From the Firehose
Star Wars Day Brings Two New Video Game-Inspired Collectibles
Star Wars Day always brings several surprises. I suspected we'd get a tease for The Mandalorian's second season today, but instead got something even better: news that Taika Waititi is directing a new Star Wars film! We also learned a new Disney+ Star Wars series is on the way from Leslye Headland. We don't know anything about either project, but it's always nice to hear more Star Wars is in the works with big names attached.
We haven't heard any news pertaining to video games yet, other than two surprising product reveals for collectors. Remember Star Wars: The Force Unleashed? Hasbro has partnered exclusively with GameStop to release a new Black Series action figure of the Shadow Stormtrooper. Even though Starkiller made short work of these troopers, their neon blue highlights made them fan favorites. The figure is available for preorder now and is slated to release on July 1.
Hasbro and GameStop are also teaming up for an unexpected (and cool) Star Wars Battlefront item: a voice-changing helmet based on the game's Shadow Trooper design. No release date is given for this product, but preorders are now live.
You can see both new video game-inspired products in the gallery below, and can also take a look at how Hasbro is blowing out the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back through the Black Series here:
Disclaimer: GameStop is the parent company of Game Informer
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Deliver Us The Moon Review – Love And Loss In Space
Publisher: Wired Productions
Developer: KeokeN Interactive
Release:
(PC),
(PlayStation 4,
Xbox One),
(Switch)
Reviewed on: PlayStation 4
Also on:
Xbox One, Switch, PC
When we look to the moon, we see nothing but a glowing rock that lights up the night sky. But what if it were humanity’s last hope for survival? This is the basic premise in Deliver Us the Moon, a nicely penned story of isolation and loss that puts you in the role of an astronaut who travels to the moon to save the planet. While leaning heavily on walking simulator conventions like story progression coming from talking holograms and written documents, developer KeokeN Interactive doesn’t shy away putting you in exciting, do-or-die scenarios when things don’t go as planned.
Deliver Us the Moon’s writing is the driving force, but this sci-fi journey is also strong in its pacing and variety, which help build momentum, create tension, and make it seem like every second matters even though you mostly play at your own pace.
Click image thumbnails to view larger version
The game tells the grim tale of Earth running out of natural resources, forcing humanity to the stars to find other solutions. As luck would have it, we don’t have to travel far, as the moon is rich in a powerful isotope called Helium-3 that could solve the energy crisis. The nations of the world unite and develop a revolutionary way of transmitting Helium-3 to Earth. Just when it seems we have a new beginning, the moon falls silent and the transmission ends. We have just enough energy to send a one-man rocket to the moon to figure out what went wrong, and hopefully bring the Helium-3 feed online again.
Your first steps aren’t made on the moon, and instead unfold on Earth’s surface, which looks eerily alien given the yellow sky and dust-filled air. Your mission is to power up the rocket and launch. This is an awesome moment since you manually need to bring the rocket’s systems online from within the cockpit. You are tasked to quickly throw the switches in the right order, a moment KeokeN cleverly achieves by highlighting your next interaction in a pink hue – making you look like a well versed astronaut. You then get to experience the rocket launch from a first-person perspective, which beautifully illustrates the transition from Earth’s atmosphere to space.
When you reach the lunar establishment, which is in ruin and not occupied by any life, exploration unfolds from both third- and first-person angles, often determined by the type of actions you must complete. Third-person view is used primarily for on-foot sections, which can be as tame as exploring living quarters for clues or as thrilling as darting dangerously past spinning blades in low gravity. These moments are backed by well-designed controls and sometimes stunning set pieces, like a tall tower crumbling with you on it. There isn’t any combat, but if you don’t move quick enough in certain areas, you’re going to fail and have to retry.
