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Cooking Mama: Cookstar Creators Move to Quash Cryptomining Speculation

The developer and publisher for Cooking Mama: Cookstar have moved to quash speculation that the game allows for background cryptocurrency mining when running on Switch. Last week, IGN reported on the confusing release and provenance of the new Cooking Mama game, which has seen the digital version pulled from Nintendo eShop, while making its way to select stores as a boxed game. Subsequently, a tweet including a supposed screenshot from Discord chat about the game began circulating. That screenshot alleged that, while running, the game is "Usiing your system to mine Crypto Currency and potentially handig your personal info as well [sp]". Cryptocurrency mining (a.k.a. cryptomining) is a process of authenticating cryptocurrency payments, earning a small payment in the process - if true, this would mean your Switch hardware was being used to earn money for a third party. A reply to that original message includes a series of follow-up details, some of which are drawn from IGN's report, and several of which are provably false. Following that tweet, both developer 1st Playable and publisher Planet Entertainment (through the Cookstar Twitter account) have refuted the allegation. Tweeting for the first time since 2017, 1st Playable explained: "As the developers we can say with certainty there is no cryptocurrency or data collection or blockchain or anything else shady in the code. The Nintendo Switch is a very safe platform, with none of the data and privacy issues associated with some mobile and PC games." The Cookstar Twitter account echoed the same point, and referred to a much-discussed 2019 press release that indicated publisher Planet Entertainment did aim to add blockchain technology to its games, including Cooking Mama - a goal it says never came to fruition. "We looked at these options as a means to allow players to trade in-game assets", reads a follow-up tweet. "However, we only explored the theory behind the concept, not the implementation. Cooking Mama: Cookstar, nor any of our other titles in the past or near future will utilize crypto technology." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=cooking-mama-cookstar-screenshots&captions=true"] Independent sources have supported the developer and publisher's statements. Several Twitter users that reverse engineer games have reported that the game contains no code related to blockchain or cryptomining. IGN has verified with players that do own the game that claims of it causing the Switch to overheat also appear to be false, although battery drain does seem to be an issue (this could be down to any number of factors, however). Cookstar can also be played offline, contrary to claims that it was an always-online game to allow for background cryptomining. This controversy has also has helped clear up some of the previous confusion around Cooking Mama: Cookstar, primarily who made the game, and its connection to blockchain technology. However, aside from acknowledging "distribution issues", neither developer or publisher has addressed why the game was pulled from Nintendo eShop in the first place. IGN has, once again, reached out for comment. [poilib element="accentDivider"]  
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update Reduces the Number of Eggs You’ll Find

Nintendo has reduced the number of "some eggs" players will find in Animal Crossing: New Horizon's Bunny Day event - seemingly responding to public outcry about how many freaking eggs there are right now. The news was revealed in a set of patch notes from Nintendo, which detailed changes coming to the game as part of Version 1.1.4. "During the Easter event, the appearance rate of some eggs has been adjusted until April 11, 2020," the patch notes read. Below, it mentions that the rate of eggs will increase again on April 12th to commemorate Easter Sunday. It's not immediately clear which egg types have seen the reduction in numbers, although it seems likely that eggs caught while fishing would be a target. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/16/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review"] If you've been playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons recently you will have been forced into the Bunny Day event, where Zipper the 'rabbit' has infected the island with countless eggs, replacing many of the normal resources players are trying to collect on their daily adventures. Despite the fact that Zipper is objectively terrifying, this eggstravaganza has caused chaos for players who don't care much for the Bunny Day exclusive crafting items, which include an absurd variety of egg-infused furniture, and outfits that turn your islander into an egg. Many players have turned to social media to address the issue, putting Zipper in the firing line. It's a lot to deal with and can be overwhelming for those players who just want to go about their day fishing for Sea Bass. Water Eggs have replaced some of the fish in the water, meaning you can waste precious tools reeling fish-shaped, bait nibbling eggs out of a pond. It's a nightmare. The same can be said for Sky Eggs, which replace the gifts attached to balloons you can shoot down with your slingshot. You can't even whack a rock for iron without receiving Earth Eggs. Luckily, Nintendo has seemingly listened to the fans on this occasion and quickly issued a fix to address the distaste towards Zipper and his insane eggpocalypse. If you're still striving to attain a 3 Star Town Rating amidst this egg-onomic crisis, check out our guide to help summon K.K. Slider sooner rather than later. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN who loved Zipper in Silent Hill 3. Follow him on Twitter.
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Hamilton! Cast Surprises Young Fan With Reunion on John Krasinski Show

