Author: Trafficblast

That’s right there is a sale on at the IGN Store right now, which makes now a better time than ever to check out our selection of comfy pullovers. For one week only you can take an additional 15% off the list price for all fleeces store-wide, with the final price showing in your cart. That means you can pick up a unique pullover such as the Link Kanji Spread, and pay just $38.25, instead of the $58.99 list price. This sale will be expiring at Midnight on May 10, and as always purchases totaling over $50 will ship free.

The IGN Store also plays host to plenty of brilliant shirt designs from all your favorite games, films, and TV shows. Some of our favorites at the moment include the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle selection, unique designs right from The Goonies, and several brilliant Dungeons & Dragons shirts ready to order. There are also plenty of other additions to the store, with classic films like Back to the Future, Star Wars, and Ghostbusters, alongside several notable game entries such as Animal Crossing, Assassin’s Creed, and Borderlands. Make sure to drop in for our weekly sales, and browse the full selection of clothing available.

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Naughty Dog has debuted a new trailer for The Last of Us 2, and as you might expect it’s suitably tense. While there are appearances by the infected, the majority of the trailer deals with violence between ordinary people, and it looks like it’s taking an emotional toll on Ellie.

In the trailer, we see how the years of hardship and survival have affected Ellie, who is covered in scars and cuts on her back and has turned into a formidable fighter. She interacts with Joel on several occasions in the trailer and sees some truly gruesome imagery. This includes a body riddled with arrows, as well as several people suspended from nooses in a shopping mall. Ellie is no stranger to violence, herself, attacking someone off-screen with a melee weapon as the trailer cuts to black.

The Last of Us 2 is coming on June 19 to PlayStation 4. The new release date was given after an indefinite delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Fellow PS4-exclusive Ghost of Tsushima was given a July release date at the same time, a delay of a month as it was previously scheduled for June.

Unfortunately the pending release of TLOU 2 has been overshadowed in recent days by plot spoilers that leaked online, prompting a response from Naughty Dog. Sony has confirmed the leaker wasn’t affiliated with either Naughty Dog or Sony proper, but declined to give further details in the ongoing investigation. For its part, Naughty Dog’s statement promised, “No matter what you see and hear, the final experience will be worth it.”

PC players have a chance to step into the wall-running, sword-swinging role of a cyborg ninja in Ghostrunner, but only this week. The first-person cyberpunk runner has a new demo available on PC starting today, but if you want to try it, you’ll have to get on it soon–the demo is only available until May 13.

You can find the Ghostrunner demo on the game’s Steam page. The slice of the game is one that developer One More Level Games has been showing off at trade shows, including Gamescom and PAX East. You play a katana-wielding cyborg ninja, tasked with making your way through a huge tower filled with enemies, where combat is another part of the environmental puzzle.

The game plays a lot like Mirror’s Edge, in which your goal is to go as fast as possible through the environment, while wall-running, using a grappling hook to swing over gaps, and sliding under obstacles. As you do, you’ll need to take out enemies waiting to drop you–but both you and the baddies die in one hit, so a single mistake is enough to knock you back to the beginning of the encounter. The game requires you to quickly chart your course through an area, clock any threats, avoid their incoming fire, and slice off their heads, all while moving as fast as possible.

Along with the demo, Ghostrunner also got a new CGI trailer that gives a bit of a sense of the speed of the game and the enemies you’ll encounter along the way, including a Doctor Octopus-style enemy that pops up at the end that we haven’t seen in our hands-on opportunities yet.

The press release announcing the demo and trailer also gives some details about the story behind the game and why you need to slice through so many gun-toting bad guys.

“After a cataclysmic event, the remnants of humanity dwell within Dharma Tower, a megastructure constructed as a temporary shelter. A century of conflict led to a brutal division of Dharma–the lower the floor, the lower the resident’s status. The enigmatic Keymaster maintains this imposed caste system, but the people have had enough. Ascend the tower as a Ghostrunner capable of blistering speed and deadly precision, and learn the truth behind the Keymaster’s reign.

