Yearly Archives: 2018
Nintendo Direct Impressions – NVC Ep. 398
Weeelcooome to episode 398 of our weekly Nintendo show and podcast, Nintendo Voice Chat. This week, Lily Zaldivar joins the panel to discuss Super Smash Bros. for Switch, Splatoon 2 DLC, Super Smash Bros, Dark Souls, Super Smash Bros, and all the big announcements from the latest Nintendo Direct. Oh, and Super Smash Bros!
As always, you can watch NVC here on IGN and on our YouTube channel (subscribe and hit that bell! It gives fairies wings!) or listen to it on your commute in audio format. If you enjoy the show, share it with other Nintendo fans, leave us a comment, and give us a thumbs up or leave us a review! If you prefer audio over video, please subscribe to NVC on iTunes or your podcast service of choice. You can also download and listen to the Latest Episode of NVC Right Here.
Valve Releases First Details About Artifact
Valve announced the first details about Artifact, the Dota 2 card game, in a closed doors presentation today.
Valve President Gabe Newell sat down with members of the games press to reveal the first details about Artifact, the digital card game that was announced during last year's International. The presentation contained a wealth of information about the upcoming game, most important of which is that the game will not be free-to-play like many of its competitors.
The game will feature high production values, novel mechanics (such as a "shopping phase"), and an AI that teaches the player how to play. Newell also stated that opening packs and building your deck will be "a social and competitive experience". Additionally, Artifact will feature a marketplace and workshop, much like the one that Dota 2 players can use to buy and sell in-game items.
Ready Player One Tracking for Underwhelming Opening Weekend
Ready Player One is heading toward a potentially disappointing opening weekend when it hits theaters on March 29.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Steven Spielberg-directed film is tracking for a North American box office debut of around $35 million. Spielberg and Warner Bros. are trying to crack $50 million for the opening weekend. Warner Bros. has already pushed the release date up to a Thursday—instead of the traditional Friday—and will continue making its marketing push throughout March.
Fortnite Battle Royale Announced for Mobile
Epic Games has announced its free Fortnite Battle Royale mode will be available to play on both iOS and Android — and you'll be able to play with other players on other platforms.
Starting next Monday, March 12, interested players can sign up at Fortnite's official website for the iOS "Invite Event." Invitations via email will be sent out to players soon after, offering a link to download the game. Epic will be regularly inviting players to the game over the coming months. Support for Android platers will follow in the next few months, though no exact window is announced.
Fortnite Battle Royale is the same 100-player mode players already know, with Epic promising "same gameplay, same map, same content, same weekly updates." It will also feature cross play and cross-progression between PS4, PC, Mac, iOS, and also on Android when the game comes to that platform.
Here’s The “Violent Video Game Reel” Trump Shared At The White House
UPDATE: The Electronic Software Association, issued a statement to IGN following President Donald Trump's meeting with members of the gaming industry and members of congress. The ESA said its members "appreciate the President’s receptive and comprehensive approach" to the meeting, which covered First Amendment protection of games, the ESRB rating system, and more.
The full statement reads:
“We welcomed the opportunity today to meet with the President and other elected officials at the White House. We discussed the numerous scientific studies establishing that there is no connection between video games and violence, First Amendment protection of video games, and how our industry’s rating system effectively helps parents make informed entertainment choices. We appreciate the President’s receptive and comprehensive approach to this discussion.”
Big News and Trailers from March 8’s Nintendo Direct
After a lot of leaks, rumors, and anticipation, Nintendo aired a Nintendo Direct today with a handful of new games headed to Switch and 3DS.
Here’s what Nintendo showed today, from release dates for things we already knew about to a few new surprises that will round out 2018 for Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo saved the best for last, finally confirming Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch. We don't know much yet, but a trailer showed off the Inklings, Mario, Link, and silhouettes of a few more familiar characters.
It remains to be seen if this will be a port of the Wii U version or an entirely new game, but either way it'll be exciting to have a new version of everybody's favorite brawler.
Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition Release Date Announced
Today's Nintendo Direct gave us the release date for Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition, coming to Nintendo Switch May 18.
The Definitive Edition includes every map and mission, as well as every character from both the Wii U and 3DS version, adding up to 29 characters in all.
The Switch edition also includes new outfits for Zelda and Link from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The Direct also gave us a release date for Project Octopath Traveler, coming July 13 with a special edition releasing on the same day.
When it originally came to Wii U, we gave it a 7 in our Hyrule Warriors review, calling it a fun sidestory for the Zelda universe. The 3DS version was also fun, but suffered problems from straining the 3DS limited power.
Far Cry 5 Had Our Curiosity, Now It Has Our Attention
Welcome back to Game Scoop!, IGN's weekly video game talk show. This week we're discussing Far Cry 5 arcade, Monster Hunter World, sex dolls, and more. Watch the video above or download the podcast below.
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Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion Announced
Nintendo has announced Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, the game's first paid, single-player DLC.
The expansion was revealed during today's Nintendo Direct. It introduces a new playable character, an Octoling named Agent 8, and will be released this summer for $20 USD. Completing the 80-mission single-player campaign will unlock the ability to play as Octolings in multiplayer.
Nintendo also announced Splatoon 2's 3.0 update will be released in "late April." Version 3.0 will feature additional stages, over 100 pieces of new gear, and Rank X, a new rank that's even higher than S+.
For more, check out IGN's Splatoon 2 review.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch Finally Confirmed
As many fans have been waiting for since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch, Super Smash Bros. is finally confirmed to be coming to the system. And it's coming in 2018.
Splatoon Inklings are confirmed to appear in a short teaser shown during the Nintendo Direct today. Mario and what appears to be The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Link were also shown in the teaser. Several other characters can be seen in partial shadow at the end of the trailer.
No official title has been set for the fighter, with its working title being Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros.
The last Smash Bros. came in 2014, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, two companion entries in the franchise. IGN reviewed Smash Bros. for Wii U higher than Smash Bros. for 3DS, though still praised both games for their impressive additions and twists on the beloved fighting series.