The first-person camera is used sparingly, but is effective for intense, intimate moments, zero-gravity flight, and controlling a floating droid tied to some of the game’s best puzzles. I was a little annoyed that almost every door you need to access requires a puzzle or keycode, and some of your actions feel repetitive and lose their electricity after doing the same thing two or three times. For instance, taking a lunar rover onto the surface is enthralling the first time, but feels like a chore the next time out.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMost of your effort is spent exploring and following the narrative threads of the people that once occupied this station. You see many of them as featureless holograms and get to know a few of them somewhat intimately. What you learn is that the heart can sometimes cloud one’s perspective. You see just how big of a problem that can be, but also how touching it can be. At the end of the journey, I found myself thinking about what I would do if I were in these characters’ shoes in these moments.
Deliver Us the Moon is an excellently made game that succeeds in story and atmosphere. The lunar settlement is a fascinating place to explore, and even though it’s just filled with holographic ghosts, you get a sense of how it was once thriving and what exactly went wrong. The experience starts out strong and ends strong; some of the middle ground is a bit repetitive, but the narrative is engaging throughout and makes the journey worth taking.
Score: 8
Summary: You are humanity's last hope in this thrilling exploration of an abandoned moon base.
Concept: Learn what went wrong on the moon in this narrative-driven thriller
Graphics: Whether viewed from first or third person, the moon base tells its own story through its architecture. The holographic humans also convey emotion and are a big part of why the narrative works
Sound: Even though you are alone, audio logs are used frequently bring life to oxygen-free areas
Playability: Puzzle steps are sometimes repeated, but the journey has a nice flow, and the actions are all handled well
Entertainment: The narrative captures your attention in the opening seconds and keeps you engrossed until the credits roll
Replay: Moderate
Call of Duty League Supports The Real Heroes Project To Recognize Healthcare Workers
Professional sports leagues like MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL and more announced "The Real Heroes Project" today, and Call of Duty League is joining them to recognize the heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big names like Seth "Scump" Abner from COD League are sharing personal messages and thank yous on social media using the hashtag #TheRealHeroes - replacing the name on their jersey with the name of a personal healthcare hero. For Scump, it's Dr. Henry Ostman.
“I am really honored to be a part of the Real Heroes Project. It’s so important to shine a light on those on the front lines during a time like this, and to do so alongside the biggest names in sports, including my Chicago’s own Jonathan Toews, is truly special. Huge shoutout to Dr. Henry Ostman and all of our heroes owning the fight against Covid-19.”
Feel free to use the hashtag to give a shout out to anyone out there on the front lines of this devastating pandemic, especially healthcare workers.
Electrifying Emergent Stories From Online Worlds!
When a new online gaming experience hits the market, the development team braces for impact. They want people to play it, the servers to hold up, and players to consume the content the way they intended. On that last note, players like to experiment, and some of their ideas are so outlandish that the developers didn’t even consider them. In 1998, an Ultima Online player thought, “What if I attacked Lord British?” Moments like these are rare, occurring in just one match or instance of a world, but thanks to players recording their games, they have become historic events that we can see online. Here are some of the best emergent stories that players have experienced in some of today’s biggest games. Read more...
Taika Waititi Is Directing A New Star Wars Film
Taika Waititi is one of those rare talents capable of dazzling with his writing, directing, and acting. From his work behind the camera on Thor: Ragonarok and Jojo Rabbit to his portrayal of IG-11 in The Mandalorian (of which he directed the season one finale), he's building up quite the body of work. Disney today announced the Academy Award-winning Waititi has been tapped to direct and co-write a new Star Wars film for theatrical release.
The other writer is Krysty Wilson-Cairns who wrote 1917 along with a number of Penny Dreadful episodes. No date or story details were given for this film.
On top of the movie news, Disney revealed yet another Disney+ Star Wars series is in the works. This one is helmed by Leslye Headland (Russian Doll, Bachelorette) who will also write and executive produce the series. This untitled project joins the second season of The Mandalorian, as well as the untitled Cassian Andor and Obi-Wan series slated for Disney's streaming service. Like the film, no details have been announced for this series.
The Last Of Us Part II Goes Gold
Naughty Dog has overcome the recent COVID-19 delay to finally go gold in preparation for its June 19 release date.
