Nintendo Direct May Air Next Week, Growing Evidence Suggests

Nintendo Directs have a history of getting leaked by insiders before they air, and it appears that the same thing might be happening once again. VentureBeat reporter Jeff Grubb posted a tweet yesterday that suggested that Nintendo will hold another event before the end of the month, and a ResetEra user who leaked this week’s Indie World Showcase made a similar claim.

According to VGC, sources have indicated that Nintendo will hold some sort of event in August or September. July’s Nintendo Direct Mini was leaked in a similar manner, lending more credence to these rumors.

This Nintendo Direct would come at an extremely popular time for game announcements. The DC FanDome event will include more details on Rocksteady’s hotly-anticipated Suicide Squad game, as well as the rumored new Batman game from WB Games Montreal. It also comes in the wake of Nintendo’s own Indie World stream, which came with a barrage of game announcements, including Hades, Grindstone, Hypnospace Outlaw, and many others.

Nintendo has pursued a somewhat unorthodox approach to game announcements recently, forgoing its usual June Direct that accompanies the traditional E3 announcements from other hardware giants. The company also announced a new Paper Mario game and the Pikmin 3 Switch port out of nowhere, which surprised many fans.

Now Playing: Top New Game Releases On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week — August 16-22, 2020

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare, Warzone Adds New Full-Color Tomogunchi Model

A new kind of Tomogunchi is now available in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It’s called Tomogunchi Turbo and it features a bigger, full-color screen and unlockable charms.

Tomogunchis are wristwatch-like companions that feed off your in-game kills. Similar to a Tamagotchi, a handheld digital pet released in the late ’90s, Tomogunchis are needy little pets that require constant attention or they die.

The Tomogunchi Turbo takes the virtual pet to the next level with a bigger screen on the watch face, vivid colors to display your little companion’s various moods, “better buttons,” and more. Much like the previous Tomogunchi, Turbo requires kills to help the pet grow and destruction to help it evolve. The official Call of Duty Twitter account shared a video showing off the Tomogunchi Turbo, which you can check out below.

There are also charms you can unlock for your Tomogunchi Turbo. Once your virtual pet evolves, you unlock the charm of whatever creature is on the watch face. This includes a bear, fox, mantis, and more. Curiously, the pets–and the evolutions themselves–don’t seem to transform in any sort of linear fashion. This means your skunk could become an octopus or an evolution equally as bizarre.

T-Rex on my wrist, Rampage in the Team Deathmatch I'm in.
T-Rex on my wrist, Rampage in the Team Deathmatch I’m in.

In other Call of Duty news, a new update for Modern Warefare and Warzone is available now and it’s massive on Xbox One, weighing in at about 66 GB. The update itself is a texture fix addressing graphical issues with weapons.

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Snag A New 24-Inch PC Monitor For Only $80

If you’re looking for a monitor to work on from home or even just an extra display to add to your setup, then Staples has a great deal on a monitor right now. A 24-inch AOC desktop monitor is on sale for $99.99, and with promo code 38890, its price drops to $80. Unfortunately, as our sister site CNET notes, you’ll need to hit $100 or more to use that code–they suggest adding this 25-cent ruler to your cart, which will make you eligible for the 20% off discount.

The AOC monitor comes with free shipping and can arrive as soon as tomorrow, depending on when you order and where you’re located. There’s also the option to pick up the display in a Staples store near you–and if the store already has stock, then you’ll be able to pick it up as early as today.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our guide to the best budget monitors you can buy right now. There are a lot of different options that fit a variety of needs, including gaming, entertainment, and work.

Mortal Shell Secret Ending Guide: How To Find The Game’s Humorous Conclusion

Note: This post contains some light spoilers for a secret in Mortal Shell. If you’d rather find it on your own, you might want to stop reading here and check out our Mortal Shell beginner’s guide to help you survive.

Mortal Shell‘s world is a deep and mysterious one. The land of Fallgrim is populated by bandits, monsters, religious fanatics, and warrior scholars, whose motivations are unknown. Even your role is a hazy one; as a creature known as The Foundling, your nature and origin is unclear, and your goals are even murkier.

Most of the story of Mortal Shell has you working for a being known as the Old Prisoner, who gives you gifts and upgrades in return for Sacred Glands plundered from the depths of Fallgrim’s three temples. Finding all three of the glands and helping out the Prisoner advances the story toward its conclusion, but there are a lot of strange secret depths to plumb in Mortal Shell as well–including an alternate path that can give you a different, secret ending to the game much earlier than if you complete it the normal way.

