Yearly Archives: 2020

The Last of Us Part 2: New Trailer Coming Tomorrow

The Last of Us Part II will be getting a new trailer tomorrow, May 6. Announced on Twitter, the trailer will arrive at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK (that's midnight on May 7 for AEST). The teaser doesn't give much away, although we hear Ellie say, "I have to finish it". What sounds like Joel replies, "There's a cost." The game officially went gold yesterday, with director Neil Druckmann addressing the game's recent story leak: "No matter what you've seen or heard or read, nothing compares to playing this game from beginning to end. It's a video game, you've got to play it." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/how-to-avoid-the-last-of-us-part-2-spoilers-ign-daily-fix"] For more on The Last of Us Part 2, find out about its PS4 hard drive minimum required space, Druckmann's initial thoughts about the Last of Us 2 delay, and a report of how The Last of Us 2's delay allegedly led to sustained crunch. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.

Crucible, Amazon’s Free Shooter, Launches This Month

Amazon has announced that Crucible, its new free-to-play hero shooter, launches on May 20, and will ship with ten characters and three distinct game modes. Crucible is a competitive game based around collecting Essence, which allows players to level up their characters and enhance their abilities. Team size and objectives depend on the game mode being played, which mix up both PvE and PvP gameplay. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/amazon-developed-sci-fi-shooter-crucible-out-next-month-ign-news"] Modes available at launch are Heart of the Hives, Harvester Command, and Alpha Hunters. Heart of the Hives is a 4v4 mode in which both teams fight boss monsters called Hives, and gain hearts for killing them. The first team to capture three hearts wins the match, and so it’s a balance between killing the Hives and defeating the enemy team. It sounds a little like Destiny 2’s Gambit mode, which is no bad thing. Harvester Command is an 8v8 mode that asks teams to capture and defend harvesters on the map that provide Essence for the holding team. The team that depletes their opponent’s resource pool is crowned the winner. Finally, Alpha Hunters is Crucible’s answer to battle royale: eight duos go into the map and fight to be the last team standing. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crucible-screenshots&captions=true"] Before heading into any one of these game modes, players must choose a Hunter. There are ten of these characters to choose from, which developer Relentless Studios (one of the Amazon Games studios) says caters to every playstyle. Like a MOBA, your character starts afresh every match, but you have their full array of weapons and abilities from the moment the game starts. Collecting Essence allows you to upgrade your toolset, and the upgrades you get are assigned pre-match from a customisation menu. Crucible will be available on PC via Steam from May 20. Amazon has made no mention of other platforms so far, so it is unclear if Relentless Studios plans to bring it to consoles. Crucible's May launch was previously confirmed by The New York Times, which reported that the game was originally due to land in April. The shooter is just one of Amazon Games' larger portfolio, which also includes ambitious MMO New World. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter

Crucible, Amazon’s Free Shooter, Launches This Month

Amazon has announced that Crucible, its new free-to-play hero shooter, launches on May 20, and will ship with ten characters and three distinct game modes. Crucible is a competitive game based around collecting Essence, which allows players to level up their characters and enhance their abilities. Team size and objectives depend on the game mode being played, which mix up both PvE and PvP gameplay. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/amazon-developed-sci-fi-shooter-crucible-out-next-month-ign-news"] Modes available at launch are Heart of the Hives, Harvester Command, and Alpha Hunters. Heart of the Hives is a 4v4 mode in which both teams fight boss monsters called Hives, and gain hearts for killing them. The first team to capture three hearts wins the match, and so it’s a balance between killing the Hives and defeating the enemy team. It sounds a little like Destiny 2’s Gambit mode, which is no bad thing. Harvester Command is an 8v8 mode that asks teams to capture and defend harvesters on the map that provide Essence for the holding team. The team that depletes their opponent’s resource pool is crowned the winner. Finally, Alpha Hunters is Crucible’s answer to battle royale: eight duos go into the map and fight to be the last team standing. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crucible-screenshots&captions=true"] Before heading into any one of these game modes, players must choose a Hunter. There are ten of these characters to choose from, which developer Relentless Studios (one of the Amazon Games studios) says caters to every playstyle. Like a MOBA, your character starts afresh every match, but you have their full array of weapons and abilities from the moment the game starts. Collecting Essence allows you to upgrade your toolset, and the upgrades you get are assigned pre-match from a customisation menu. Crucible will be available on PC via Steam from May 20. Amazon has made no mention of other platforms so far, so it is unclear if Relentless Studios plans to bring it to consoles. Crucible's May launch was previously confirmed by The New York Times, which reported that the game was originally due to land in April. The shooter is just one of Amazon Games' larger portfolio, which also includes ambitious MMO New World. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter

