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Game Recommendation: Crysis

AggroMatt — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:05:55 +0000

Game Recommendation, General - Written by: Grunt 4500 | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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First-Person Shooters have always been popular on the PC platform for a variety of reasons; largely being the graphical superior over consoles with genuine ease. Legend tells of a video game such an immense technical prowess so demanding that many PC gamers didn’t know if their rigs could even handle it; even with substantial upgrades. This is none other than the legendary FPS game known simply as Crysis.

Crysis was developed by Crytek & published by Electronic Arts (EA), and released 13 years ago on November 13th, 2007. Despite the game’s demanding hardware; it received an overwhelming critical acclaim, many Game of the Year awards and has been immortalised by the “can it run Crysis?” meme. While initially a PC exclusive (for good reason), an optimised version would eventually be ported to the Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3 platforms in October 2011.

Maximum Recommendation

In Crysis, you play as a Rapter Team member known as Nomad; a highly trained U.S. soldier dawning the latest and greatest Nanosuit. Nomad and his team are tasked with liberating the fictitious Lingshan Islands from hostile North Korean forces; rescuing American archaeologists along the way. However what they find in the depths of the island is far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

Luckily for you, you are equipped with the Nanosuit; an ultra-advanced exo-suit that enables you with enhanced strength, speed, armour, and cloaking abilities. The Nanosuit is what gives Crysis its unique and memorable gameplay that simply cannot be found anywhere else. With the ability so pick up and throw medium sized objects, knock down buildings and destroy vehicles; Crysis gives you many options to lay waste to your enemies.

While some textures show their age, Crysis as a whole still looks incredible for a 13 year old game; especially on modern PC hardware. When you really get into it, you may start to forget that this game is over a decade old as the lighting effects specially look outstanding; and explosions, gunfire and particle effects still holding up accordingly. While the same can’t quite be said console versions, especially with frame-rate issues; its incredible that they got the game running on such dated hardware in the first place.

Most impressively is how well the game still plays after all this time, its fun; very fun. The adrenaline of utilising different Nanosuit abilities in the midst of shooting enemies in combat while mixing in sandbox elements just never gets old. Mix in stealth elements, vehicle sections and an entire enemy swap out in the late game; and you have an extremely varied shooter on your hands.

So... Can It Run Crysis?

This Game Recommendation is actually being cut a little bit short; but for a good reason. With Crysis Remastered releasing soon after this article is posted; a full reveal of the game in all of its remastered glory will be following soon! So have maximum patience, as a huge Crysis fan this is a review I’ve wanted to do for some time! Stay tuned for it, here at Informed Pixel.

The original Crysis is available on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Crysis Remastered releases on September 18th, 2020 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and the Epic Games store; and is already available for the Nintendo Switch! So… Can it run Crysis? These days, whatever you are playing on absolutely can! Some images here are captured on PC, others on the Xbox 360; can you tell which is which?

Xcloud Is Out Now For Mobile Devices Via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

AggroMatt — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:01:57 +0000

General, Mobile/Other, Xbox - Written by: Ashli Sykes | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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As if Xbox owners needed anymore reason to grab themselves an Xbox Game Pass Subscription, Xbox has now officially launched it’s Xbox Xcloud Program. Don’t worry. it’s not another lackluster streaming launch like other companies have suffered from in recent times. Xcloud boasts over 150+ games, with more to be added, and low latency.

All is included for FREE for Game Pass holders, adding more to the already incredible deal that Game Pass is. Microsoft once again proves that in 2020, they no longer believe in the console war and want to focus on gaming, experience, and the technology that goes into keeping loyal customers, and creating new ones.
https://youtu.be/DE3nXtnfVpU
At only $14.99 a month, Game Pass holders get access to a plethora of games, including some major AAA titles. Minecraft, the Gears of War and Halo franchises, and Rocket League just to name a few. The ability to play their library on PC (although still in beta) is a very welcomed touch.

