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Jason Goes To 2017: 'Friday the 13th' Gets Delayed, But For Good Reason[teaser]New features being added.[/teaser] So, the bad news first: the Kickstarted 'Friday the 13th' game will be missing its original Fall 2016 release date window., and will instead be hitting sometime early next year. Definitely a bummer, considering now is the ideal season for some summer camp slasher action. Having said that, that brings us to the good news: The tradeoff for having to wait just a bit longer is that Gun Media and IllFonic will be adding a slew of the biggest fan-requested features. The new timeline now has a beta release happening some time before the end of 2016, the game as it currently stands releasing, with the addition of a playable Tommy Jarvis, and the addition of Packanack Lodge as a new map, and the big surprise happeing later in the summer: A full-fledged single player campaign. So sayeth the Kickstarter update: "The first thing people are going to read here is 'delay. We want everyone to be assured that coming to our decision to delay was no easy matter, but we believe that the positives far outweigh the negatives. We've been reading day in and day out on our social media feeds that single player and Tommy Jarvis were in such a demand that we couldn't ignore our fans. After securing funding, we're here to tell you that it is a reality and we're making this game even bigger. It sucks that there's a delay, but the wait won't be too long and it's going to offer more for fans in the long-run!" So yes, we'll have to wait to get our camp counselor killing on but the wait will, in fact, be worth it. Source: Gun Media (via Kickstarter)Posted Sat Oct 15, 2016 at 06:44 AM PDT by: -
Apparently, The PSVR Works On Xbox One[teaser]That's unexpected.[/teaser] So, the Playstation VR has launched, to mostly good marks. Despite some minor technical hinkiness, the experience of actually using the thing, with probably one of the strongest launch libraries we've seen for a new system in quite some time, is a damn good one. However, numerous reports are now going around of a nifty little cherry on top of everything else Sony got right: The PSVR can actually be used with the Xbox One. Actually, to clarify, from all accounts it can be used with virtually any console with an HDMI port. See, despite the fustercluck of wires, the video portion of the PSVR is being handled by just good old fashioned HDMI, just that the cord that goes into the TV goes into the PSVR's little processor box, and another goes out to the PS4. And so, because the internet is nothing if not curious, folks have been plugging that other HDMI cord into other systems and discovering that yup, those consoles can output their video to the headset. Now, as one can imagine, there's limitations. For starters, according to reports, PCs are apparently a no-go, with computers not even recognizing anything was plugged in, but then, it's not like PC folk lack for VR options. Naturally, all the super-fun bells and whistles on the PS4--like headtracking and whatnot--have no equivalent on other systems. In addition, the PSVR's big drawback still rears its head, in that the resolution takes a hit through the headset. So,no, VR 'Gears of War 4' is not a thing. Basically, what you get is just Cinematic Mode across the board. However, Cinematic Mode is STILL worth it, giving you the equivalent of your own private IMAX. One of the first things I did within hours of having the headset was fire up The Wachowskis' 'Speed Racer', and watching the final race in a way I haven't ever been able to duplicate at home was joyous. So you can imagine how something that's not on PS4 but really takes advantage of huge space like, say, 'Halo 5' or 'Bayonetta' or, well, 'Gears 4' might fare. Pick up your chin, you're getting drool everywhere. Check on the Core Bundle Order from Amazon Check the Launch Bundle Source: Polygon, IGN, RedditPosted Sat Oct 15, 2016 at 05:49 AM PDT by: -
PlayStation VR May Be the Coolest Tech You'll Ever Return to the Store[teaser]Great to play with, but tough to live with. [/teaser] Update 2: The full review of the PlayStation VR Launch Bundle is now up. See it here. Update: The weekend is half gone, and I wanted to give an update on this in-progress review. I've have had a breakthrough with the headset. After cleaning the lenses (which is its own joy and for which I used a Giotos Rocket Ait Blaster along with some other tools I normally reserve for camera equipment), and doing to the eye measurement in the PS4 system settings, I'm having better luck getting to that sweet spot of mostly in focus. This in turn is helping me to get the fit right without so much struggle. Drift problems still abound, but at least the Cinematic mode is now workable. I still can't imagine wanting to use Cinematic mode over a (clear) display, but I watched an episode of 'The Batman' on Netflix without tearing off the headset. 