Mortal Shell’s alternate ending is a lot like the ones found in of Far Cry 4 and Far Cry 5. It requires some specific work to find it, and it’s more of a joke than an actual conclusion of the tale. But it’s worth tracking down for a fun moment, and the good news is, even if you trigger the rolling credits for a gag, you’ll be returned to the game right where you left off–so there are no consequences for catching this cutscene.

Here’s where to find Mortal Shell’s secret ending and how to access it.

Mortal Shell Secret Ending

Find Baghead In Fallgrim

Look for the tree with all the bats hanging from it; you can find Baghead sitting atop the hill at its foot.
Look for the tree with all the bats hanging from it; you can find Baghead sitting atop the hill at its foot.

The secret conclusion to Mortal Shell isn’t in one of the challenging temples full of enemies, but in the overworld-like section called Fallgrim. Here, you’ll encounter a bunch of club-wielding enemies known as brigands, who are always keen to attack an interloper such as yourself. There’s one member of their ranks who doesn’t hate you just for existing, though: a fellow called Baghead.

You’ll have to seek Baghead out to talk with him, which isn’t especially easy thanks to the fact that it’s easy to get lost in the samey-looking Fallgrim. You’ll find him sitting under a huge tree next to a small fire and a frog-shaped stone treasure chest. You’ll know the location by the huge, frightening-looking bats hanging from the massive tree’s branches.

When you locate Baghead, have a conversation with him. He’s a bit of a layabout, and when you show up, he’ll take the opportunity to ask you for things.

Bring Baghead A Tasty Rat

After meeting Baghead, he’ll ask you for a Boiled Rat to snack on–he’ll even mention smelling one on you. You can share one with him right away if you have it, and if not, you’re likely to come across one by fighting through the brigands situated at small campfires around the area.

Talk to Baghead again and he’ll ask for something else: Superior Moonshine.

Bring Baghead Superior Moonshine

Baghead will first request a Boiled Rat, and then a bottle of Superior Moonshine. Both are found within Fallgrim, usually on the other weapon-wielding brigands who attack you on sight.
Baghead will first request a Boiled Rat, and then a bottle of Superior Moonshine. Both are found within Fallgrim, usually on the other weapon-wielding brigands who attack you on sight.

Moonshine is also located around Fallgrim, although it’s a little tougher to come by. You’ll find it in two varieties: Inferior and Superior. Both come from the enemies you’ll find scattered around Fallgrim, but the Superior Moonshine is in tighter supply and will likely require more work to locate. You can also find it in the three temples that drive your goals in Mortal Shell–the tougher, more sophisticated enemies who hang out in the temples sometimes also have more sophisticated intoxicants. But in general, this seems like a bit of a random find.

Bring the Superior Moonshine back to Baghead to advance his conversation a little more. By now, he’ll be pretty friendly.

Become Baghead’s BFF

Say hello to your new best friend.

As you talk to Baghead a third time, he’ll be pretty appreciative of you. After all, you’re a person who just happened by and talked to a person who was, very likely, an enemy. It seems like the only reason Baghead didn’t attack you was that he’s a generally pretty lazy guy. But then you showed him kindness by sharing your food and spirits, not once but twice–and that Superior Moonshine is pretty impressive stuff. Now Baghead is your ride-or-die bro.

In your final conversation, Baghead will ask if you want to become best friends forever. He suggests you wile away the hours just hanging out by the fire together, being lazy, drinking booze, and enjoying life, instead of constantly toiling at murdering or worshiping the Revered and their Sacred Nektar.

To trigger the secret ending, agree to Baghead’s suggestion.

Fallgrim Falls

Watching monsters creeping out of the darkness seems like a not-great conclusion, but at least the booze is good.

Once you become Baghead’s loafy best bud, you’ll be treated to a cutscene that suggests this was maybe not the best decision. As you hang out around the fire, playing your lute, you’ll get treated to shots of the surrounding area where other brigands are hanging out, enjoying meals, lute-playing, and campfires of their own. Within a few moments, however, you’ll see that just chilling out in Fallgrim and drinking moonshine is maybe not in the cards.

Creeping up on the nearby campers are those frightening vampiric enemies that show up in a few key locations throughout Mortal Shell. You’ll sometimes find them in deep caves and temples, but most notably, they invade the forests of Fallgrim every time you manage to locate a Sacred Gland in the game. Defeating a boss and taking a gland from one of the temples causes some thick fog to roll into Fallgrim, and when it does, the vampires come with it–setting ambushes to try to kill you and ripping through the brigands, often snacking on their bodies as you approach.

So it seems that giving up your quest, whatever it is, doesn’t bode too well for the people who live in this world. Still, at least the drinks are good.

We’ve got more Mortal Shell coverage for you to enjoy as you work your way through the game. Check out our beginner’s tips to help you survive in Fallgrim and beyond, a guide to the items you can find and their Familiarity bonuses, and don’t forget to read our Mortal Shell review.

