Devolver Digital has knocked down the price of its absurd puzzle-exploration game Pikuniku, developed by indie collective Sectordub. Normally $12.99, Pikuniku is now available for just $0.99 on Nintendo Switch.
The joyfully nonsensical game is suited for both adults and kids and supports local-multiplayer co-op play for two people, making it perfect for families currently stuck at home. Just watching the trailer should be enough to lift your mood.
GameSpot’s review of Pikuniku said, “With its simple character designs and a game world that often looks like a young kid designed it by cutting up and sticking together different bits of colored paper, Pikuniku sometimes feels like a video game adaption of a children’s book.” With its cute graphics and simple progression, it’s the perfect game to take your mind off world events.
Pikuniku is also available on Steam and is also included on Xbox Game Pass for both PC and Xbox One.
For other great games at bargain prices, check out our collection of the best cheap games for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Switch.
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There’s a surreal element to the release of Half-Life: Alyx, as the long-dormant franchise had turned into a meme as the wait for a new game following Half-Life 2: Episode 2 stretched further and further. Now that the new game has finally released, one developer at Valve has spoken about the gap between releases, and while he can’t commit to anything, he’s hopeful that it won’t be as long.
Robin Walker, a long-time programmer at Valve, has spoken to Polygon about the pressures that come with the Half-Life brand. “Half-Life 3 really always needed to answer the question of what is the opportunity, what is the big technological leap that you think we can use in some way to build some really interesting experience for the player?,” he said. “That’s a paralyzing thing to work on.”
Half-Life: Alyx felt right, he says, and once they had a prototype it was clear that it could be the next game in the series. For now, he says, it’s not clear what the next game will be: “We haven’t made any decisions about what to do next, concretely, because there’s no reason to. We can wait a week.”
However, Walker has reason to think that the next game isn’t 13 years away again. “We ended the game in the way you always end the game as a game developer, which is that the end is when you feel like now you really know how to make this game,” he told Polygon. Walker continued. “I’d like to believe that we’re as good as we’ve ever been at building Half-Life at this point, and I hope we continue to make some more.”
“I don’t think there’s going to be another 13 years [until the next one],” Walker added, noting that he would likely have retired by then.
This isn’t confirmation that another Half-Life will begin development anytime soon, of course–the future remains unwritten for this series.
Half-Life: Alyx received an 9/10 in GameSpot’s review. “Disappointment you may have felt in its 13-year hiatus will feel like water under the bridge, and in a way, have played into just how powerful Half-Life: Alyx turned out to be,” reviewer Michael Higham wrote. “The names, the faces, the iconic objects that have become synonymous with Half-Life have their specific place. And if you weren’t aware previously, you’ll see just how important Alyx Vance–the series’ most infallible personality–has been the entire time.”
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Path of Exile is the latest game to offer a special bonus for players who find themselves stuck inside amidst lockdowns and other restrictions that are in place throughout the world.
In a blog post, developer Grinding Gear Games announced that it’s giving everyone a free Thaumaturgy Mystery Box which contains an assortment of cosmetic items. All you need to do is open Path of Exile’s in-game shop and the Box will be automagically added to your account.
Grinding Gear specified that you must visit the in-game store to claim this freebie; visiting the Path of Exile shop website is not enough. Also, you must have created account already to get the freebie, and the offer is limited to one Box per account.
The Box is available to claim on PS4, Xbox One, and PC for the period of one week.
Dandy Dungeon: Legend of Brave Yamada, a fascinating and strange RPG about a mid-30s programmer who hates his job and is trying to create his own game, is getting a sequel–sort of. An upcoming update on April 2 will transform the game into Dandy Dungeon II: The Phantom Bride, which will offer a new conclusion for the PC and Switch game.
In Dandy Dungeon, players draw lines to move the protagonist, Yamada, through the dungeons of the game he’s building himself. Yamada is in love with his neighbor, Maria, who he adds into his game as a princess that he must rescue. The game has been praised for its fun dungeons, original gameplay, and weird sense of humor.
The sequel update, outlined on the game’s official website, will be completely free for all owners of the game. It’ll add 90 new dungeon types, 560 new sets of weapons and armor, and over 260 new enemies, as well as the new 99-floor Heaven’s Door dungeon. It’s a bit update, then.
Here’s a trailer to let you know what to expect.
The game will be discounted by 30% from April 2 as well, so new players can jump into the expanded game at a reduced price. This discount will apply to both the PC and Switch versions.
Dandy Dungeon is by Onion Games, which is working on the Switch version of Moon: Remix RPG Adventure.
