EA has announced a new update for Anthem, which also launches a brand-new winter-themed season called Icetide. The update adds several new pieces of content to Anthem, including environmental changes, world events, challenges, cosmetics, and ways to unlock legendary gear.
“Shaper devices have brought localized ice storms into Bastion, bringing excitement with every glittering snowflake across the region,” EA writes in the update’s full patch notes. “Ice is rare here, but when it arrives, people know that Icetide celebrations will soon follow. Holiday lights shine throughout Fort Tarsis, their bright colors sparkling on blankets of snow.”
Throughout Icetide, new seasonal strongholds will unlock each week–presenting ways of acquiring large amounts of crystals and unlocking Icetide’s seasonal in-game items. Icetide also adds new freeplay time trials, a legendary world event, challenges, cosmetic items, and collectibles.
If you’re hoping to expand your arsenal and unlock more legendary gear, the update makes it easier to do so. Completing daily and weekly challenges will now earn you guardian tokens, which can be offered in tribute at one of the Tombs of the Legionnaires to automatically get a random legendary item that has +5 gear score. The type of item you earn from each tomb is listed below. Additionally, in Grandmaster 3, all legendary loot drops will now begin with a +5 gear score.
New Tomb Of Legionnaires Offerings
Tomb of Artinia: Legendary Weapons
Tomb of Cariff: Legendary Gear
Tomb of Yvenia: Legendary Melee Weapons and Javelin-Specific Components
Tomb of Gawnes: Legendary Support Gear and Universal Components
The remainder of the update is bug fixes, with most geared towards improving Anthem’s overall stability. Some of the bug fixes are designed to better balance Anthem as well, such as a fix for the issue that was causing the Rainmaker to occasionally deal out damage almost 200% stronger than intended. If you were relying on certain bugs to help you overcome troublesome bosses, you may want to check the patch notes and see whether that option is still available to the build you’re using.
Anthem Update 1.6 Patch Notes
New Features
Seasonal Themed Strongholds – Each week a different featured seasonal Stronghold will unlock for players—now including score leaderboards. If you’re up to the challenge, compete with other Freelancers for the highest score. Visit the Seasonal Store to exchange your Crystal for War Chests.
Freeplay Time Trials – Have you ever wanted to put your javelin flight and navigation skills to the test? Join Freeplay, and race through eight time trials that can be found in Bastion. Try to beat our Gold times!
New Legendary World Event: Icetide Coolant Harvesting – Help the Arcanist harvest precious coolant resources while fighting off the outlaw forces that are trying to steal it from you.
New Challenges – Explore the Challenges to see vanity rewards! Gain new armor sets, special time trial wraps, and more.
New Hidden Collectables – Explore the region to find all Festive Wreaths.
Icetide Cortex Entries – Explore the region to find new story entries to add to your Cortex.
More Powerful Drops in Grandmaster 3 – All Legendary loot drops on GM3 now drop with +5 Gear Score.
New Tomb of Legionnaires Offering – New Guardians’ Tokens are granted through daily and weekly challenges. Freelancers can make offerings of a Guardian Token and additional crafting materials within the Tombs of the Legionnaires to gain a random Legendary item. Each tomb grants different items, but all items have a +5 gear score.
New Seasonal Cosmetic Items – Visit the Featured Store throughout the season for new Icetide-themed cosmetics.
Bug Fixes
Fixed various crashes to improve stabilization.
Fixed various texture and lighting scenarios.
Fixed various art collision issues that allowed players to access unintended areas.
Fixed various audio issues.
Fixed multiple breadcrumbing trails appearing in Freeplay. Fast Travel to the Tomb of Legionnaires is now enabled. Map pins have been updated to better communicate the ability to fast travel.
Added new options to disable various parts of the UI
These options are visible under Settings -> Interface -> HUD
Added a tutorial for the self-respawn feature.
You can respawn yourself closer to your squadmates by holding down the R3 button
The Colossus can no longer become stuck in cages within Temple of Scar.
The Sunken Cell stronghold mission now correctly appears above the Heart of Rage mission in the journal.
Resolved an issue causing the Forge Menu to not appear while in the Forge Screen.
Fixed an issue that allowed the Synchronized Frame to trigger without an enemy being hit.
The Ranger Combo Augment component craft recipe now displays “Impact Combo Damage”.
Fixed an issue causing Incremental Archives to not spawn as often as expected.
Fixed an issue preventing the fog wall from vanishing after the objective is completed in Temple of Scar.
Forge Icons for Barrage, Garroter, and Stampede have been updated to match the default color scheme of the javelin.
Increased the health of the generators for the Sleeping Titan event.
Legendary Fortress of Dawn now spawns its chest and finishes appropriately.
