Month: February 2019

The private beta for The Division 2 has begun, and like any real beta this one appears to be exposing some technical hiccups for Ubisoft to mend. The studio has already outlined some tips to avoid common problems in the beta, and announced upcoming maintenance.

On its known issues page, Ubisoft outlines two relatively serious issues that it says will be fixed before the full game launch, but that may present problems for beta players. The first is that extended play sessions could either degrade the experience on PS4, or crash the game altogether on PC and Xbox One. To avoid this, the studio recommends restarting the game every two to three hours.

The second known issue is that receiving a game invite from a friend within the game, while you are outside the game, will cause the client to crash once you launch it. The practical solution offered here is to simply make sure you start the game first and then join the group from within the game client.

In a tweet, Ubisoft says server maintenance will be performed on Friday, February 8, starting at 12:30 AM PT / 3:30 AM ET, and last approximately three hours. That scheduled time is just before an extra piece of content was to be added: a piece of endgame content called an Invaded mission. Presumably that will now hit as soon as the maintenance ends.

Other beta content includes two main missions, five side missions, open-world activities, and one new Dark Zone. The player cap is set at 30 for the beta.

You can check the official Twitter account for updates on any issues that come up, and visit the forums to offer feedback and report new issues. The Division 2 launches on March 15.

We’re in the final stretch of Fortnite Season 7, but there’s still plenty to see and do in the hit battle royale game before Season 8 kicks off. That includes Week 10’s challenges, which are now available across all platforms. You’ll find the usual assortment of tasks in this batch, including another search for Expedition Outposts.

As usual, completing challenges will reward you with Battle Stars, which in turn will level your Battle Pass up and unlock Season 7 cosmetics. If you finish all of the tasks from a given week, however, you’ll also complete one of this season’s Snowfall challenges and unlock a special loading screen that points you toward a free Battle Star (good for leveling your Battle Pass up by one tier) or a Banner (which can be used as a profile icon) hidden somewhere on the map.

If you’ve finished all 10 sets of weekly challenges, you’ll complete the final Snowfall challenge, which will reward you with the loading screen pictured below. This one depicts the Prisoner–the Legendary skin you unlock for completing 60 weekly challenges–sitting beside a campfire atop a hill. Look to the left of the campfire, however, and you’ll spot a Banner waiting beneath a tree in the distance. That’s where you’ll need to go to find the item.

The tree in question can be found at the edge of the desert, near the race track just east of Retail Row. Once you’ve jumped into a match, glide to the area, locate the tree, and the Banner will appear beneath it, just as in the loading screen. Collect it like you would any other item then finish the match, and the Banner will be yours to use as an icon. You can see its exact location on the map below. We also show you where to go in the video above.

Like always, there are a couple of caveats for this secret Banner. The item won’t appear in the game unless you’ve completed all 10 sets of weekly challenges, so you can’t simply go to the right location and expect to find it unless you’ve done the necessary work. If you need help finishing up any remaining tasks, you can find tips in our complete Season 7 challenges guide.

Season 7 is scheduled to end on February 28 according to Epic’s website, so there isn’t much time left to complete this season’s challenges. Of course, with Season 8 quickly approaching, some unusual things have begun happening in the game, namely earthquakes. What this means for the new season remains to be seen, although it wouldn’t be surprising for the tremors to result in some portion of the map being dramatically transformed.

Fortnite Season 7 Snowfall Challenge Guides

After several hours spent playing Devil May Cry V, my wrist was cramped and the joints in my fingers were aching. These pains should be familiar to Devil May Cry fans; the series always demanded a high level of dexterity to master its combat. But in this sorry state, a joy washed over me: “I’m playing a new Devil May Cry, and that’s awesome.” But at the same time, another thought prodded my mind: “Will everyone else want this?”

DMCV is a return to not only the series’ previous canon, but to the philosophy and near fighting game-like intricacy of the first four games. As a longtime fan, it was exhilarating to play Nero and Dante again, slowly learning the strategic nuances of their every move, while constantly trying to better my execution. The high skill ceiling taunted me, instigating a deep desire to better understand how Nero’s Devil Breaker arms work, and to finally master seamlessly switching between Dante’s four different fighting styles.

While I’m confident hardcore fans will love the work that’s been done with combat in DMCV, the level design in between combat sections leaves much to be desired. This is where I find myself second guessing what the game is doing. There are some lessons from DmC: Devil May Cry that haven’t been learned from here. Say what you will about the polarizing reboot, but that game presented some incredibly interesting level design and provocative visuals; showcasing diverse and compelling environments (sans the edgy text displayed on walls).

In DMCV, you’re typically running through ruined city streets and dilapidated buildings infested by thorny roots from a massive demonic tree at the center of town. A mission in the aforementioned tree helped break things up, but interesting sights like this were quickly overrun by more of the same apocalyptic backdrops. The repetition wore me down, especially when I started to realize that progression outside fights could be narrowed down to “destroy this red sack on this root, open path, repeat.” It made me yearn for the chaotic highs of air juggling demons and subsequently breakdance-fighting their friends into oblivion.