Writer/director, and studio vice president, Neil Druckmann took to twitter to make the announcement, and also to assure fans that regardless of the recent leak, they aren't prepared for how good the game is in his estimation.
Our own @Neil_Druckmann has some exciting news about The Last of Us Part II...
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) May 4, 2020
(Beware of spoilers in the replies)https://t.co/mq0smECvXt
[Source: Naughty Dog]
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Ring (2005.200501-0000)
Hey Alpha ring users! Today’s Xbox Insider Release Notes highlight the latest fixes, known issues, and features coming to your console. Starting at 2 p.m. PT today, users will receive the latest 2005 Xbox One system update (build: RS_XBOX_RELEASE_2005\19041.2465.200501-0000). Keep reading for more details.
System Update Details:
- OS version released: RS_XBOX_RELEASE_2005\19041.2465.200501-0000
- Available: 2 p.m. PT – May 4, 2020
- Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – May 5, 2020
New Features for Alpha
Home – Content Blocks- We’re adding a new content block for “Events” which will display the top four most recent events rotating through the block. Information contained in the block will include:
- Description, schedule, screenshots, trailer, and ways to start participating.
- If you want to see all Events currently available, you can launch the Events application by clicking the Events button in the block.
- Note: For new users, the Events content block will be automatically added to the dashboard. If you don’t see the block, simply scroll to “Add more” at the bottom of Home, select Events, and press A to add it.
Fixes for Alpha
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this 2005 build:Groups
- Fixed an issue where pinned items would not load on the dashboard.
System
- Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console
Known Issues for Alpha
We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These issues aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. We appreciate your patience at this time!Audio
- Users who have Dolby Atmos enabled and console display settings set to 120hz with 36 bits per pixel (12-bit) are experiencing loss of Dolby Atmos audio in some situations.
- Workaround: Disable 120hz or set Video Fidelity to 30 bits per pixel (10-bit) or lower.
- Some users have reported that Dolby Atmos for Headphones audio setting changes when the console is rebooted/updated.
- Note: If you attempt to set the audio to Dolby Atmos for Headphones and see a message advising you to launch the Dolby Access App, please file feedback before launching the app.
Game DVR
- Some users have reported that their clips are not recording the full length requested. This is being reported for 4K clips and non-4K clips. We are aware and investigating.
Guide
- Some users are reporting that they are not seeing Gamerpics or Profile information in the Friends tab. We are aware of the issue and investigating.
- We’ve received reports that the Friends tab is not showing the correct status of online/offline friends.
- Some users may notice that the Guide has changed appearance and functionality, this is expected behavior as there are certain experiences being flighted among a random subset of users in Preview.
My Games & Apps
- Users have reported seeing black tiles instead of game artwork when browsing their collection.
- Note: We are still investigating the issue, please report the issue again from the console if you have done so with a prior update and are still seeing this behavior.
- Some titles in collection may appear with a “trial” tag incorrectly in collection.
Profile Color
- Sometimes users may encounter the incorrect Profile color when powering on the console.
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Ring (2005.200430-0000)
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring (2006.200430-0000)
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta, Delta and Omega Ring (2005.200428-0000)
Venture into the Deepest Black with the Elite Dangerous Fleet Carriers Beta
Elite Dangerous has always been so much more than a galaxy-exploring title. Sure, the game offers a digitized 1:1 model of our galaxy extrapolated from actual scientific data with more than 400 billion stay systems to explore to your heart’s content, but that only represents the starting point; the canvas Elite Dangerous lays down for you and where you are allowed to lead the life you wish to pursue within such a sprawling environment.
The core experience of Elite Dangerous is to grant players the freedom to become the kind of spacefaring adventurer they always dreamed to be, and millions of Commanders have since carved their names through the galaxy as merciless bounty hunters, entrepreneurial traders or sly smugglers. However, they all have something in common: the boundless urge to explore the many wonders and perils the galaxy has stored for them.
Now, Commanders from all around the world are returning to their ships and preparing for the next major Elite Dangerous milestone. The Fleet Carriers free update is upon us, and you can help fine-tune this major new feature before it launches in June 2020!
