Surgeon Simulator 2 will take the first game's brutally amusing cartoon operations, and add a much wider game around it - from larger, more varied levels, to 4-player co-op, to customisation, and even an entire level creation suite. In a game overview video revealed at IGN Expo today, we got a first look at the sequel's many additions, all set in the new Bossa Labs medical facility, a varied set of areas to unlock, featuring new items like the Anatomy Vendor, multiple new tools to operate with, and dozens of physics-enabled objects to accidentally knock over. Check out the gameplay video below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/surgeon-simulator-2-exclusive-gameplay-overview-trailer"] The video also introduces the game's four characters, Penny, Kamal, Heather and Milo, all of whom can be used in 4-player co-op, and can be customised with new costumes and a variety of finger ornaments. We also got a look at the Bossa Labs Creation Mode, which opens up the streamlined level creation tools used by the developers themselves. Level designs can run from medical, to sci-fi, to fantasy, and can be uploaded for other players to try. Pre-ordering the standard version of  the game on Epic Games Store will open up closed beta access and an exclusive Mad Scientist costume, with the Deluxe Edition offering more on top of that. There's more to see from today's IGN Expo, and we're running the Summer of Gaming throughout June – here's the Summer of Gaming full schedule. All month, we're supporting some incredibly important causes – the World Health Organisation and The Bail Project – if you are able, help us support them too at donate.ign.com. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Henry Cavill is "excited" to finally see the Snyder Cut of Justice League, calling the journey to get there "quite the ordeal." In a chat with Sir Patrick Stewart for Variety's Actors on Actors, Cavill told the Star Trek icon he doesn't know much more about the Snyder Cut other than it's coming to HBO Max -- in “early to mid-2021,” according to HBO Max exec Sandra Dewey -- and that it represents Zack Snyder's "final vision" for the 2017 superhero film. “I think it’s important for a filmmaker and a storyteller to have their intended vision released and shown to the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing it myself. It’s been quite the ordeal,” Cavill said. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/21/justice-league-the-snyder-cut-official-hbo-max-announcement] Cavill explained to Stewart that with Justice League "there was a mix of visions and the movie wasn’t well-received. And then over the subsequent years, there was a big push to see the fabled Snyder Cut. And now that time has come, and I think it’s going to be very enjoyable to watch Zack finally release his version.” The Man of Steel actor -- who was recently rumored to be in talks to reprise the role of Superman in multiple upcoming DC movies -- also spoke of his love for the character, the responsibility he feels to playing an icon to children, and the possibility of playing Superman again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-flash-movies-possible-dceu-cameos&captions=true"] "Because it’s such a wonderful character, it’s actually a responsibility I’m happy to have," Cavill said, adding, "and I hope that I get to play more of Superman in years to come.” For more Snyder Cut coverage, watch the first Darkseid clip and find out about some of the visual changes the movie will have from Justice League's theatrical release.

Shadow Arena, the free to play, hero-based battle royale, has announced a new character, Lahn. Revealed exclusively at today's IGN Expo event, Lahn is a mid-range fighter who uses the Crescent Pendulum as a main weapon and a Noble Sword as a sub-weapon. Lahn will be available from July 2. You can check out a trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/shadow-arena-summer-of-gaming-trailer"] Shadow Arena is currently in Early Access on Steam - any one who downloads the game now will receive hero Jordine Lucas for free, as well as a hero selection coupon. Updates each week will add new content and balance patches based on player feedback. There's more to see from today's IGN Expo, and we're running the Summer of Gaming throughout June – here's the Summer of Gaming full schedule. All month, we're supporting some incredibly important causes – the World Health Organisation and The Bail Project – if you are able, help us support them too at donate.ign.com. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Overcooked 2 is getting a new, free DLC pack titled Sun's Out Buns Out on July 5 for Steam, and 'shortly afterwards' for consoles. Revealed exclusively at today's IGN Expo event, the DLC will include two new canine chefs, summer-themed recipes, five new levels, and a parade theme that features kitchens atop moving floats, floating kitchens, firework hazards, and confetti. This pack also sees the return of sauce dispensers from the previous Carnival of Chaos DLC. You can check out the exclusive reveal trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/overcooked-2-suns-out-buns-out-summer-of-gaming-trailer"] Overcooked 2 is out now on PC via Steam, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. We awarded the base game an 8.5 review, saying it "serves up a great balance of hilarious chaos and strategy alongside meaningful improvements over its predecessor". There's more to see from today's IGN Expo, and we're running the Summer of Gaming throughout June – here's the Summer of Gaming full schedule. All month, we're supporting some incredibly important causes – the World Health Organisation and The Bail Project – if you are able, help us support them too at donate.ign.com. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Blizzard's World of Warcraft: Shadowlands livestream will now air on July 8 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST. Blizzard previously postponed the stream from June 9, stating, "More important voices than ours need to be heard, and now is the time to listen." The livestream will include new information on Shadowlands and "a look at some of the latest content now in development," according to Blizzard. It will be hosted by World of Warcraft executive producer John Hight and game director Ion Hazzikostas on the game's official YouTube and Twitch channels. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=world-of-warcraft-shadowlands-gameplay-reveal-images&captions=true"] Shadowlands, World of Warcraft's eighth expansion, was revealed at BlizzCon 2019. The expansion is expected to be released sometime in 2020 and will feature five new zones, a refined leveling system, and the roguelike-inspired Tower of the Damned. The Shadowlands-specific stream was announced after Blizzard canceled BlizzCon 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, the company will host an online event in early 2021. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/01/world-of-warcraft-exploring-the-shadowlands-gameplay-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.

