video games
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Source: Sucker Punch Productions / Ghost of YōteiThe PlayStation had something to say during its latest State of Play presentation. PlayStation saved the best for last with the announcement of Ghost of Yōtei, the long-awaited sequel to Sucker Punch’s epic samurai adventure, Ghosts of Tsushima.Ghost of Yōtei introduces a new hero, Atsu, and is the studio’s first game built from the ground up for the PS5 and, of course, the PS5 Pro.“This is also Sucker Punch’s first game built from the ground up for PlayStation 5, and we’re excited to build on the visual foundation we established in Ghost of Tsushima by making the world feel even more real, Andrew Goldfarb, Sucker Punch Productions Community Manager said on the PlayStation Blog. “We have massive sightlines that let you look far across the environment, whole new skies featuring twinkling stars and auroras, even more believable movement from wind on grass and vegetation, and more improvements we’ll share in the future. Our new setting also gives us the opportunity to introduce new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons.”Goldfarb says to expect more information on the game that arrives in 2025.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was one of the worst-kept secrets coming into today’s State of Play, so seeing it wasn’t a shocker.When it launched on the PS4 seven years ago, the game was already deemed a graphical masterpiece, and it looks even better now that it has been remastered to take advantage of the power of the PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launches on October 31. The captivating story and awe-inspiring post-apocalyptic world returns alongside a host of technological improvements, visual enhancements, and upgraded features. It also includes The Frozen Wilds content, a vast expansion featuring additional lands, skills, weapons, and machines. Take a look at the announcement trailer below.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered features over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and countless graphical improvements that bring the game to the same visual fidelity as its critically acclaimed sequel Horizon Forbidden West. The game’s lush world includes frozen mountains, dense jungles, and arid deserts with stunning new visuals and 4K1 graphics and travelling between settlements is now lightning-fast.The story’s many compelling characters have been upgraded, bringing them in line with current generation advances in character models and rendering. We hope that improved animation, lightning, textures and more will make new and existing fans excited to dive into the action!The audio in the game has also been enhanced. It takes advantage of the PS5 DualSense controller with native support for PlayStation 5 Pro.The game will also be released on October 31. For those who already own it, upgrading to the remastered version will only cost $9.99.We got our fourth trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds, which will be released on February 28, 2025. The latest trailer shows off the game’s main monster, which serves as the catalyst for the events in the game’s main story, leading to the formation of the Forbidden Lands Research Commission.Monster Hunter Wilds is a beautiful-looking game that delivers the monster-hunting fun that fans of the franchise have come to expect.Keep it locked on HHW Gaming because we went hands-on with Monster Hunter Wilds and will share our thoughts in the coming days.Until then, you can see the other announcements from the State of Play in the gallery below.
1. PlayStation 5 Pro Console – Game Lineup Sizzle
Debuted during State of Play, here’s a look at some of the games that are being enhanced by the PS5 Pro – including a few titles that we’re revealing in this sizzle recap.
With the PlayStation 5 Pro console, the world’s greatest game creators can enhance their games with incredible features like advanced ray tracing, super sharp image clarity for your 4K TV, and high frame rate gameplay. That means you get to play PS5 games with the most impressive visuals ever possible on a PlayStation® console, and with 2TB of SSD storage included, your favorite games will be ready and waiting for you to jump right in for your next awesome adventure.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Get super sharp image clarity on your 4K TV using AI enhanced resolution for ultra-high definition play with astonishing detail.
Optimized Console Performance Reach higher and more consistent frame rates for silky smooth gameplay with support for 60Hz and 120Hz displays.
Advanced Ray Tracing Experience next level realism with ray traced reflections, shadows, and high-quality global illumination as you explore stunning game worlds.
Feature only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared with PS5®. PS5 Pro enhanced features will vary by game. A portion of the SSD is reserved for system software and other functions so the available SSD capacity may vary.
2. Chroma Collection | PS5
Introducing the Chroma Collection – iridescent PlayStation 5 accessories that shine, shimmer, and shift colour from every angle.
Choose from the chic Chroma Pearl, vivid Chroma Indigo or fresh Chroma Teal – three mesmerizing colours for the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.
Pre-orders for the Chroma Collection will begin on October 3, 2024, with Chroma Pearl and Chroma Indigo accessories launching on November 7, 2024, followed by the launch of Chroma Teal accessories starting on January 23, 2025.