Scheduled maintenance will result in Fortnite downtime, barely a week after the v12.20 update dropped. The downtime will begin at 2 AM ET, and while no end time has been announced it will likely only take a couple of hours if previous updates are anything to go by.
While patch notes haven’t been released for the v12.21 update, it’s most likely to be fixing performance issues related to new features added in v12.20–particularly the Choppa. The update may also look at the FPS issues that have been on Epic’s radar since v12.00.
Overall, as a .01 update no big changes or new items are expected from it, but hopefully it will address some of the performance issues that Fortnite players have been suffering.
It’s no wonder the Fortnite servers are having difficulties as schools close across the world and bored kids try to find something to do. An increase in Fortnite and Call of Duty players has already measurably impacted internet traffic in Italy, and the same is expected to happen in other countries where lockdowns and school closures are being implemented.
Season 2 of Fortnite Chapter 2 will continue until April, so we can expect more updates and new content before then. Check out our Fortnite Season 2 roundup to make sure you get the most out of Epic’s battle royale game this season.
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Xbox Live has gone down again, for some at least. The Xbox Live Support page notes that “Purchase and Content Usage” is affected right now. This is a big deal, because in some cases, these new Xbox Live issues are preventing people from launching their games to begin with.
The support pages notes that the game Smite, in particular, is affected by these latest Xbox Live issues, but the problems seem to extend beyond that game alone.
Just minutes ago, GameSpot’s repeated attempts to boot Call of Duty: Modern Warfare all failed. In a tweet, Activision Support said it’s looking into the issues.
GameSpot was also unable to load the Xbox Store due to the network issues. As always, your mileage may vary, and things may be working normally for you. Xbox Live is a global network that relies on server infrastructure that exists around the world and depends on a number of different factors for smooth operation.
We are aware that some users are experiencing issues making purchases and redeeming codes. Our teams are currently investigating the issue. You can find updates here or on our status page at https://t.co/dG2dbISiH7.
Bells are the main currency in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and you’ll need a lot of them if you want to upgrade your house, buy furniture and clothes, and build various structures around your island. There are a lot of ways to make bells, and while it largely comes down to either selling things or otherwise finding money, there are some things you should know to help maximize your income and manage your bells.
First off: You can only hold 99,999 bells in your pockets at once, so it’s a good idea to deposit bells in the Nook Stop machine at Resident Services so they don’t take up pocket space. We recommend saving up a bells this way rather than paying off your loans in small increments in case a pricey item ends up in one of your stores–you’ll want the extra money for surprise purchases from time to time.
Generally, you can sell any items you don’t want or need at Nook’s Cranny, though we don’t recommend selling any crafting materials, like wood or iron–you’ll get more money by crafting with those items. You can take any fossils that Blathers has assessed but are already in your museum and sell those, for example, or sell any furniture you’ve found but don’t want. Below, you’ll find tips for selling specific items to maximize your profits, plus some other key money-making tips.
Fruit
Each island has its own native fruit: either apples, oranges, peaches, cherries, or pears. By trading with friends or traveling to deserted islands using a Nook Miles Ticket, you may come across one of the fruits not native to your island (and your mom will also send you a few toward the beginning of the game). You can sell non-native fruits for 500 bells apiece, or 5,000 bells for a stack of 10. We recommend planting non-native fruits as you get them so you can have your very own non-native fruit trees for a consistent source of income. If you have a friend whose native fruit is different from yours, you can also pick your own fruits and sell them on your friend’s island to make more money. You may also find coconuts, which sell for 250 bells each.
Fish And Bugs
One of the most consistent ways to make money is to catch and sell bugs and fish. First, if you’re low on pocket space and can’t get to the store easily, we recommend releasing any bugs or fish that aren’t worth a lot. This is especially important if you’ve traveled to a deserted island via a Nook Miles Ticket and there are other, more valuable fauna there. Our fish guide and our bugs guide both list the price you can get for each bug and fish we’ve caught so far.
You can sell any fish and bugs at Nook’s Cranny; if the shop is closed, it’s better to store them and sell them the next day than use the box outside, as that box only gets you 80% of the standard price. However, before you sell any fish or bugs each day, check for one of two random visitors: Flick or CJ. They buy bugs and fish, respectively, for a massive 50 percent markup and will stay on your island until 5 AM the next day. You can find Flick wandering around different parts of the island if he’s visiting, while CJ will usually be near water. Prioritize catching fish or bugs on the days they’re visiting to make fast money.
