What does a 2020-era Crysis look like when pushed to its max settings? After gaining a reputation for being one of the most graphically realistic and demanding games back in 2007, Crysis is back to test PC rigs once more.
While Crytek has shown off how the remaster will look on consoles–including a very impressive Switch port that launched earlier this year in July–the latest post on the Crysis Twitter has been dedicated to the PC community. It shows off what has been called “Can It Run Crysis?” mode, a PC exclusive mode “designed to demand every last bit of your hardware with unlimited settings.”
Today’s post is dedicated to our PC community!
We want to show you, for the very first time, an in-game screenshot using the new “Can it Run Crysis?” Graphic mode, which is designed to demand every last bit of your hardware with unlimited settings – exclusively on PC! pic.twitter.com/kVHEf63oWe
Fans have posted screenshots of the same vista in the original game, in case you wanted to compare:
While the game has clearly come a long way since leaked screenshots led to fan outcry and the remaster reveal being temporarily delayed, the comments on this tweet are mixed. Some have criticised the color scheme for being far more saturated than the original version, while others have compared it to more recent releases running on their highest graphical settings.
Of course, there’s only so much Crytek can do with the original Crysis, given that the project is just a remaster and not a full remake. These days there is steep competition for both graphical realism and hardware demands, with Microsoft Flight Simulator recently making waves in both.
Crysis Remastered has already released on Switch, and will be coming to PC (via the Epic Games Store), PS4, and Xbox One on September 18. The system requirements are surprisingly reasonable given Crysis’s reputation–check them out here.
Cyberpunk 2077‘s multiplayer experience, which is coming after the single-player game releases, will have some form of microtransaction system, and now developer CD Projekt Red has shared some additional insight on its approach to them.
CD Projekt Red president Adam Kicinski said in an earnings report that the developer is looking for ways to get people to spend money and be happy about it.
“Well, we’re never aggressive towards our fans!” he said. “We treat them fairly and we’re friendly. So of course not–we won’t be aggressive–but you can expect great things to be bought. The goal is to design monetization in a way that makes people happy to spend money. I’m not trying to be cynical or hide something; it’s about creating a feeling of value.”
Kicinski’s comments match up with what executives from other giant game companies like EA, Take-Two, and Activision have said about their approach to microtransactions. They want to create a transaction where the consumer feels they are getting value for their money.
“Same as with our single-player games: we want gamers to be happy while spending money on our products,” Kicinski said. “The same is true for microtransactions: you can expect them, of course, and [Cyberpunk 2077] is a great setting for selling things, but it won’t be aggressive; it won’t upset gamers but it’ll make them happy–that’s our goal at least.”
Cyberpunk 2077’s multiplayer has yet to be formally announced, so it’s too soon to say or guess at what its microtransactions might look like. In addition to these microtransactions for multiplayer, Cyberpunk 2077’s single-player game will have free DLC and paid expansions, just like The Witcher 3 before it.
“You can expect more, actually. We’re not going into too many details today, but everything will be clear before release,” Kicinski said. “As we are close to the release, expect the post-release plans to be revealed fairly soon; a series of free DLCs and expansions will be described–as I said, you can expect it fairly soon and then everything will be made clear.”
Mamma mia! Dusk, a delightfully retro first-person shooter first released in 2018, is adding a new endless level in the form of a Super Mario homage. Announced at developer 3D Realms’ Realms Deep event over the weekend, the new level turns Super Mario 64‘s iconic castle into a “Flesh Palace” full of monsters to explode into glorious low-poly particle effects.
While the trailer kicks off with some iconic Super Mario music and sound effects, the comments clarify that the Mario sounds won’t actually be included in the level release. The second half of the video should give you an idea of how the music and sound effects will actually sound.
Even without ripping Mario’s iconic sound design, however, it’s unsure if this monstrous version of Peach’s castle will manage to get past Nintendo’s notoriously aggressive lawyers–especially as the level is planned to be released exclusively for Nintendo’s own console. A comment on the video from publisher New Blood Interactive reads “please don’t sue us Nintendo.”
3D Realms is no stranger to copyright lawsuits, however. Last year, its planned Duke Nukem successor Ion Maiden had to change its name to Ion Fury in response to a legal challenge from the band Iron Maiden.
Dusk will be coming to Switch on Halloween this year–October 31. It’s already available for PC, including Linux and Mac.
Following a temporary shutdown due to COVID-19, it appears filming has restarted on Mission Impossible 7, and the production resumed with an epic action scene.
