State Champ Radio HHW Gaming
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Source: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
It’s a beat ’em up game renaissance. Fans of the classic 80s cartoon, it’s your time. G.I. Joe is coming to your PC and Nintendo Switch.
Unveiled during The MIX, G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest retro arcade style beat ’em up game to drop. Developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games aim to deliver a game set in the iconic world of G.I. Joe.
Players can take control of legendary Joes, Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock, and other franchise favorites to fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble over land, sea, air, or even in space and visit iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base, and more.
You will lead the Joes on a mission armed with an arsenal of weapons, explosives, and more as you thwart Cobra Commander and his Cobra minions like Troopers, Ninja Vipers, HISS Tanks, the deadly Crimson Guard, and more.
Each playable character can pull off a special ability, string-together combos, and defensive moves like dodging and parrying.
You can embark on this mission alone or assemble a team of four for online or couch co-op in either Story or Arcade Mode.
G.I.Joe: Wrath of Cobra features hand-drawn pixel art and classic-style cartoon cutscenes to deliver fans the ultimate G.I. Joe experience paired with an arcade-style soundtrack from legendary composer Tee Lopes (Sonic Mania, TMNT Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4 – Mr. X Nightmare DLC) and from Crush 40’s lead vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020).
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Banking On That 80s Nostalgia
G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest game looking to bank on nostalgia, and gamers love for arcade-style beat ’em up games.
“G.I. Joe is an absolute classic franchise with one of the best fanbases. Working on this game is a dream come true, and it’s been a blast creating the game I’ve always wanted to see for G.I. Joe,” said Kerry Vandenberg, co-founder of Maple Powered Games. “We’re honored to give G.I. Joe fans the video game they deserve with the most authentic experience possible.”
“G.I. Joe is one the most iconic brands from the 80s, and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro-themed games, we’re thrilled to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first-ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ’em up,” said Eugene Evans, SVP Digital Strategy and Licensing at Hasbro.
The game arrives on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024.
Hit the gallery below for more screenshots from the game.
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Photo: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
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Source: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
Yesterday’s price is not today’s price for the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
Sony announced that the price of a PlayStation Plus is going up. An annual Essential plan jumps from $60-$80, the Extra plan goes from $100 to $135, and the Premium plan from $120 to $160.
Brace yourselves. The new prices for the tiers go into effect on September 6.
Those still locked into their current subscriptions won’t experience the price hike until November 6, but if you make any changes “such as upgrades, downgrades, or buying additional time,” you will have to pay the extra money for the new subscription price.
As for the reason for the price hike, Sony says it will allow the company to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits” to the service.
Basically, if you want them to continue to drop those great games free to subscribers, the price has to go up. Sony also adds that yearly plans continue to come at a discount and are a better value than month-to-month or three-month subscriptions.
New PlayStation Plus was Sony’s answer to Xbox’s subscription service, Game Pass, and offered its users free titles every month, and for the most part, there were plenty of bangers.
Hilariously, the news of the price hikes comes on the heels of the very mid Saints Row coming to the PlayStation Plus service as the month’s free title. It is a rare miss for Team PlayStation regarding its monthly offerings.
Gamers React To The PlayStation Plus Price Hike
As expected, gamers have been sounding off about the news, and no one is happy about the price hike.
“I just saw that PlayStation plus is going up so they can provide us with better games each month and the first month of the price hike is saints row. What a world we live in,” One X user wrote.
Another user noted in an X post, “No dedicated Sony multiplayer games No Day 1 first parties No extra incentives or perks PlayStation: “We’re gonna increase the prices of plus.”
Welp.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
2. Good times
3. Interesting
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Source: Activision / Call of Duty / 21 Savage
How many kills can you rack up with 21 Savage in Call of Duty? A LOT, now that his skin is available in Call of Duty and Warzone.
Following the release of Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj’s operator skins, 21 Savage is the next Hip-Hop superstar who will be playable in both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone.
Launching Tuesday morning, Sir 21 Savage will bring some catchy adlibs and his finishing move hilarious named “Stabbed . . . a Lot,” a play on his single “A Lot” off his 2018 album, I Am > I Was.
Per the Call of Duty blog, 21 Savage’s arrival will feature the Tracer Pack: 21 Savage Bundle that will include two weapon blueprints named after two of his popular songs, the “Savage Mode” Assault Rifle and the “Red Opps” SMG.
