Save $10 On Biomutant Before It Launches Later This Month

Biomutant might feel like it’s been coming out forever after encountering numerous delays, but the fast-paced action game is finally launching at the end of this month. If you’ve been itching for its colorful world and character-action combat, you can save $10 today at Newegg on a digital preorder for Xbox One with promo code EMCEWEY25.

$50 (was $60)

Biomutant is a new IP from publisher THQ Nordic, where you play as a gruff looking bipedal creature that can recode its genetic makeup to give you access to new combat moves and abilities. The combat is inspired by martial arts, combining dexterous aerial movements, fast melee attacks and third-person shooting to keep the mix interesting. The open-world structure also allows you to explore this new land through a variety of ways, be it on an air balloon or high-powered jet-ski.

The deal is on a digital code for Biomutant, which would otherwise retail for $60 at launch. The deal is exclusive to Xbox One, which puts another spotlight on a lawsuit Sony might be involved with after it removed digital codes from retailers.

Newegg also has deals on a handful of other digital Xbox games, including Grand Theft Auto V, Borderlands 3, and NBA 2K21. You can check out all of Newegg’s daily deals, including PC hardware and peripherals, here.

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Seth Rogen Has A Great Story About George Lucas Involving The Apocalypse And A Spaceship

Actor Seth Rogen has a really good story about Star Wars creator George Lucas involving the apocalypse and a spaceship. He said in a segment from an upcoming episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast (via EW) that he and his writing/producing partner Evan Goldberg attended a meeting with Steven Spielberg in 2012 and, to their surprise, Lucas also came.

When Spielberg took a call, Rogen and Goldberg struck up some chatter with Lucas. Given it was 2012 and some people believed the world was going to end, the conversation turned toward the possibility of an incoming apocalypse. Lucas mentioned how the world might end that year, and Rogen wondered, “Was he joking?”

Rogen said that Lucas appeared to believe the world was, in fact, going to end. A fault line would open and wipe out humanity, Rogen remembered him claiming. Rogen also mentioned that Lucas said it is no coincidence that Lucas built the Skywalker Ranch on the other side of the fault that was believed to crack open.

Rogen and Goldberg then jokingly asked Lucas if they could hitch a ride on Lucas’ spaceship to leave Earth and survive the apocalypse. Without hesitation, Lucas said no. How quickly and emphatically Lucas replied made Rogen believe Lucas was serious, and that he maybe really had a spaceship to escape to another planet.

“‘If you have a spaceship to escape earth, can we get a seat on that thing?'” Rogen said he remembers asking Lucas. “He was like, ‘No.’ Again, it makes me think he wasn’t joking, because if you were joking you would just say yes to at least placate us by granting our wish to go on the spaceship. But no, he said no. To this day I am confounded and plagued by that story. I don’t know if he had a spaceship.”

Also in the podcast teaser, Rogen said he heard a story about Lucas where, when he was on the set of Solo: A Star Wars Story, he met star Alden Ehrenreich and congratulated him on his performance in Baby Driver. Only it was Ansel Elgort who starred in that movie. Rogen said he was told Ehrenreich said, “I’m not in Baby Driver,” to which Lucas reportedly responded, “Are you sure?”

The full Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend episode airs this coming Monday, May 10.

Get Free Fortnite Items During Creative Mayhem Event

Even if you’re the type of Fortnite player who only plays Battle Royale, it may be worth your effort to make some time for Creative mode between now and May 11 at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET. Players who take part in the Creative Mayhem event will unlock a pair of cosmetics in just 30 minutes of playing time.

The first in-game item, the Golden Flopper Spray, features a trophy of a golden Flopper fish that players can plaster on any surface around the island. To unlock this, you simply need to sign up for Creative Mayhem by following this link. If you want more freebies, you can also unlock the Piranhas Pickaxe by playing at least 30 minutes in the Creative Mayhem playlist.

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This user-created map is currently featured in the Creative Hub, so you should spot it next time you head into the game mode. As a shortcut, you can also enter this Creative Code in-game, or simply follow the link: 1994-6642-9073.