3. Stellar Blade – NieR: Automata DLC & Updates
Worlds collide in the upcoming Stellar Blade x Nier: Automata collaboration, coming later this year.
An all-new Photo Mode coming to Stellar Blade — choose your favorite poses, expressions, and filters to create the perfect shot!
Keep the vibe alive with the full Original Soundtrack, over 180 tracks from Stellar Blade now available on select streaming services.
4. LEGO Horizon Adventures – Pre-Order Trailer
Aloy’s colorful new adventure is coming to PlayStation 5 on 14 November, 2024! Pre-order from 3 October onwards on your platform of choice to get a LEGO version of the iconic Shield-Weaver outfit in-game.
5. Dynasty Warriors Origins – Overview Trailer
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, coming January 17, 2025!
6. Fortnite DualSense Controller Reveal
Defy the Storm as you build, battle, create and Unleash the Fun with the DualSense Wireless Controller – Fortnite Limited Edition.
Starring Fishstick and Peely, and emblazoned with illustrations of fan-favourite characters, this colourfully vibrant eye-catching design encapsulates the wildly energetic Fortnite spirit enjoyed by players worldwide.
So, where we droppin’ today?
Pre-orders will begin on October 3, 2024.
7. Towers of Aghasba – Gameplay Trailer
Towers of Aghasba launches into Early Access November 2024.
Towers of Aghasba is an action-adventure builder game set in a unique fantasy world. Players are challenged to rebuild their civilization and the ecosystem, maintaining a balance between the two.
8. Fear the Spotlight – Release Date Reveal
Fear the Spotlight will be releasing on PS5 and PS4 October 22nd, 2024.
Fear the Spotlight is a creepy love letter to classic 90s horror experiences with a focus on rich storytelling, puzzle solving, and a tense atmosphere. This is a perfect narrative horror game for those new to the genre. Fear the Spotlight is developed by Cozy Game Pals and published by Blumhouse Games.
9. Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered launches December 10th!
Experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics.
Pre-order today!
10. Hitman World of Assassination – Announcement Trailer
The World of Assassination is coming to PlayStation VR 2. With 21 locations, full dual wielding and intuitive gestures, the possibilities are endless. Everything is a weapon in a creative assassin’s hands.
11. Alan Wake 2 – Lake House Expansion
Dive into a harrowing survival horror experience with the latest expansion for Alan Wake 2, set in an eerie new location on the shores of Cauldron Lake. Within the Federal Bureau of Control’s research station, the Lake House, a catastrophic event has occurred, where reckless experiments have caused reality to collide with the Dark Place.
This expansion unfolds parallel to the main game, putting you in the shoes of FBC agent Kiran Estevez, portrayed by Janina Gavankar.
12. Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Mage Build Deep Dive
BioWare breaks down the Mage build showcased in the recently revealed Dragon Battle gameplay trailer.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you will save the battered world of Thedas and unite the Veilguard: your team of seven companions, each with their own rich lives and deep backstories. As you become the leader, you will be able to select from different races, combat classes, customized appearances, and playstyles: all allowing you to play how you want to play.
This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what BioWare is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives October 31, 2024.
13. Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Blighted Dragon Gameplay Trailer
The blighted gods have unleashed a fearsome dragon on Thedas. It’s up to you, as Rook, to use all your tactical skills and abilities in the fight – whilst commanding your companions in battle with the ability wheel – to fight smart and deliver the most devastating attacks and combos to bring the gigantic beast down.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you will save the battered world of Thedas and unite the Veilguard: your team of seven companions, each with their own rich lives and deep backstories. As you become the leader, you will be able to select from different races, combat classes, customized appearances, and playstyles: all allowing you to play how you want to play.
This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what BioWare is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives October 31, 2024.
14. Fantasian Neo Dimension – Release Date Announcement Trailer
ANTASIAN Neo Dimension is available for pre-order on PS5 and PS4™ today, launching on December 5th, 2024.
The Father of FINAL FANTASY, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu return to deliver an original RPG story.
Embark on an multi-dimensional journey to reclaim your lost memories and save the world from the mechteria infection.
15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Radical Reptiles DLC Announce/Launch
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge unveils a brand new Radical Reptiles DLC, available now on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Radical Reptiles introduces two fan-favorites as playable fighters: Radical surfer and trusted friend to the Turtles: Mondo Gecko Physics student turned reptilian rapscallion: Mona Lisa Whether it’s by dealing righteous damage on a skateboard or launching deadly chemical concoctions, this powerhouse duo is ready to rumble with the Foot Clan!