'Thumper' is tremendous and the VR aspects do greatly raise the intensity. And yes, by hooking my Uverse box directly to the PS VR Processor Unit via HDMI I was able to watch the NFL Redzone in 2D. The audio didn't carry, but it was workable. Trying to do the same thing (watch pro football) via the AVR was a no-go. PlayStation VR launched officially on October 13th (in many territories at any rate), and I am embroiled in reviewing the Launch Bundle. As of this writing, the Launch Bundle is again sold out at Amazon (the Core is still in stock), but the Launch Bundle is hardly unobtainable. My PlayStation VR Launch Bundle is currently strewn across my living room, and it consumes my waking hours and review energy. The review is in progress, but I wanted to get this update out before the weekend arrives. Notice that I stated that the PS VR is in my living room. That means that the cords, cables, boxes, headset, headphones, earbuds, PS Move controllers, camera, processor unit, etc. etc. are cramping my family home theater and not in my office. My reasoning for using the living room is that as part of the review, I want to know what it's like to live with this thing when it can't just be shut up in another room. That is a decision that I may regret as thus far, PlayStation VR is much harder to enjoy that I had expected. Now before I begin with the litany of issues I've run into with this new tech, let me emphasize that it has its moments. Playing 'Rez Infinite' is one powerful example where all the mess and trouble fades to the background as the blissful gameplay delivers. 'Rez Infinite' isn't unique either as the tiny-bot filled Playroom VR is absolutely amazing in a smart and cute kind of way. ('Nintendo Land' eat your heart out.) But getting there, getting to those high points takes some not minor determination. I'm not talking about shelling out for PS VR and a PS4, and I'm certainly not talking about shelling out for a 4K HDR TV and Atmos surround sound enabled system. (A good display and sound system aren't part of the PS VR equation.) I'm not even talking about hooking up the mess that is the Processor Unit box. Its six cables, all of which must be connected correctly for PS VR to work, were a breeze for me. I tried using a random micro-USB cable (I have a drawer of them) and got a USB error message on the headset. I then used the included micro-USB cable without issue. Other than that, the only cable issue I had was accidently touching the eject button on the PS4 when plugging in the camera. But getting the system up and running was disarmingly easy. The new camera and its funny stand was very easy to set atop my 65" display. Too easy in fact (more on that in a bit). Over the last few years, I've used PlayStation VR under various names, and I've always found it to be reasonably comfortable and effective. But it seems that using the system on my own, a brand new one at that, has brought some new problems. Again, the headset does bring a certain console strength. Running games is as easy as downloading a PS4 game. In addition to the free PlayStation VR demo disc (which can be downloaded for free from the store at 40+GB), there are several other free items on the store that can be downloaded and used. The aforementioned Playroom VR is not even a demo, it's just a free set of mini-games, which are actually worth playing. (Especially with a second player on a second DualShock4). But getting back to set-up, fixing the USB issue and getting the PS VR up and running prompted an immediate software update for the headset. It went from version 1.50 to 2.00, but this happened quickly and followed the typical PS4 update style. The catch is that, because the headset was going to need to reboot itself, I decided I should take it off while it updates. Now we enter the trouble zone. My PS VR headset often feels like I'm squeezing into a mascot costume head. The padding used in the forehead piece hasn't been broken in and the elastic style ring seems to be too tight. There are two buttons on the headset for adjusting the fit, plus a torture crank. Ultimately, it takes a lot of fighting to get the headset on with the least amount discomfort, and then to get into the best focus while still being bearable and not touching my eyes. (PS VR should fit better, and I did expect better than the typical VR headset, yet here I am.) Meanwhile, the Move-based camera and sensor system brings back frustrating memories of trying to play 'Eye of Judgement' with the PS Eye. Any ambient light will throw it off. So windows, picture frames, laptop and phone screens, and so forth must be snuffed out. When I manage this right, the camera tracks and doesn't drift too often. (This effects how often I have to press Options to center