John Krasinski released the second episode of his new YouTube series, aptly titled Some Good News, featuring a special guest appearance from Lin-Manuel Miranda and the rest of the Broadway cast of Hamilton. Taking to Twitter, Krasinski shared the latest instalment of his feel-good newscast, which spotlights positive stories from around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In one segment, Krasinski chatted to Aubrey, a Hamilton superfan who planned to see the Broadway musical for her 9th birthday but was forced to stay home due to government directives. "We were supposed to see Hamilton in Jacksonville tonight—DD's 9th bday present (seeing Hamilton has been her dream since she saw her 1st Broadway show last year), but we're home watching Mary Poppins Returns instead. At least we're safe & healthy," Aubrey's mother tweeted on March 21. Hearing this news, Krasinski and his wife Emily Blunt promised to fly Aubrey and her mother out to New York to see the show once the crisis had passed over. The duo then surprised the young fan with a virtual performance of her favourite song, Alexander Hamilton, from the opening of the hit stage show, led by Lin-Manuel Miranda via live video on Zoom. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/11/14/why-lin-manuel-miranda-wants-to-wait-for-a-hamilton-movie"] Miranda was joined by former castmate Leslie Odom Jr., then Daveed Diggs, followed by Okieriete Onaodowan, Phillipa Soo and Christopher Jackson alongside Jasmine Cephas Jones, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff and many, many more. Elsewhere in the episode, Krasinski highlighted the huge corporations, local companies and wider communities who have banded together in a massive effort to provide more medical supplies to all of the healthcare heroes currently working on the frontline to fight the coronavirus outbreak. The host also acknowledged the "incredible" response to the first episode, which has now amassed over 12 million views on YouTube. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=new-movies-coming-to-vod-early&captions=true"] John Krasinski is one of several celebrities offering lighter entertainment options for those living in lockdown. J.K. Rowling recently launched a Harry Potter At Home hub with the Wizarding World team while Seth MacFarlane launched a podcast hosted by Family Guy's Stewie and Brian. Plus, Jodie Whittaker transformed into Doctor Who for an "emergency transmission" and Sir Patrick Stewart has been reading daily sonnets to his fans. For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
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Resident Evil 3: The Board Game Coming To Kickstarter

A board game based on Resident Evil 3 - made by the same team responsible for the Resident Evil 2 board game - is set to launch on Kickstarter later this month. Resident Evil 3: The Board Game will land on Kickstarter on April 28th, 2020. The tabletop game has been created by Steamforged Games in collaboration with series publisher Capcom. This follows the release of Resident Evil 2: The Board Game, which was revealed by Steamforged back in 2018 and launched last year. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=resident-evil-3-board-game-box-models-and-cards&captions=true"] The board game is naturally focused on survival horror and will allow up to four players to experience a "19+ hour campaign with an overarching storyline." The game can also be experienced via one-shot scenarios and will see you taking control of  Resident Evil 3's most important characters, including heroine Jill Valentine and UBCS mercenary Carlos Oliviera. "Players must carefully manage resources, make intelligent and meaningful decisions, and be wary of curveballs thrown by the tension deck," the statement reads. "[The Tension Deck] is a mechanic carried over from the RE2 board game which will surprise players with unexpected threats to replicate the terrifying suspense of the video game." If you would like to support the game ahead of its crowdfunding launch, you can follow the campaign over on Kickstarter. If the campaign reaches 2500 followers, the developers will unlock a miniature of Jill Valentine in biker gear. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/resident-evil-3-final-review"] For more on Resident Evil 3, check out our review of the new version of the game, which we called a "wonderful continuation of Capcom's latest remake efforts." If you're already playing and looking for pointers whilst navigating Raccoon City, consider checking out our detailed Walkthrough. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
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Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Review – Materia Improvements

Editor's note: In June 2021, developer Square Enix released an upgraded version of Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 5, which included improved visuals and technical performance, as well as some new features, including a photo mode. Our impressions on how the improvements impact Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS5 are written by Phil Hornshaw. The original review of Final Fantasy VII Remake was first published in April 2020 and is written by Tamoor Hussain.

In the opening of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife, a mercenary and former member of an elite private military group called SOLDIER, takes on a job with an eco-terrorist cell named Avalanche. Their mission is to blow up a reactor that siphons Mako, the lifeblood of the planet, and uses it to power the sprawling industrial metropolis Midgar. The group infiltrates, braves resistance from Shinra Electric Company's forces, and sets off an explosion that renders the reactor inoperable.