Hot Items
Once you have Nook’s Cranny unlocked, Timmy and Tommy will select one “hot item” a day that they’ll buy for twice the usual price. Hot items are always ones you can craft yourself and already have the DIY recipe for. Some are worth far more than others, so we recommend crafting and selling one to see how much it’ll get you. If you have the spare resources and it’s worth over a thousand bells, it’s probably worth crafting a few to get some spare change. It’s best to store crafting materials instead of selling them, since you’ll get a better return for crafting hot items and selling those.
Money Rocks
You know the rocks scattered around your island? One rock every day will spew money when you hit it instead of stone and iron. You need to hit it eight times in rapid succession to maximize your reward, and because you’ll recoil when you hit it, it’s a good idea to dig a few holes behind you before hitting any rocks so you don’t have to readjust. If done correctly, you should walk away with 16,100 bells every day.
Money Trees
As you explore your island each day, you might come across a glowing spot in the ground. If you dig it up, you’ll get 1,000 bells, but if you bury some bells there, you’ll grow a tree that produces bells! This isn’t the most consistent or quick way to get money, but it’s relatively easy. We recommend burying 10,000 bells–you can take out a bag of bells by clicking on the bell amount in your inventory menu–which should get you a tree that produces 30,000 bells.
Mystery Tour Islands
Using a Nook Miles Ticket, which costs 2,000 Nook Miles, you can visit a random island on a “mystery tour.” There are a lot of benefits to this, but some of these islands are especially good for making money. You could find an island covered in money rocks, an island covered in rare flowers that attract rare butterflies, or even an island crawling with tarantulas. We recommend emptying your pockets of everything except the essentials before you leave for an island so you can carry as much home with you as possible and have an even bigger payout.
The Stalk Market
The stalk market is Animal Crossing’s version of the stock market. Every Sunday, Daisy-Mae will come to your island and sell you turnips for a fluctuating price, usually somewhere around 100 bells for 10 turnips. The idea is to buy turnips from her and sell them to Timmy and Tommy later in the week for a higher value. The catch is that turnips will rot after a week. Timmy and Tommy change their prices every day when they open and again at noon, so you want check with them before and after noon every day to monitor the turnips’ value. Most of the time, you’ll get a better price later in the week, but if your turnip prices are garbage, it’s a good idea to ask some friends how their markets are looking so you don’t lose too many bells.
Balloons
You’ve probably seen a balloon floating above your island with a present attached to it. These balloon presents can contain a number of different things, and sometimes, they’ll contain bags of bells! We’ve seen as much as 30,000 in one balloon, so definitely keep a slingshot on you at all times so you can shoot down these presents.
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The Toilet Paper Challenge is the latest fad to hit the internet with various athletes taking part in juggling a roll of toilet paper.
The challenge has become popular over the last few days with people hoarding toilet paper due to the coronavirus. Professional soccer athletes are especially taking to it to show off their ball juggling skills a little differently than usual. The goal is to see how many times you can kick a roll of toilet paper in the air, without dropping it.
Soccer athletes aren’t the only ones doing the Toilet Paper Challenge with other sports getting involved too. A WWE Backstage host made a video on Instagram before her husband, professional wrestler, Jon Moxley, made a surprise appearance.
It’s only a matter of time until people in the video game industry start getting involved. But what will pro gamers and developers use to try to keep a roll of TP in the air? Maybe controllers or headsets, who knows?
New images have been released of PureArts’ super detailed 1/6 scale Cyberpunk 2077 figures, this time featuring the female version of V. The company has also announced a figure version of the Yaiba Kusanagi Sportbike, though images of the bike are not yet available.
The female V model will come with the same light-up jacket as the male one, but has a different weapon–the Kang Tao G-58 Dian. Notably the female model doesn’t get the cool Mantis blade arm that the male has.
The Sportbike also comes with a heap of over-the-top detailing, including rolling wheels and front and back light options. The bike will be sold as a bundle with either figure for $599.
If that’s not expensive enough for you, you can buy the Ultimate Bundle, a pack with both male and female figures, the bike, and a bonus Spider Bot for $799.
Pre-orders made before March 31 will get a 10% discount, and the first 250 pre-orders will get a Spider Bot as well–making the price just slightly more reasonable. If that’s still outside your budget, there’s still plenty of merch available for CD Projekt Red’s upcoming game.
Doom Eternal is full of deadly demons, but none is as worrisome as the Marauder. A former Sentinel soldier, the Maurader has a lot of the same moves as the Doom Slayer, including a short-range dash to avoid attacks and a powerful shotgun to dish out a ton of close-range damage. You’ll face the Marauder as a boss in the game’s sixth mission, Arc Complex, but later in the game, it’ll become a regular enemy you’ll have to fight more than once.