If not for DMCV’s fantastic combat, this issue would be more troublesome. But it got me thinking: does this problem exist because classic DMC games are designed with a different philosophy in mind? While I can’t answer this question myself, all I know is that the innovation of the combat system is what keeps me eager to return to DMCV.

Newcomer V is an excellent example of this innovation; his ranged playstyle is probably the most creative and refreshing part of DMCV so far. You use V’s summoned beasts to damage enemies for you, while you stand back and wait for the moment to deliver the final blow after their life has been depleted. It’s all about space management and calculated movement; you need to be mindful of enemies around you, as a dodge in any direction will instantly call back one of his summons from the fray for a brief duration. Cunningly avoiding attacks as you command your beasts to deliver complex juggles provides a satisfying thrill. It’s made all the more rewarding by the impact of a final blow alongside V’s goading remarks. V’s fighting style defies the directly offensive strategies of previous playable characters, but it’s one that still feels right at home with the series. He’s where I feel DMCV’s combat design expresses itself the most, innovating and rearranging what we know from past games.

There are hints of previous mechanics all around, but refinements and alterations have brought new life to them. V’s playstyle calls to mind the tactics spurred by Vergil’s concentration gauge from DMC4: Special Edition, where minimal movement and calculated attacks are key. On the other hand, Nero’s various Devil Breakers significantly evolve his playstyle by adding more offensive options in a fight. You can propel a foe across the screen with the Overture’s powerful attack, but in short time, detonate it in another group of demons while switching over to the Punch Line, riding it like a rocket-propelled skateboard into those still left alive. A great degree of technical skill is introduced to Nero thanks to the Devil Breakers, making his once beginner-friendly playstyle more complex than ever before.

Dante is the only character who seems to remain faithful to previous iterations with few adjustments made to his base abilities–but maybe that’s the point. With all the new mechanics introduced with Nero and V, Dante maintains the series’ tradition, confidently declaring that everything you remember from the classic DMC combat system is back. That said, I only had access to a few of the weapons in his arsenal, so it’s possible even he may change as you progress further in the full game.

It’s difficult to balance my expectations for DMCV. The more experimental DmC: Devil May Cry inspired me to think more deeply about what a game in the series could be, calling upon a higher standard for its accessibility and design overall. But my time with DMCV brought back memories of my infatuation with the story and combat of early games. Dante sports that same endearing confidence that charmed my teenage heart all those years ago. Nero maintains the brashness of DMC3 Dante that I love; though, a new outlook reduces his once angsty demeanor. And with the innovation and creativity present in combat, I can’t help but look past my greater dreams of what DMC’s structure could be and simply accept DMCV for the traditional experience it is. If that means newcomers being further alienated from one of my favorite series of all time, then that might be a reality I have to accept. My fondness for the series in this form is simply too strong to want it any other way.

When DmC: Definitive Edition and DMC4: Special Edition both launched in 2015, it lay a crossroads of where the series could go. After playing both, I realized that the series can honestly be one or the other and still be phenomenal. Before going to this event, I anticipated Capcom would make DMCV a hybrid of both, but in the end it chose one: classic DMC.

You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

This video has an invalid file format.

Sorry, but you can’t access this content!

You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

This video has an invalid file format.

Sorry, but you can’t access this content!

From Software has released a new trailer for its upcoming Souls-like game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The trailer delivers our first official look at the game’s story, specifically the origin of its protagonist, The Wolf. You can watch it above.

The developer behind Dark Souls and Bloodborne is changing quite a few aspects of its tried-and-true formula to deliver a new kind of experience with Sekiro. For one, Sekiro’s protagonist actually speaks. The story in Sekiro plays out more as a Japanese drama, with players embodying a specific character with his own established backstory, feelings, and sense of morality. Some of the narrative will play out as flashback sequences as well, which is another first for From Software when it comes to its Soulsborne titles.

Sekiro’s boss battles will also play out differently than what’s been seen in Bloodborne and Dark Souls. “The traversal options allow much more dynamic movement within the boss arena, both for yourself and the boss character themselves,” From Software director Hidetaka Miyazaki said. “Previously, you would have just had to run around a huge boss’ feet and hack away at his ankles, but now you have all these movement options; you can both fully use the extent of that arena.” You’ll actually be able to pause the game too, even in the midst of a hectic fight, as there isn’t any multiplayer in Sekiro.

Miyazaki has confirmed that Sekiro is “probably even more challenging than previous From games,” and after playing some of it, we agree. Sekiro’s addition of parkour and stealth mechanics certainly allows you to move faster and occasionally kill more efficiently in comparison to previous Soulsborne titles, but the game’s new combat system of wearing down an enemy’s guard before executing them definitely has a learning curve.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is scheduled to release on March 22 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

This video has an invalid file format.

Sorry, but you can’t access this content!

In case you missed out on the last Devil May Cry 5 demo on Xbox One, a new one is now available for both Xbox One and PS4. As noted on the game’s official Twitter, this demo introduces a new Devil Breaker called the Punch Line, as well as the ability to power up by calling Nico.