Fixed an issue where Balm of Gavinicus was incorrectly dealing damage on impact.
Fixed an issue causing Rainmaker to fire more projectiles than intended.
Click To Unmute
Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
Innovation is so important to the tech world. Whether its a fresh take on an old product, or an exciting new technology that will shape the tech landscape of the coming years, innovation is the reason the best stuff gets made. These are our nominees for the Best Tech Innovation of 2019.
Click through the gallery above or scroll down the page for the full list!
While the release of the Square Enix video game Marvel’s Avengers is still months away, fans are being given an early glimpse into this world thanks to a new series of comics. The first of these, Marvel’s Avengers: Iron Man #1, directly sets the stage for the game’s story mode.
Read on to find out how the comic sets up the game, but beware of spoilers for Marvel’s Avengers: Iron Man #1.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection started its rollout for PC last week with the release of Halo: Reach, and it was a very, very successful launch. The release achieved “monumental” results, Microsoft said in a press release, leading to “record numbers” for the game.
Almost 3 million people played The Master Chief Collection on PC and Xbox One during Reach’s launch week. Additionally, MCC reached the No. 1 position on Steam’s best-seller charts, which represents the highest position for an Xbox Game Studios title on Steam at launch.
MCC was also the most-watched game overall on Twitch on December 3, with viewers collectively watching almost 3 million hours of Halo content during launch week. Microsoft also noted that MCC has a “very positive” rating on Steam after more than 37,000 reviews.
The PC version of MCC currently only includes Reach. Halo: Combat Evolved will release in early 2020, with the remaining titles to follow thereafter in chronological order: Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and finally Halo 4.
The Xbox One version of MCC already has all those games, with Reach being added on December 3.
Click To Unmute
Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
Capcom officially pulled back the curtain on its rumored Resident Evil 3 remake earlier this week as part of Sony’s final State of Play broadcast of 2019. The reimagined horror game is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam next April, but in the meantime, it appears this year’s Resident Evil 2 remake is getting some kind of tie-in that bridges the gap between the two titles.
Users on Steam have recently discovered that a new Achievement was added to Resident Evil 2 (via Wario64). The Achievement was first spotted a few weeks ago–well before Sony’s State of Play stream–but it didn’t have a name at the time, leaving many to wonder just what it could be.
As it turns out, it appears the Achievement will tie into the upcoming Resident Evil 3 remake. The Achievement is called Chasing Jill and can be unlocked after you read a letter left behind by Jill Valentine. It’s unclear when the letter will actually be added to the game, but you can see the Achievement for yourself on Steam.
Much like the Resident Evil 2 remake, the reimagined version of Resident Evil 3 makes some drastic improvements to the original. Not only have the visuals been significantly revamped, but the game forgoes the fixed camera angles of the original for a third-person over-the-shoulder viewpoint. You can watch the first Resident Evil 3 remake trailers here. The game also includes the asymmetric multiplayer experience Resident Evil Resistance.
The Resident Evil 3 remake launches on April 3, 2020. Those who pre-order the title ahead of its release will receive the bonus Classic Costume Pack, which features the original design for Jill Valentine and hairstyle for Carlos Oliveira. Capcom is also releasing a $180 Collector’s edition of the game that includes a handful of physical bonuses, such as a Jill Valentine statue and hardcover art book. You can read more in our Resident Evil 3 pre-order guide and our roundup of everything we know about Resident Evil 3 so far.
While it might have seemed like a lackluster year for new gaming tech with Microsoft’s Project Scarlett and Sony’s PS5 not due for release until next year, there were plenty of new devices and peripherals that got us excited. From fully-upgradable gaming laptops to the next generation of virtual reality, here are the nominees for the best and hottest gaming tech we saw this year.
Warner Bros. has announced the release dates for Matrix 4 and the Flash movie, after a multitude of delays and setbacks for both. Currently slated a few years away, The Matrix 4 (working title) will release on May 21, 2021, while The Flash movie is set to premiere on July 1, 2022.
With all of the excitement surrounding big sales and doorbuster deals, the holiday shopping season can feel like a frantic sprint. Before you know it, Christmas is around the corner, and you’re out of time to pick up the perfect gift. We know it’s not always easy or possible to check everyone off your shopping list in a timely manner. Go to any store in the days leading up to Christmas, and you’ll see plenty of other people feverishly looking for last-minute gifts.
Purchasing last-minute gifts can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure exactly what they own already. To make your task easier, we’ve rounded up an assortment of surefire hits across gaming, tech, and entertainment they’re sure to love. Playing it safe when last-minute shopping is usually a good call. That’s why we’re highlighting popular subscription services, game controllers, headsets, and neat collector’s boxes that are tailor-made for the holidays.
