Nuts Review

Nuts makes a strong start. Its quirky concept and bold art direction are enticing, while its novel yet easily understood core mechanics and hints of mystery offer further encouragement. Unfortunately, Nuts doesn't deliver on its early promise as it struggles to develop its best ideas. Despite a lean playing time, repetition sets in. Nuts opens brightly, but fades all too quickly.

Much of your time in Nuts is spent looking for a squirrel and, once found, predicting its next move. The Melmoth Basin Wildlife Reserve is your hunting ground, though as a field researcher you're here only to observe the squirrels, record their movements and file your report. Equipped with a GPS, each day you venture out into the forest to place a few cameras in strategic positions before returning to your tiny caravan to play back the recorded footage and hopefully catch a glimpse of a squirrel or two.

It's a delightful premise and the squirrels themselves are adorable, bounding down gullies, clambering up trees, or just perched on a rock, noshing on a nut. Getting footage of these antics is a matter of method and patience rather than any kind of ingenuity. Your handler will first direct you to a specific spot to set up the first camera. When you play back the recording, you need to make a mental note of where the squirrel entered or exited the frame, and then on the next day you return to reposition the cameras and track the preceding or subsequent stage of the squirrel's journey.

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Mass Effect 1 DLC Cut Because of Corrupted Source Code

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is shaping up to be the definitive version of the original Mass Effect trilogy. Aside from multiplayer, Mass Effect Legendary Edition will come with nearly every bit of content and DLC, except for one piece of DLC from Mass Effect 1 that may be permanently lost. The DLC is Pinnacle Station, an add-on for the first Mass Effect that was originally released on the Xbox 360 and included a new map and 13 combat scenarios to help players hone their skills. Unfortunately, in an interview with Game Informer Legendary Edition project director Mac Walters reveals that despite the developers' best attempts, the DLC's source code is corrupted beyond repair. Word of Pinnacle Station's source code woes actually dates back to when the Mass Effect Trilogy was released on the PlayStation 3, As in the Legendary Edition, Pinnacle Station was not included in the PS3 trilogy and at the time the developers shared it was due to a source code corruption. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/02/mass-effect-legendary-edition-our-first-impressions"] That issue persists today when Walters revealed that attempts to get the DLC into the Legendary Edition were "an emotional roller coaster[.]" Pinnacle Station was actually developed by an external studio called Demiurge. BioWare contacted Demiurge to see if they could get the original Pinnacle Station files from this team in place of BioWare's files. And although Demiurge successfully found the source code, theirs too was also corrupt. Walters says the only way to get the DLC into the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is if it were completely remade from scratch, which he says is unfeasible as that would "basically take us another full six months just to do this with most of the team we've got[.]" "I wish we could do it. Honestly, just because this is meant to be everything that the team ever created, brought together again," says Walters. "And so, leaving it all on the cutting-room floor, it was heartbreaking." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/02/mass-effect-legendary-edition-official-trailer"] Walters is referring strictly to single-player content. Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode also won't be in the Legendary Edition, which Walters tells IGN was ultimately about "knowing where to draw the line." Walters cites challenges like incorporating crossplay and bridging in the small number of players still playing the original multiplayer. And ultimately, Walters says the team needed to focus on creating a definitive single-player experience. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available for pre-order now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It will be forward-compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X, though there won't be a dedicated version for next-gen consoles, and it will include nearly everything even the Extended Cut Ending. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter @lawoftd.

