NLG - Next Level Gaming

Click to watch embedded media Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Toronto Release: October 7, 2021 Rating: Mature Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC, Mac The Far Cry 6 release date is just around the corner , and we were lucky enough to go hands-on with the upcoming first-person shooter and saw many of the gameplay opportunities that the Island of Yara offers. With its antagonist being played by the famous Giancarlo Esposito, many fans are hopeful that this entry in the Far Cry series will return to form by featuring an unforgettable performance by the game's villain. Join Alex Stadnik, Brian Shea, and our wonderful production director, Margaret Andrews, for another episode of New Gameplay Today, wherein the trio shows off brand new Far Cry 6 gameplay! Senior editor Brian Shea summarizes his time spent playing Far Cry 6 in his recent preview , saying: Far Cry 6 starts with a bang from both narrative and action standpoints. I’m curious if

As we move into the current generation, new features have come into focus that help make games more immersive. Deathloop, slated to arrive on September 14, boasts a number of these aspects. To take advantage of these features requires new hardware, and sadly multiple factors have gone into making current-gen systems difficult to acquire, something that could hopefully be rectified as we head into the next year. That said, a new trailer for Deathloop shows off some of the perks of playing games in this era. Oh, you should also check out our guide to everything Deathloop right here. Why keep talking about it? You can check out the trailer below! Click here to watch embedded media Perhaps the most obvious upgrade that games can get from new tech is graphical. Still, we have a whole “generation” to see how developers can take advantage of that, despite having some great-looking titles already available. Adaptive triggers, different for each weapon, are becoming sort of a standard here

Yes. You read the headline right. Terry Cavanaugh’s 2010 game VVVVVV has received a new update in 2021. It’s been over seven years since the game saw a patch, so why now? Early last year, Cavanaugh made the source code for VVVVVV public and let people mess around with the game. As a result of opening up the game, update 2.3 features many changes, all of which are linked in Cavanaugh’s blog about the release. While this is an official release for the game, its creator didn’t do most of the work on the newest version but was the gatekeeper for what made it in. “I’ve personally added very, very little to this update – which is something that I feel maybe a little anxious about! But I’ve been very careful to make sure that every change is something I was happy with, and that none of the changes to the game were doing anything other than making this the best version of the 2010 game,” said Cavanaugh about the project. While there are a bunch of changes to the game, here’s what stands o

Have you ever wanted to play Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town but didn’t have a Switch? On September 15, you’re in luck, as the farming simulation game is headed to Steam on PC. If you can’t get enough of planting crops and taking care of adorable cow-looking things (that may or may not actually be cows), then Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town might satiate that farming desire. Next month, #STORYOFSEASONS : Pioneers of Olive Town sprouts up on @Steam ! Get ready to experience #SoSPoOT like never before once launch day arrives Sept. 15th. 🖥️🌱 Pre-order now and receive the special pre-order discount and the Buffalo Costume DLC: https://t.co/2rPWhp9wKX pic.twitter.com/kMcMIKRZv1 — XSEED Games (@XSEEDGames) August 31, 2021 “My journey through Pioneers of Olive Town was full of highs and lows. Things either came too easy, like wooing the townsperson of my choice, or required too much effort, like unlocking some farm facilities,” said Kimberly Wallace in the Game In

Publisher: Sega Developer: Atlus Release: November 12, 2021 Platform: Switch Since the game's big release date announcement this past June ,  Game Informer  has been rolling out exclusive previews of Shin Megami Tensei V. The newest entry of the captivating role-playing series has lots to be excited about, so we've been working with the team at Atlus to show off different parts of the game as we get closer and closer to launch. From new looks at the main characters to a primer of the story of the game , we've had you covered in recent months. Our most recent look at Shin Megami Tensei V focused on the demons and negotiations that take place between them and the main characters. Atlus has passed along even more localized screenshots for this prominent aspect of the game. You can check out the gallery below to see these new, exclusive screenshots. Click image thumbnails to view larger version                                                                   

Lost Judgment, the next game from Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and the second in its Judgment spin-off franchise, is coming out on September 21. We recently went hands-on with the game. You can watch our episode of New Gameplay Today   right here. To keep the Judgment train rolling, ahead of the game's release, we're running down everything we know about the game, from its story, themes, gameplay, and setting. 