“Join the resistance known as the Climbers on their mission to cut through the Keymaster’s regime. Death awaits on each level of the tower, from the derelict industrial machinery of the Base to the sickening sheen of the Summit. Dodge oncoming bullets by dashing and wall-running, then slice through enemies with a single cut. Cybernetic implants push the limit even further with bullet-timelike mechanics to keep the cyber-warrior out of harm’s way.”

Ghostrunner is slated to release sometime later this year.

The ESRB has published its ratings report for Cyberpunk 2077, which includes a new bit of information about the game’s character creator – you can now customise your player-character’s genitals.

Per the report, “Players can select a gender and customize their character; customization can include depictions of breasts, buttocks, and genitalia, as well as various sizes and combinations of genitals.”

This would appear to be a part of CD Projekt Red’s decision not to include a traditional gender option in the game, instead offering a “really inclusive” expanded character customization menu.

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The report also makes mention of “in-game purchases”, but CD Projekt Red has subsequently told IGN that these refer to the ability to buy future DLC expansions for the game, not microtransactions:

“As we’ve said before”, said a spokersperson for the company, “Cyberpunk 2077 is a single player game with no microtransactions. The ESRB info is based on the fact that expansions require the base game and are therefore treated as a purchase by the rating board.”

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Much of the report – which awards the game an M 17+ rating – focuses on the adult content mentioned in the previous Australian ratings report, including suggested sexual actions, extreme violence and gore, and swearing.

“Players can encounter events where they have the option to engage in sexual activities with other main characters or prostitutes,” says the report. “These brief sex scenes (from a first-person perspective) depict partially nude characters moaning suggestively while moving through various positions. Some scenes contain brief depictions of thrusting motions; other scenes depict a character’s head moving towards a partner’s crotch.”

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It seems we’ll learn more during the Night City Wire event on June 11. With Cyberpunk 2077 increasingly close to its September 17 release date, it feels likely that we’d see more gameplay, and perhaps a breakdown of its still somewhat mysterious storyline. It’s also possible that we’d learn about the game’s DLC plans, with CD Projekt Red recently suggesting that it will reveal expansions before release.

Cyberpunk 2077 is part of IGN’s Summer of Gaming. This year will also see Cyberpunk 2077 grace the very last special edition Xbox One X. For more, check out IGN’s Cyberpunk 2077 preview and Cyberpunk 2077 wiki for our full coverage.

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Joe Skrebels is IGN’s Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.

The Surface Book 3 has gotten a major power upgrade thanks to Intel 10th Generation processors and Nvidia’s latest Turing-series GTX, and even Quadro RTX, graphics.

The 15-inch version of the Surface Book 3 look particularly exciting now that you can have a quad-core Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor paired with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max Q or Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q (if you’re looking for more of laptop for video editing).

You can back that up with either 16GB or 32GB of DDR4x memory running at 3,733Mhz and up to 2TB of PCIe storage. The 15-inch screen is still a gorgeous PixelSense Display with a resolution of 3240 x 2160 and you can pop the whole thing off its base with a press of the detach button on the keyboard base.

Unfortunately, connectivity hasn’t changed much since the previous Surface Book, so you still get two USB-A ports and a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port rather than Thunderbolt 3. But Microsoft has improved the battery life on its largest 2-in-1 machine that now can last up to 17.5 hours.

Gamers will be glad to hear the 15-inch Surface Book 3 also includes a built-in Xbox Wireless receiver, which can connect with Xbox One controllers and compatible headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis 9X.

Of course, Microsoft hasn’t forgotten about its smaller 13-inch Surface Book 3. This detachable 2-in-1 laptop now comes with either a quad-core Intel Core i5-1035G7 or i7-1065G7 processor and optional Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q.

The display is a little smaller in size and resolution at 13.5-inches and 3000 x 2000 pixels, but it’s still much sharper than most laptops. You’ve also got plenty of battery life on tap with up to 15.5 hours of full day usage. Sadly, this smaller model doesn’t come with an integrated Xbox Wireless receiver like its bigger brother.

The Surface Book 3 starts at $1,599 and will be available starting May 21.

Surface Go 2

On top of announcing its most powerful laptop yet, Microsoft also introduced an updated Surface Go 2.