my view.) I'm pretty enamored with using HDR, so the fact that the Processor box doesn't pass it along to the display is extremely unfortunate (much more than that the PS VR doesn't use HDR). But enjoying HDR in the living room has meant being really careful about ambient light. And yet, PS VR requires another level of darkness. Of course, that snazzy camera had to come of the top of the TV (my display sits higher than most and having the camera at the top was too much to ask). I now have the camera in front of the center speaker, which sits just under the display screen. The result of this fit struggle I have with the headset plagues my every use. Typical VR problems, like needing to take the headset off to check an email or picking up the soda I just knocked over while reaching for a pair of Move controllers, are exacerbated by the headset's desire to cave in the front of my skull. The included Sony earbuds are a dead ringer for a stripped down version of the Vita earbuds that Sony sells. (These have a cheaper casing, a short left ear cable, and no mic.) Without a mic the earbuds three pole connector doesn't mate smoothly with the 3.5mm jack on the control pad. These earbuds will get this job done, which is good. Having a long, thick cable tethering the Processor unit to the headset (with a connection box that is good for disconnecting and terrible when it gets on caught on everything) is only made worse by connecting headphones or a headset. The 3D audio is big must for using this thing. It kills me that I have stacks of headsets, but they are all too big to get along with the PS VR, leaving me to with earbuds as my only option set. I used an Audio-Technica ATH-M50X for a while (fitting the earpads both under and over the PS VR band), but I gave up on that. I have a Turtle Beach Ear Force 350VR that I've borrowed. It promises to get along with the PS VR, but it's still sitting in the box as I'm afraid it won't fit. Honestly, if you have ever used the Move for any amount of time, you should some idea of the trouble here. Nothing in the documentation or the system illustrations helps. I should point out in case isn't obvious, but using the PS VR means having a blurry left and right. The Cinematic mode, which I have on its default Medium setting, is pretty horrific because of this. Even after fighting with the headset to the detriment of my brain, face, scalp, and hair, it's still never in proper focus when in Cinematic mode. Happily, the VR game visual fares better, but slightly altering the position of the headset will make it worse. And then, I'll be fiddling with the fit again in no time. Getting back to the Move controllers, it's like stepping back in time. They sort of work great at times and are also sort of terrible. The VR Demo Disc, which contains PS Move-only games like 'Job Simulator' cannot be navigated with the Move controllers. And the controllers, naturally, are as picky about charging as any PS3 controller. I had to plug them into a PC to get them to charge as they ignored all other USB chargers aside from the PS4. (The return of mini-USB just makes me sigh a little). And that's where I am. I had it multiple times when I was ready to throw the headset away in disgust only to then enjoy some 3D VR gaming, the kind that had me reaching out in wonder or else sliding into a nice gaming groove. Hopefully, things will click for me and PS VR soon, and I can leave the painful fit for a more even experience. (Not sure I can expect much better in terms of focus for 2D usage though.) Check on the Core Bundle Order from Amazon Check the Launch BundlePosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' Multiplayer Beta Now Live on PS4 & We Are Giving Away Codes[teaser]Combat Rigs, mission teams, maps and modes.[/teaser] The 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' Multiplayer Beta is now live on the PS4 with the official start time is October 14th at 10AM PT. (Xbox One and PC access coming on October 21st.) The is time for everyone to check out 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare,' and the multiplayer will consume an entire for next year and beyond. Competitive, casual, eSports, or just with with friends- it all starts here with the 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' beta on the PS4. Beta access is available for anyone who preorders. (Preorder here.) But we have codes here that we are giving away. To see how to get 'em, check out the bottom of this page. As a reminder, here is what to expect in the beta (at least for the beginning): Three Combat Rigs- the Warfighter, Merc, and Synaptic. The Warfighter is a good general use rig, the Merc is a heavy, while the Synaptic is a quick droid (and an early favorite). These rigs can be customized via Payloads and Traits and can be changed mid-match. (See impressions here.) Two Mission