And that’s not all! A free update is also available for all players: a rockin’ Remix mode of the official soundtrack featuring amazing guest artists: Lead Remixer: Sean Bialo Guest Remixers Anamanaguchi – Panic In The Sky! Button Masher – Rumble In The Zoo Jake Kaufman – It Won’t Fly! Keiji Yamagishi – The Lost Archenemies Tomoya Tomita – A Few Screws Loose.
16. Lunar Remastered Collection – Announce Trailer
Get ready—The LUNAR Remastered Collection is coming to PlayStation!
Embark on thrilling adventures within the enchanting worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete! These two cherished JRPGs have delighted gamers for generations. Now, in this definitive remastered edition, experience enhanced graphics, audio, and quality-of-life improvements that make the journey even more magical!
17. Palworld – Launch Trailer
Palworld, with over 25 million players worldwide, is finally available on PS5!
Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called “”Pals”” in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
18. ArcheAge Chronicles – First Announce Trailer
Unveiling ‘ArcheAge Chronicles’: Dive into a new era with ArcheAge Chronicles, the online action RPG set 50 years after the original. Embark on epic adventures, engage in enhanced combat, and explore vast, uncharted worlds filled with strategic battles and rich storytelling. Customize your housing, master life skills, and uncover new realms in this dynamic universe. Get ready to conquer challenges and unravel ancient mysteries in ArcheAge Chronicles.
19. Metro Awakening – Release Date Trailer
Pre-order to receive the exclusive Field Medic item pack, or save 10% by choosing the Deluxe Edition, including a 48-hour early access.
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first person adventure built exclusively for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth and combat. Powered by the immersive features of PlayStation 5, PS VR2 and Dual Sense, Metro Awakening offers you the most immersive METRO experience yet written by series creator Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Awakening takes you deep into the origin story of Khan, one of Metro’s most beloved characters, once known as Serdar.
Driven by the need to find and save his wife Yana, Serdar is forced to embrace the unknown to battle bandits, mutants, and other lurking horrors. Reload manually, charge your gear, and scavenge to survive in this intense and immersive VR journey. Sometimes, to prevent something worse, you must become the thing we fear.
20. Hell is Us – Gameplay Reveal Trailer
If war is the closest we get to hell on Earth, it’s because Earth harbors the worst of demons: humankind.
Discover the first Gameplay footage of Hell is Us , an action-adventure game set in a war-torn country, where players must unravel the mysteries of their past and confront the human darkness that fuels the chaos.
Hell is Us will be available on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
21. The Midnight Walk – Reveal Trailer
Embark upon The Midnight Walk in this dark fantasy adventure from the minds behind Lost in Random. Become The Burnt One, befriend a lost lantern creature named Potboy, and use his flame to light your way through a conflicting world of wonder and terror. Coming to PS5 and PS VR2, Spring 2025!
22. Astro Bot – Speedrun and Special Bots Add-On Trailer
Play Will Find A Way with ASTRO BOT. Gear up for a supersized space adventure with ASTRO BOT! Charge into a brand-new, supersized adventure with ASTRO across more than 50 exciting and diverse worlds.
23. Sonic x Shadow Generations
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Source: SEGA / Sonic X Shadow Generations / Sonic Central 2024
The fourth Sonic Central livestream event was full of announcements regarding everything Sonic The Hedgehog coming in the future.
The live stream event, which kicked off Tuesday at noon Eastern time, gave fans a glimpse into the world of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
While it was short on video game-related announcements, there were still a handful of reveals involving Sonic, his buddies, plus his rival Shadow.
Sonic X Shadows Generations Gets Another Trailer & Other Goodies
A new story trailer for the upcoming game was revealed. We also got more cinematic and gameplay footage focusing on Shadow’s standalone campaign, which hints at some time-traveling adventure involving Shadow chasing down Maria.
Fans can also look forward to a 3-part animated prologue called Dark Beginnings that will “delve into the origins of Shadow’s past.” The first episode, “Shadow and Maria,” will air on 9/25, followed by episode two, “Finding The Way,” on 10/03, and episode three, “To The Ark,” on 10/10.
Those who pre-order a physical edition of Sonic x Shadow Generations will get Gerald Robotnik’s 24-page booklet when the game becomes available when the game arrives on October 25.