The Windows tablet PC features 10.5-inch PixelSense Display with a 1,920 x 1,280 resolution and your choice of either an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y or 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor. Meanwhile memory is tapped at either 4GB and 8GB with storage options of either 64GB or 128GB.

Not exactly screaming specs, but the Surface Go 2 is meant to be more of an affordable 2-in-1 laptop for students and families that are, well, on the go.

The Surface Go 2 starts at $399 and will be available starting May 12.

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Kevin Lee is IGN’s Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.

The story of Mortal Kombat 11 isn’t quite finished just yet.

Netherrealm just announced Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, an expansion that will add brand-new story content that takes place right where Mortal Kombat 11 left off, along with three new characters: Fujin, Sheeva, and RoboCop. That’s not all, though, because in addition to the content offered in the paid expansion there will also be a free update on May 26 for all players that will add new stages, stage fatalities, and most importantly, friendships!

Here’s everything we know so far about Aftermath:

What is The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Story About?

The story of Aftermath picks up right at the conclusion of Mortal Kombat 11, so if you haven’t beaten it yet, consider this your spoiler warning.

From what little we’ve seen of Aftermath, it seems to almost exclusively follow the DLC characters: Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Fujin, Sheeva, and Sindel. That’s great, because their parts in the main MK11 story were practically non-existent aside from a few short scenes with Sheeva.

After defeating Kronika, Raiden and the now literally godlike Liu Kang are about to create a brand-new timeline of their own making… only to be interrupted by Shang Tsung, who had been captured by Kronika (along with Fujin and Nightwolf) and was freed upon her defeat.

Shang Tsung warns that if Liu Kang creates a new timeline he will destroy all the realms because, in the process of defeating Kronika, he destroyed her crown. The crown essentially acted as the key to make Kronika’s hourglass work, and trying to use the hourglass without it would only invite disaster. And so, their only option is to send Shang Tsung, Fujin, and Nightwolf back in time in order to retrieve Kronika’s crown before she’s able to obtain it.

What Are The New Stages and Stage Fatalities in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath?

There are two confirmed new stages: The Dead Pool and the Soul Chamber, both of which are classic Mortal Kombat stages. The Dead Pool originated in Mortal Kombat 2 in 1992 and the Soul Chamber debuted in Mortal Kombat 3 in 1995. Stage Fatalities are making a comeback as well, and we got our first taste of the Dead Pool stage fatality in the reveal trailer, where Sub-Zero uppercuts Scorpion onto a hook and is then lowered into a pool of acid.

The Return of Friendships in Mortal Kombat

Friendships have been missing in Mortal Kombat ever since 1996’s Mortal Kombat Trilogy, but they’re finally making a comeback in Aftermath. We’ve seen three so far: Scorpion spearing a huge teddy bear for a big ol’ hug, Noob Saibot using his clones to jump some rope, and Kano putting another shrimp on the barbie.

Which Characters Come in Kombat Pack 2?

Rather than release characters one by one, we’re getting three DLC characters up front as part of Kombat Pack 2:

• The Shokan queen Sheeva

• Raiden’s brother and the god of wind, Fujin

• RoboCop

Sheeva’s last playable appearance in a Mortal Kombat game was Mortal Kombat 9 in 2011, though she did have a brief part to play in the MK11 story. Sheeva’s gameplay style is described as a grappler, with throws to cover every situation. Low grapple, overhead grapple, anti-air grapple, and of course, her unblockable teleport slam.

Fujin hasn’t been a playable character in Mortal Kombat since Mortal Kombat Armageddon way back in 2006, but he has been present in Mortal Kombat lore since then, notably fighting alongside his brother in 2015’s Mortal Kombat X. His fighting style revolves around a sword, a crossbow, and his wind powers, the latter of which he uses to manipulate both his weapons and his enemies.

And then there’s Robocop, who features both the iconic voice and likeness of Peter Weller, who of course played Alex Murphy in the original RoboCop 1 and 2. RoboCop is described as a character who excels at keeping his opponents at bay with his Auto-9 pistol, flamethrower, riot shield, and shoulder cannon that can be loaded with various types of ammo.

Along with the three new characters, there will also be three new character skin packs that will be released over time.

How Much Will Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Cost?