The trouble with the Marauder is that it’s the most defensively minded enemy in the game. Where other demons rush at your face, soaking up all the lead you can dump into them, the Marauder actively avoids attacks with a big shield, while dishing out a ton of punishment along the way. Fighting one Marauder can be tough, but mix it in with other demons and it can seem insurmountable.
There are ways to take Marauders down, though. It usually requires sustained damage and a lot of effort, and you’ll want to make sure to keep lots of smaller fodder demons handy for health, armor, and ammo recharges. But if you know what you’re doing when you see a Marauder, you can prioritize the target and take it out before things get too tough. The key is positioning yourself appropriately to win the fight, and to quickly disengage when you get into trouble.
Pick Your Range
The Marauder sports a big shield that protects it from bullets, and it carries three major attacks: a close-range shotgun that does a ton of damage, a long-range axe it throws at a distance, and a spectral wolf it can summon to run you down. Each of these attacks can be dealt with if you’re quick and careful, but all three can whittle you down in a hurry if you’re not on your game.
The key to dealing with the Marauder is to fight it at the correct range: not too close, not too far, but around 10-15 feet. Above all, you want to avoid the Marauder’s shotgun, its most powerful attack, which means staying back from its attacks. At longer ranges, the Marauder throws its axe, but this is an attack you can dodge if you’re paying attention; it’s tough, but better than the close-up spray of a shotgun. Whenever possible, stay at mid- to long-range on the Marauder and do your best to avoid its axes until he gets in close to take a melee swing at you. Watch out for its quick dodges, which it’ll use to get around the side of you, so it can close the gap and attack.
When you’re farther away, the Marauder will also summon a spectral wolf that’ll run you down and attack you incessantly. While it seems spooky, the wolf is actually pretty easy to take out with any weapon. Like the Marauder itself, try not to let it get too close. Blast away at it as soon as it appears to kill it quickly and save yourself some pain.
Execute A Stagger
You can’t damage the Marauder under normal circumstances because of its shield. Instead, you have to wait for the enemy to make itself vulnerable when it goes for a close-range melee attack. You’ll see the Marauder flash green when it’s coming in, which indicates that this is your moment to attack. Shoot the Marauder at this moment and you’ll briefly stagger it, leaving it open for you to do more damage before it collects itself and attacks you again.
You can stagger the Marauder with any gun, but the Super Shotgun is often your best bet. It does a lot of damage and fires in a big spread, making it tough to miss your shot when you get your very brief opening. The Super Shotgun is also handy for dishing out a lot more damage while you’ve got an opening. That means you’ll need to keep an eye out for opportunities to use your chainsaw to keep your shells stocked, though.
Don’t Forget Grenades
The Marauder will block most incoming fire with the shield when it’s not staggered, but you can still get hits on it with splash damage attacks. Your grenade is handy for these situations, especially if the Marauder is backed up by a lot of other enemies. Try to fire it to the side of the Marauder to avoid its shield and you’ll usually manage to put some extra hurt on the demon. The grenade is also great for catching the wolf right after the Marauder summons it, so don’t sleep on blowing some stuff up while you’re fighting.
Disengage!
The first fight with the Marauder is in a tight arena, but you’ll also see a lot of fodder zombies wandering around, offering you opportunities for glory kills and other chances to restock yourself. In bigger arenas where you see a Marauder backed up by lots of other demons, try to avoid getting tunnel vision dealing with just the Marauder. It’s the biggest threat, sure, but it also will distract you while other things close in from the sides and rip you apart when you’re not looking. Don’t be afraid to run from the Marauder, find some fodder demons, and juice yourself back up. The Marauder will give chase, but even the quickest demons in Doom Eternal aren’t as mobile as you are. Use monkey bars, jump pads, and teleporters to give yourself some space.
Clear The Horde With The BFG
Late in the game, you’ll add the BFG to your arsenal. This extremely large and potent gun has the capability to clear out whole arenas if used correctly–it spits off tentacles of energy that find and rip apart demons, giving you a lot of breathing room, especially when you have big enemies like the Marauder to deal with.
Unfortunately, you can’t kill the Marauder with the BFG. You can however, kill everything else with the BFG, and that’s not a bad strategy when you see a Marauder gunning for you with a lot of other enemies hanging around too. Often you’ll find BFG ammo in the same general vicinity as a Marauder fight, as if the game is encouraging you to go nuts and use the massive weapon to tear apart your foes. It’s tempting to hoard your BFG ammo for emergency situations, but trust us when we say that fighting Marauders with other enemies in the mix is usually just such an emergency.
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