Game Design
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Interview – How Resonance embraces the Minotaur for a new A Plague Tale story
Lead Writer Carol Ann Bañuls discusses Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, a new standalone action-adventure game focusing on the character Sophia. The game draws inspiration from titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Uncharted, while maintaining the emotional storytelling of the A Plague Tale series. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is set to release on August 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Eternal Whispers is a narrative-driven CRPG channelling Disco Elysium
Kwalee has announced Vampire: The Masquerade - Eternal Whispers, a narrative-driven CRPG developed by Flyos Studios, inspired by Disco Elysium. The game is set in Montreal and focuses on investigative gameplay with no traditional combat, featuring a protagonist awakened with amnesia. A release window has not yet been announced.
Gears of War: E-Day Seems To Be Nostalgia Done Right
Gears of War: E-Day is positioned as a prequel focusing on Marcus and Dom, leveraging nostalgia. However, its smart approach to gameplay design elevates it beyond simple fan service.
Runescape's "biggest visual overhaul" in over a decade has arrived, and its fresh faces are a huge improvement
Jagex has released the biggest visual overhaul for Runescape in over a decade, focusing on a significant improvement to player avatar models and customization options. This update, which began development in 2021, aims to make characters more lifelike while retaining the game's core aesthetic. It follows other recent improvements like the removal of the Treasure Hunter system and UI refreshes.
"We don't want to simplify it and make it easy, that's not where we're at": Planet Zoo 2 developer on approachability, animal improvements, and all new habitats
Gareth Hughes, game director at Frontier Developments, discusses the approach to Planet Zoo 2, emphasizing improvements to animal welfare, behavior, and the introduction of explorable aviaries and aquariums. The sequel aims for greater realism and approachability without simplifying gameplay, featuring enhanced visuals and a conservation-focused campaign launching October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
How That's No Moon's Crossfire evolves the cover-based shooter
That's No Moon is developing a narrative-driven, third-person tactical action-adventure shooter titled Crossfire, a reimagining of Smilegate's multiplayer game. The studio aims to redefine cover-based combat with an "adaptive cover" system that utilizes organic environmental cover, powered by Unreal Engine 5's Nanite and Lumen technologies. Key figures like Taylor Kurosaki and Jacob Minkoff are leading the project, which features characters Layla and Cross.
What's the plan with Halo, Xbox?
The author expresses disappointment with the lack of a clear future plan for the Halo franchise, despite recent showcases and the rebranding of 343 Industries to Halo Studios. While new content like Operation Meteorite for Halo Infinite is noted, the article argues the series has been stagnant for years and questions the continued reliance on Master Chief.
1666 Amsterdam's prologue is taking a beating from Steam commenters. That just seems unfair.
The prologue for Panache Digital Games' upcoming action RPG 1666: Amsterdam, developed by Assassin's Creed veteran Patrice Désilets, has received harsh criticism on Steam. Despite a mixed reception and a low Steam rating, the author argues that the prologue, intended as an introductory experience, is being unfairly judged as a full demo, leading to unrealistic player expectations and damaging the game's potential.
A new MMO announcement is more exciting than all the other SGF news combined
The announcement of Guild Wars 3 has generated significant excitement, overshadowing other gaming news. The author expresses a deep love for MMORPGs, particularly the Guild Wars series, and anticipates Guild Wars 3 will offer a fresh experience with its new setting and mechanics. The article also touches on the decline of new MMORPG releases and the unique shared discovery that defines the genre.
Wizard of Oz: Hidden Object Games Review | TheXboxHub
Wizard of Oz: Hidden Object Games by Crisp App Studio adapts L. Frank Baum's classic with a picture book illustration style, departing from typical photo-realism. While the game attempts a coherent story and offers multiple modes like spot-the-difference and puzzles, the review criticizes the art for being too clear and characterless, making object finding trivial. The narrative also stops abruptly before reaching the Wizard, leaving the experience feeling incomplete.