Mass Effect 1 DLC Cut Because of Corrupted Source Code

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is shaping up to be the definitive version of the original Mass Effect trilogy. Aside from multiplayer, Mass Effect Legendary Edition will come with nearly every bit of content and DLC, except for one piece of DLC from Mass Effect 1 that may be permanently lost. The DLC is Pinnacle Station, an add-on for the first Mass Effect that was originally released on the Xbox 360 and included a new map and 13 combat scenarios to help players hone their skills. Unfortunately, in an interview with Game Informer Legendary Edition project director Mac Walters reveals that despite the developers' best attempts, the DLC's source code is corrupted beyond repair. Word of Pinnacle Station's source code woes actually dates back to when the Mass Effect Trilogy was released on the PlayStation 3, As in the Legendary Edition, Pinnacle Station was not included in the PS3 trilogy and at the time the developers shared it was due to a source code corruption. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/02/mass-effect-legendary-edition-our-first-impressions"] That issue persists today when Walters revealed that attempts to get the DLC into the Legendary Edition were "an emotional roller coaster[.]" Pinnacle Station was actually developed by an external studio called Demiurge. BioWare contacted Demiurge to see if they could get the original Pinnacle Station files from this team in place of BioWare's files. And although Demiurge successfully found the source code, theirs too was also corrupt. Walters says the only way to get the DLC into the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is if it were completely remade from scratch, which he says is unfeasible as that would "basically take us another full six months just to do this with most of the team we've got[.]" "I wish we could do it. Honestly, just because this is meant to be everything that the team ever created, brought together again," says Walters. "And so, leaving it all on the cutting-room floor, it was heartbreaking." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/02/mass-effect-legendary-edition-official-trailer"] Walters is referring strictly to single-player content. Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode also won't be in the Legendary Edition, which Walters tells IGN was ultimately about "knowing where to draw the line." Walters cites challenges like incorporating crossplay and bridging in the small number of players still playing the original multiplayer. And ultimately, Walters says the team needed to focus on creating a definitive single-player experience. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available for pre-order now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It will be forward-compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X, though there won't be a dedicated version for next-gen consoles, and it will include nearly everything even the Extended Cut Ending. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter @lawoftd.

Gearbox Franchises May Be Used by Other Developers After Embracer Merger

Following the acquisition of Borderlands studio Gearbox by Embracer Group for $1.3 billion, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford says the deal could mean that other studios owned by Embracer Group could wind up making games with Gearbox properties. In an interview with VentureBeat, Pitchford reaffirmed that Gearbox was still working on Homeworld 3 in partnership with Blackbird Interactive, but that the continuation of the franchise was "just scratching the surface" of the company's plans. "The plans are a spectrum of internally developed games with Gearbox IP, internally developed games with original IP from Gearbox, external partners that are both publishing partners, where we’re publishing them in a second party relationship, and then there are also other developers working on Gearbox IP as well," he said. "That can expand, especially as we start interacting without friction with other members of the Embracer Group that have some interest. There are a lot of folks that would love to work on Gearbox IP, and Gearbox would love to help some of the Embracer Group games that might be stronger in other markets be published more effectively in North America." Other studios within Embracer Group include THQ Nordic, Saber Interactive, Koch Media, DECA Games, Amplifier Game Invest, and Coffee Stain Holding, as well as Aspyr Media and Easybrain -- which it acquired today alongside Gearbox. With these companies, Embracer has access to properties such as World War Z, NBA Playgrounds, Dead Island, Metro Exodus, and Shadow Warrior. Alongside the possibilities for existing Gearbox properties, Pitchford said elsewhere in the interview that he believes the financial support from Embracer Group will allow the studio to pursue more new games, and specifically more risky ideas than it had previously been able to. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/borderlands-3-psycho-krieg-and-the-fantastic-fustercluck-dlc-gameplay-explores-the-warped-memories-of-a-psychos-brain"] "We have so many new IP concepts that are in our incubator that are ready to explode," he said. "We could wait for the right publishing partner who’s willing to make a bet, rather than only take a risk on something they know Gearbox has already done before. Those publishers that have taken risks on us for what we want to see next have always been rewarded. But for some reason they can’t be comfortable with that kind of risk. Now we get to take that risk. "We don’t have to burn the boats to do it. When Epic did their deal, they ended up selling Gears of War to Microsoft. They burned the boats to show they could do something you’d never expect from Epic before, and [gaming] got Fortnite out of that. We don’t have to do that. We can maximally deliver on the IP we have and pursue new IP as a consequence of this relationship. That’s incredibly exciting for me. I feel like we’re just getting started." Gearbox's most recent internally developed title was Borderlands 3 in 2019, though it has also published and assisted with recent releases including Trover Saves the Universe, Godfall, and Risk of Rain 2. Most recently, Gearbox launched the Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck DLC for Borderlands 3, which our review called a "bizarre odyssey" that "holds one great boss battle but few other surprises." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