Redhill Games’ Nine To Five is now available on Steam Early Access if you’re looking to try out the tactical shooter that shakes up the formula with small, scrappy team fights. If you’re looking for something that feels a lot like the common core of Counterstrike but with smaller teams, more teams in each match, and considerably more intel available before taking action, Nine To Five might be one to take a look at.  Click here to watch embedded media Instead of the popular 5v5 or 6v6 formats that make up the standard in most shooter maps, Nine To Five centers on 3v3v3 gameplay, meaning if you’re the last left alive on a team, you can make a quick exit and hope the other two teams tear each other to pieces, leaving you to clean house on a final target. Of course, everything is objective-based, so securing the position fast and taking a critical point can mean a quick win, while the opponents hope that you get into a skirmish first before acting. Decisions, decisions! Gun modding is

PC users are no longer left wondering when the next big Windows platform is going to launch. Confirmed today in a blog post , Microsoft will be releasing Windows 11 on October 5. New computers loaded with the redesigned operating system will be released on that day as well, though a free update to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to existing Windows 10 users starting on launch day. But getting your upgrade could take a while. Microsoft is looking to their last big OS release for guidance on this rollout for existing devices. “The free upgrade to Windows 11 starts on October 5 and will be phased and measured with a focus on quality. Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience,” says Aaron Woodman in his post on the Windows blog. Newer products running Windows 10 will be prioritized, as they are more likely to hit the preferred specifications, which won't be a stretch for recently purchased computer

Ghostrunner is a thrilling but brutally difficult  action platformer that requires pixel-perfect timing and quick reflexes to survive. Thankfully, things will be a bit easier for those who want to enjoy the ride with a lower skill ceiling, thanks to the arrival of the Neon Pack DLC. The new content bundle, which is available to purchase now for $4.49, adds flashy new swords and two additional gameplay modes, one of which adds some handy assist options to make your ninja parkour adventure less maddening.  Assist Mode adds handy accessibility options such as shorter cooldown times for special skills, the ability to take one extra hit before dying, and, perhaps the biggest boon, gameplay slowdown. This option decreases the speed of the action by two degrees, “slow” or “slower.” This allows players who have trouble keeping up with Ghostrunner due to physical disability, age, or otherwise to engage with the game at a pace better suited to them. Click here to watch embedded media For har

We first heard about Mercenaries all the way back in February , but today Blizzard has taken a much deeper dive into specifics about the upcoming Hearthstone mode. Mercenaries is essentially a different game but located within the Hearthstone client and universe, living separately in the same space – similar to how the auto battler Battlegrounds shares space with the core digital collectible card game. Hearthstone Mercenaries arrives on October 12. It is important to keep in mind what is going on within Activision Blizzard at this time regarding ongoing allegations about the work culture. The ongoing lawsuit from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) against the company is an over-reported, toxic workplace culture. The bulk of the suit focuses on "violations of the state's civil rights and equal pay laws," specifically regarding the treatment of women and other marginalized groups. To learn more about the proceedings thus far, including detail

I remember playing Dead Space when it dropped in 2008 and putting my playthrough on pause multiple times because of crippling fear. Necromorph gurgling and low-frequency vespers would fill my ears even when walking down an unoccupied hallway. That level of dread is hard to match and even harder to recreate. And yet Dead Space is back in the spotlight once again. Motive Studios is helming the remake and showcased an early build during today’s livestream event : better lighting, new VFX, and updated necromorph dismemberment technology.  Click here to watch embedded media Senior producer Philippe Ducharme and creative director Roman Campos-Oriola took to the virtual podium to facilitate the Dead Space Remake livestream and show what the team has in store for returning and new players. Ducharme began the conversation highlighting the importance of honoring the first game’s legacy ; “staying true to the source.” Motive Studios engaged with community members early on for brutal feedback d