Teams- the JTF Wolverines and the Orion Initiative. The Orion Initiative will need to be unlocked, and these teams will help players get rewards based off of performance and specific missions given by their respective unique commanders. Three Maps- Frontier, Frost, and Throwback. Based off my experience, these maps, (like Frontier) will be pretty radical even for series veterans. Four Modes- Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Kill Confirmed along with the new (and crazy) Defender mode. Try out the combination of the Frontier map and Defender mode for some nutso play. Along with everything mentioned here, there will likely be some surprises. My guess would be another Rig, Map, and Mode. The beta runs on PS4 from October 14th-17th (5PM GMT), and then October 21st-24th (5PM GMT). On the Xbox One, the dates are October 21st-24th (5PM GMT). Code Giveaway Instructions: I wanted to do something really elaborate here, but I also want to get these codes out so that people can play today. So in the comment section below, just put in your favorite 'Call of Duty' game (all-time) and your favorite non 'Call of Duty' game from 2016. The winners (picked randomly and quickly) will get codes emailed to them, so be sure that you are supplying a working email address. I'll update this post when all the codes have been exhausted. You can find the latest info on 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' linked from our Video Game Release Schedule. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order Digital from Amazon Order Digital from AmazonPosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Root Letter's Cast of Characters Detailed[teaser]That's a big garage.[/teaser] Kadokawa Games' investigative visual novel 'Root Letter' is set to release later this month in Europe, so they've started to give some information on the PS4 and Vita game's key characters. At the heart of the game's mystery is Fumino Aya, a pen pal of the protagonist that disappeared 15 years ago. Players will be able to solve her disappearance when 'Root Letter' releases October 28th in Europe and November 10th in North America. Other characters include Ishihara Yukari, a waitress with an inferiority complex, Omori Jun, the owner of a successful pâtisserie, and Tanaka Kousuke, a talented student whose grades tanked after Aya's disappearance. Rounding out the cast are former crook turned teacher Watanabe Masaya, television presenter Murakami Misaki, a housewife named Sasaki Riko who wants to be famous, and Nozu Shota, a broke man that comes from a rich family. These characters can be seen in the game's latest trailer: 'Root Letter' launches October 28th in Europe and November 10th in North America for PlayStation 4 and Vita. Source: Kadokawa GamesPosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 08:39 AM PDT by: -
'Farming Simulator 17's Garage Can Hold Over 250 Vehicles[teaser]That's a big garage.[/teaser] Giants Software continues to show off the new features in 'Farming Simulator 17,' and the latest one has to do with the in-game garage. In a new trailer, the developer shows off that players will be able to purchase over 250 different farming vehicles, which span 75 different brands. For the first time in the series the brands Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra will be in the game. GIANTS also announced that players can rent vehicles and tools if they need to use a specialized piece of equipment yet can't afford to purchase it. Another addition is that vehicles now have access to the game's in-game radio stations which feature country, rock and pop music (no trap music, surprisingly). PC players will be able to add their own music. 'Farming Simulator 17' launches October 25th on PS4, Xbox One and PC. You can find the latest info on 'Farming Simulator 17' linked from our Video Game Release Schedule. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Source: Giants SoftwarePosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 08:13 AM PDT by: -
Ubisoft Reveals 'Just Dance 2017's Tracklist, Includes Hatsune Miku[teaser]Over 40 songs.[/teaser] Ubisoft has announced the tracklist to the latest entry in their massively popular 'Just Dance' series. 