Not only that, but EA recently announced it will join the lineup with their EA Access (now EA Play) being added to the Game Pass. This means even more games specifically from EA that will be added to the Library in the upcoming Holiday season. Again, at no extra cost. A full list of available games are listed here.[www.xbox.com]

What was already more than worth the price, Xcloud is just icing on the cake. The ability to Streamplay games on your Android phones or tablets. Xcloud is (sorta) available for IOS as well, but Microsoft themselves have stated that doing so is “a bad experience for gamers.” Most likely due to Apple’s anti-consumer policies and lack of real support for other companies ventures.

While specific specs of Xcloud remain to be seen, Microsoft is pretty confident in their Xcloud Program. Running through Microsoft’s Azure computing centres, situated all around the world, should provide a fairly decent image quality with low latency.
https://youtu.be/J4FF_mHhwqw
“We’re developing Project Xcloud not as a replacement for game consoles, but as a way to provide the same choice and versatility that lovers of music and video enjoy today. We’re adding more ways to play Xbox games." -Kareem Choudhry, corporate VP of cloud gaming at Microsoft.

Xbox Series S & Series X Prices And Release Date Revealed

AggroMatt — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 23:46:09 +0000

General, Hardware, Xbox - Written by: Ryan Beattie | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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We all knew it was coming. The whispers turned into statements, the statements into leaks. If, at this point, you are still surprised by this announcement, good for you! At least someone has the ability to make the constant rumours and leaks redundant. But to the rest of us, the Xbox Series S was all but a forgone conclusion. Now, with a mere two months until the new consoles are said to release, Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Series S.
https://youtu.be/KHLfCFMKxPg
The Xbox Series S will be a discless version of the Xbox Series X. It will be slightly less powerful, but will keep many of the innovations Microsoft is touting for their new generation. For those tech-savvy consumers, the Series S will be about 60% smaller than the Series X; it will also include a high-speed 512 GB NVMe SSD, offering up to 1440p resolution at 120 FPS and 4K upscaling.

Beyond that, it will support DirectX ray tracing. So while it is certainly a step up from the Xbox One, it won’t feature top-of-the-line specs like the Xbox Series X. If you don’t have a 4K television, or don’t plan on buying one soon, this is probably the best version to get.

An Undercut Price

While Sony still hasn’t given a release date for either version of their console, we now know both of Microsoft’s. This was to be expected, as Sony probably wanted to ride the wave of good-will from last generation. But Microsoft, even going first, has made a ruckus.

The Xbox Series S will retail for $299 at release, making it easily the cheapest way to gain entry to the next console tier. The Xbox Series X will release for $499. Considering the state of many people’s finances this last 6 months, it’s a smart move. Better yet? Both consoles will release on November 10th, 2020.

The day draws near. If you intend to buy one, keep an eye out for pre-sales. There haven’t been rumours of any scarcity, created or natural (*ahem* Sony), so it shouldn’t be too hard. You should see pre-sales begin soon, now that Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Series S.

Everything We Know About COD: Black Ops Cold War

AggroMatt — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:09:30 +0000

General, PC, PlayStation, Xbox - Written by: Guest Writer | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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Following months of leaks, rumours, and Activision themselves dropping in-game easter eggs, the California-based video game publishers have finally dropped details on the next game in the Call of Duty franchise.

Referred to as an “interquel”, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will feature events that happen in between Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. So far, we’ve already got a couple of exciting details. But before we get into it, make sure to reload on your PSN Gift Cards in preparation for the game’s release!

Now let’s go.

What is Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War?

Black Ops is a sub-series of titles that’s part of the Call of Duty franchise. The first game was released in 2010 as a direct sequel to Call of Duty: World at War.

It will be the sixth installment in the Black Ops storyline and is set to be the 17th main release of the franchise.

Unlike the other Call of Duty titles, the Black Ops sub-series of games have been exclusively developed by Treyarch. However, for the latest title, Treyarch will be working closely together with Raven Software.

Will There Be a Single-Player Campaign?

Reviving iconic characters seemed to have breathed a new life into the audience’s interests in the single-player campaigns of the Call of Duty franchise.

Reintroducing characters like Captain John Price to modern audiences and gamers who grew quite fond of him, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is aiming to do the same. It’ll reportedly revive central characters Alex Woods, Jason Hudson, and Frank Mason. All three were part of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops title released in 2010.