There are three options when it comes to pre-ordering or purchasing Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath when it’s released on May 26. For those who own MK11 and the first Kombat Pack already, there’s a $39.99 upgrade pass that gets you all of the new content in Aftermath: both the story DLC and the Kombat Pack 2 characters.

If you have MK11, but not the first Kombat Pack, there’s a bundle containing Aftermath and Kombat Pack 1 that costs $49.99.

And finally, if you’re completely new to MK11 and want everything, there’s the Aftermath Kollection, which contains vanilla MK11, Kombat Pack 1, and the Aftermath expansion, all for the cost of $59.99. Physical versions will be available in June (for the Americas only).

It’s also important to emphasize that Friendships, the new stages, and stage fatalities are not part of Aftermath. They will all be part of a free update that will be available to all players.

And that’s everything we know! Let us know what character you’re most excited about in the poll below, and sound off in the comments.

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NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat 11 recently celebrated its first anniversary, and the the developers even teased that more content was on the way for the evolving fighting game. Now, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath has been revealed, and it’s the first expansion of its kind for the franchise. In addition to adding three new fighters–including the next guest character RoboCop–it also includes new stages, stage fatalities and friendships, and, unexpectedly, more story content.

Releasing on May 26 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and Stadia, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will mark the beginning of year two content for NetherRealm’s fighting game. For the first time in the series, Mortal Kombat will see an expansion to the game’s existing main story, which will bring recurring antagonist Shang Tsung to the forefront. Set immediately after MK11’s conclusion, which saw Liu Kang ascend to Godhood and defeat Kronika, he and Raiden seek to create a new and better timeline for all realms. However, Shang Tsung and his allies Nightwolf and Fujin intervene, revealing a greater threat is at play.

The new epilogue storyline for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will introduce much of the new content coming to MK11, which includes revisits to classic stages like MK2’s Dead Pool and MK3’s Soul Chamber. In addition, Aftermath will bring back stage fatalities and friendships, which will end grotesque matches on a much lighter note. Friendships have been absent from the series since 1997’s Mortal Kombat Trilogy, so this is the first time in over 20 years that the alternate finishing move has been in a Mortal Kombat game. While these new additions will arrive with Aftermath, the new stages and friendships will be available for all players later as a free update.

Aftermath will also bring back classic fighters like the wind god Fujin and the Shokan warrior Sheeva, who’ve been absent from the roster for quite sometime. While both characters have made brief appearances in the last two games, they’re playable once again in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. Each will have a significant role in the new story missions, which will reveal where their allegiances truly lie, and who they’ll come into conflict with.

Continuing with the tradition of introducing guest characters–with previous MK11 guests being Spawn, The Joker, and The Terminator–Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will see the arrival of the first guest character for year two: Detroit’s own cyborg police officer, RoboCop. Originally from the hyper-violent 1987 action-film directed by Paul Verhoeven, RoboCop is a well-armed and immensely powerful action-hero, which makes him an excellent fit for MK. Though details are scarce on how he’ll fight, the original film’s actor Peter Weller will reprise the role for his appearance in MK11, for complete authenticity.

For newcomers looking to jump into Mortal Kombat 11’s new content, an Aftermath Kollection will be available for purchase. This will include all existing DLC characters and skins for $60. Current owners of Mortal Kombat 11 and the original Kombat Pack, can upgrade to the Aftermath expansion for $40, while owners of the base game can purchase the Aftermath + Kombat Pack bundle for $50.

In our review of Mortal Kombat 11, senior editor Edmond Tran stated: “MK11 isn’t just a sequel for series fans and NetherRealm devotees, it’s a gateway into the realm of fighting games for anyone who has a passing interest in watching ruthless warriors beat each other silly. Streamlined mechanics keep the act of fighting furiously exciting no matter what your skill level, and comprehensive tutorials encourage you to dig into the nitty-gritty. There’s a diverse roster of interesting characters and playstyles, and the story mode is an entertaining romp. The randomization of Krypt rewards and the odd issue with the game’s always-online nature can occasionally chip away at your patience, but Mortal Kombat 11 absolutely hits where it matters.”

For more on Mortal Kombat 11 and the Aftermath Expansion, be sure to check back with us at GameSpot.