While Call of Duty: Vanguard may have revitalized Call of Duty conversation over the last few weeks, the content engine rolls on strong for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. Season 5 is finally here, and with it comes a new Double Agent mode, multiplayer maps, Zombies, and Warzone additions! Let’s break it down. It is important to keep in mind what is going on within Activision Blizzard regarding ongoing allegations about the work culture. The ongoing lawsuit from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) against the company is over-reported toxic workplace culture. The bulk of the suit focuses on "violations of the state's civil rights and equal pay laws," specifically regarding the treatment of women and other marginalized groups. To learn more about the proceedings thus far, including details listed in the lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, please check out our previous  coverage here . First, there’s Double Agent mode. Get read

If you subscribe to  Game Informer 's digital edition, you're now able to learn more about the highly anticipated Marvel's Midnight Suns from the strategy masters at Firaxis Games. Following last week's cover reveal , our digital issue is now live to subscribers on  web browsers ,  iPad/iPhone , and  Android devices . Individual issues will be available for purchase later today. You can download the apps to view the issue  by following this link . All of these digital options are included in a  standard subscription . Cover by Ryan Stegman (artist) and Guru-eFX (colorist) But this issue is so much more than just our cover story! In keeping with the theme of games inspired by the colorful panels of comic creators, various Game Informer  editors discuss their favorite comic book and superhero games of all time. Jason Guisao writes an opinion on why Princess Zelda should finally get her own game. We offer a detailed breakdown of Valves' new portable PC device, the

Despite its bumpy launch period, Cybperunk 2077’s fervent modding community has been hard at work buffing Night City’s immersion in positive and controversial ways . Nevertheless, the impact that mods like third-person perspective and cosmetic upgrades for V have raised the eyebrows of developers at CD Projekt Red. According to a post on the Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Community Discord Server (as well as this Reddit screenshot seen here ), a few notable modders have been hired to work alongside the folks at CD Projekt Red. Under developer Yigsoft’s banner, the chosen modders are slated to work on multiple aspects of Cyberpunk 2077’s backend. The post reads as follows, “We will be working on various projects related to the Cyberpunk 2077 backend and the game’s modding support. We are really excited for this, and we really hope we can help to bring Cyberpunk 2077 to the next level!” What these community members turned full-fledged developers will be working on remains to be seen.  Cyberpu

Toem is a charming photography-focused game that recently got its due during the Nintendo Indie World Showcase . Those excited to unwind in its cutesy, hand-drawn world and capture photographs will get their chance on September 17.   The game whisks players to a whimsical land inspired by Scandanavia inhabited by talking balloons, goofy ship captains, and other weird characters designed to make you say “aww.” You’ll use your trusty camera to take photos to solve puzzles while working your way up a mountain to experience an event known as the, you guessed it, Toem. Since your character has an altruistic soul, you also use your camera eye to solve the problems of the area’s native citizens. Check out the trailer for a snapshot of everything that lies in store.  Click here to watch embedded media As you’ve likely gathered, Toem is a laid-back experience that encourages players to slow down and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. To that end, a soundtrack of chill beats helps players melt i

Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Toronto Release: October 7, 2021 Rating: Mature Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC, Mac Ever since its announcement last summer, Far Cry 6 has been one of the most highly anticipated games on the horizon. With a revolution against a murderous dictator on the fictional Caribbean Island of Yara serving as the backdrop, the stakes are high in this latest entry. While everything has looked promising to this point, I was excited to finally get my hands on the new game to see for myself how it’s turning out. The opening moments of Far Cry 6 feature celebratory tones, but they don’t last long. You play Dani Rojas (who can be male or female), a former soldier looking towards a better life. You’re on the roof of your home having a drink with your friends Alejo and Lita, excited to leave Yara behind. The plan is drinks in Mexico, then dinner in Miami. A commotion on the ground draws your attention as soldiers in Presid