Sonic Teams Up With DC Comics For An Epic Crossover
Starting in March 2025, Sonic and his buddies will get a DC Comics makeover. Shadow will, of course, don the cape and cowl as Batman, Sonic will suit up as The Flash, Tails will become Cyborg, Knuckles will become Superman, Amy will become Wonder Woman, and Silver the Hedgehog will become Green Lantern.
Sonic Is Coming To Top Golf
You can join Sonic on the golf course virtually soon at a Top Golf near you. Sonic-themed virtual golf courses allow players to avoid obstacles and collect rings like the blue blur by hitting golf balls.
A Behind The Scenes Look At Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is shaping up to be the biggest film in the movie franchise. Not only are all the favorites from the first two films returning, but you can now add Keanu Reeves to the mix, voicing fan-favorite Shadow The Hedgehog.
No new footage from the film was shown, but the team behind the project promised plenty of easter eggs for fans to look out for and shared more information on the film’s plot.
Also announced was Sonic Rumble coming this winter to PC and mobile; Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is getting more Sonic downloadable content, a Sonic motorbike helmet, LEGO collaborations, and more.
Plenty of Sonic for the foreseeable future.
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
For now, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection has silenced the negative discourse around the PS5 Pro.
On Thursday, Sony unveiled its fantastic homage to the PS One, putting a retro spin on the base PS5 Slim and recently announced PS5 Pro consoles and accessories.
“To celebrate this 30th anniversary milestone, we had to create something that honored the history and joy that PlayStation has brought us all,” PlayStation platform business CEO Hideaki Nishino said in a video announcing the collection.
Both consoles and all of the accessories are in the iconic PlayStation gray. The chef’s kiss is the addition of the old-school PlayStation logo and a USB-C charging cable that looks like the PS One’s controller cord.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
The PS5 Pro bundle will feature two DualSense Edge controllers, a controller charging stand, a console stand, a sticker, and a matching cover for those who purchase the Pro removable disc drive.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
The iconic PS One touch also blesses the PS5’s remote play companion, the PlayStation Portal, and the DualSense Edge pro controller.
We Expect This Bundle To Be Pricey
Sony has not revealed a price for this bundle, but we will not be shocked if it costs an arm and a leg. Pre-orders for the bundle begin on September 26th, and if you want one, you had better move fast because Sony is only making 12,300 of these bad boys.
The response to the collection, specifically the PS5 Pro, has been night and day compared to the fallout when the mid-gen refresh was first announced.
LOL.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Yes, yes they did
2. Pretty much
3. PlayStation got one here
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Source: John Keeble / Getty / Pokémon Company / Nintendo
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have finally taken legal action against the developer of Palworld.
Spotted on Reuters, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company hit Tokyo-based Pocketpair Inc., developer of Palworld, also called by gamers “Pokemon with guns,” an infringement lawsuit on Wednesday.
Per Reuters:
The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court on Wednesday, seeks an injunction and compensation for damages on the grounds that the game, made by Tokyo-based Pocketpair Inc, infringes multiple patent rights.
The lawsuit comes months after the game’s January release, quickly becoming one of the year’s biggest hits. In the action/survival game, players use guns to capture and train cute creatures called Pals to help them complete missions and build their bases.
Pocketpair confirmed it received the lawsuit Wednesday, noting that it does not know precisely what patents were infringed upon.
The studio said in a statement that it would begin appropriate legal proceedings and look into Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s claims.
“It is truly unfortunate that we will be forced to allocate significant time to matters unrelated to game development due to this lawsuit,” Pocketpair said.
Palworld has been on Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s radar since January, with both companies saying they would look into the game since January.
Millions of dollars later and a partnership with Sony to license the game globally later, Nintendo has finally said aht aht aht.
As expected, this lawsuit has sparked plenty of conversations on social media.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the seventh installment in the Black Ops series (and the twenty-fourth mainline Call of Duty installment overall), drops for Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on Friday, Oct. 25.
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Ready for pre-order for $69.99 at Target, Black Ops 6 is a first-person shooter with open-world elements from Treyarch, Raven Software and Activision.
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And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivered straight to your home in two days.
Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
In addition, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available for pre-order at Walmart and Amazon.
Activision
Sony PS5
‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’
Release date: Oct. 25
Activision
Xbox Series X
‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’
Release date: Oct. 25
Set during the Gulf War in Kuwait in the ’90s, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 follows a CIA operative assembling a team of agents to help him take down Pantheon, a secret organization that wants to launch an apocalyptic weapon.