The story will revolve around the Cold War in the 1980s as the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States rise. It will have players track down “Perseus”, a fictional character supposedly inspired by a potential Soviet Spy of the same code-name that was believed to have successfully infiltrated the United States government.

Multiplayer & Zombies

As always, the multiplayer component will play a huge part in Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War, and as confirmed by Activision, it will come with numerous changes. For starters, Activision has confirmed that the latest Black Ops title will support cross-play. This means that Xbox One players will be able to play with PS4 players, as well as those on the PC. However, what’s new to the title is that it will reportedly support cross-generation multiplayer as well.

What this means is that, upon release, gamers on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will also get a chance to play with those on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

That aside, Activision’s latest Call of Duty title will come with a seasonal battle pass, as is the case with today’s shooters. However, what makes it different is that it will reportedly share its progress with Warzone. Meanwhile, gamers can also expect to keep any Modern Warfare content that they may have earned, including operators and weapon blueprints, among others.

This is a huge departure from having to leave content after switching from one Call of Duty instalment to another. Another confirmed detail for Black Ops – Cold War is the return of the widely popular horde mode, Zombies.

First released by Treyarch for World at War way back in 2008, the return of Zombies mode will definitely be enough to get gamers to come and play Black Ops – Cold War in hordes (pun intended). Activision intends to do a full multiplayer reveal on September 9th.

How Will This Affect Warzone?

Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play title and is Activision’s take on the Battle Royale formula. It borrows a lot of elements from other Battle Royale titles like Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite. However, it adds plenty of its own flavour to it too. With that said, the release of a new Call of Duty title has many players concerned.

Naturally, Activision’s focus will be on Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and even though both titles have different developers, the cause for concern is valid. But, Activision has promised that they will continue to support Warzone. In fact, they plan on continuously adding more and more features to the free-to-play title.

Activision has also confirmed that they plan on incorporating new Call of Duty entries into Warfare in the future.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Release Date

The confirmed release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War is November 13th, 2020. The latest Black Ops title will have a simultaneous release on all the major gaming platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

It is currently unknown if it will be available at launch for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles are booked for a “Holiday 2020” release, although both companies have yet to release the exact date for when their respective consoles will be released.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Price

Right now, you can pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on consoles and PC. It is available on the PlayStation Store (PS4), Microsoft Store (Xbox One), and Battle.net (PC).

The Standard Edition will sell for US$59.99, with a cross-gen bundle (for current-gen and next-gen versions) available for just US$69.99. Meanwhile, an Ultimate Edition will sell for US$89.99. This will come with the cross-gen bundle, as well as a “Battle Pass Bundle” (comes with access to the first Battle Pass and 20 tier skips) and the “Land”, “Sea”, and “Air” pack that includes nine items.

Those who pre-order today will have access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War beta. This will include the “Confrontation Weapons Pack” and a “Woods Operator Pack” available for both Warzone and Modern Warfare. That’s all we know for now! So, what are you most excited for with this release? Let us know in the comments below.

Highlight of the Week: Super Mario 3D World Is Coming To Nintendo Switch

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 09:52:28 +0000

General, Highlight of the Week, Nintendo - Written by: Matt Scriver | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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This weeks news seems to be full of Nintendo and Mario games, with many titles being announced such as Super Mario Bros. 35, or even Super Mario 3D All Stars. The game featured in this weeks Highlight of the Week will be Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.

Nintendo is having a hay day with bringing back old Mario titles, and this one in particular will be a two-in-one package. You will be able to play Super Mario 3D World, a 4-player platforming Mario title, and it will be coming with Bowser’s Fury, a DLC for the game.

Pounce and climb through dozens of colourful stages. You can use power-ups like the Super Bell, which grants catlike abilities, like climbing and scratching. Work together locally or online with up to three other players to reach the goal and to see who can get a high score.

The Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury game features the same great co-op gameplay, creative levels and power-ups as the original game, but also so much more. Additional details about what fun things this game has to offer will be revealed soon.
https://youtu.be/OPAQA_P_RQY
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is up for pre-order on the Nintendo Switch for $59.99. It is slated to release February 12th 2021, so if you are looking to get this game be sure to set aside some funds for it.