Gearbox Franchises May Be Used by Other Developers After Embracer Merger

Following the acquisition of Borderlands studio Gearbox by Embracer Group for $1.3 billion, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford says the deal could mean that other studios owned by Embracer Group could wind up making games with Gearbox properties. In an interview with VentureBeat, Pitchford reaffirmed that Gearbox was still working on Homeworld 3 in partnership with Blackbird Interactive, but that the continuation of the franchise was "just scratching the surface" of the company's plans. "The plans are a spectrum of internally developed games with Gearbox IP, internally developed games with original IP from Gearbox, external partners that are both publishing partners, where we’re publishing them in a second party relationship, and then there are also other developers working on Gearbox IP as well," he said. "That can expand, especially as we start interacting without friction with other members of the Embracer Group that have some interest. There are a lot of folks that would love to work on Gearbox IP, and Gearbox would love to help some of the Embracer Group games that might be stronger in other markets be published more effectively in North America." Other studios within Embracer Group include THQ Nordic, Saber Interactive, Koch Media, DECA Games, Amplifier Game Invest, and Coffee Stain Holding, as well as Aspyr Media and Easybrain -- which it acquired today alongside Gearbox. With these companies, Embracer has access to properties such as World War Z, NBA Playgrounds, Dead Island, Metro Exodus, and Shadow Warrior. Alongside the possibilities for existing Gearbox properties, Pitchford said elsewhere in the interview that he believes the financial support from Embracer Group will allow the studio to pursue more new games, and specifically more risky ideas than it had previously been able to. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/29/borderlands-3-psycho-krieg-and-the-fantastic-fustercluck-dlc-gameplay-explores-the-warped-memories-of-a-psychos-brain"] "We have so many new IP concepts that are in our incubator that are ready to explode," he said. "We could wait for the right publishing partner who’s willing to make a bet, rather than only take a risk on something they know Gearbox has already done before. Those publishers that have taken risks on us for what we want to see next have always been rewarded. But for some reason they can’t be comfortable with that kind of risk. Now we get to take that risk. "We don’t have to burn the boats to do it. When Epic did their deal, they ended up selling Gears of War to Microsoft. They burned the boats to show they could do something you’d never expect from Epic before, and [gaming] got Fortnite out of that. We don’t have to do that. We can maximally deliver on the IP we have and pursue new IP as a consequence of this relationship. That’s incredibly exciting for me. I feel like we’re just getting started." Gearbox's most recent internally developed title was Borderlands 3 in 2019, though it has also published and assisted with recent releases including Trover Saves the Universe, Godfall, and Risk of Rain 2. Most recently, Gearbox launched the Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck DLC for Borderlands 3, which our review called a "bizarre odyssey" that "holds one great boss battle but few other surprises." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

Dinosaur Fossil Discovered May Reveal the Largest Animal to Ever Walk on the Planet