Running from May 11-26, the Elite Dangerous Fleet Carriers Xbox beta will introduce these majestic megaships. With a galaxy-spanning jump range of 500 light years and a 5 billion credits cost, Fleet Carriers represent magnificent endgame content for veteran players, empowering them with vessels able to reach the deepest, darkest corners of the galaxy.
But what about those Commanders who have not amassed such fortunes during their Elite Dangerous careers yet? Their contribution to the Elite Dangerous Fleet Carriers Xbox beta will be just as valuable! True to their name, Fleet Carriers hold 16 landing pads of varying sizes for other players to dock their own starships in. Just dock your ship in other player’s Fleet Carrier and prepare to Jump!
Including new content in a long running game, especially one as expansive and far-reaching as Elite Dangerous, is not an easy feat. Any new additions need to be balanced against all other existing features, not only to make sure that they do not break the game from a technical perspective, but also to guarantee that other less evident aspects of the title (like the ingame economy or resource management) remain fun and under control.
This is even more vital when you are fortunate enough to have a highly committed and enthusiast community of players as we do in Elite Dangerous. Their incredible passion and encyclopaedic knowledge of the game is invaluable when it comes to playtest new features, and our Development and Community teams are paying very close attention to all feedback we receive from them. If you decide to jump in the Beta, make sure to share your views in the official Elite Dangerous forums, as we will be keeping a close eye on them!
While it is essential to keep the game fresh and fun for veteran Commanders, all the new content must be inspiring to newer players too! Fleet Carriers will not only be something they might aspire to acquire in the future, but an exciting gameplay opportunity to get involved in new adventures from day one. The Elite Dangerous community is very welcoming to new players, and it would not be hard for them to be acquainted with a proud Fleet Carrier owner who would allow them into their vessel before the next jump!
We cannot wait to see veteran and aspiring Commanders working together to reach the furthest corners of the galaxy when the Elite Dangerous Fleet Carriers Xbox beta starts on May 11. Make sure to secure your place in galactic history and sign on for the Beta now! In the meantime, get your starship ready and join in the conversation with the Elite Dangerous community on Twitter and Facebook. o7, Commanders!
Elite Dangerous: Deluxe Edition
Frontier Developments
$59.99
The Deluxe Edition is the perfect way for new Commanders to experience everything Elite Dangerous has to offer. This bundle includes the base game Elite Dangerous, Elite Dangerous: Horizons, and 8400 (+420 Bonus) ARX, which can be spent on a collection of in-game customisation items for your ship and/or Commander.
May the 4th (and Fortnite) Be with You – Star Wars Themed Content Available for a Limited Time
This Week on Xbox: May 1, 2020
Woodle Tree 2: Deluxe+ is Available Now on Xbox One
EA Play Live Will Be A Digital Event Next Month
E3 was canceled this year, but EA just announced a digital EA Play Live event full of "world premieres, news and more," which will take place on June 11.
This would have been around the time that E3 would have happened, so hopefully this is a good way to kick off the summer and we'll get some exciting announcements. Fingers crossed for a Mass Effect collection!
EA Play Live goes digital in 2020!
— Electronic Arts #stayandplay (@EA) May 4, 2020
See you on June 11th at 4pm PST... World premieres, news and more! https://t.co/ShTNzjqJ3D pic.twitter.com/xqmYfGBWfs
Microsoft is also prepping a digital event for this Thursday, so be sure to come back in a few days to catch all that gaming news.
[Source: @EA]
Vader Immortal Coming To PSVR This Summer
Former Oculus exclusive Vader Immortal is coming to PlayStation VR this summer as a single experience encompassing all three episodes in a game entitled Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series.
Executive producer Mark Miller has also teased on the game's announcement at the Official PlayStation Blog that there will be more to share about the title on PSVR in the coming months, so stay tuned for further details.
For more on Vader Immortal, check out Reiner's review of the first episode.
[Source: Official PlayStation Blog]