Crystal Dynamic’s Avengers game may be about Earth’s Mightiest Heroes but will star Avengers fangirl Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. Opposing her is the organization AIM and MODOK. IGN spoke with Crystal Dynamics to find out why these two characters were chosen as the hero and villain for this particular Avengers story. Avengers creative director and writer Shaun Excayg spoke to IGN about the story-building process for the game. The developers began with the idea of what would happen if the Avengers failed and were deemed dangerous by the public. “What if we had the Avengers cross the line? The cost of their failings was just too high, people were hurt. You know, some were infected by the Terrigen blast and labeled Inhuman, they lost Capt their leader. You know, they were disbanded and outlawed and you start them in this position.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-avengers-a-day-gameplay-trailer-screenshots&captions=true"] In this scenario, the developers decided that filling the void left by the Avengers would be an organization like AIM which then led to the decision to use Ms. Marvel and MODOK for the story. “If we had the heroine and our villain both at A-Day, one infected by the Terrigen Mist, one injured by the Terrigen Blast, how would they both see this world? So a heroine who thinks, ‘No the Avengers empathy and humanity and subjectivity’ and ability to embrace differences and know what their differences are, or even recognize them, is why they are human and therefore the best protectors for humanity.” “And then a villain that feels absolutely not. These are their weaknesses, their subjectivity in their power is uncontrollable. They’re ruled by their emotions.” In this way, Ms. Marvel and MODOK are positioned as opposites when it comes to their opinions on the Avengers and the story will focus on how this team recovers from an ultimate defeat and learn to believe in themselves again. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/marvels-avengers-new-story-trailer-modok-reveal"] Crystal Dynamics' take on the Avengers will include both an ongoing multiplayer component and a story-driven single-player mode. While players can choose to play as any of the Avengers, the single-player story appears to focus on Kamala Khan's mission to reunite Earth's mightiest heroes. For more from today’s Avengers War Table check out IGN for previews, news, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"]  

Crystal Dynamics showed off more of Marvel’s Avengers today during its War Table livestream, and IGN was able to speak with the developers in an interview where we learned some additional details. Including a deeper dive into the hero customization that lets players tailor recognizable heroes like Iron Man and Hulk to their unique playstyles. Avengers lead combat designer Vince Napoli spoke with IGN ahead of the War Table and we asked what additional benefits the Support Moves have, particularly in multiplayer mode versus single-player. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-avengers-a-day-gameplay-trailer-screenshots&captions=true"] “All the support abilities also have a primary function for the main character as well,” Napoli says. “Thor’s, for example, is sort of his turn into a Thor Ragnarok, god-mode where lightning strikes all enemies around him, but also, like straight out of Mario Kart, Every Avenger gets hit with a lightning bolt from the sky as well, and becomes invincible for the next 12 seconds and gets a lightning shield.” So the support abilities boost both the player and their teammates, whether they’re other players or AI partners. But where customization comes in is that players can also tailor their heroics to suit their specific needs. “You can configure those heroics where you can go in and change the way Iron Man’s Arc Reactor beam fires, like, completely differently. Or you can change the way that the god mode sort of works for Thor and you can turn him into a sort of a beacon of health where he’ll sort of channel health to nearby characters for the duration of his god mode.” These ability customizations are further augmented with gear perks that can add duration to certain skills, or other buffs. And this loop is expanded by the quest design where since levels are fairly open-ended and large, players can farm gear during a mission as a side quest rather than focus on the primary objective. One of the developers, for example, prefers to play Hulk as a ranged support character rather than an up-close melee fighter. This is the kind of playstyle personalization Marvel’s Avengers allows. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/marvels-avengers-thor-8-minute-gameplay-reveal"] Marvel's Avengers is Crystal Dynamics' take on the popular Marvel superhero team that will include both an ongoing multiplayer component and a story-driven single-player mode. In multiplayer, players can choose to play as one of the confirmed Avengers heroes like Iron Man, while single-player will include additional characters like Ms. Marvel. For more from today’s Avengers War Table check out IGN for previews, news, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Ashraf Ismail, creative director at Ubisoft has announced that he is stepping down from his role on Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla following allegations of engaging in extramarital affairs. In a statement published on Twitter Ismail announced, “I am stepping down from my beloved project to properly deal with the personal issues in my life. The lives of my family and my own are shattered. I am deeply sorry to everyone hurt in this.” In a follow-up, Ismail added, “There are hundreds of talented, passionate people striving to build an experience for you that do not deserve to be associated with this. I wish them all the best.” IGN has reached out to Ubisoft to inquire how this may impact Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla’s development and whether a replacement creative director will be announced. Ubisoft provided the following statement: “Ashraf Ismail is stepping down from the project to take a leave of absence. The development team is committed to delivering a great game in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Over the weekend, multiple allegations of sexual impropriety surfaced within the game industry against a variety of figures, including game developers and streamers. This included Ismail who was accused of engaging in extramarital affairs and not revealing, or actively hiding, his marital status to the people he dated. One Twitter user provided text messages that claim to be text exchanges with Ismail where he appears to hide his marital status. The games industry was rocked by several different allegations, not just against Ismail. Other prominent figures accused of sexual misconduct include writer Chris Avellone, who has since parted ways with developer Techland on Dying Light 2 following multiple sexual harassment allegations. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that MODOK will be Marvel's Avengers' main villain. Revealed as part of today's Marvel's Avengers War Table broadcast, a story trailer has MODOK (formerly known as George Tarleton) explaining that he's attempting to fix the damage blamed on the Avengers after the game's A-Day catastrophe, and aiming to rid the Earth of superpowers altogether. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/marvels-avengers-new-story-trailer-modok-reveal"] In Crystal Dynamics' version of the Marvel universe, Tarleton was himself a victim of Terrigen infection on A-Day, which turned many of those who inhaled the mist into Inhumans. He uses the power of tech corporation Advanced Idea Mechanics to capture and experiment on Inhumans - until Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) reuinites the Avengers to take him down. It looks as though, over the course of the story, Tarleton will transform into MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing), although we only got a glimpse at what the legendarily huge-faced supervillain will look like in his final form for this take on the character. We originally heard that MODOK would be the game's key villain after an achievement list leaked, but this marks his official unveiling. The trailer also shows us Abomination, and a variety of A.I.M.-created threats to Hulk Smash along your way. Marvel's Avengers is headed to PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia on September 4. The War Table stream is a part of our Summer of Gaming showcase - and if you've come straight here from the show, you should stay tuned, because we're following it up with another day of exclusive announcements. All month, we're supporting some incredibly important causes – the World Health Organisation and The Bail Project – if you are able, help us support them too at donate.ign.com. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.  