Publisher: Skybound Developer: Mighty Yell Release: August 31, 2021 Rating: Teen Platform: Xbox One, PC The Big Con transports players back to the ‘90s when video rental stores dotted the land, tacky bright colors were in like Flynn, and you could unironically describe something as “radical” and be considered, well, pretty rad. The game launches today, and I've found the game's first few chapters to be as enjoyable as drawing that cool "S" symbol  over and over again. That's a compliment in case you're a young 'un. That thing is weirdly entertaining to make.  The game stars Ali, a mischievous though good-hearted teenager who discovers her mom’s video store (which also serves as their home) is in danger of being foreclosed by dubious loan sharks. Saving the store requires repayment to the tune of $97,000.  Despite her mother’s resistance, Ali wants to help, and she secretly partners up with Ted, a well-dressed teen and master con artist, who s

If you’re a fan of the Batman Arkham games, you’ve likely been eagerly awaiting news on Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League . You won’t have to wait too much longer. The DC FanDome will return for a 2nd edition this October, and Warner Bros. Interactive plans to show off both games during the event.  Neither Gotham Knights nor Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League are traditional sequels to the Arkham games, but they are both exciting titles in their own right. Gotham Knights is a co-op-friendly action game from WB Games Montréal. Players won’t be able to play as Batman, but they will be able to jump into the capes of Batgirl, Red Hood, Nightwing, and Robin to protect their beloved city after the death of Batman. Gotham Knights continues the vein of the Arkham games but features a greater emphasis on RPG systems.  Meanwhile, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is the long-awaited new title from Rocksteady Games, which last released Batman: Arkham Knight

Publisher: Frontier Developments Developer: Frontier Developments Release: November 9, 2021 Rating: Teen Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC "Life finds a way." With dinosaurs on the loose in the United States, Jurassic World Evolution 2 fully embraces Ian Malcolm 's famous warning. We're going to learn what life is like living among these thunder lizards. Frontier Developments says players will encounter over 75 dinosaurs species within this sequel. We likely won't learn exactly which dinosaurs are included prior to the game's November 9 launch, but Frontier is trickling out videos that highlight some the new additions and returning favorites. With an expanded focus on marine and flying reptiles, there should be a diverse amount of creatures to study and perhaps contain within your theme parks. The wider variety also means more ways that guests can be devoured. We all want to know if a flying dinosaur can feed the Mosasaurus

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks Developer: Arkane Studios Release: September 14, 2021 Platform: PlayStation 5, PC We have been following the news about Deathloop closely since it was revealed at the Bethesda 2019 E3 conference, even featuring it on the cover of one of our issues . A lot has happened in the two years since its announcement, including a deal that brought Bethesda-owned studios under Microsoft’s umbrella, which made everyone question whether the title would continue as a PlayStation 5 console-exclusive. As far as the game’s journey, it seems that Deathloop’s development was a case of life imitating art. The game went through a cycle of getting delayed, showing off details in a Sony showcase, getting delayed, and showing off more details in Sony's State of Play . But it looks like the loop is about to break since the stylish first-person shooter has gone gold and is just around the corner. To make sure you have all the info you need on release day, here’s eve

The last decade has provided players with a wealth of CRPGs to explore; the classic isometric days of roleplaying are definitely not forgotten. Pathfinder: Kingmaker’s successor, Wrath of the Righteous, lands this week on PC. Playing on console? Fear not. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is scheduled to hit PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 1, 2022. Okay, so that’s a little ways away, but it’s nice to see that games that would once be PC-only fare are getting excellent translations to console, taking into consideration the sweeping changes needed to shift from mouse-and-keyboard to controller gameplay. Check out the launch trailer right here. Click here to watch embedded media Wrath of the Righteous as a CRPG gives you one major option, whereas many other genre titles are locked into one school of thought. Yes, you can choose to play as either real-time with pause or pure turn-based. This gives players the freedom to pick a playset that works for them, whether they want to chann