Game Design
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Star Fox Is Back, So What's Nintendo's Excuse For Other Abandoned Franchises?
The return of Star Fox, including a new game for the Nintendo Switch, prompts a discussion about why other Nintendo franchises remain dormant. While Star Fox is being revived, potentially as a remake of Star Fox 64, series like F-Zero, Metroid, and many others have been neglected for years, leading to fan frustration. The article questions Nintendo's rationale for needing "grand new ideas" for sequels, suggesting that modernized revivals of older IPs could be beneficial.
BioShock 4 is not cancelled as Take-Two boss owns up to Civilization 7 failings
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that BioShock 4 is not cancelled and is currently in a good development state, though he acknowledged past wasted resources. He also took responsibility for Civilization 7's perceived shortcomings and explained that the delay of the Borderlands 4 Nintendo Switch port is to prioritize fixing the PC version.
Civilization VII "Test of Time" update lands May 19, finally letting you play entirely as one civ
Firaxis Games has released the 'Test of Time' update for Civilization VII, addressing player feedback by allowing players to stick with a single civilization throughout the game. The update also introduces a reworked Victories system and a new 'Triumphs' objective system, aiming to improve the game's reception and player experience.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN Revealed in Xbox Showcase | Invision Game Community
SEGA of America and RGG Studio revealed STRANGER THAN HEAVEN during an Xbox showcase, detailing its 50-year crime saga across five Japanese cities and featuring a diverse international cast including Snoop Dogg and Ado. The game introduces an innovative "Showbiz" system where players craft music and manage performances, alongside a unique, reactive combat system. STRANGER THAN HEAVEN is set to launch this winter on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Review – Blizzard Finally Found Its Groove | Invision Game Community
The Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion significantly improves the base game by addressing repetitive endgame content and introducing engaging new systems. The new Warlock class is highlighted as particularly fun and powerful, while the return of the Horadric Cube and the War Table system provide better progression and direction. Despite minor balancing issues, the expansion makes Diablo 4 feel exciting and complete, delivering the experience players had hoped for.
A datamine suggests Resident Evil Requiem nearly had a merchant character like Resi 4
A datamine suggests that Capcom considered including a merchant character, similar to the one in Resident Evil 4, for Resident Evil Requiem. The data also revealed scrapped ideas for a seizure mechanic for Leon, cut missions resembling Resident Evil 4's side content, and a shared map concept for Leon and Grace. Despite the cut content, Resident Evil Requiem has become Capcom's fastest-selling Resident Evil game.
Civilization VII Update Will Finally Let Players Stay as One Civ Through All Ages, as Take-Two Boss Admits: 'We Got It Wrong'
Take-Two Interactive's CEO has admitted that the company "got it wrong" with a previous design choice in the Civilization series. A forthcoming update for Civilization VII will allow players to remain with a single civilization throughout all game ages, addressing a long-standing player request.
Like any Final Fantasy 7 fan, Remake trilogy boss "seriously searched" for a way to reverse the JRPG's…
The director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy discusses the significant focus on Aerith's fate in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. He explains that the team meticulously developed character relationships and emotions throughout the game, integrating this core theme into narrative, battle mechanics, and character progression to fully convey the impact of that pivotal moment.
Stranger Than Heaven offers the grounded refresh I've been desperate to see from Yakuza RPGs for years
Stranger Than Heaven, a new game from RGG Studio, offers a more grounded and intimate take on the crime drama genre, moving away from the over-the-top brawling of recent Yakuza titles. The game features a unique combat system with independent limb control and a narrative spanning fifty years, focusing on the evolving relationship between two protagonists and the role of music in their lives. Producer Hiroyuki Sakomoto assures that the combat will be visceral yet flow naturally, aiming for a balance between RGG Studio's storytelling strengths and engaging gameplay.
SEGA® AND XBOX RAISE THE CURTAIN ON “STRANGER THAN HEAVEN”
SEGA and Xbox revealed new details for RGG Studio's upcoming action-adventure game, Stranger Than Heaven. The game features a 50-year story across five eras and cities, an international cast including Snoop Dogg, Ado, and Tori Kelly, and an innovative combat system. Stranger Than Heaven is scheduled for release this winter and will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Civilization 7 devs Firaxis finally slap a release date on the Test of Time update, acting on "over a year's worth of listening" to moans about the Age system
Firaxis Games announced that the free 'Test of Time' update for Civilization 7 will be released on May 19th. This significant update overhauls the game's Age system, introducing new mechanics like Syncretism and Affirmation, a new victory system, and Legacy Paths replaced by a Triumphs system. The update also includes a new leader and a Fractal Continent map.
This New Action-RPG Feels Like Classic Zelda, With Better Combat
Alabaster Dawn, the upcoming action-RPG from Radical Fish Games, draws inspiration from classic Zelda titles like A Link to the Past, but features significantly improved combat mechanics. The game boasts gorgeous pixel art with fluid animations and a deep combat system that includes ranged and melee options, along with various buffs and weapon augmentations. Despite being in early access, Alabaster Dawn shows strong potential as a follow-up to the developer's previous acclaimed title, CrossCode.
Yakuza and Like a Dragon developer RGG Studio finally gives Stranger Than Heaven a release window
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that their upcoming action-RPG, Stranger Than Heaven, will launch this winter. The game, which takes place across five different eras in Japan from 1915 to 1965, will feature a new, complex combat system. Stranger Than Heaven is set to release on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Stranger Than Heaven's new combat system sounds pretty complicated, but looks absolutely amazing
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, will feature a new, complex combat system where players control the protagonist's left and right sides independently for an unprecedented level of control. The game, set across five different eras of modern Japanese history, also includes a variety of weapons and context-sensitive attacks. Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this Winter for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Director Says Vincent and Cid Have “Incredibly Appealing” Skills
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 director Naoki Hamaguchi discussed his favorite characters and their combat capabilities in a recent interview. He highlighted Vincent and Cid for their appealing combat skills, noting Vincent's magical prowess and Cid's action control. Preparations for the sequel are underway, with a confirmed multi-platform release including Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Stranger Than Heaven Has Players Creating Compositions, Scouting Talent, and Organizing Performances
Stranger Than Heaven features a unique gameplay loop where players can find inspiration in everyday sounds to create musical compositions. The protagonist, Makoto, will also recruit musicians, organize performances, and manage set lists. The game is set to launch this Winter for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass day one with Xbox Play Anywhere support.
007: First Light – 15 Details That Have Us Excited
IO Interactive is developing 007 First Light, a new James Bond origin story that rethinks the traditional Bond game formula. The game emphasizes instinctual action, flexible mechanics, and semi-emergent gameplay, allowing for multiple solutions to missions. It features four core gameplay pillars: Spycraft, Instinct, Gadgets, and Combat, with both stealth and direct confrontation being equally viable. The game will be built on IO Interactive's Glacier engine and will feature PC and PlayStation 5 Pro support.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s Accessibility Options Include Unlimited O2, QTE Skips and More
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature extensive accessibility options, including unlimited oxygen, QTE skips, colorblind modes, screen narration, HUD customization, and adjustable difficulty settings. The game is set to release on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Xbox Presents: A Special Look at Stranger Than Heaven – Everything We Learned (Including Snoop Dogg’s Role!)
RGG Studio revealed new details about their upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven during an Xbox Presents showcase. The game follows protagonist Makoto Daito across five decades and five cities, featuring a unique combat system and a story that incorporates music composition and management elements. Notable voice actors include Snoop Dogg, Cordell Broadus, Tori Kelly, and Satoshi Fujihara. Stranger Than Heaven will be released this winter for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Civilization 7 has been profitable despite design missteps
Despite controversial design changes in Civilization 7's "Ages" system, which have led to lower player counts compared to previous installments on Steam, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed the game is a profitable enterprise. The article also touches on player sentiment regarding the game's design and potential future updates.