Super Mario Bros. Gets A Battle Royale

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 07:49:40 +0000

General, Nintendo - Written by: Matt Scriver | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

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Well. This news was certainly an unexpected throw out of nowhere from left field. Super Mario Bros., the original and award winning NES game, has gotten a new battle royale version.

The idea for battle royale is by no means a unique idea, considering that every game since 2018 has felt the fruitless need to include the game mode where it doesn’t belong in my opinion. However given the success of titles like Tetris 99, this wasn’t that far-fetched of a reveal.

Super Mario Bros. 35 will have you as the player compete against 34 other players from around the world, and like every other battle royale on the market, whoever is last plumber standing out of the other 34 is the winner.

Enemies you defeat will be sent to other players’ courses, however, what comes around, goes around. You and the other players will be able to use a system called the Item Roulette and four different strategies to try to outpace your opponents.
https://youtu.be/0_YwN8uRQac
I don’t know about you, but if I had a Switch I’d probably play it, I am enjoying Fall Guys after all. Remember, Super Mario Bros. 35 launches October 1st as a digital-only title and will be available to download and play for a limited time until March 31st, 2021.

Nintendo Confirmed Super Mario 3D All Stars

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 07:44:53 +0000

The rumours are true! For weeks now there has been talk about Nintendo bringing certain plumber properties to the Nintendo Switch. They’ve already set a precedent with the likes of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze and Super Mario Bros. Wii U Deluxe.

All three of those games didn’t get enough attention at their original releases; with new lives on Nintendo’s portable console, it can mean a whole new series for a formerly-forgotten game. But it isn’t enough to just have them. The games have to be worth playing again, and nobody can deny Nintendo that.

It helps they don’t have to tweak much to begin with. Now, Nintendo has announced the newest old game(s) to release for the system– as Nintendo has confirmed the release of Super Mario 3D All Stars.

Included in this conglomeration are Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Now, keep in mind that this is Nintendo, and therefore it isn’t without some caveats. For example, there is no Super Mario Galaxy 2. Why is that? Well, Nintendo. Also, there won’t be any sort of graphical upgrades or changes made to the games.

They’ll be ports, but they will have what people have come to expect from most re-releases: higher resolution. There will also be changes to the controls for Super Mario Galaxy, as that was a Wii game and used motion controls.

Limited Production

However the big news is the purported “limited production”. Super Mario 3D All Stars will be available both digitally and physically with both versions only available starting September 18th and running until the end of March 2021. What happens afterwards is anyone’s guess.

If downloaded digitally and deleted, you will still have access by re-downloading, Nintendo confirms on its site. It will cost $60 USD, and will also feature a soundtrack that can be played without loading up any of the games.

While it isn’t a huge surprise, what with Nintendo’s record and the swirling rumours, their plan for it is. Not only does it release almost immediately, it will only be available for roughly 6 months. It’s bizarre, even for them. So while Nintendo confirmed Super Mario 3D All Stars, it will have an asterisk next to the release. Make sure you get a copy!

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Written by: Ryan Beattie | Original Article[informedpixel.com]

Ubisoft Forward Returns Next Week

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 07:36:27 +0000

Things are starting to heat up in the gaming space as Autumn approaches. There are two new consoles releasing by the end of the year. There are AAA games people have been expecting for months. With so many games delayed until next year, it won’t be as crowded as previously thought, but that doesn’t mean there still won’t be plenty to entice players.

In fact, Ubisoft is doing another presentation on upcoming projects. While there probably won’t be anything to cause a huge stir, you can expect deeper looks into already-announced games when Ubisoft Forward returns next week.

Foreword

The stream will begin at 11 AM PDT with a Brawlhalla match between the Ubisoft News team and developers Blue Mammoth. Following that, there will be “updates from the teams behind Roller Champions, For Honor, The Division 2, and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.”

Those who watch can win in-game rewards by logging into their Ubisoft accounts during the show. The longer you watch, the more rewards you are offered.

The main show will start at 12 PM PDT. Here, viewers will learn more about Watch Dogs: Legion, Hyper Scape, and Rainbow Six Siege. There will also be more information on Immortals Fenyx Rising, recently altered from the Gods & Monsters title, and some surprises; the developers have promised a “full reveal” of Immortals Fenyx Rising.