For his secondary weapon, 21 Savage is armed with his “Slaughter King” melee tool, and the bundle will also include the “Skrrt Skrrt” UTV Vehicle Skin, a Charm, a Sticker, and, of course, a “Mr. Right Now” Loading Screen.
Sir Savage joins Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj in Call of Duty’s celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, but they are not the only cool additions coming to the game.
Lara Croft Is Also Coming To Call of Duty
A familiar face in video games, Tomb Raider’s own Lara Croft will also be an operator in the popular first-person shooter video game.
According to the Call of Duty blog, Lara Croft will be available on September 9. She will include a new version of the “Ice Axe” melee weapon, the “Mythic Defender” SMG, and, of course, her signature “Mach-5” dual pistols based on the new sidearm, plus her “Play for Sport” finishing move.
The bundle will also include the “Tomb Buggy” skin for the Chop Top, a Loading Screen, a Sticker, and an Emblem.
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Photo: Activision / Call of Duty / 21 Savage
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Source: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1 / Dave Bautista
Mortal Kombat 1 will serve as a reboot for the fighting game franchise, so it makes sense that the 1993 classic ad that loudly announced the game was coming to home consoles also gets a remix.
Tuesday, NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games dropped the “It’s In Your Blood” trailer starring WWE Hall-of-Famer and Hollywood star and producer Dave Bautista.
The new launch spot directed by Tom Kuntz with cinematography by Academy Award nominee Matthew Libatique (A Star Is Born) pays homage to the iconic 1993 “Mortal Monday” commercial spot that became a cultural moment.
In the “It’s In Your Blood” spot, Bautista takes on the role of amassing people from all walks of life, awakening their inner power, and unleashing the fight within.
Bautista takes cues from Lui Kang in Mortal Kombat 1, who is now the Fire God and protector of Earth Realm. Following the events of Mortal Kombat, 11 has created a new timeline and must gather warriors to protect the new world he has built in his vision.
Dave Bautista Reflects On Classic Mortal Monday Commercial
“I vividly remember the original Mortal Monday commercial, especially the iconic scream,” said Bautista. “That’s what started my journey as a fan of Mortal Kombat, which continues to this day 30 years later. I’m very thrilled and honored to be a part of the game’s legacy.”
“The original Mortal Monday commercial earmarked the beginning of our journey into making games for home gaming systems,” said Ed Boon, Chief Creative Officer, NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat. “It’s amazing to pay homage to such a memorable moment in Mortal Kombat history as we get ready to launch our newest game, Mortal Kombat 1.”
Mortal Kombat 1 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam & Epic Games Store) on Sept. 19.
You can peep the “It’s In Our Blood Trailer” below.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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Source: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24
NBA 2K23 allowed players to relieve Michael Jordan’s greatest moments thanks to the Jordan Challenge, and now it’s time to embrace your inner Mamba Mentality with NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.
Fittingly, on Thursday, 8/24, the official day we celebrate the life of the late and always great Kobe Bryant, 2K Sports dropped its latest Courtside Report focusing on NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.
Players can relieve some of Bryant’s iconic moments during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers, harnessing his skills and the killer instinct he was beloved for.
“The NBA 2K24 MAMBA MOMENTS were selected to celebrate Kobe and remember how he was the most unique competitor the world had ever seen,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “Our team took great care in building a realistic and authentic experience to inspire and educate a new generation of basketball fans on the legacy of the lifetime Laker that left his mark on the sport.”
A breakdown of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Moments In NBA 2K24:
The NBA Three-Point Record. In 2003, Kobe’s record-breaking three-point shooting performance against the Seattle Supersonics, converting 12 of his 18 attempts from behind the arc.x
The King of Sac. Up 3-0 against the Sacramento Kings, Kobe slammed the door shut on the division rival’s postseason hopes with a remarkable 48 points and 16 rebounds. At just 22 years old, the then-three-time All-Star proved that the stage wasn’t too big for him.
62 Points, Three Quarters. Kobe exploded for 62 points in three quarters vs. Dallas in 2005, outscoring the entire Mavs team by himself and leading the Lakers to a blowout win in the process.
Three-Point Barrage Leads to 65-Point Game. The Black Mamba’s 65-point effort on the road in Portland propelled the Purple and Gold to an overtime victory in March of 2007.
2010 NBA Finals Game 7. Looking to win back-to-back titles for the first time since the early 2000s, Kobe did a little bit of everything during his clutch close-out performance against Boston.
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NBA 2K24 arrives on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 8.