The last demo was available on Xbox One in December but was subsequently pulled in January. That one was Xbox One exclusive, and it remained playable for those who had downloaded it previously. This second demo is the first time PS4 players get a taste of the stylish action game.

Devil May Cry 5 is a direct sequel to DMC4, ignoring the series reboot that received a mixed reception. As a result it brings back Dante and Nero in recognizable fashion, along with a new playable character named V. He appears to have an axe to grind against the other heroes, and his move set is more about controlling a variety of summoned beasts. Devil May Cry 5 is among our most anticipated games of 2019., and we just spent several hours kicking its tires.

“When DmC: Definitive Edition and DMC4: Special Edition both launched in 2015, it lay a crossroads of where the series could go,” wrote editor Matt Espineli. “After playing both, I realized that the series can honestly be one or the other and still be phenomenal. Before going to this event, I anticipated Capcom would make DMCV a hybrid of both, but in the end it seemingly chose one: classic DMC.”

Devil May Cry 5 is coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One on March 8.

Sometimes, the staggering number of games out there can feel overwhelming, especially if you plan to be part of the discourse surrounding the immeasurable amount of games. Thankfully, Microsoft’s making the decision of what to play a little easier with its newest offering of free games for the platform’s Free Play Days event.

The news comes via the official Twitter account of Microsoft’s Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson. From now until Sunday, February 10, at 11:59 PM PT (2:59 AM ET / 7:59 AM ET on Monday), Xbox Live Gold subscribers can play Fishing Sim World, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and The Sims 4 all for free.

In addition to playing these three vastly different games for free during the weekend, each game will receive a discount of up to 25-80%. Fishing Sim World sees a 25% discount, priced at $15 in the US instead of $20. The Master Chief Collection also gets a 25% discount, dropping from $30 to $22.49. The Sims 4 sees the largest discount of the three titles at 80% off the base game, going from $40 to $8. Additionally, select The Sims 4 expansions–like Cats & Dogs, Seasons, and others–will receive a 50 percent discount.

For the uninitiated, The Sims 4, developed by The Sims Studio and published by EA, is the fourth major entry in the long-running The Sims franchise. Similar to previous iterations and spin-offs, The Sims 4 is a life simulation where you control avatars as they go about their lives, interacting with them in a variety of ways and exploring their oftentimes eclectic personalities. Halo: The Master Chief Collection, developed by 343 Industries and published by Microsoft Game Studios (which has just been rebranded), is a compilation of the platform’s most iconic first-person shooter. It bundles Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (a 2011 enhanced remake of 2001’s seminal shooter, Halo: Combat Evolved), Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 in one package, streamlining Master Chief’s journey. Developed and published by Dovetail Games, Fishing Sim World is just what the name sounds like: a fishing simulator where you… catch fish in what’s pitched as “the most authentic fishing simulator ever made.”

All three games are available to download and play for free now. Just head over to the official Free Play Days part of the Microsoft Store, or search for them on the Xbox One’s marketplace. If you’re willing to part with some cash, there are some nice Xbox One game deals on Xbox Live this week, or you could also download the just-released free-to-play battle royale shooter from Respawn, Apex Legends.

The newest free game being given away on the Epic Game Store is Axiom Verge. First releasing in 2015, Axiom Verge proved popular with fans with its gripping science fiction narrative and Metroidvania-inspired mechanics.

Axiom Verge will be free to download on the Epic Game Store until February 21, but it’s yours to keep and play forever once you have. All you need to do is create an Epic account on the company’s store page, sign-in, and then you can download the game. It’s worth keeping your account around if you want more games, because after Axiom Verge, the Epic Games Store will start offering the excellent Thimbleweed Park for free.

In our Axiom Verge review, Peter Brown gave the game an 8/10, writing, “Axiom Verge is a game that’s easy to fall in love with because it hits so many high notes. It takes the Metroidvania model and adds layers of ingenuity that are in a league all of their own, the most notable being the Address Disruptor. Yes it’s occasionally drab looking, and some enemies may not fit in with the rest of the world, but when a game is this good, these blemishes quickly fade into the back of your mind. The chilling sci-fi setting, mysterious plot, and a seemingly endless number of abilities keep your mind busy, and your curiosity at fever pitch. It’s not a stretch to say that Axiom Verge is better than the games that inspired it, because it’s so inventive and thoughtfully crafted. There’s no excuse to hold onto the past when the present is this amazing.”

The Epic Store is one of the more recent additions to the competition challenging Valve’s dominance over the PC gaming market with Steam. Epic has been in the news recently for its habit of securing major exclusives away from Steam, such as Metro Exodus and The Division 2. Valve described Epic’s acquisition of the former as “unfair” for players, and the decision to not launch the game on Steam has stirred quite a bit of controversy. Exodus isn’t the only major title coming out in the next month that won’t launch on Steam, as additional games like Anthem and Crackdown 3 are releasing exclusively on other stores.