NASCAR Heat 5 Announced

704Games and publisher Motorsport Games have announced NASCAR Heat 5, the latest in the popular series of NASCAR racing games. The latest NASCAR Heat features Chase Elliott on the cover and includes a career mode that lets you progress through the Xtreme Dirt, Gander Trucks, and Xfinity Series before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series. It includes 34 officially licensed race tracks, esports support, a new track-testing mode that lets you learn each course, and more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nascar-heat-5-screenshots&captions=true"] NASCAR Heat 5 will be available on July 10 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC and include split-screen local multiplayer and 40-player online races. A Gold Edition of NASCAR Heat 5 will launch on July 7. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.

NASCAR Heat 5 Announced

704Games and publisher Motorsport Games have announced NASCAR Heat 5, the latest in the popular series of NASCAR racing games. The latest NASCAR Heat features Chase Elliott on the cover and includes a career mode that lets you progress through the Xtreme Dirt, Gander Trucks, and Xfinity Series before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series. It includes 34 officially licensed race tracks, esports support, a new track-testing mode that lets you learn each course, and more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nascar-heat-5-screenshots&captions=true"] NASCAR Heat 5 will be available on July 10 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC and include split-screen local multiplayer and 40-player online races. A Gold Edition of NASCAR Heat 5 will launch on July 7. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.

Xbox 20/20 Announced: Monthly Updates on Series X, New Games and More

Xbox has announced Xbox 20/20, a programme of monthly updates on the future of Xbox, beginning with this week's Inside Xbox broadcast. A July episode will focus on looking at first-party Xbox Series X games from Xbox Game Studios. Xbox will also be joining IGN's Summer of Gaming showcase in June. Jerret West, CVP of Gaming Marketing at Xbox explained the format: "Starting with the May 7th episode of Inside Xbox, we will be showcasing what happens next in the world of Xbox, every month, which is why we’re calling it 'Xbox 20/20.' These monthly moments will take place throughout the rest of the year and will be a way for us to engage, connect and celebrate with you about what’s in store for the next generation of gaming, including what’s next for Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Studios, Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud. Every month will bring something different. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for more details." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=assassins-creed-valhalla-first-screenshots&captions=true"] West offered more details about the Inside Xbox this Thursday. As expected, the show will focus on third-party games for Xbox Series X, and include a look at gameplay from Assassin's Creed Valhalla. It will also "be confirming games that utilize our new Smart Delivery feature, which ensures that you always play the best version of the games you own for your console, across generations. And all the games you’ll see will be Xbox Series X Optimized, meaning they are built to take advantage of the powerful Xbox Series X features that make games look and feel incredible, including 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, DirectStorage, hardware-accelerated DirectX raytracing, super-fast load times and much more." If you want to get prepared for all the news, here's where to watch the May 7 Inside Xbox. The June drop for Xbox 20/20 is still unannounced, but we're happy to confirm that Xbox will be a part of IGN's Summer of Gaming showcase next month, joining the likes of CD Projekt Red, EA, 2K and more to make brand new announcements with us. July will include first looks at what's to come from Microsoft's various owned studios. "In July, we will dedicate time to focus on the incredible games coming from Xbox Game Studios", says West. "A number of our studio teams are looking forward to sharing first looks at new gameplay, insights from development teams being optimized for Xbox Series X, and brand-new game announcements. We cannot wait to share this initial look at what some of those teams are working on." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/ign-announces-summer-of-gaming-showcase-for-june"] West also used the blog post to make a series of commitments for Xbox this year, given the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 crisis:
  • "Our goal remains to launch Xbox Series X and 'Halo Infinite' this holiday
  • All 15 Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work on next-generation games for Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass
  • The best development teams around the world are working hard to have their games ready to play on Xbox Series X this holiday
  • For PC players, we plan to support the community by making all of our major releases at launch available with Xbox Game Pass for PC, including 'Halo Infinite,' 'Wastelands 3' and of course, Microsoft Flight Simulator.
  • We have new updates and titles lined up for Xbox Game Pass for console and PC
  • We’re expanding Project xCloud into new countries and on new devices—and later this year Project xCloud and Xbox Game Pass will come together, enabling you and your friends to play together in more ways."
  Xbox Series X is scheduled to be released during Holiday 2020. Right now we know the Xbox Series X specs, we have an educated guess on its price based on those specs, and a full comparison with PS5. What we know far less about is Xbox Series X games, but we have a list of confirmed and rumoured titles for the next-gen console. Here's how you can help and stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.  