Epic is even including a competitive angle to Creative Mayhem. You can earn the opportunity to play Fortnite with their favorite content creators by submitting your best finish time from the Creative Mayhem map. Here’s how to enter your best time, according to Epic:

  • Play through the Creative Mayhem map available here
  • Record your run through the Creative Map available on the Creative Mayhem Official Website
  • Sign up on the website with your Epic Games account
  • Choose your favorite Creator
  • Upload your video on YouTube
  • Share the link to your video and your best time on the website

Between May 12 and May 14, Epic will review all submissions and declare the qualifiers for the Creative Mayhem Main Event. In this tournament, eight content creators and their communities will compete to make the Global Finals. The finale will take place live on June 5 with a prize pot of $264,000 on the line.

Whether you’re in it to win it or just want the pair of freebies, Fortnite Creative Mayhem is ongoing now. If Creative or competitive Fortnite aren’t your thing, you can always keep to the Week 8 challenges instead, or check out the brand new skin, Toon Meowscles.

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Take Your Nintendo Switch’s Audio To The Next Level With This Bluetooth Audio Adaptor

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular consoles around, and for good reason. Its high portability, ease of use with your TV at home, and library of classic Nintendo games make it a favorite amongst gamers everywhere. And this Bluetooth Audio Adapter from HomeSpot gives you the ability to take your Switch gaming to the next level.

The HomeSpot Bluetooth Audio Adapter Pro delivers a reliable Bluetooth connection to both a smartphone and Bluetooth headphones, making the Switch you love that much more convenient to take on the go. Best of all, the Audio Adapter Pro is currently available for only $43, on sale from $49 (that’s a savings of 14%).

The Audio Adapter Pro is the world’s first adapter that can connect both a set of Bluetooth headphones and a smartphone simultaneously. The advanced Bluetooth 5.0 chipset and DSP algorithm seamlessly combine audio from both devices, streaming high-quality mixed audio to your headphones. Its ultra-modern, minimalist design features only two buttons for ease of use, while its compact, sleek body fits nicely onto the Nintendo Switch without getting in the way of your gaming. One of the best features of the HomeSpot Bluetooth Audio Adapter Pro is its low battery drain, allowing for extended use without compromising your Switch’s battery life.

With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, users love the HomeSpot Bluetooth Audio Adapter Pro for its elegant, unobtrusive design, flawless performance, and intuitive ease of use. One satisfied user claims “It has great connectivity with no latency. Its perfect for listening to music and in-game audio while playing video games. You can also take phone-calls while playing video games and the game audio does not mute.”

Maximize your on-the-go entertainment by utilizing both your switch and smartphone in perfect harmony. Take your portable gaming to the next level with the HomeSpot Audio Adapter Pro, on sale now for $43.

Prices subject to change.

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Monsters, Materia, And Chocobos Highlight Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier Livestream

Square Enix has pulled back the curtain on Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, revealing tons of new information on Final Fantasy’s first foray into battle royale in a livestream presentation.

The stream highlighted many of The First Soldier’s unique takes on the format, mainly its hybrid focus on ranged and melee combat. 75 players will drop into each match, with the standard looting of weapons and supplies fully intact. The standard battle royale item rarity scale–grey as common all the way to orange being legendary–is here as well, but firearms, handheld weapons, and even magic Materia can be found scattered across the map.

Speaking of the map, The First Soldier’s full arena was revealed highlighting many of the different Final Fantasy VII Remake locales that will feature during battle. Familiar locations include Wall Market, complete with Corneo’s mansion, the Verdant House (aka Aerith’s house), the Sector 5 and Sector 7 Slums, and the Church…but don’t step on the flowers.

Vehicles can be found throughout the arena for easy traversal, with the speed bike being shown off in the live matches. Chocobo stops can summon chocobo mounts as well, with the giant birds able to hover and glide short distances when jumping. No other vehicles were shown during the stream but more are said to be included in the game.

One unique feature of The First Soldier are the monsters roaming around the different areas, adding a PvE element to each match. Standard enemies like Bombs can be defeated for experience, while a few areas have FFVII’s bosses like the Guard Scorpion. Defeating monsters and farming their EXP will eventually level up the character, increasing HP/MP and enhancing their abilities.