Throwback strategy RPG Dark Deity 3 announced
Publisher Indie.io and developer Sword & Axe have announced Dark Deity III, the next installment in their tactical RPG series. The game is in development for Windows PC via Steam, with a release date yet to be announced. The sequel promises a sweeping story across nations and the afterlife, featuring tactical grid-based combat, deep unit customization, and replayability through a built-in randomizer.
Here’s What Gears Of War’s Original Designer Thinks About E-Day
Original Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski shared his thoughts on the newly revealed Gears of War: E-Day during the Xbox Games Showcase. He praised the game's technology and destruction but offered specific feedback on enemy difficulty and the iconic chainsaw lancer's origin.
Fable is getting some post-launch DLC already, with an extended look at gameplay planned for later this week
Playground Games has announced post-launch downloadable content for the upcoming game Fable, titled Fable: Order of the Hero. This expansion will introduce a new region to Albion where players can discover and lead a hidden cult. An extended gameplay demonstration for Fable is also scheduled for release on June 10th.
Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go gets worse as it hurtles towards 10th anniversary Go Fest
This article discusses the perceived decline in quality and player engagement for Pokemon Go, particularly as it approaches its 10th anniversary. The author highlights changes to the Mega Evolution system, the removal of Spotlight Hour, and other feature alterations by developers Niantic and Scopely, suggesting these decisions have alienated the player base and led to decreased participation in community events.
Stellar Blade Dev Explains New Hero Design, Praises Sony's Publishing Support
Shift Up boss Hyung-Tae Kim discussed the design of Stellar Blade's new heroine, Evie, explaining her shorter and younger appearance was intentional to contrast with her aggressive combat style. Kim also praised Sony's publishing support but noted the benefits of self-publishing for reaching markets like PC, especially after the original Stellar Blade's success in China. The game has been in development for a year, and the team aims to replace generative AI found in launch assets before release.
Beast of Reincarnation’s Story, World and Monsters Discussed in New Video Interview
Game Freak director Kota Furushima discussed the world, story, and monsters of the upcoming game Beast of Reincarnation in a video interview. The game features a world consumed by a force called the Blight, transforming living things into corrupted beings known as Malefact. The protagonist, Emma, journeys with her companion Koo to defeat the source of the Blight, the 'Beast of Reincarnation'. Beast of Reincarnation is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 4th.
Crimson Desert’s Next Six Months Could Change Everything
Pearl Abyss is actively evolving Crimson Desert through a new roadmap, focusing on player suggestions and long-term value. Recent updates have improved systems like Re-Blockade, added new minigames, and introduced more engaging mount mechanics. Future plans include narrative refinement, story improvements, and upcoming DLC, all aimed at transforming the player experience and making the game more meaningful.
Fatekeeper Early Access Review – A Promising Fate, Still Being Forged
Fatekeeper, an early access action-adventure game, offers a visually impressive world with atmospheric environments but suffers from clunky and unsatisfying core combat mechanics. Despite its low entry price and developer responsiveness, the game's linear design and underdeveloped systems make it difficult to recommend at this stage.
God of War: Laufey – The Reaction Was Loud, But Here’s What I Think
This article discusses the potential reception and direction of the upcoming game Laufey, which shifts focus from Kratos to Faye. Concerns are raised about changing the franchise's core identity, but the author argues Faye's character and potential for new gameplay mechanics offer a fresh perspective. The piece suggests that while risks are involved, Laufey deserves a chance to prove its worth.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 DMZ devs have been "paying attention" to other extraction shooters like Arc Raiders, but think they've got them beat on "weapon feel"
Infinity Ward is closely monitoring the extraction shooter genre, including titles like Arc Raiders and Marathon, for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode. Multiplayer creative director Joe Cecot believes their game will excel with superior weapon feel and movement. The updated DMZ mode will feature persistent inventory, base upgrades, and a rich sandbox environment with mini-events.