Hit the gallery below for photos of Kobe Byrant’s Mamba Moments.
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Photo: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24
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Source: Atari / Plaion / Atari 2600+
One thing long-time gamers love is nostalgia, and Atari, with help from Plaion, is banking on it with the release of the Atari 2600+ retro home console.
With Plaion handling publishing duties, Atari is again dropping another console even after the failed attempt that was the Atari VCS, which flopped big time, but this attempt might fare a bit better.
The Atari 2600+ pays homage to the original console that arrived in 1977 and is essentially a mini-console on the same tier as Nintendo’s mini NES Classic, Super Nintendo Classic, PlayStation Classic, and Mega SG.
In the box will be the 2600+ console that ironically draws inspiration from the four-switch model from the 1980s that can play Atari 2600 and 7800 games. It also comes with a modern remake of the classic Atari CX40 joystick, the CX40+, and will feature support for a second player. If you want another controller, it will cost you an additional $25, and Atari notes a CX-30 Paddle is also in the works.
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What Games Will Be On The Atari 2600+?
As far as games, the Atari 2600+ will come with a “10 Games in 1” cartridge that will feature Adventure, Combat, Dodge’ Em, Haunted House, Maze Craze, Missile Command, RealSports Volleyball, Surround, Video Pinball, and Yars’ Revenge.
Interesting choices in games. Atari has included a list of compatible cartridges, so if you want to play classic Atari games like Frogger or Pitfall, you’ll have to spend some money in the resale market.
The Atari 2600+ will also have an HDMI output, widescreen support, and a larger socket to reduce cartridge sticking. As a nice touch, the Atari logo lights up when the console is powered on.
The Atari 2600+ launches on November 17 for $130. You can see more photos of the console in the gallery below.
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Photo: Atari / Plaion / Atari 2600+
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps
Xbox has been rolling out the custom Xbox Series X and Series S consoles that were exclusive and not available for purchase. Now, Xbox is giving Series X owners a way to add some flavor to the big black box.
Monday, August 21, Xbox decided to take a page out of PlayStation’s book by allowing Xbox Series X owners to finally add a bit of a personal touch to their consoles.
Like the PS5 custom plates, there are now Xbox Series X Console Wraps, but they are much easier to put on your console.
Per Xbox:
The wraps were designed specifically for Series X and have a custom, precision fit. Every detail was taken into consideration to ensure your console performance is preserved– vents are all clear, and small feet were added to the bottom of the wraps to ensure air can flow freely through the console.
Made with solid core panels that are layered with high-tech fabric finishes, the wraps are folded around your console and secured with a hook and loop enclosure. The interior of the wraps are printed with silicone designs that keep the wrap in place.
Source: Xbox
Celebrating the forthcoming launch of Starfield, the first Console Wrap will take its cues from the Bethesda title and the Xbox exclusive and compliment the already launched Starfield Xbox Headset and controller.
How Much Will The Xbox Series X Console Wraps Cost?
The Starfield Xbox Series X Console Wrap will release in the US, Canada, and Europe on October 18 for $49.99 and is available for pre-order right now via the Microsoft Store.
If Starfield isn’t your jam, and we understand if it isn’t, Xbox is rolling out two other Console Wraps.
Series X can look forward to Artic and Mineral Camo Console Wraps launching in the US and Canada on November 10 for $44.99, and they are also available for pre-order right now.
Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps
As expected, Xbox gamers are excited about the news; you can peep the reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps
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Source: EA Sports / Madden NFL 24
Most reviews for Madden NFL 24 have not arrived, but the game is already getting sacked by players who have had early access to the game.
Is Madden NFL 24 fumbling the ball already? The annual football video game franchise was already reportedly a “make or break” release for management, according to an Insider Gaming report, and it’s looking like the game is already letting some players down like Matt Ryan constantly did for Atlanta Falcons fans.
Type Madden NFL 24 in the X (formerly Twitter) search bar. In that case, you will be greeted with videos of insane glitches and what is becoming the usual dissatisfaction with the iconic sports video game.
In one clip, a player looks like he dies after celebrating a kick return for a touchdown.
In another hilarious video with the caption “MADDEN 24 JUST GOT RELEASED AND I ALREADY UNINSTALLED”, a player has his pass tipped, and it somehow bounces off the back of one of his offensive linemen leading to a pick 6.
In another video, a player can be seen spinning around in circles after his team scores a touchdown.
And this is supposed to be a more polished game this year.
What Are The Critics Saying?