While Amazon Prime members always get one- or two-day shipping, retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are also offering fast, two-day shipping leading up to Christmas, with no membership needed. Everything you see on this list can be bought with the peace of mind that it will arrive by Christmas–as long as you aren’t literally shopping with a minute to spare.
Holiday Delivery Calendar (for items to arrive by Christmas)
Amazon
Dec. 14: Last day for free shipping on orders over $25
Dec. 18: Last day for standard shipping
Dec. 22: Last day for two-day Prime shipping
Dec. 23: Last day for one-day Prime shipping
Target: Dec. 21
If you need more gift ideas beyond these, we have a vast lineup of 2019 holiday gift guides to make shopping for your loved one so much easier this Christmas. Read on for the best last-minute gift ideas you can buy right now and receive within a day or two–or even faster.
Note that prices are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change without notice.
Best last-minute gift ideas
PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online
Digital gaming subscriptions
Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo each have worthwhile subscription services for their respective gaming consoles. These can make great gifts, especially when you’re unsure which games your friend or relative already has. Plus, you can often buy these gifts as digital codes, which means you could theoretically print and put it in a card within minutes. It’s not fancy, but you can be sure they’ll appreciate it.
For PS4, PlayStation Plus grants access to online multiplayer and gives subscribers two free games each month. And if they already have a subscription, the new subscription will stack. It’s a future-proof gift, as Sony will more than likely use PlayStation Plus with the PlayStation 5 as well.
Xbox One’s Game Pass Ultimate is easily the best value in gaming. A Game Pass Ultimate subscription bundles the Game Pass subscription program–which features an expanding library hundreds of awesome games–and Xbox Live Gold, which lets Xbox One owners play online multiplayer.
Nintendo Switch Online offers numerous benefits for Switch owners. First, it lets you play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online with friends. Members also get dozens of classic NES and SNES games for free and access to cloud saves, which is a very useful feature to have. Switch Online is available as a $20 individual or $35 family subscription. The latter grants up to eight users access to Switch Online perks.
Gift cards for digital games
Gift cards for digital game storefronts
If you know they probably want a new game but don’t know what they already have, another great option is a gift card to one of the various popular gaming storefronts. That way, they can easily snag whatever games they’ve had their eye on.
Game controllers
A new controller
Almost every gamer could use a new controller, whether because of normal wear and tear or simply to have an extra set of sticks to play multiplayer with family and friends.
RAVPower portable charger
RAVPower 26800mAh Portable Charger | $36.03
If you have someone on your shopping list who has a long daily commute or travels frequently, a portable charger is a great gift. To be honest, portable chargers are even useful at home when you’re not sitting close enough to an outlet to charge your phone. This RAVPower charger holds a massive amount of juice and has three USB ports to charge three devices simultaneously. It also comes with an AC adapter. This would also be a great buy if you’re shopping for someone who owns a Nintendo Switch.
Disney Plus
Disney Plus 12-month subscription | $70
The brand-new streaming service from Disney is the only place you can watch Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Plus, it has a huge back catalogue of Disney animated movies, Marvel flicks, and much more. You can gift a 12-month subscription for $70. Though it’s a digital code, you can set it to deliver to an email address on the day of your choosing, so it’s a quick and convenient deal. If they already have Disney Plus, the subscription will stack.
Nintendo Game Boy Gift Set
Nintendo Game Boy Gift Set | $20
A neat and thoroughly nostalgic gift, this Game Boy gift set from Target features three products that are styled after the original Game Boy: a coffee mug, bottle opener, and notebook. The coffee mug even has a little pocket that holds a cookie.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Collector’s Box
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Collector’s Box | $30
If you have a Zelda fan on your list, they may already have The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Nintendo Switch. But they probably don’t have this collector’s box. Featuring the gorgeous cover artwork from the game, the box includes a water bottle, pencil/pen holder, notebook, baseball cap, small Hylian Shield pillow, and set of puffy stickers.
Super Mario Collector’s Box
Super Mario Collector’s Box | $30
For Mario fans, this collector’s box features a reversible Mario/Luigi canvas bag and reversible Mario/Luigi winter hat, a green warp pipe cup, two patches, a decorative coin, and a mystery item.
Sega Genesis Mini
Sega Genesis Mini | $60
A brilliant ode to Sega’s heyday, the Sega Genesis Mini sandwiches 40 old-school games onto a pint-sized replica of the Sega Genesis. The storied library of games includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, Castlevania: Bloodlines, and many more beloved classics. The emulation is fantastic, and the addition of save states make these games more accessible than ever before. The Sega Genesis Mini comes with two wired controllers, so you can play multiplayer on the living room floor like the good ole days.
Headphone stand with USB charger
Headphone stand with USB charger | $35
Anyone with a pair of over-the-ear headphones could tell you that setting them down flat over and over again can lead to some unwanted scuffs and tears on the cushions. This headset holder from Cozoo will solve that issue. On top of keeping gaming headphones in great condition, it also serves as a charging base with three USB ports that can charge phones, game controllers, and anything else that’s powered by USB.
Compatible with consoles, PC, and mobile, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a great and very reasonably priced gaming headset. The wired headset uses a standard 3.5mm audio cord and comes with a detachable, noise-canceling microphone. The Arctis 1 combines crisp audio with comfort to deliver a headset that works well across all gaming platforms.
Vizio 2.0-Channel Sound Bar with Bluetooth
Vizio 2.0-Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth | $78
Soundbars can give TVs the extra audio power needed to deliver a more vibrant listening experience when watching movies, playing games, and streaming your favorite shows. This Vizio Bluetooth-enabled soundbar is compact and equipped with high-quality DTS Virtual:X sound, which works to mimic surround sound.
Kindle
Kindle | $70
Amazon’s Kindle stores thousands of ebooks on one small device. The display mirrors the look of paperback to provide a less strenuous experience than glossy tablet and smartphone displays. Amazon recently released this new mode, which comes with a built-in front light to help make things even easier on the eyes. You can choose between black and white color options. The Kindle is an excellent gift for bookworms in your life, especially those who travel frequently.
Razer Mamba wireless mouse
Razer Mamba wireless gaming mouse | $50
Razer is one of the most well-known PC gaming peripheral manufacturers in the business, and the Mamba is one of its most popular mouses. Fitted with Chroma RGB lighting and seven programmable buttons, the Mamba is both stylish and practical for a wide variety of PC games. It also boasts an impressive 50-hour battery life.
Roku Premiere 4K Streaming Media Player
Roku Premiere 4K streaming media player | $39
For those who don’t own Smart TVs, streaming devices are extremely useful in today’s streaming-focused world. The Roku Premiere 4K is a compact device that turns your TV into an easy-to-use hub for all of your streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime VIdeo, and Disney Plus. This particular Roku device is capable of streaming in 4K and HDR.
Motile Commuter Laptop Backpack with wireless charger
Motile Commuter Laptop Backpack with Qi wireless power bank | $80
This laptop backpack is fairly novel. On top of being a great-looking everyday bag, it also comes with a built-in 10,000 mAh wireless power bank to charge your smartphone and devices. If they don’t have devices capable of charging wirelessly, the charger works with USB. The Motile laptop backpack comes in four colors: Charcoal, Navy, Camel, and Bone.
Google Home Mini
Google Home Mini | $25
The Google Home Mini is a small smart speaker that acts as a personal helper thanks to Google Assistant. You can ask Google to play your favorite music, look up recipes, tell you the weather, and much more. You can pick between four color options: Chalk, Aqua, Charcoal, and Coral.
Poke Ball Plus
Poke Ball Plus | $45
Pokemon fans will love to receive the Poke Ball Plus for Christmas. When connected to Pokemon Go, it lights up and vibrates as you approach Pokemon. The Poke Ball Plus can also be used as a controller for Pokemon: Let’s Go, and you can use it to level-up Pokemon in both Let’s Go and Pokemon Sword and Shield (simply by carrying it around). As an added bonus, the Poke Ball Plus contains Mew, which can be transferred to all three games.
Risk: Game of Thrones Edition
Risk – Game of Thrones edition | $68.66
The board game Risk sets up perfectly for a Game of Thrones-themed variant. But this is more than just a rehash of the iconic strategy game about conquering territories. Game of Thrones Risk comes with a pair of custom game boards. In War of Five Kings, three to five players battle it out for the Iron Throne. A two-player variation pits House Targaryen against Ghiscari. You can also merge the boards and enjoy a seven-player game. Each house has its own special player boards to track progress, and each army has 45 game pieces (315 total). To make things more interesting, Game of Thrones Risk has 28 action cards that alter the standard dice-rolling skirmishes.
Click To Unmute
Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 5, “Meeseeks and Destroy”
In Season 1, Rick and Morty introduced the world to a magic box that can summon a Mr. Meeseeks–a loud, blue, anxious, instantly iconic being (or is it more of a device?) with an aggressive desire to help the user with a goal or task before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
When your sole purpose is to complete small task, doing something abstract or even as difficult as helping Jerry do anything makes existence a pain. So of course, Mr. Meeseeks finds it simply impossible to help Jerry get better at golf, and it goes mad by simply being alive, leading to an all-out frenzy at a restaurant. And that was just the character’s first appearance on the show, of which there have been several since. It is fair to say there has been no character who has caused as lasting an impact as Mr. Meeseeks.
