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'Pure Chess' is Letting Players Compete Against a Chess Grandmaster on Twitch[teaser]Chat viewers get free games if they can win.[/teaser] Publisher Ripstone Games has announced that Chess Grandmaster Niclas Huschenbeth will compete against Twitch viewers on November 16th at 8am PST. Twitch viewers will be able to vote on the moves, and if the chat can pull off the upset then everyone gets a free game. Somehow, I don't think Ripstone is in any danger of having to send out any Steam keys. This isn't the first time that 'Pure Chess' has let players go up against a Grandmaster, as they previously pulled this stunt against Simon Williams. This time around, it's in order to promote that 'Pure Chess Grandmaster Edition' will be releasing a new steampunk-themed chess set that day. The 'Pure Chess' steampunk DLC will cost players $2.49. The DLC is only coming to Steam and Xbox One. 'Pure Chess Grandmaster Edition' is currently available on PC and Xbox One. Source: Ripstone GamesPosted Fri Nov 11, 2016 at 08:39 AM PST by: -
'Job Simulator' is PlayStation VR's Most Downloaded Game[teaser]People love to work.[/teaser] The PlayStation Blog has revealed what PlayStation VR games have been downloaded the most in October, and the top seller may surprise you. While games like 'Rez Infinite' and 'RIGS' were thought to be system sellers, neither of those appeared on the top 10 list. Instead it was Owlchemy Labs' 'Job Simulator' that outsold all the other titles digitally. The success is well earned, as the hilarious game is definitely one of the launch line-up's highlights. Here's the full top 10 list: 'Job Simulator' 'Batman: Arkham VR' 'Until Dawn: Rush of Blood' 'PlayStation VR Worlds' 'Here They Lie' 'Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes' 'EVE: Valkyrie' 'Gunjack' 'Harmonix Music VR' 'Sports Bar VR' It's worth noting that several titles on the list, including 'Batman: Arkham VR,' 'Until Dawn: Rush of Blood,' 'PlayStation VR Worlds,' and 'EVE: Valkyrie,' also received widespread physical releases. Either way, it's great to see some fantastic indie titles such as 'Job Simulator' and 'Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes' in the top sellers category. Source: PlayStation BlogPosted Fri Nov 11, 2016 at 08:18 AM PST by: -
'Killing Floor 2' Has Gone Gold Ahead of Next Week's Release[teaser]Early Access version also hits a sales milestone.[/teaser] Tripwire Interactive has revealed that the upcoming PlayStation 4 release of 'Killing Floor 2' has gone gold. This news comes after their highly anticipated cooperative first-person shooter (check out Brian's E3 preview) has a successful open beta. The game will launch with PlayStation 4 Pro support when it releases November 18th. When running on a PS4 Pro the shooter will feature "sharper and crisper textures, and overall increased fidelity." That's not the only milestone that the shooter hit before its official release, though. Tripwire also announced that 'Killing Floor 2' has topped over 1 million copies sold on Steam. That makes it one of the most successful Early Access games, and is quite an accomplishment to reach before the game is even officially out. 'Killing Floor 2' is currently in Early Access on Steam, and releases for PC and PS4 on November 18th. Source: Tripwire InteractivePosted Fri Nov 11, 2016 at 08:04 AM PST by: -
'Battleborn's 'Toby’s Friendship Raid' Story DLC Out Today[teaser]Plus a new character is announced.[/teaser] Gearbox Software has announced that the second story operation DLC for 'Battleborn' is out today. Called 'Toby’s Friendship Raid,' the op has players fighting to get Toby's mech suit back after it was stolen. It'll cost players 700 Platinum in 'Battleborn's in-game Marketplace if they don't own the game's $19.99 Season Pass. Besides the DLC, Gearbox also introduced a new character called Beatrix. Set to debut in "the next couple months," the former scientist manipulates creatures by injecting them with her prosthetic "syringe-arm." She'll cost 47,500 credits in-game or can be unlocked with a hero key that players get with the game's Season Pass. The trailer for 'Toby’s Friendship Raid' can be seen below: 'Battleborn' is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Source: 2KPosted Fri Nov 11, 2016 at 07:54 AM PST by: -
Come See the PS4 Pro Unboxed[teaser]Just a few surprises in the box.[/teaser] Today is November 10th, and that makes today PS4 Pro Launch Day. After securing a good deal via Target (see details here), I unboxed a PS4 Pro, connected it, updated it, and then was stuck waiting for roughly 800GBs of PS4 data to be restored. (We are talking hours here.) Every single step of the way, from opening the flap on the thin outer box to installing the System Update, was as familiar as using the original PS4. So, for the unboxing, it all starts with a now familiar thin outer box. This is the box that gets changed once the console begins being featured in official game bundles. The back of the outer box has a big splash for 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.' Three other games are shown below. They are 'Watch Dogs 2,' 'Horizon: Zero Dawn,' and 'Mass Effect: Andromeda.' After peeling the circular seal/sticker off of the top flap, the inside revealed a beefy white backed/black logo inner box. The inside of the white box has a quickstart guide, and is divided into a brown cardboard compartment that contains the controller and all of the cables, and another compartment that has the actual console. (See the pic at the top of this page.) The controller is the newer DS4 design, which is most notable for having a thin area towards the top of the touchpad that shows the controller light. The power cable is beefier than the one used by the original PS4, PS VR, and Vita. There is also a HDMI cable and a micro USB cable- both of which look just like launch PS4 cables. There is even a monobud included, which means, much like the original PS4, that the console technically comes with a headset type device. Finally, after removing the protective cardboard shell and the soft foam wrap, here is the PS4 Pro: The console can stand (with or without the optional stand) vertically. The back of the console has ports that are all familiar to PS4 users, but happily there is a third USB port. Unlike the original PS4, which made do with three rubber feet, the PS4 Pro has an array of rubber feet on the bottom side all laid out in a PlayStation symbol pattern. This is a bit funny since the recently released PS VR processor until was clearly designed to match the original PS4 and not the PS4 Pro (or even the PS4 slim). Here's the PS4 Pro as installed in my entertainment center. (Notice the adjacent PS VR Processor Unit.) Deep within the system's boxing, there is an offer for a PS Plus trial. As previous experience has taught, this offer is only good for new members. Order from AmazonPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