In the 1997 original, what followed was a hop, skip, and jump through a few sections of the city back to Sector 7, and the safety of Avalanche's hideout. In Final Fantasy VII Remake, having carried out the mission, you're asked to walk the streets in the aftermath and witness the harrowing consequences of your actions. The sector lies in ruin, fires rage, buildings are crumbling, and the heartbreaking human cost is laid bare.

Continue Reading at GameSpot
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Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Review – Materia Improvements

Editor's note: In June 2021, developer Square Enix released an upgraded version of Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 5, which included improved visuals and technical performance, as well as some new features, including a photo mode. Our impressions on how the improvements impact Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS5 are written by Phil Hornshaw. The original review of Final Fantasy VII Remake was first published in April 2020 and is written by Tamoor Hussain.

In the opening of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife, a mercenary and former member of an elite private military group called SOLDIER, takes on a job with an eco-terrorist cell named Avalanche. Their mission is to blow up a reactor that siphons Mako, the lifeblood of the planet, and uses it to power the sprawling industrial metropolis Midgar. The group infiltrates, braves resistance from Shinra Electric Company's forces, and sets off an explosion that renders the reactor inoperable.

In the 1997 original, what followed was a hop, skip, and jump through a few sections of the city back to Sector 7, and the safety of Avalanche's hideout. In Final Fantasy VII Remake, having carried out the mission, you're asked to walk the streets in the aftermath and witness the harrowing consequences of your actions. The sector lies in ruin, fires rage, buildings are crumbling, and the heartbreaking human cost is laid bare.

Continue Reading at GameSpot
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Rocksmith DLC Winds Up After 383 Weeks of Support

Ubisoft has confirmed that the Rocksmith team is no longer building new Rocksmith DLC, bringing an end to an epic 383 weeks of song releases for the respected guitar instruction game. The encore is over and the house lights are on. “As of this week’s Opeth Song Pack, Rocksmith Remastered has concluded its scheduled DLC releases,” explains a statement published on Ubisoft.com. “After 383 weeks of DLC releases, this pack brings us to a total of 1570 songs in the Rocksmith library, spanning over seven decades (or three centuries, in the case of Bachsmith) and covering a multitude of genres for guitar and bass.” While there will be no more new songs, the team has stressed weekly online content is still planned for Rocksmith fans. The shift in focus is attributed to the fact the Rocksmith team is currently “hard at work on a new project”, which is a mystery for the time being. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2013/08/16/rocksmith-2014-the-trooper-iron-maiden"] The original Rocksmith was first released in October 2011 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and arrived on PC a year later. The finger pickin’ good follow-up, Rocksmith 2014, was released in 2013 (and Rocksmith 2014 Remastered was released in 2016 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4). Pitched as a guitar (and bass) teaching tool rather than a traditional game, Rocksmith differs from Guitar Hero and Rocksmith by allowing users to plug in their own electric guitars to play along and learn the tracks. For those who chose to rock, we salute you. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. He doesn't always listen to rock at home but when he does, so do his neighbours. You can find him on Twitter every few days @MrLukeReilly.
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The Last of Us Part 2 Director Neil Druckmann Discusses Delay