Paleontologists have discovered the fossils of a dinosaur that's believed to be the largest animal to ever walk the Earth. In a recently-published Cretaceous Research report, a team of paleontologists discussed the sheer size of some dinosaur fossils uncovered in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. The scientists reveal that they might be fossils of the largest animal to have ever called the planet home, as reported by MyModernMet. The report states that the fossils that were found correspond to a dinosaur bigger than any other dinosaur recorded in history. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-deaths-in-the-jurassic-park-movies&captions=true"] Alejandro Otero, the lead author of the Cretaceous Research report, says the fossils found are "between 10 and 20 percent" bigger than any other fossils discovered on Earth. While the team isn't quite sure if the fossils belong to a dinosaur species already discovered or to a brand new species, the dinosaur is believed to be a type of titanosaur. These types of dinosaurs are a type of sauropod discovered in fossil beds all around the world and are essentially, really big dinosaurs. Other types of titanosaurs include the 77-ton Patagotitan and the 110-ton Argentinosaurus, as noted by MyModernMet. The team has discovered 24 vertebrae from this dinosaur's tail, and pelvic and pectoral gliders so far and the weight of the dinosaur can't be estimated until the team is able to find a femur or humorous bone. However, the fossils discovered are already larger than those found of the Patagotitan and the Argentinosaurus. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/12/new-tyrannosaur-species-discovered-dubbed-reaper-of-death"] These new fossils were discovered in a rock formation called the Candeleros Formation, which formed roughly 98 million years ago during the Upper Cretaceous period. The first fossil was unearthed in 2012 and official excavations began in 2015. The team has worked since then to uncover the 24 pieces of vertebrae it's already uncovered. While waiting for an estimate of this massive animal's weight to be determined, check out this story about some T. Rex fossils that recently sold for $31.8 million and then read this story about how scientists who are extracting DNA from insects preserved in resin have no intention of raising dinosaurs a la Jurassic Park. Check out this story about a T. Rex and Triceratops locked into each other in the same fossil preservation after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who can't comprehend that some dinosaurs weighed more than 100 tons. Like, what does a creature that large even look like? It hurts his brain to think about it. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Dinosaur Fossil Discovered May Reveal the Largest Animal to Ever Walk on the Planet

Paleontologists have discovered the fossils of a dinosaur that's believed to be the largest animal to ever walk the Earth. In a recently-published Cretaceous Research report, a team of paleontologists discussed the sheer size of some dinosaur fossils uncovered in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. The scientists reveal that they might be fossils of the largest animal to have ever called the planet home, as reported by MyModernMet. The report states that the fossils that were found correspond to a dinosaur bigger than any other dinosaur recorded in history. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-deaths-in-the-jurassic-park-movies&captions=true"] Alejandro Otero, the lead author of the Cretaceous Research report, says the fossils found are "between 10 and 20 percent" bigger than any other fossils discovered on Earth. While the team isn't quite sure if the fossils belong to a dinosaur species already discovered or to a brand new species, the dinosaur is believed to be a type of titanosaur. These types of dinosaurs are a type of sauropod discovered in fossil beds all around the world and are essentially, really big dinosaurs. Other types of titanosaurs include the 77-ton Patagotitan and the 110-ton Argentinosaurus, as noted by MyModernMet. The team has discovered 24 vertebrae from this dinosaur's tail, and pelvic and pectoral gliders so far and the weight of the dinosaur can't be estimated until the team is able to find a femur or humorous bone. However, the fossils discovered are already larger than those found of the Patagotitan and the Argentinosaurus. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/12/new-tyrannosaur-species-discovered-dubbed-reaper-of-death"] These new fossils were discovered in a rock formation called the Candeleros Formation, which formed roughly 98 million years ago during the Upper Cretaceous period. The first fossil was unearthed in 2012 and official excavations began in 2015. The team has worked since then to uncover the 24 pieces of vertebrae it's already uncovered. While waiting for an estimate of this massive animal's weight to be determined, check out this story about some T. Rex fossils that recently sold for $31.8 million and then read this story about how scientists who are extracting DNA from insects preserved in resin have no intention of raising dinosaurs a la Jurassic Park. Check out this story about a T. Rex and Triceratops locked into each other in the same fossil preservation after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who can't comprehend that some dinosaurs weighed more than 100 tons. Like, what does a creature that large even look like? It hurts his brain to think about it. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Is PS5’s Destruction AllStars the Next PlayStation Plus Hit Like Fall Guys?

On this week's episode of IGN's PlayStation show, Podcast Beyond!, host Jonathon Dornbush is joined by Brian Altano, Max Scoville, and guest Laura Kate Dale to talk about all the biggest news in the world of PlayStation...well, except for financial results, since those broke after we recorded. Watch the new episode below! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/03/is-ps5s-destruction-allstars-the-next-fall-guys-beyond-episode-686"] But the cast still jumps into the new PS Plus lineup for the month, offering some early impressions of PS5 exclusive Destruction AllStars and whether or not it can replicate the success of other PS Plus hits like Fall Guys and Rocket League, plus thoughts on Control: Ultimate Edition and Concrete Genie. The cast also discusses the tall vampire lady's real height in Resident Evil Village, the God of War PS5 patch, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition's release date, and much more, plus, we talk a bit about Laura's new book, Things I Learned from Mario's Butt, which Brian and Max contributed to, and Laura's YouTube videos on accessibility. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-ps5-games&captions=true"] Podcast Beyond! is live every Wednesday. For more on PS5, check out our PS5 console review and our PS5 wiki guide for tips on how to best use your system. And for more Beyond, be sure to watch the first episode of our Bloodborne let's play! [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=6dd2b926-8863-4080-99b2-d08eb61f67f6"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