Now Playing: Mortal Shell – 7 Tips You NEED To Know

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Marvel Legends Series Venom Figures Now Available for Preorder

I don’t know about you, but for my money it doesn’t get much better than Venom and Deadpool when it comes to Marvel universe characters. Granted, they’re both technically outside the sphere of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in spite of their own movies, but that makes them cool outcasts. It’s true to their intended forms, and I appreciate that.

Speaking of forms, the two outcasts come together in one great figure in the alternate-universe mash-up Venompool, the Earth-90211 combo of the Venom symbiote and Deadpool. This figure doesn’t come cheap, however. Like many Marvel Legends figures before, you can only get this one by collecting the rest of the figures in the set. The good news is the Marvel Legends Series Venom line-up is awesome. There’s really no two ways about it. Just look at them.

Marvel Legends Series Venom Preorders

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Venompool2

The figures come out November 1, as well as the new Marvel Legends Series Venom figure itself. Is it worth the money? I can’t make that call for you, but I’m going to anyway: yes. That is one cool figure.

At twenty bucks a pop, and with November 1 being many weeks away, you should have enough time to tuck away a little money for the day they all ship (which is when Amazon will charge your account). I say go for it.

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Seth Macy is Executive Editor, IGN Commerce, and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Instagram at sethgmacy

Pokemon Go Dragon Week Makeup Event Announced

Pokemon Go developer Niantic is holding another makeup event in the game later this week. Due to technical issues that affected the recent Dragon Week Ultra Unlock event, Niantic is making the Dragon Week Timed Research rewards available again from August 21-26.

During that time, players will be able to complete a new series of Timed Research tasks. Although the activities will be different from those that were available during Dragon Week, the rewards will be the same, so players will have another opportunity to catch two Deino if they can complete the tasks.

Niantic notes that the makeup event will only revolve around Timed Research, so no other aspects of Dragon Week will be brought back. You can read more details about the makeup event on the official Pokemon Go website.

In the meantime, the third Ultra Unlock event, Unova Week, is currently underway. Until August 21, Gen 5 Pokemon like Cottonee, Emolga, and others will appear in the game more frequently than usual, while the Mythical Pokemon Genesect will be available in standard five-star Raids.

Niantic is also holding a poll this weekend to determine the next two Community Day Pokemon. On August 22, players will have a chance to vote for one of four Pokemon: Caterpie, Charmander, Grimer, or Porygon. The pocket monster that receives the most votes will be selected as the featured Pokemon for September’s Community Day, while the runner-up will be October’s. You can read more details about the voting process here.

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New To Disney+ In September 2020: Mulan Arrives, For An Additional Price

This year has been a little rough on the entertainment industry, as movie theaters have been closed and some movies have been delayed, pushed back to 2021. However, a few films are getting a straight-to-digital release, and that includes the highly-anticipated live-action take on Disney’s Mulan.

On September 4, Mulan arrives on Disney+, but it’s not included in the base subscription. For $30, you can purchase the movie–which is in addition to the subscription–for “Premiere Access.” Eventually, the film will arrive for all subscribers, but the $30 price tag gets you early access to it. You’ll be able to watch the film as many times as you want, but you’ll lose access if you cancel your subscription to Disney+.

If you’re looking for a comic book adaptation to watch, The Wolverine arrives on September 4. The 2013 film follows the titular X-Man as he heads to Japan. However, during his trip, he loses his powers and finds himself involved in a conspiracy. The film is much, much better than 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The season finale of Muppets Now arrives on September 4 as well in an episode titled “Socialized.” While it may be the end to this season of the new live-action series, there is still more Muppets headed your way. Season 2 of Muppet Babies–the 2018 animated series–is headed to the service on September 25.

Below, you’ll find everything headed to Disney+ for the month of September.

New to Disney+ in September

Friday, September 4

  • Ancient China from Above (s1)
  • D2: The Mighty Ducks
  • D3: The Mighty Ducks
  • Never Been Kissed
  • Strange Magic
  • Trick or Treat
  • The Wolverine
  • Mulan — Premier Access for $30
  • Earth to Ned: Series Premiere. Episodes 101-110
  • One Day At Disney: Episode 140 – “Alice Taylor: Studiolab”
  • Muppets Now: Season Finale Episode 106 – “Socialized”
  • Pixar In Real Life: Season Finale Episode 111 – “Coco: Abuelita Says No Music”
  • Weird But True: Episode 304 – “Germs”

Friday, September 11

  • Christopher Robin
  • One Day At Disney: Episode 141 – “Amanda Lauder: Chef Chocolatier”
  • Weird But True: Episode 305 – “Photography”