The Last of Us Part II director Neil Druckmann has discussed the recent delay of Naughty Dog’s highly-anticipated PlayStation juggernaut, explaining the frustration of having the game on the “one-yard line” but held up due to reasons beyond their control. “It’s a bit rough,” Druckmann told the Official PlayStation Blogcast. “You’re working on something for so long – some of us, for years – and there’s a built-in anticipation when you’re doing this thing. Like, you can't wait for this thing that you’ve been crafting and honing and sometimes dreaming about; you can’t wait to get it in people’s hands and then see their reactions. See what they like or didn’t like, or where the story takes them. And now you gotta put all that on hold because the world is conspiring against us!” “Internally we know we have a great game and it’s just we have to wait a little bit longer to get it out there to fans. I know fans are disappointed and believe me when I say this: we’re just as disappointed, if not more so, to not be able to get the game out on time.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-new-screenshots&captions=true"] On the question of why not release The Last of Us Part II digitally on the planned date, Druckmann explained there’s still no new plan yet but the key priority is getting the game to all fans – not just some. “Well, there hasn’t been a final decision yet; right now we’re just reacting,” said Druckmann. “You know, it’s a different retail chain – whether we could get physical copies to people. What is the internet infrastructure there to support it in all countries? This is a worldwide game that people in every country are waiting for, and we want to make sure we’re fair.” “If we just get it to a small fraction of people, what about all the people that don’t get it? Right now we’re looking at all sorts of different options: what’s the best way to get it to all of our fans as soon as possible? But that’s gonna take time for us to shift and figure things out, and also see where the world’s at. You know, things are changing from day to day.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/26/our-the-last-of-us-part-2-hands-on-impressions-deep-dive-beyond-episode-608"] Druckmann also stressed that turning the previous press demo into a standalone demo that could be downloaded by the public would be a “massive amount of work” and that the team would rather focus on finishing the game itself instead of rebuilding an outdated demo. “We’re at the one-yard line, I would say,” said Druckmann. “There’s still some bugs that we’re finding that we’re squashing – we want to polish it as much as we can, taking our time to review each section and making sure it’s all Naughty Dog quality.” “It’s there; that’s the frustrating part for us! The game is there. We just have to sit on it for a little bit and figure out what’s the best way to get it to our fans.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-story-gameplay-details&captions=true"] The Last of Us Part II was initially set to arrive on February 22, 2020. That initial release date was confirmed late last year alongside a story trailer and our first chance to go hands-on with The Last of Us' long-awaited sequel. Shortly after, Naughty Dog announced The Last of Us Part II would, in fact, be delayed until May 29 for additional polishing. In the wake of this delay reports emerged that the shift to May allegedly led to sustained crunch at Naughty Dog rather than alleviating it. The Last of Us Part II was also supposed to have its first public hands-on at PAX East 2020 but, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, Sony pulled out of PAX East. Sony and HBO also recently announced that a The Last of Us TV show adaptation is in the works, set to air on HBO with Druckmann and Chernobyl executive producer Craig Mazin behind the series (and the TV show will replace The Last of Us movie that was previously in the pipe). No casting has been announced, but we've offered plenty of suggestions for who should play Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us TV show. For more on the upcoming sequel, we spoke to Druckmann about Joel's role in The Last of Us Part II, why The Last of Us Part II isn't an open world game, as well as how dogs affect stealth and combat. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter every few days @MrLukeReilly.
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Watch this Dalek Scream at People to Stay Inside Their Homes

Similar to the news about countries around the world setting drones loose to scold citizens who aren't staying indoors, some inventive goofballs in England let a Dalek roll down the block while it barked commands at humans, promoting self-isolation. Posted by the Sanford Police Twitter account, which isn't a real police account (as that's the name of the town in Edgar Wright's Hot Fuzz), these lads are here for "s***s and giggles." And giggles they indeed get as this roving cyborg alien from Doctor Who has a lot on its mind when it comes to staying put in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Take a look... The demands are harsh, but simple. "All humans must keep indoors. All humans will self isolate. By order of the daleks." While we're own the subject of Doctor Who, check out this "emergency transmission" from the BBC featuring Jodie Whittaker's Doctor in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Other celebrities are trying their best to entertain fans from home too, like Patrick Stewart, who read Shakespeare sonnets online. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/28/doctor-who-cast-respond-to-ign-comments"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.
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Resident Evil 8 Release Window and Details Reportedly Leak

A first-person Resident Evil 8 will release sometime in 2021 for current and next gen consoles and will feature more “serious departures” from the mainline series, according to a new report from Video Game Chronicle.

VGC reports that they have verified the information provided by known Resident Evil leaker “Dusk Golem” on Twitter. That said, take the following information with a massive grain of salt, as previous reports from Dusk Golem on a “soft reboot” for Silent Hill were later squashed by Konami, so the track record thus far isn’t entirely perfect.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-resident-evil-bosses&captions=true"]

Golem stated on Twitter that Resident Evil 8 was previously a third Resident Evil Revelations game (which transitioned to a mainline title after positive feedback), and that it will feature new mechanics and themes like insanity, hallucinations, occultism, and not being able to trust others. Golem’s internal sources appear to be playtesters or Capcom ambassador program members - basically, fans who act as playtesters and possibly influencers.

Golem also stated that a gameplay sequence of Resident Evil 8 had been leaked to him, featuring a “sequence where you're in a village with multiple routes trying to make your way to a castle, being attacked by beast-men, zombies in armor with swords, and a witch that laughs a lot.”

According to VGC, it will again feature Resident Evil 7 protagonist Ethan Winters.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/resident-evil-3-final-review"]

Capcom has not commented on the supposed leak yet, so again, take these statements for what they are: Rumors.

If true, this would make Resident Evil 8 the third RE game to release in three consecutive years.

A report earlier this year also indicated that RE8 would be first-person, and touched on some of the details this report mentions again, including the addition of werewolves and witches to Resident Evil’s repertoire of monsters. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/future Nemesis victim for IGN.
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