Is PS5’s Destruction AllStars the Next PlayStation Plus Hit Like Fall Guys?

On this week's episode of IGN's PlayStation show, Podcast Beyond!, host Jonathon Dornbush is joined by Brian Altano, Max Scoville, and guest Laura Kate Dale to talk about all the biggest news in the world of PlayStation...well, except for financial results, since those broke after we recorded. Watch the new episode below! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/03/is-ps5s-destruction-allstars-the-next-fall-guys-beyond-episode-686"] But the cast still jumps into the new PS Plus lineup for the month, offering some early impressions of PS5 exclusive Destruction AllStars and whether or not it can replicate the success of other PS Plus hits like Fall Guys and Rocket League, plus thoughts on Control: Ultimate Edition and Concrete Genie. The cast also discusses the tall vampire lady's real height in Resident Evil Village, the God of War PS5 patch, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition's release date, and much more, plus, we talk a bit about Laura's new book, Things I Learned from Mario's Butt, which Brian and Max contributed to, and Laura's YouTube videos on accessibility. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-ps5-games&captions=true"] Podcast Beyond! is live every Wednesday. For more on PS5, check out our PS5 console review and our PS5 wiki guide for tips on how to best use your system. And for more Beyond, be sure to watch the first episode of our Bloodborne let's play! [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=6dd2b926-8863-4080-99b2-d08eb61f67f6"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

Destruction AllStars Devs Turn Off Voice Chat by Default After Player Complaints

Update: Lucid Games, developers of Destruction AllStars, released a new hotfix that addresses the lobby voice communications system. Now, multiplayer lobby voice chat will be disabled by default for all players. Originally, lobby voice chat was left on by default for Destruction AllStars players. More than that, communications including voice and audio was routed through the PS5 DualSense controller. So even if players didn't have a headset, they would still be included in the voice chat lobby through the DualSense's built-in mic and speakers. Going forward, Lucid Games says the team is actively working on a more long-term enhancement to the way voice communications will work in its destruction derby games. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Original Story: Destruction AllStars, the new destruction derby game for the PlayStation 5 is finally out, but players are discovering that cars aren’t the only things colliding in this game. Voices are too because Destruction AllStars turns on voice comms through the PS5 DualSense on by default. Now the devs say they’re working on a solution. When you enter a game of Destruction AllStars, the whole lobby will automatically enter voice chat with the other players. If you don’t have a mic or headset, don’t worry because Destruction AllStars uses the DualSense controller as your default mic and headset. Now, on Reddit, Lucid Games has announced that it is working on a fix for the voice comms and party chat settings “ASAP.” In a post published by Lucid’s community manager, an update for the voice comms will arrive sometime this week either on Thursday or Friday. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=destruction-allstars-game-modes-reveal&captions=true"] In the meantime, the developers advise players who don’t want to experience the free-for-all voice chat to press the PlayStation button, then the Square on the party chat card. From there, players can mute the voice chat when they join a game or create a private party chat. You’ll need to do this each time you join a new game, which is why it’s more of a temporary workaround rather than a full fix. Destruction AllStars was originally announced as a PS5 launch title. However, it was delayed until now where PlayStation 5 owners can get the game for free as part of this month’s PS Plus offerings. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/destruction-allstars-s-ranked-mayhem-gameplay"] The delay was beneficial for the developers since Destruction AllStars is an online competitive game, it made sense to reach the largest audience possible through PS Plus. And the delay allowed the devs more time to strengthen their network backend for the oncoming players. Read IGN’s full interview with the Destruction AllStars team, and check out our essential tips to help you get started. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.