Director Christopher McQuarrie shared an image on Instagram showing a long ramp on a mountaintop that appears to be the set of a motorcycle stunt. The figure of a person can be see standing on the ramp, but it’s not clear who it is.
Norwegian news site NRK has video footage of this scene, and in it, Tom Cruise rides a motorcycle off the ramp and parachutes to safety on the ground. The motorcycle, however, did not survive the fall. You can see the breathtaking stunt at NRK, while the site also has a gallery of images that showcase the daring feat.
VGTV has obtained a video of its own, showing the stunt from a different angle. Cruise is followed by a camera-mounted helicopter as well as a drone to capture footage for the film.
The Mission Impossible series is known for its epic stunts, and for Cruise being the one to put himself in harm’s way instead of enlisting a stunt performer. In Ghost Protocol, Cruise actually dangled from the world’s tallest building. Things got crazier with Rogue Nation, when Cruise held onto the side of airplane as it took off. For Fallout, Cruise piloted a helicopter in one of the movie’s more memorable action sequences.
For Mission Impossible 7, McQuarrie has said the film will have at least three jaw-dropping action scenes that will make the helicopter scene from Fallout look like child’s play.
“We’ve figured out three obscene things that [Cruise is] doing that I’m terrified of, that make the helicopter chase look like tinker toys,” McQuarrie told Empire (via Collider).
Mission Impossible 7 and 8 are being filmed back-to-back, and McQuarrie is writing and directing both. MI7 is scheduled to come to theatres in November 2021, with its sequel slated for November 2022. Both movies were delayed due to COVID-19.
While Andy Serkis might be best known for his physicality, with so many of his roles requiring mo-cap suited capers, he also has a fantastic voice–and has put that voice to good use in a new audiobook for The Hobbit, which is available now.
Now, the audiobook is available, and the official Tolkien estate Facebook page has released a neat behind-the-scenes video showing Serkis delivering the iconic opening of the book.
While we haven’t seen or heard any snippets of Serkis doing his iconic Gollum voice for the audiobook, it’s likely he’ll reprise the performance as he did for the live streamed version.
Serkis is donating his payment from the audiobook recording to the Disasters Emergency Committee, and Harper Collins UK has pledged to match it. You can check out the book on Audible.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a look at Nightdive Studios’ System Shock Remastered, but the wait was well worth it. Two new videos posted by the remaster-specializing studio show a satisfyingly gory dismemberment system, as well as our first look at how players will traverse cyberspace in 2020.
Most recently, we’re getting a look at two new systems for the game–the first is a Dead Space-esque dismemberment, which is fitting given that Dead Space has its roots in the System Shock franchise. The goal of the dismemberment system is to make the combat feel more visceral and real–even when the enemy being taken down is a robot.
The second system, and one we’re seeing in the remake for the first time, is cyberspace–a gameplay mode that has seen a big update from its wireframe origins. While the remake holds true to the essence of cyberspace, it’s also received a huge graphical update–and a rocking soundtrack to boot.
The System Shock Remastered alpha demo is currently available on GOG and Steam, while the full game can be pre-ordered through Backerkit. The game is expected to release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2020.
Christopher Nolan’s new movie Tenet continues to perform well at the box office worldwide, despite issues surrounding the global pandemic and theatres remaining closed.
In the US specifically, Tenet has made $20.2 million thus far over the Labor Day weekend through Sunday, but Monday is a public holiday in the US so results should improve. In China, Tenet made $30 million, according to Deadline.
Some of the other top international markets for Tenet include the UK ($13.1 million), France ($10.7 million), Germany ($8.7 million), and Korea ($8.2 million). Also of note is that Tenet set a new record on IMAX screens. Its $11.1 million worldwide on IMAX screens represents a new all-time high in September.
Many US theatres and theatre chains have re-opened, but huge US markets like Los Angeles and New York are still shut which is impacting box office results. And of course, even with cinemas reopening, people may feel less interested to head to a crowded theatre these days.
According to EW, Tenet had a budget of as much as $225 million (before marketing), and it’s reported that the movie may need to earn $400 million worldwide just to break even. Tenet is likely to stay in theatres for longer than normal, and when it does leave, it will be released on digital platforms and sold to licensors like airlines and such that will bring in more money.
Tenet stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Kenneth Branagh in a mind-bending story involving espionage and lots of action. For lots more on the film, you can check out GameSpot’s Tenet review and hear from the cast about their favorite video games in the story below.
Fall Guys is a very popular game, and like other high-profile titles, it has something of a cheating problem. Developer Mediatonic has now provided an update on the situation in the whimsical battle royale game, and it sounds like things may get better soon thanks in part to Fall Guys adopting the same anti-cheating tools that Fortnite uses.
“We’re really sorry about the cheating problem!” the studio said. “We’re expanding the current detection system this week to improve things. We also have a BIG update in the next couple of weeks that adds the same anti-cheat used by games such as Fortnite.”
We’re really sorry about the cheating problem!
We’re expanding the current detection system this week to improve things
We also have a BIG update in the next couple of weeks that adds the same anti-cheat used by games such as Fortnite
Fall Guys players have discovered ways to clip into walls, run faster, and float in order to gain the upper hand. The developers told GameSpot that it was working as quickly as possible to address cheating in Fall Guys.
“Cheating and other hacks to boost performance take away from the enjoyment of everyone and we are actively working to address this now,” the developer said.
Fall Guys does not currently have an in-game player-reporting feature, but that’s probably something fans would want to see further down the track.
GameSpots’s Alessandro Barbosa enjoyed his time playing Fall Guys and its variety of mini games. “With its short games and easy-to-grasp mechanics, Fall Guys is easily the most approachable and welcoming battle royale yet,” he said in GameSpot’s review. “Its bursting color and varied game modes do a good job of reeling you in and keeping you hooked, even if a handful feel at odds with the easygoing nature of its premise.”
New Releases highlights some of the top new video games releasing each week, and this episode features sweet DLC for two fan-favorites: The Outer Worlds will let you investigate the Peril on Gorgon, and Borderlands 3 has you dive into Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck. You can also dive into RPG remaster Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning or make your own adventure with RPG Maker MV. Finally, Warhammer fans can join the fight in Necromunda: Underhive Wars.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning — September 8
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The 2012 RPG is back with shinier graphics and improved gameplay, meant to make the Destiny system even better. That’s the system that lets your character evolve depending on how you actually play the game. You can equip whatever weapons, armor, and skills suit your combat style, too. Be on the lookout for a totally new expansion next year.
More Coverage:
RPG Maker MV — September 8
Available on: PS4, Switch
RPG Maker MV
The name says its all: RPG Maker MV is the latest in the long-running series that gives you the tools to design your own RPG. Using pre-made assets, you can create the cutscenes, maps, and combat encounters that make up your own adventure. It’s been out on PC for some time, but PS4 and Switch owners can make their own games on console starting this week.
Necromunda: Underhive Wars — September 8
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Necromunda: Underhive Wars
Three factions are vying for control of Necromunda: the rich House Orlock, the giant House Goliath, and the all-female House Escher. You can choose a side and create gang members to flesh out your squad, then send them into the Underhive to explore and battle the other two houses. You can carry out your orders alone or engage in four-way battles online.
The Outer Worlds – Peril on Gorgon — September 9
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The Outer Worlds – Peril on Gorgon
The Outer Worlds’ first expansion sends your crew to the Gorgon Asteroid, where there’s a scientific mystery to solve. Expect to meet new characters, complete new quests, acquire new weapons and gear, and even unlock new perks and flaws. Peril on Gorgon is available by itself for $15 / £12, or as part of the game’s season pass, which will cost you $25 / £21.
More Coverage:
Borderlands 3 – Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck — September 10
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Borderlands 3 – Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck
Borderlands 3’s latest expansion sends you into the mind of Krieg the Psycho, where you’ll battle through his twisted memories. Any new loot you acquire inside his head can be used back in the real world, too. The Fantastic Fustercluck is available by itself for $15 / £12, but it’s also included in Borderlands 3’s season pass, which costs $50 / £40.
More Coverage:
September still has plenty of video games on the way, and next week is your chance to revisit some classics. Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Crysis Remastered will be featured in the next episode of New Releases.
Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition was announced in March for PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, and now we’ve got a look at how the game will improve the original’s cutscenes. The game, from port and update specialists Nightdive Studios, will arrive with sharper resolutions than what was possible in the original.
The cutscenes, seen in the trailer below, have been cleaned up–they now run at resolutions up to 4K, and at 60FPS (compared to 15FPS in the original). Character models have been cleaned up, but the game looks like it’ll essentially be the same as the beloved original, if these scenes are anything to go by.
You could argue that a certain something is lost in the cleaned-up scenes, as the grain in the original allows your imagination to fill in some details–but it’s clear that work has gone in to bring this release up to modern standards. You can watch the new and old cinematics side-by-side in the video below.
The Enhanced Edition is still in development, and a release date has not been announced. If you want to experience the original Blade Runner experience, which was, for a long time, essentially impossible, you can check it out on GOG.