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Each player can choose one of four different “styles,” each with its own focus and unique abilities. The warrior specializes in melee combat–with one of its abilities being a charging slash protected by a shield–while the sorcerer can boost their magic casting power. The most notable ability revealed in the livestream belongs to the ranger, who can temporarily show the location of all enemies within a certain distance.

The First Soldier’s most impactful addition, however, is its materia. Materia can be found scattered all through the map, giving players magical abilities to use throughout the match. Duplicate Materia can power up the spells being used, for example a Fire Materia can become Fira and Firaga with multiple Fire Materia.

Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier is the first of two FFVII-themed mobile games coming soon, the other being the story-based RPG Ever Crisis. Both were announced in February alongside Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 June 10. A beta test for The First Soldier was announced to begin in June.

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New Hellblade Senua Costume Shown Off In Dev’s First TikTok

Ninja Theory is the latest gaming company to join TikTok, and the Hellblade studio began its career on the social media platform with a video of a new Senua costume.

Set to the Bruno Mars song “Talking to the Moon,” the video shows Senua actress and video editor Melina Juergens singing along as she models the costume. You can watch the video below and follow Ninja Theory on TikTok at @ninjatheoryofficial.

Senua returns in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, which uses Fortnite developer Epic’s Unreal Engine 5, the latest version of the game-making toolsuite that promises incredible graphics and more. Microsoft said the use of this new engine will “bring the Hellblade franchise to levels never before seen.”

Hellblade II is set in Iceland, which represents a shift from the first game, and the game is making some story changes, too.

“While Hellblade gave us a very personal insight into psychosis, this sequel builds on that to show how madness and suffering shapes myths, gods, and religion,” Ninja Theory co-founder Tameem Antoniades said. “Our goal is to make an experience comparable to the epic myths and sagas of old.”

The original Hellblade was developed by a team of around 20 people, and Ninja Theory has said it’s doubling the team size for the sequel after Microsoft acquired the studio.

There is no word yet on a release date for Hellblade II, but the game is coming to Xbox Series X|S, and presumably PC. It will be available to Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost.

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Nintendo President Says Semiconductor Shortage Is Affecting Switch Already

The global semiconductor shortage is affecting video game console production, and that includes Nintendo Switch. In a statement to reporters, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said production has been hindered by the situation, seemingly making it seem worse than was implied a few weeks early.

Translated via VGC and originally published by Nikkei, Furukawa said Nintendo is “not able to produce all the products [it wants] to” at the moment because of the semiconductor shortage.

Just last month, Furukawa warned of the possibility of shortages in the future but said for the time being, it had the supplies needed for “immediate production of semiconductors” to use with Nintendo Switch systems. It’s not clear if this situation has changed or if Furukawa’s later statement is simply more conservative, but the Switch remains tough to find. It isn’t on the same scarcity level of the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but it’s still routinely out of stock in stores.

Nintendo’s latest financial report included a projection for future sales figures, but these assume that it can obtain the parts it needs to continue making the Switch. Should they become even harder to acquire, that could change.

To date, the Nintendo Switch has sold nearly 85 million units, making it one of the company’s biggest successes. As far as home consoles go, only the Wii has sold more units, and the Switch could feasibly pass it within a year or two. Over 587 million games have been sold, as well, which means the average Switch owner has purchased around seven games.

If you haven’t purchased a new game console yet, it may remain difficult to do so for the rest of 2021. In addition to the semiconductor shortage, bots are making the situation worse, and for the newest next-gen systems, the loss Sony and Microsoft take on each sale means they likely aren’t in a rush to massively ramp up production yet.

Now Playing: Nintendo Switch Pro: 9 Upgrades We’d Love To See

Netflix’s Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie Gets a Brand New Trailer

Sailor Moon has been around since before anime went mainstream in America, when cartoon production houses were still mining those weird Japanese cartoons for easy content, and decades later the Sailor Scouts are still fighting. Ahead of the June 3 release of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Parts 1 & 2, Netflix has a new trailer and a look at the English voice cast bringing the movie to life.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal features protagonist Usagi–Sailor Moon herself–and Chibi-Usa battling the Dead Moon Circus, a group hoping to unleash nightmare spirits on the world to obtain the Legendary Silver Crystal and, of course, rule the Earth. You know, the exact stuff we come to anime for. The two-part film acts as a direct continuation of the Sailor Moon Crystal anime, which ran for three seasons between 2014 and 2016.