As of this writing, there are only three reviews on Opencritic. Sam Watanuki of SVG gave Madden NFL 24 a 7 out of 10, writing, “Madden 24″ is an enjoyable, polished ride that will please newcomers and veterans alike, but it doesn’t necessarily deliver a transformative experience.”
XboxEra’s Genghis Husameddin gave the game a 6 out 10 writing in his review, “Madden NFL 24 is made for the returning fans,” adding, “But technical issues compounded with an unintuitive user experience and unhelpful tutorials make it difficult for someone new to the sport to really sink their teeth into American Football. Still, the core gameplay is solid and fun to play—I just wish it were easier to get to.”
So basically, it’s the same old Madden NFL.
Madden NFL 24 has a lot of making-up to do, especially after Madden NFL 23 players lost their connected franchise saves due to an update pushed out by EA Tiburon.
The game developer gave players a 50% discount to ensure no goodwill was strained. Based on these early reactions, it’s looking like Madden NFL 24 is more break than make.
We will be debating forever how to restore Madden to its championship form or if the NFL needs to let 2K get its hands on the NFL license, but as of right now, Madden NFL is all we got.
You can see more reactions to the latest installment in the Madden NFL franchise hit the gallery below.
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Photo: EA Sports / Madden NFL 24
2. Howling
3. Man wanted his money back.
4. What is this?
12.
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Source: Netflix / Netflix Games
Netflix continues its push to plant itself in the video games market firmly and is now testing its service on more devices.
Two years after the movie streaming giant announced its video games-driven initiative by launching mobile games on its service, Netflix says in a blog post that it will begin testing the service on TVs, PCs, and Macs.
“Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service. Today, we’re taking the first step in making games playable on every device where our members enjoy Netflix — TVs, computers, and mobile,” Netflix’s VP of Games, Mike Verdu, said in a blog post.
The blog post also notes that a limited beta test began rolling out to a small number of members in Canada and the UK on August 14 and on PCs and Macs through Netflix.com through supported browsers.
Two Games Will Be Available For Users To Test The Service
As for the games that will be available to play, Verdu says users will be able to play now Netflix Game Studio owned, Night School Studio’s Oxenfree, and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, which the streaming service describes as a “gem-mining arcade game.”
Users can use their smartphones as controllers when playing on TVs, while PC and Mac users can utilize their mouse and keyboards.
Verdu says the beta will serve as the steaming service’s way to work out the kinks as it continues to test its service and controller while improving the member experience.
Verdu notes the company’s initial partners, Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN will all have devices that Games on TV will work on. New devices will be added, “on an ongoing basis.”
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Photo: Netflix / Netflix Games
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Source: Cooper Neill / Getty / Patrick Mahomes
If you had Patrick Mahomes joining Madden NFL 24’s 99 overall rating club, pat yourself on the back because you were absolutely correct.
Friday, EA announced that Patrick Mahomes is the final NFL superstar joining the 99 overall rating club in Madden NFL 24. This selection will be Mahomes third, tying him with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Shockingly Mahomes is the only quarterback joining the club, with Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow with a 95 rating.
Mahomes joins Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin, and his teammate’s favorite target Travis Kelce.
EA also released the full list of the top-rated Quarterbacks and Linebackers in the game.
Quarterbacks Linebackers
Patrick Mahomes 99 1. Fred Warner 96
Joe Burrow 95 2. Roquan Smith 92
Josh Allen 94 3. Lavonte David 91
Lamar Jackson 91 4. Haason Reddick 90
Jalen Hurts 88 5. Demario Davis 90
Justin Herbert 87 6. Bobby Wagner 89
Dak Prescott 87 7. Matt Milano 88
Aaron Rodgers 86 8. Nick Bolton 87
Kirk Cousins 84 9. Tremaine Edmunds 87
Tua Tagovailoa 83 10. Shaquille Leonard 86
Jalen Hurts Should Be Very Upset
We’re shocked to see Jalen Hurts come in with an 88 rating, at Aaron Rodgers sitting at an 86 overall rating, falling out of the 90s club.
We won’t be surprised if actual NFL players look at these ratings in disgust and are mad that they did not get a 99 overall rating in Madden NFL 24.
Welp.
Madden NFL 24 arrives on August 15. ESPN and Madden NFL are releasing the full ratings in an hour-long special this Sunday, July 23, at 1 p.m. ET, hosted by Field Yates, Dan Orlovksy, Mina Kimes, and Louis Riddick.
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Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty
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