The new games features a single-player campaign, multiplayer action and fan-favorite round-based zombie mode.
Dropping on Friday, Oct. 25, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 comes out for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game is available for pre-order right now for $69.99 at Target, Walmart and Amazon. In the meantime, watch the gameplay trailer, below.
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphones, wifi extenders, laptop deals and more.
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Source: BlueTwelve Studio / Annapurna Interactive / Stray
Annapurna Interactive, the game company best known for publishing indie titles like Stray and Neon White, no longer has a staff.
According to Bloomberg, Annapurna Interactive’s entire staff quit after failing to convince Megan Ellison to let them spin off Annapurna Studio’s gaming division into a new company.
“All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team collectively resigned,” former president Nathan Gary and staffers said to Bloomberg. “This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make, and we did not take this action lightly.”
A spokesperson for Annapurna said existing games and projects will remain under the company.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gary along with Annapurna Interactives coheads Deborah Mars and Nathan Vellat would be leaving the company.
The website also reports the company planned to “integrate its in-house gaming operations with the rest of Annapurna’s divisions, which include film, TV and theater.”
Hector Sanchez, the former head of Epic Games’ Unreal Engine games business and a cofounder of Annapurna’s gaming division, revealed last month that he would be president of interactive and new media at Annapurna.
Annapurna is no stranger to success. After releasing award-winning films like Her, American Hustle, and Zero Dark Thirty , the company looked to duplicate that success in gaming.
The company announced in 2020 that it would begin developing its own games, launch an in-house animation division in 2022, and work on a film based on Stray.
Last month, Annapurna partnered with Remedy Entertainment to explore ways to bring popular games Control and Alan Wake to television and theaters.
As expected, the reaction to the news of Annapurna Interactive’s entire staff walking has shocked the video game community.
You can see those reactions below.
2. We had a very similar reaction the news
3. It sure does suck
The world of Arcane is expanding with a second season this fall, and Stray Kids, Twenty One Pilots and more artists are coming along for the ride.
As Riot Games and Virgin Music Group exclusively announced with Billboard on Thursday (Sept. 12), the animated series inspired by the League of Legends game will feature a soundtrack packed with A-list artists. In addition to the K-pop boy band and American pop-rock duo — who recorded singles called “Come Play” and “The Line,” respectively — Young Miko, King Princess, Stromae, Marcus King, Ashnikko, d4vd, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more all contributed to the album.
“We’re very passionate about Arcane and League of Legends,” Stray Kids said in a band statement. “Our single ‘Come Play’ has a dynamic taste to it, bringing all sorts of voices and languages together. We enjoy playing League, and we’re excited for fans to hear this song and see the second season of Arcane!”
TØP’s Tyler Joseph added that he was inspired to join the project after watching the first season of Arcane, praising how “the idea of family and who can make up your family” was a central theme of the show.
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Expected to arrive in November, the second season of Arcane comes three years after the show’s initial premiere on Netflix in 2021. Centered on Legends characters Vi and Jinx — voiced by Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell — Arcane took home four of the five Emmy nominations it received in 2022, including outstanding animated program.
Last season also featured an army of major artists on its soundtrack, including Imagine Dragons, Pusha T, Sting, Bea Miller, Denzel Curry and more. According to a release, the album has racked up more than 5.6 billion global streams to date.
“Arcane’s groundbreaking approach to music inspired an incredibly diverse group of artists from many genres, languages, and cultures who wanted to be part of this new season,” said Riot’s global head of music Maria Egan. “Each song was a unique collaboration between the artists, our showrunners and Riot’s composers. Music is the heartbeat of the League community and we can’t wait for our fans to experience this epic album to deepen their connection to these powerful stories.”
See the full Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 album tracklist below.
“I Can’t Hear It Now” – Freya Ridings
“Sucker” – Marcus King
“Renegade (We Never Run)” – Stefflon Don, Raja Kumari ft. Jarina De Marco
“Hellfire” – Fever 333
“To Ashes And Blood” – Woodkid
“Paint The Town Blue” – Ashnikko
“Remember Me (Intro)” – d4vd
“Remember Me” – d4vd
“Cocktail Molotov” – ZAND
“What Have They Done To Us” – Mako, Grey
“Rebel Heart” – Djerv
“The Beast – Misha Mansoor
“Spin The Wheel” – Mick Wingert
“Ma Meilleure Ennemie” – Stromae, Pomme
“Fantastic” – King Princess
“The Line” – Twenty One Pilots
“Blood Sweat & Tears” – Sheryl Lee Ralph
“Come Play” – Stray Kids, Young Miko, Tom Morello
“Wasteland” – Royal & the Serpent
“Enemy with JID (Opening Title version) from the series Arcane League of Legends)” –Imagine Dragons feat. JID
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Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro
Sony’s worst-kept secret, the PS5 Pro, is officially here, and it’s sparking a social media discussion that the PlayStation 3 missed out on when it was first revealed.