Xbox 20/20 Announced: Monthly Updates on Series X, New Games and More

Xbox has announced Xbox 20/20, a programme of monthly updates on the future of Xbox, beginning with this week's Inside Xbox broadcast. A July episode will focus on looking at first-party Xbox Series X games from Xbox Game Studios. Xbox will also be joining IGN's Summer of Gaming showcase in June. Jerret West, CVP of Gaming Marketing at Xbox explained the format: "Starting with the May 7th episode of Inside Xbox, we will be showcasing what happens next in the world of Xbox, every month, which is why we’re calling it 'Xbox 20/20.' These monthly moments will take place throughout the rest of the year and will be a way for us to engage, connect and celebrate with you about what’s in store for the next generation of gaming, including what’s next for Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Studios, Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud. Every month will bring something different. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for more details." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=assassins-creed-valhalla-first-screenshots&captions=true"] West offered more details about the Inside Xbox this Thursday. As expected, the show will focus on third-party games for Xbox Series X, and include a look at gameplay from Assassin's Creed Valhalla. It will also "be confirming games that utilize our new Smart Delivery feature, which ensures that you always play the best version of the games you own for your console, across generations. And all the games you’ll see will be Xbox Series X Optimized, meaning they are built to take advantage of the powerful Xbox Series X features that make games look and feel incredible, including 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, DirectStorage, hardware-accelerated DirectX raytracing, super-fast load times and much more." If you want to get prepared for all the news, here's where to watch the May 7 Inside Xbox. The June drop for Xbox 20/20 is still unannounced, but we're happy to confirm that Xbox will be a part of IGN's Summer of Gaming showcase next month, joining the likes of CD Projekt Red, EA, 2K and more to make brand new announcements with us. July will include first looks at what's to come from Microsoft's various owned studios. "In July, we will dedicate time to focus on the incredible games coming from Xbox Game Studios", says West. "A number of our studio teams are looking forward to sharing first looks at new gameplay, insights from development teams being optimized for Xbox Series X, and brand-new game announcements. We cannot wait to share this initial look at what some of those teams are working on." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/ign-announces-summer-of-gaming-showcase-for-june"] West also used the blog post to make a series of commitments for Xbox this year, given the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 crisis:
  • "Our goal remains to launch Xbox Series X and 'Halo Infinite' this holiday
  • All 15 Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work on next-generation games for Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass
  • The best development teams around the world are working hard to have their games ready to play on Xbox Series X this holiday
  • For PC players, we plan to support the community by making all of our major releases at launch available with Xbox Game Pass for PC, including 'Halo Infinite,' 'Wastelands 3' and of course, Microsoft Flight Simulator.
  • We have new updates and titles lined up for Xbox Game Pass for console and PC
  • We’re expanding Project xCloud into new countries and on new devices—and later this year Project xCloud and Xbox Game Pass will come together, enabling you and your friends to play together in more ways."
  Xbox Series X is scheduled to be released during Holiday 2020. Right now we know the Xbox Series X specs, we have an educated guess on its price based on those specs, and a full comparison with PS5. What we know far less about is Xbox Series X games, but we have a list of confirmed and rumoured titles for the next-gen console. Here's how you can help and stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.  

What Happened Announced

What Happened, a new first-person psychological horror game set in a high school and starring a high school student named Stiles, has been announced. It is due for release on PC via Steam in July, with console versions due out later. Players "will guide high school student Stiles through the dark corridors of his own mind as he struggles with his demons, real and imagined," according to Poland-based developer Genius Slackers (Katnappe will be publishing). "The mental realm that Stiles inhabits is unforgiving, with twisted memories lining the hallways of his mind. As players help Stiles solve puzzles and escape the clutches of his demons, the game will subtly respond to the empathy they show him." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=what-happened-screenshots&captions=true"] You can view the announcement trailer for What Happened at the top of this page, and check out screenshots just above. Horror games continue to be in fashion, with recent examples including the reveal of the PT-inspired Dread X Collection and the launch of Daymare 1998. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.