Finally, the stream will conclude with a deep dives into two “unreleased titles, exclusive to this edition of Ubisoft Forward.” Whether there will be any Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or Far Cry 6 remains to be seen, though they will probably appear in some capacity, even if only as a reminder.

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Written by: Ryan Beattie | Original Article[/url[informedpixel.com]

Halo Infinite and Monster Energy Join Forces

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 07:29:52 +0000

There have been all sorts of strange mash-ups when it comes to video-game promotion. Remember Shadow-Man on the Nintendo 64? It’s sequel, the less-remembered (and for good reason) Shadow-Man: 2econd Coming probably has the most controversial to date. At its release, Acclaim promoted the game by paying for advertisements on people’s gravestones. The offer was to subsidize some of their costs, and in return Acclaim would advertise using their grave. But it didn’t go well.

Now, while certainly not as opportunistic, we have a new promotion. Fortunately, it falls more in line with Mario Kart‘s Mercedes-Benz DLC or Hooters restaurants in Homefront (which, apparently, wasn’t a promotion, but for “realism”) than defacing property. The two greenest entities known to gamers, Master Chief from Halo Infinite and Monster Energy drinks, are about to join forces.

Master Energy

While delayed to 2021, the advertising for Halo Infinite is already in motion. Monster Energy is releasing limited edition cans where players can receive Double XP points for each can. Each can is equal to 30 minutes.

Players can also “unlock access to the Halo Infinite world through Monster Energy’s exclusive Snapchat filter encoded on each can.” To unlock your cached XP points, save receipts and go to Monster-Halo.com before release. On top of that, each receipt uploaded will enter into a grand prize draw.

10 winners will “receive a “trip of a lifetime for two to experience an out of this world Zero-Gravity Flight experience in Paris, France with all-inclusive flights and hotel stay plus $1,000 cash.” 200 will receive new Xbox Series X consoles, launching November 2020.

There will be a multitude of Weapon Skins (green, of course), Player/Weapon Emblems, and an AR Game. The contest begins on September 1st, 2020 and will end December 31st, 2020. For the full break-down, you can go here.[news.xbox.com]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1240440/Halo_Infinite/
Add energy drink overdose to Master Chief’s medical concerns when Halo Infinite and Monster Energy combine forces starting September 1st and ending December 31st. Halo Infinite will release for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X in 2021.

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Written by: Ryan Beattie | Original Article[/url[informedpixel.com]

Giraffe and Annika Is Out Now On Consoles

AggroMatt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 06:46:46 +0000

Active Gaming Media’s PLAYISM is at it again with the launch of Giraffe and Annika. Developed by atelier miminia, the game is available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.

Four years in the making, this new gem is brought to us by the Developer’s founder, Saito Atsushi. Saito previously worked on Gitaroo Man and Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan prior to moving to independent status.
https://youtu.be/5DL8wIMAj3A

So, What Happens in Giraffe and Annika?

After losing her memories, Annika is tasked by a mysterious character, Giraffe, to collect star fragments scattered across Spica Island. Therefore, it is up to you, the player, to unlock the island’s secrets by exploring this beautiful environment and unlock Annika’s memories.

The mysteries build up with the enigmatic Girrafe knowing more about the island than it seems and Lily, a witch, knowing who Annika is even though Annika doesn’t have any recollection of her.

ADVENTURE, DUNGEONS AND RHYTHM!

The gameplay is fundamentally broken down into three areas; Adventure, Dungeon, and Rhythm. When in Adventure mode explore Spica Island and collect items to unlock the Island’s mysteries. In addition, you can access and explore more areas after gaining new abilities. The five Dungeon segments of the game, however, test your wits as you overcome obstacles and traps to attain the star fragments.

The Rhythm parts of the game face you off against the dungeon bosses in rhythm game battles. Match your skill with the easy, medium or hard difficulties and see which setting fits your play style. To the music aficionados out there, you will be pleased to know that renowned sound artist TOMZUIN H, is responsible for the phenomenal soundtrack.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1122100/Giraffe_and_Annika/
Giraffe and Annika is out now for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One at $29.99.

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Written by: Hap Bains | Original Article[/url[informedpixel.com]