During a very brief technical presentation, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny proudly helped unveil the mid-gen refresh, which he boasts will give players the high frame rates they have been longing for on a console.
The PS5 Pro features a much larger GPU, improved Ray Tracing, and custom hardware for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. The companies take on machine learning.
The technical presentation confirmed the PS5 Pro leaks design-wise. It is a taller version of the latest PS5 Slim model, but it has three stripes on both sides of the console.
Via the PlayStation Blog, Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group, broke down the console’s performance specs:
Upgraded GPU: With PS5 Pro, we are upgrading to a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.
Advanced Ray Tracing: We’ve added even more powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.
AI-Driven Upscaling: We’re also introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.
The PS5 Pro is also a disc-less console and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. The vertical stand is sold separately.
Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro
These Games Will Be Enhanced For PS5 Pro
We also what games will be getting the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” designation, and they will be Alan Wake 2, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Demon’s Souls, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Gran Turismo 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and more.
How Much Does It Cost?
As expected, the PS5 Pro won’t be cheap; it’s going to cost you a lot of money if you want to play with improved graphics and frame rates.
How much, you ask? The PS5 Pro will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99 / ¥119,980.
Well damn.
As you can imagine, the reactions to the price have many looking at PlayStation with a “you bugging” face and asking why they priced the console so high.
“The PS5 Pro has lines across the middle of the console which are a nod to the lines Sony executives were doing when they priced the thing,” one post on X, formerly Twitter, reads.
Another user on X wrote, “YOU GUYS ARE SELLING THE DISC DRIVE SEPARATELY FOR A $700 DOLLAR CONSOLE!?!? WE HAVE TO PAY OVER $800 TO GET THE FULL PS5 PRO EXPERIENCE!?! THERE’S JUST NO WAY THEY THOUGHT THIS WAS OK!!!”
Some folks are defending the console’s price.
“Dudes who spent 1500$ on a graphics card are telling you that a more compelling ps5 with better hardware is not worth 6-700$,” a post on X read.
Another post defending the console’s steep price reads, “Get yourself a PC if you got it like that. I just spent $423 on a CPU alone to fix a microcoding issue. Yet, $700 gaming console is just too bonkers for you – cmon now lol.”
Still ahead of the console’s November 7, 2024 release, the general consensus is PlayStation is bugging. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
4. Peep this
5. Howling
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Source: Kevin Sabitus / Getty
In an exclusive interview, HipHopWired spoke with Kansas City Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown about his partnership with the hit NFL Rivals game.
On Thursday (September 5), the National Football League kicked off its 2024-2025 season with a highly anticipated rematch between the Baltimore Ravens and the defending Super Bowl LVIII Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The day will also see the release of the second season of the officially licensed mobile video game from Mythical Games, NFL Rivals. The new season is dubbed Year 2 and promises new gameplay features to fans which include exclusive pack drops and an expanded marketplace which fans can check out on the game’s website.
Another new element to NFL Rivals: Year 2 is the partnership between the game and the Chiefs, organized by OneTeam Partners with the hopes of growing the audience from its impressive inaugural season performance of 5 million downloads and 115 million games played. “With the upcoming release of our multiplayer mode, and the expansion of our Synergy System, fans have new and fun ways to play,” said Billy Schautz, the executive producer of NFL Rivals in a press release, “and with the introduction of the ‘Road to the Playoffs’ and its season-long ‘reward road’, during the 2024 NFL season, we’re raising the bar and setting a new standard for sports gaming as a whole.”
One of the Chiefs’ stars, wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has been a key figure in NFL Rivals’ first season. HipHopWired got the chance to talk with him about his experience playing the game and his expectations for the upcoming season.
HipHopWired: So how’s the feedback been on your involvement with the game so far for you?
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown: the feedback has been wonderful, man. I’ve been enjoying the game myself, making me feel like a GM, building my squad up, and everything like that. And then it’s a mobile game. So I’ve been on the go playing it, its a fast-paced action game, and it’s been fun.