'Sniper Ghost Warrior 3' Will Be Playable at PSX 2016[teaser]Attendees can check out the game and pick up a weapon skin.[/teaser] CI Games will be at Anaheim for PlayStation Experience 2016, and they will bringing 'Sniper Ghost Warrior 3,' which will be playable for the first time ahead of its April 4th date. From CI Games, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 tells the story of brotherhood, faith and betrayal in the most complete sniper experience ever. Take the role of an American sniper named Jonathan North, who is dropped into enemy territory in northern Georgia, nearby Russian borders. Explore large open-world maps with dynamic weather and a day and night cycle that actually impacts play and decisions. Customize weapon equipment, accessories, vehicles and a drone, and utilize the three pillars of gameplay to your liking: Sniper, Ghost and Warrior. At CI’s booth B2300, not only will attendees be able to play the game, but they will also nab an in-game weapon skin. Also at the booth, CI Games will be giving away a quadcopter drone. You can find the latest info on 'Sniper Ghost Warrior 3' linked from our Video Game Release Schedule. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Source: CI GamesPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
'Skylanders Academy' on Netflix Needs More Pop Fizz[teaser]There is lots of Spyro.[/teaser] Activision's 'Skylanders' make for great toys and great games, but what about this whole TV show idea? The first season of 'Skylanders Academy' is out on Netflix, and aside from being caught off guard by the extra-long premiere episode, I think it's good stuff. The voice cast and characterizations threw me off a bit, but Kaos is right, and the lead characters are likable enough. I also realized that the Eon of the game might not work as well in the TV show format. What does work are the fantastic character designs. They pop with personality and they make the overall Skylands setting appear like a friendly fantasy. See the clip below (and notice how Pop Fizz gets the best of the jokes): The animation quality is surprisingly great for a TV show, and the first season does a well with bringing in guest stars. With the first season out on Netflix binge style (see it here), I'm expecting further seasons to come at least once a year. For family (kids) viewing, this show is pretty tough to beat as it manages to have those shiny, silly kid elements without going to a nonsensical level. You can find the latest info on 'Skylanders Imaginators' linked from our Video Game Release Schedule. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from AmazonPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 01:06 PM PST by: -
Strategy Game 'SteamWorld Heist' Out Today on iOS[teaser]Playable on iPhone and iPad.[/teaser] Image & Form's critically acclaimed strategy title 'SteamWorld Heist' is now available on iOS platforms. The space pirate adventure can now be played on iPhone and iPad for $6.99. The third game in the 'SteamWorld' series originally released on Nintendo 3DS in December of 2015, and received PC, Wii U and PlayStation ports earlier this year. The turn-based strategy game, that has players commanding a crew of robot pirates, has already been awarded an Editors' Choice award from the Apple Store. "We're obviously very proud of SteamWorld Heist, and honored that Apple acknowledges the game in this way," said Image & Form CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson. "It shows that attention to detail and quality goes a long way, and that clout or studio size doesn't have to matter. Sometimes it can all be about the game." 'SteamWorld Heist' is now available on iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, Vita, Wii U and 3DS. Source: Image & FormPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 09:27 AM PST by: -
Obsidian's New RPG 'Tyranny' Out Today on PC[teaser]Watch the launch trailer.[/teaser] 'Tyranny,' the latest role-playing game from Obsidian Entertainment and Paradox Interactive is available today on PC. The latest CRPG from the 'Pillars of Eternity' developer takes place after the evil Kyros the Overlord took control of the world. Players play as a high-ranking officer in Kyros' army and must make tough decisions that will impact the entire world. "The tale of 'Tyranny' is a story that Obsidian has been thinking about for years, and today we’re proud to share it with the world," said Obsidian Entertainment CEO Feargus Urquhart. "What started out as a simple premise - ‘what if evil won?’ - has become the next great Obsidian game. As RPG players, we love great stories and tough choices in games. With 'Tyranny,' we made sure these were at the forefront, through the lens that evil has already conquered the world." Check out 'Tyranny's launch trailer below: 'Tyranny' is available now on Windows, Mac and Linux. The game can be purchased on Steam, GOG, and the Paradox Store. Source: Paradox InteractivePosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 09:13 AM PST by: -
'LEGO Dimensions' Trailer Shows What Happens When Newt Scamander Meets Gandalf[teaser]It turns out Gandalf looks a lot like Dumbledore.[/teaser] 'LEGO Dimensions' entire theme is crossovers, so it's fitting that its "Meet That Hero" series of trailers shows off possible in-game pairings. The latest trailer shows off two wizards meeting each other for the first time, as Gandalf from 'Lord of the Rings' meets Newt Scamander of the 'Harry Potter' series. Gandalf is one of the three characters that come with the toys-to-life title, and Newt will become available later this year. Scamander is part of the 'Fantastic Beasts Story Pack' that will be released November 18th for $49.99. The set will allow players to relive the entire movie of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' The Set includes the Macusa gateway build, Newt Scamander and Niffler. Check out the video below: 'LEGO Dimensions' is available now. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Source: Warner Bros.Posted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 08:58 AM PST by:
