by ArenaNet, the game emphasizes momentum-based movement and environmental interaction, aiming to provide an equally engaging experience on both PC and PlayStation 5 with controller support.
Guild Wars 3's approach to combat and movement is like nothing I've ever seen in an MMO before: 'One of our big goals when we make a new game in the Guild Wars franchise is to set out and try new things'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 aims to innovate within the MMORPG genre with a focus on dynamic movement and visceral action combat. The game, set 1,000 years before Guild Wars 2 in the land of Orr, introduces mechanics like wall running, mantling, and seamless transitions between gliding and combat, all powered by a momentum system. This approach aims to create a fluid experience distinct from traditional MMOs, with developers Colin Johanson and Kevin Stocker highlighting how movement directly impacts combat effectiveness.
Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen devs say Western and Japanese players want different things from the game
Capcom developers discussed how Western and Japanese players have differing preferences for Dragon's Dogma 2, particularly regarding game "friction" like limited fast travel. The team aims to balance these opposing desires while staying true to the game's identity. The upcoming Dark Arisen expansion will include Hard Mode and options to disable weapon and character customization.
Review: Brigandine Abyss (Switch 2)
Brigandine Abyss offers a deep strategy RPG experience on the Nintendo Switch, featuring two modes: Mission Mode for open-ended conquest and Story Mode for a narrative-driven campaign. While the game excels in its intricate planning and organization phases, the actual turn-based combat can feel slow and less engaging, potentially deterring some players.
Worms Galactic Tactics is such a good strategy roguelike that I can't believe it didn't already exist
Worms Galactic Tactics is a new strategy roguelike that cleverly adapts the Worms identity to an isometric, grid-based perspective. Developed by Absolutely Games and published by Team17, it features turn-based combat with weapon upgrades and a roguelike structure where runs end upon losing all worms. The game is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
New Final Fantasy 14 site update stabs the final pin into my conspiracy board, leaving me 99.9% sure I know what the new…
The author believes they have definitively uncovered that the new physical ranged job in Final Fantasy XIV will be a crossbow-wielding falconer, citing a new image on the patch 7.5 website as the final piece of evidence. This aligns with previous hints from sound design and trailer snippets, vindicating their long-held speculation.
There's already a The Blood of Dawnwalker mod which triples the length of its main quest timer, ensuring saving your family from vampires isn't stressful
A new mod for The Blood of Dawnwalker, created by modder Caites, significantly extends the game's main quest timer from 30 days to 90 days. This mod addresses concerns about the game's pacing, allowing players more time to complete objectives without stress. Additional optional files adjust perk point costs and day/night cycles.
You Can Give Up In The Blood Of Dawnwalker And Leave Vale Sangora For Good
The Blood of Dawnwalker features a unique joke ending where players can choose to abandon the campaign and leave the game world permanently. This option becomes available after the prologue by reaching a specific gate, leading to an epilogue and an achievement called 'A Hero They Deserve.' This contrasts with the typical encouragement to persevere found in most video games.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Trailer 3 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the likelihood of a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, express disappointment with Nintendo's Switch 2 priorities and Tomb Raider remake features, and debate the underutilization of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller's touchpad. Other topics include the commercial struggles of PlatinumGames, the perceived decline of the Turok franchise, and the philosophy of digital ownership versus physical discs.
Metro 2039 Gets New Trailer Showcasing PS5 Pro Gameplay
4A Games released a new trailer for Metro 2039 during Sony's State of Play, showcasing gameplay and visuals on the PlayStation 5 Pro. The trailer highlights exploration, combat against well-armed enemies, and the protagonist's need to manage anti-radiation filters. The game is set to launch in February 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, promising a darker story than its predecessors.
Ontos in the Works for Over 10 Years, Extensive Gameplay Showcases Twisted Experiments
Frictional Games' upcoming title, Ontos, has been in development for over a decade and features "psychological gameplay" where players make informed decisions based on understanding characters and experiments. The game, launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, showcases disturbing scenarios involving rats and consciousness transfer, emphasizing replayability through multiple experimental outcomes.
The Best Perks To Unlock And Upgrade In The Blood of Dawnwalker
This guide for The Blood of Dawnwalker details the best perks to unlock and upgrade across its Swordmastery, Witchcraft, and Vampirism skill trees. It offers specific recommendations for abilities and ultimates to enhance combat and exploration, noting how skill progression and time advancement impact gameplay.
How long is The Blood of Dawnwalker?
The Blood of Dawnwalker's playtime can range from 20 to 50 hours, with most players completing it between 30 and 40 hours. The game's structure, similar to Breath of the Wild, allows for early completion of objectives but experiencing all major questlines and side activities typically falls within the 30-40 hour range. A post-game is also available.
Getting GTA Online players to move on to GTA 6 Online is going to be "a mess" for Rockstar, Valve veteran says
Valve veteran Chet Faliszek believes transitioning players from Grand Theft Auto Online to a potential Grand Theft Auto 6 Online will be a significant challenge for Rockstar Games. He questions how Rockstar will convince players to abandon a decade of investment and suggests that improved monetization will be a key, albeit potentially controversial, driver for the move. Faliszek also notes that Rockstar's strategy of delaying the online component at launch is a smart move to avoid initial backlash.
Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis preview - the new old Lara Croft
Crystal Dynamics is developing Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis, a remake of the original 1996 game, set to be published by Amazon Game Studios. The preview showcased expanded environments, new gameplay mechanics like crafting and a skill tree inspired by the reboot series, and modernized puzzles. While skepticism about another remake exists, the demo offered a promising blend of familiar elements and modern enhancements.