HHW: What’s the one appealing factor of it for you outside of being mobile? Is it tapping in when you can, you know, check on some stats or need to make quick additions?
Brown: I think building the team is what’s fascinating about it for me. It helps fans feel like they’re a GM, building a squad, getting their favorite players – and everyone has a phone, pretty much. So everyone that doesn’t have a game system, you get on here and you build your team up and go play.
HHW: I’m curious (laughs), how do you have your team set up? Who are your standouts?
Brown: I’ve obviously got the Chiefs, and my team is full of Chiefs players. I mean, I’ve got myself, I’ve got Xavier Worthy, Pat, Travis. I’m just gonna be naming Chiefs players all day because that’s my team. (laughs)
HHW: I figured, had to get it on the record. How do you feel that they’ve worked on this season, as opposed to, like, last year, with improvements?
Brown: I didn’t play a lot of season one, but it’s fun. I feel like the gameplay is fun. It reminds me of NFL Blitz.
HHW: Oh yeah, that was my game! (laughs)
Brown: So I feel like you have a lot of fun with it, and then it’s, like, all offense. So that’s what I like about it as well.
HHW: What’s the energy like for you heading into this new season with the Chiefs?
Brown: I’m so excited for the season – week one got here so fast. Just excited, you know, to see the guys battle and take on this journey. It’s a long season, and every week it’s going to be a different challenge.
HHW: So you figure a lot of teams are pretty much going to come at you, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you all are prepared.
Brown: Yeah, definitely. The guys here, they’ve played a lot of big-time games, and they understand, what it takes. And you know, for me, it’s just fitting in and bringing my element to the team, and helping the team get that three-peat.
HHW: For anybody who’s looking to get into NFL Rivals, what tips would you give them?
Brown: Get you a quarterback – preferably Patrick Mahomes. (laughs) Get you a couple of fast guys, preferably Marquis Brown and Xavier Worthy, and get you a good tight end, preferably Travis Kelce, something like that. I’m just playing (laughs), but just be yourself with it. I mean, have fun and get the players you want, and have fun with it.
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Source: PlayStation / Firewalk Studios / Concord
This news shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it’s also still shocking. Concord is going offline… for now.
In a stunning move, Sony announced Firewalk Studios’ hero shooter Concord is no longer available for purchase following a disastrous launch on PS5 and PC on August 23.
Ryan Ellis, game director at Firewalk Studio, announced the decision in a post on the PlayStation Blog. In it, he tells players that “aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended.”
“Concord fans — we’ve been listening closely to your feedback since the launch of Concord on PlayStation 5 and PC and want to thank everyone who has joined the journey aboard the Northstar,” Ellis wrote in the post. “Your support and the passionate community that has grown around the game has meant the world to us.”
“However, while many qualities of the experience resonated with players, we also recognize that other aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended. Therefore, at this time, we have decided to take the game offline beginning September 6, 2024, and explore options, including those that will better reach our players.”
The writing was on the wall for Concord due to its shockingly low player count at launch and poor reception. Per Polygon, less than 700 people were playing the game during launch weekend.
According to SteamDB, the number of concurrent players only went down, and as of Tuesday, only 30 people were playing the game.
Concord Players Are Getting A Rare Refund From PlayStation
The game is no longer available for purchase today, and PS5 and PC will be issued a full refund.
“If you purchased the game for PlayStation 5 from the PlayStation Store or PlayStation Direct, a refund will be issued back to your original payment method,” Ellis said in the post.
Refund instructions:
Steam Store – Steam Store will refund players who bought the game over the coming days. Steam will send confirmation of the refund once it has been processed.
Epic Games Store – Epic Games Store will refund players who bought the game over the coming days and will contact each customer directly to confirm that the refund has been processed.
Other retailer refunds – For customers who have purchased a physical copy at a retailer location outside of PlayStation directly, please refer to the refund process of the retailer you purchased it from to obtain your refund.
Per IGN, Concord sold around 25,000 copies, according to estimates.
PlayStation notes that players can no longer access the game once getting a refund.
As you can imagine, video game X is reacting to the news. Reactions range from shock to not being surprised to compassion for the team at Firewalk Studios.
Damn.
We hope Firewalk Studios can get the game in playing shape and turn this colossal mess into a success story.
Until then, you can see more reactions in the gallery below.