Echtra Games' Max Schaefer and Matt Uelmen, two prominent members of the development team responsible for Diablo II, have shared their thoughts on the impact their games have had on the ARPG genre, and gaming as a whole. In this episode of IGN Unfiltered, Ryan McCaffrey spoke with Schaefer and Uelmen about Diablo 2, the upcoming release of Torchlight 3, and much more. Since Diablo II took the world by storm in 2000, it has had many imitators. From Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance to Champions of Norrath and so many more, its influence on the ARPG genre (and others) can't be overstated. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/11/03/history-of-awesome-diablo-ii"] When asked what he thought of the far-reaching impact of Diablo II, and the games that took cues from it, Max Schaefer, one of the directors and designers of Diablo II, said, "I actually like to see it. First of all, it's a tribute to Diablo when anything comes out that has those elements in it, and is evocative of that. So it's a flattering thing to see. "I think that anyone who makes a successful ARPG has done something significant because it is a uniquely difficult genre to make games in and I think that that's maybe not appreciated across the board very much. It's just... there's a lot of fiddly parts to an ARPG and it's very easy for them to go wrong. So when someone comes out with one that's a commercial success and is a fun time, you just have to respect what they've done. "I like to see competitors... First of all, we're still at the beginning of scratching the surface of what the ARPG genre can be. I think it's going to be with us... Even now, today... 2020, this is a genre that's going to be with us until we're all long gone, so it's cool for me to see what other people are doing and their take on it and what twist they have. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="legacyId=20088065&captions=true"] "There's always a twist, whether it's turning it into a giant MMO like Path of Exile or, in the case of a guy who became one of the founders of the Torchlight franchise, Travis Baldree, made a little, tiny, super low-budget one-man version called Fate, that was just a kick-in-the-pants to play and really fun and cool. So, you know, the breadth of what can be done is great and we never look at it as... competitors, but building and expanding on the genre." Matt Uelmen, who composed Diablo's highly influential, atmospheric soundtracks, also shared his thoughts. "There are so many design elements that [World of Warcraft] took from Diablo II. So many design fundamentals, approaches to gear... I mean there's so much weird crossover in gaming... The fact that the Destiny formula was more or less developed by the team that Max was with... and that the formula behind [Hellgate: London], more or less... became Destiny." "There's a lot of... kind of mushy barriers in terms of... even though we kind of fleshed out the randomized loot mechanic with [Diablo II], and pioneered it with Diablo, it found its way into the formula of a lot of different games..." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/02/21/diablo-creator-says-bringing-diablo-2-to-modern-pcs-would-be-extremely-difficult-ign-unfiltered"] For more on the best, brightest, most interesting minds in the games industry, be sure to check out every episode of Unfiltered, which includes interviews with Master Chief co-creator Marcus Lehto, 343's Bonnie Ross, Valve's Robin Walker & Chris Remo, Respawn's Stig Asmussen, and many, many more.

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Brian Barnett writes wiki guides, deals posts, features, and much more for IGN. You can get your fix of Brian's antics on Twitter and Instagram (@Ribnax).