Friday, September 18

  • Bend it Like Beckham
  • Coop & Cami Ask the World (s2)
  • Europe from Above (s1)
  • Ever After: A Cinderella Story
  • Kingdom of the Mummies (s1)
  • Marvel Super Hero Adventures (s4)
  • Notre Dame: Race Against the Inferno
  • Once Upon a Time (s1-7)
  • Soy Luna (s2-3)
  • Violetta (s3)
  • Wicked Tuna (s9)
  • Becoming: Original Series Premiere. Episodes 101-110
  • One Day At Disney: Episode 142 – “Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko: Veterinarian”
  • Weird But True: Episode 306 – “Trains”

Friday, September 25

Now Playing: 8 Best Shows And Movies To Stream For August 2020 – Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video

Free Pokemon For Sword And Shield Available This Weekend

Pokemon Sword and Shield players will soon be able to claim another free Pokemon. The Pokemon Company is distributing a download code for a free Porygon2 during this weekend’s Pokemon Players Cup finals, which kick off at 11 AM PT on Saturday, August 22.

At various points throughout the competition, The Pokemon Company will share a password that can be redeemed within Sword and Shield for the aforementioned Porygon2. Once the password has been revealed, you’ll need to fire up your copy and follow these steps to claim the Pokemon:

  • Open the menu and select Mystery Gift
  • Select Get a Mystery Gift
  • Select Get Gift with Code/Password
  • Connect online and input the password when prompted
Porygon2
Porygon2

The Pokemon Company says this particular Porygon2 comes “battle-ready” and has strategies revolving around Trick Room, a move that causes slower Pokemon to act before faster ones for five turns. The Pokemon Players Cup finals will be streamed on August 22 and 23, starting at 11 AM PT each day. You can watch the competition on Twitch and read more details about the giveaway on the official Pokemon website.

In other Pokemon news, another Max Raid event is currently underway in Sword and Shield. Until August 31, Ground and Water Pokemon like Quagsire, Gastrodon, Milotic, and Hippowdon are appearing more frequently in Max Raid dens, as are the Gigantamax versions of Drednaw and Sandaconda. Pokemon Home also recently received a new update on mobile that made various quality-of-life improvements to the app.

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Call Of Duty: Warzone Brings Back Standard Solo Mode In Update

Call of Duty: Warzone has brought back the standard solos mode in this week’s regular update. The battle royale had previously replaced the mode with a stimulus mode that let players respawn after getting eliminated if they had enough cash.

A new mode, Cyber Attack Pro, is also available this week in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. It’s a limited time mode where players can respawn without the gulag or a buy station. Infinity Ward encourages players to balance getting eliminations and completing various missions.

Standard team modes, Blood Money Trios, and an expanded Mini Royale mode, where players drop into a smaller part of the map with their weapon of choice, are also featured in Warzone this week. The gulag fights in all relevant modes include submachine guns and assault rifles. Infinity Ward is finally giving players a break from frantic sniper rifle gulag battles.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s multiplayer weekly update features a “moshpit of traditional 6v6 multiplayer modes played 3v3 on Gunfight maps.” The modes for both Face-Off and moshpit include Hardpoint, Domination, Grind, Kill Confirmed, and others.

New skins and cosmetics are also available, detailed in a blog post on Activision’s official site. Be aware when you hop online as cheaters are still active online, with some even bypassing two-factor authentication.

Now Playing: Top 5 Call of Duty: Warzone Moments Of The Week

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New Minecraft DLC Adds Dinosaurs From Jurassic World

Mojang has announced that Minecraft‘s new DLC is now available to purchase from the Minecraft Marketplace. Minecraft Jurassic World brings Universal Pictures’ dinosaur franchise to the blocky world.

The new DLC adds 21 skins and more than 60 dinosaurs (including dino hybrids) to Minecraft. In addition to the monstrous inhabitants, the Jurassic World DLC introduces a new luxury resort you’re the park manager of. You can train the dinosaurs, build exhibits in the resort, embark on adventures to discover dinosaur DNA, and more. There are also craftable vehicles inspired by the movies.

Mojang shared a video and some screenshots, embedded below, highlighting not only the new dinosaurs and Jurassic World resort but also the various hijinks you can get into. Minecraft Jurassic World is available on the Bedrock Version, which refers to Android and iOS devices, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

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Along with the announcement, Mojang is giving away the rare Blue Hoodie character creator item for free.

Nothing beats the feeling of getting free clothing.
Nothing beats the feeling of getting free clothing.

In other Minecraft news, the Education Edition of the game is now available on Chromebooks. This version, which is designed specifically for educators, also provides support for remote and hybrid learning.

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