The voice cast for Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal includes:

  • Stephanie Sheh as Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon
  • Kate Higgins as Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury
  • Cristina Vee as Rei Hino/Sailor Mars
  • Amanda C. Miller as Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter
  • Cherami Leigh as Minako Aino/Sailor Venus
  • Sandy Fox as Chibi-Usa / Sailor Chibi Moon
  • Veronica Taylor as Setsuna Meioh/Sailor Pluto
  • Erica Mendez as Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus
  • Lauren Landa as Michiru Kaioh/Sailor Neptune
  • Christine Marie Cabanos as Hotaru Tomoe/Sailor Saturn
  • Robbie Daymond as Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask
  • Michelle Ruff as Luna
  • Johnny Yong Bosch as Artemis
  • Deby Dayberry as Diana

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Parts 1 & 2 were directed by Chiaki Kon (Way of the Househusband), with music by Yasuharu Takanashi and character designs by Kazuko Tadano, both of whom worked on Sailor Moon Crystal previously.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Parts 1 & 2 hit Netflix on June 3.

Diablo 2: Resurrected’s Changes Are To Make The Remaster Easier To Play, Not Just Easier Overall

Developer Blizzard has ideas for how to make Diablo II: Resurrected better than the original game, but wants to avoid changing what made Diablo II special to so many players. It hopes to make the game easier to play as opposed to just easier.

“The game is still a work in progress–this was a tech alpha–so even from the design side we have a lot of thoughts about [additional] quality of life updates and ways we can make them better,” Diablo II: Resurrected principal designer Rob Gallerani told IGN.

Lead artist Chris Amaral added that the team can’t promise that they’ll actually change everything that players have told them via feedback following the tech alpha. “But when there are things we agree with, we can push them a little further,” he said.

“The line is simple in that we don’t want to make the game easier,” Gallerani said. “We want to remain faithful, so there’s a difference between making the game easier and making the game easier to play.”

As examples, Gallerani said that the team wouldn’t allow players to carry infinite arrows or have a larger inventory, as both examples fundamentally change what Diablo II is. “Stuff like that removes important choices; do I pick this item up or do I leave it behind? Do I go back to town now?” he said.

Diablo II: Resurrected is scheduled to launch for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Switch this year. The remaster is basically the same as the original game, only enhancing it with modern day graphics and quality of life improvements.

Now Playing: Diablo 2 Resurrected (Alpha) vs Diablo 2 Gameplay Comparison

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Netflix Users Are Being Asked To Weigh In On N-Plus Service Featuring Playlists, Extras – Report

For a brief, glorious period of about 15 years–give or take–we were all collectors. Whether it was Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, or Cowboy Bebop, we were all DVD hunters. We had our favorite shows decorating our shelves and the discs were filled to overflowing with extras. Netflix is looking to reclaim a little of that magic with its N-Plus service, according to Protocol.

Netflix has reportedly begun surveying some users about a service called N-Plus, which the streamer is describing as a “future online space where you can learn more about Netflix shows and things related to them.” Netflix asked surveyed users about features like podcasts, user-generated playlists, and more.

Based on the survey, the service seems like it would be the resting place for everything Netflix-related that isn’t the shows itself. This could include behind-the-scenes videos and other extras, information about actors in Netflix shows, and any other additional information that Netflix hopes fans might engage with. If Netflix decided to move forward with this service, it could possibly be a way to bring Netflix’s social verticals like Geeked and Strong Black Lead closer to the service.

That playlist feature is one of the potential highlights. Users would be able to build and share playlists of their favorite TV shows and movies. For example, some Star Wars fans prefer to watch the series in the so-called “Machete Order” which places Episodes II and III of the Skywalker Saga between Episodes V and VI. While that particular playlist would only be on Disney+, just about every popular show has a community that agrees on which episodes are necessary, which are the best, and which are worth dropping completely.

Another suggested feature would let N-Plus users “learn about a planned show and influence its development with feedback before filming has finished,” which probably won’t backfire.

Of course, this is strictly a survey, so just some or even none of this may ever see the light of day.