'Just Dance 2017' will include over 40 diverse songs ranging several different genres. The hits include "Can't Feel My Face" by R&B hitmaker The Weeknd and "DADDY" by South Korean superstar PSY. There is even a song from vocaloid Hatsune Miku. Check out the full tracklist below: “All About Us” – Jordan Fisher “Bailar” – Deorro Ft. Elvis Crespo “Bang” – Anitta “Bonbon” – Era Istrefi “Cake By The Ocean” - DNCE “Can't Feel My Face”- The Weeknd “Carnaval Boom”- Latino Sunset “Cheap Thrills”- Sia Ft. Sean Paul “Cola Song”- INNA Ft. J Balvin “DADDY” – PSY Ft. CL of 2NE1 “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen “Don’t Wanna Know” – Maroon 5 “Dragostea Din Tei” – O-Zone “El Tiki”- Maluma “Ghost In The Keys” – Halloween Thrills “Groove” – Jack & Jack “Hips Don't Lie” – Shakira Ft. Wyclef Jean “I Love Rock 'N' Roll”- Fast Forward Highway “Into You” – Ariana Grande “La Bicicleta” – Carlos Vives & Shakira “Last Christmas” – Santa Clones “Lean On” – Major Lazer Ft. MØ & DJ Snake “Leila” – Cheb Salama “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake Ft. Justin Bieber (Ubi Club Reward) “Like I Would” – Zayn “Little Swing” – AronChupa Ft. Little Sis Nora “Oishii Oishii” – Wanko Ni Mero Mero “PoPiPo” - Hatsune Miku “RADICAL” - Dyro & Dannic “Run The Night” - Gigi Rowe “Scream & Shout” - Will.i.am Ft. Britney Spears “September” – Equinox Stars “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyonce “Sorry” – Justin Bieber “Te Dominar” – Daya Luz “Tico-Tico no Fubá” – The Frankie Bostello Orchestra “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)” - Silentó “What Is Love” – Ultraclub 90 “Wherever I Go” – OneRepublic “Worth It” – Fifth Harmoney Ft. Kid Ink 'Just Dance 2017' releases October 25, 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and last generation consoles. A PC release occurs a few days later on October 27th. A Nintendo NX version is also planned. Source: UbisoftPosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 07:56 AM PDT by: -
'Overcooked Gourmet Edition' Available in Europe, Coming to North America Next Month[teaser]Retail disc includes DLC.[/teaser] Ghost Town Games' cooperative cooking game 'Overcooked' is now available throughout stores in Europe. The retail release is called the 'Overcooked Gourmet Edition,' and includes the game's first DLC 'Lost Morsel' for £19.99/24,99€. While only available in Europe right now, it'll arrive in North America on November 15th. Those who pick up the 'Gourmet Edition' in Europe will have early access to 'Overcooked's 'Lose Morsel' DLC, as it isn't set to release until November 15th (where it will cost £3.99/$4.99/4,49€). It includes an all-new world map, 6 campaign levels, 6 new chefs (including one that's a dinosaur), a Jungle theme, and the ability to navigate the world in a helicopter. 'Overcooked' released earlier this year on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Source: Team17Posted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 07:38 AM PDT by: -
'Dark Souls III's 'Ashes of Ariandel' Expansion Features Competitive Multiplayer[teaser]Adds a new way to play online.[/teaser] The first expansion for FromSoftware's 'Dark Souls III' is set to release October 25th, and Bandai Namco has released gameplay footage of its multiplayer component. Called 'Ashes of Ariandel,' the standalone expansion will cost $14.99 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Those who are interested in buying all of the downloadable content can save a few dollars by purchasing the 'Dark Souls III' season pass for $24.99. The season pass will also contain the action role-playing game's second expansion that is set to release in "early 2017." The multiplayer mode is called 'Undead Matches,' and has players testing their skills against other humans. Players can choose to participate in either one-on-one duels, or battle in larger matches that go up to six matches. These bigger battles will be available to play in both team-based modes and in free-for-alls where there is no allegiance. Check out the first multiplayer gameplay footage for 'Ashes of Ariandel' below: 'Dark Souls III' released earlier this year (check out High-Def Digest's review) for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. 'Ashes of Ariandel' launches October 25th. Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Order from Amazon Source: Bandai NamcoPosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 07:24 AM PDT by: -
Eight New 'Pokémon Sun' and 'Moon' Monsters Revealed[teaser]Including two familiar faces.[/teaser] The Pokémon Company International has revealed eight new pocket monsters that will appear in 'Pokémon Sun' and 'Moon.' Six of the creatures debuting in the Nintendo 3DS exclusive are fresh faces, while two are Alola versions of existing Pokémon. The existing creatures are Alolan versions of Grimer and Muk, who now have poisonous crystals they can use to attack. New Pokémon include Silvally, who can change its type depending on what items are attached to it, Hakamo-o, a pocket monster that finds its strength through the power of dance, and Kommo-o, which is the evolution of Hakamo-o. Rounding out the group are Steenee, a grass Pokémon who attacks with its head, and Ribombee, the evolved form of Cutiefly. Check out all eight in the new trailer: 'Pokémon Sun' and 'Pokémon Moon' releases November 18th in North America and November 23rd in Europe exclusively on Nintendo 3DS. Source: The Pokémon CompanyPosted Fri Oct 14, 2016 at 07:16 AM PDT by:
