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EA Madden 21 Update 1.24 February 2 Hits the Field

  by   Alex Co  
February 2, 2021 1:36 pm in News

EA Vancouver has released the EA Madden 21 update 1.24 February 2 patch or what the studio calls the February Title Update. This is out for both last-gen and next-gen consoles, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions getting specific fixes and changes.

EA Madden 21 Update 1.24 February 2 Patch Notes:

Madden NFL 21 (Xbox Series X|S & PS5)

Key Highlights:

  • In Competitive only, only players with the ‘Reach For It’ ability will trigger certain reaches
  • Extensive Coverage fixes for Cover 3, 4, and Man
  • Locomotion and Pursuit improvements
  • Made Blocking improvements to handle DBs
  • Fixed unintended penalties from DL

Gameplay Updates:

Pass Coverage:

  • Tuning to outside deep-zone defenders in Cover 3 to improve the timing of the drop to get to the appropriate coverage depth when aligned over an outside receiver running a short route (Drag, Smoke Screen, etc.). This adjustment will allow them to get deeper and play any deep routes coming from the slot.
  • Tuning to outside deep-zone defenders in Cover 3 to reduce the frequency of jumping inside to cover an out-route from the slot, allowing an outside receiver on a Streak/Fade to get behind them. The outside deep-zone defender will now keep his width and continue to leverage his zone-drop accordingly.
  • Fixed an issue causing receivers to sometimes run into the back of a slower defender playing a deep-zone assignment, leading to an avoidance animation disrupting the route.
  • Updated Cover 4 Quarters to use more Man Matching principles against Trip formations and improved transitioning from zone to man when matching certain vertical routes.
  • Fixed an issue causing deep-zone defenders in Cover 4 Quarters and Palms to let streaking receivers run by them on the outside. Now the defenders will backpedal and transition to turn and run with the correct timing.
  • Tuning to Cover 4 Drop to better cover deep post routes, by improving deep-zone anticipation of vertical routes moving to the middle of the field to reduce the likelihood of big plays over the top of all the deep zone defenders.
  • Added logic to make the reaction of linebackers in man-coverage more authentic when covering a running back in a block-and-release assignment. The LB’s will have the option to either trigger a pass rush and transition to a QB Spy assignment when they see the running-back block, and the timing they use to make the decision will be scaled by their play-recognition rating.
  • Fixed an issue sometimes causing cornerbacks to instantly rush the passer when playing man-coverage on RPO Screen plays.
  • Fixed an issue causing all the underneath zone defenders to break out of coverage and rush the Quarterback when he rolled out of the pocket, even if he was not close to the line of scrimmage.
  • Tuning to improve Jam/Press criteria so user-controlled defenders will be able to trigger the appropriate animations for all angles and situations.

Tackling and Blocking:

  • Fixed an issue allowing an exploit blitz with nickel corners in the contain assignment. New logic and movement has been implemented for pass blockers to better react to this exploit blitz which is most commonly run out of formations like Dime 1-4-6.
  • Fixed an issue sometimes causing defenders to get stuck in a breakdown fake-out when the ball carrier was being tackled within close proximity.
  • Fixed an issue causing unintended ‘Roughing the Passer’ penalties when pass rushers could obviously see the ball had been released.
  • Fixed a rare issue with a reach-sack animation that could get misaligned, and make it appear like the QB would be tackled by air.
  • Tuning to reduce the amount of broken tackles that were triggering from defenders being out of position, with the most significant tuning being done for the Competitive game style. This should result in far less broken tackles from over/under-pursuit defender alignments.

Locomotion:

  • Tuning to reduce steerability while in Truck animations.
  • Fixed a rare issue causing ball carriers to get stuck in the running assignment and run out of bounds.
  • Fixed an issue causing defenders to sometimes use the ‘Option Quarterback’ carry-style when switching ball hands after an INT.
  • Fixed an issue causing defenders to sometimes hitch in the transition from pre-play to during-play movement in pass coverage.
  • Fixed an issue causing Tight Ends to sometimes slide on the cut when running corner routes against certain coverages.
  • Tuning to improve ball-carrier ability to get through the line when running routes from the backfield.
  • Fixed a rare issue sometimes causing the ball carrier to freeze up after two spin moves were used in quick succession.

Passing:

  • Fixed an issue causing the running back’s receiver icon to disappear after the handoff when running Gun Doubles Y Off RPO Zone Y Peek.
  • Fixed a rare issue causing the QB to throw an odd push pass when running Singleback Wing Pair HB Dive Alert Smoke
  • Fixed an issue causing the QB’s arm to get caught up on the running back when attempting to pass during the handoff when running Gun Wing Slot Offset PA Jailbreak Screen.

Abilities:

  • Tuning to only allow players with the ‘Reach For it’ Ability equipped to be able to trigger successful pylon/first-down marker reach-tackles for Competitive game style.
  • Fixed a visual issue allowing the in-game indicators to remain visible during the entire play when using the ‘Blitz Radar’ and ‘Threat Detector’ abilities.

Environment:

  • Fixed various issues sometimes causing the coach or other sideline players to ghost through an opposing player during various sideline interactions with players running or falling out of bounds.
  • Fixed an issue preventing sideline ‘help-up’ animations from triggering in situations where they should.

General Gameplay Improvements:

  • Fixed an issue sometimes causing a new field to load with invisible players after switching Practice type from the Practice Pause menu.
  • Fixed an issue causing the punter to line up too close to the line of scrimmage when punting from inside the 5-yard line, allowing the punt to be blocked too frequently.

Madden NFL 21 (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Stadia)

Key Highlights:

  • In Competitive only, only players with the ‘Reach For It’ ability will trigger certain reaches
  • Fixed blitz’s with Nickel Corners in Contain
  • Fine-tuned deep-zone defenders in Cover 3
  • Tuned the distance-based receiver abilities vs. Man-Coverage
  • Addressed Man-Coverage issues with RPOs and Receiver motion
  • Fixed frequency of defenders doing QB Slide avoidance

Gameplay Updates:

  • Fixed an issue causing the tight end to stay in his 3-point stance after being motioned to the slot on running plays out of the Gun Doubles formation.
  • Fixed a visual issue allowing the in-game indicators to remain visible during the entire play when using the ‘Blitz Radar’ and ‘Threat Detector’ abilities.
  • Fixed an issue causing the QB’s arm to get caught on the pulling guard when throwing the ball early on I-Form Slot Flex Power Alert Smoke.
  • Tuning to the distance-based receiver abilities so the Receivers to increase the receiver’s win-chance on the cut vs. man-coverage defenders without a counter-ability, as long the cut is performed in the designated area of the field.
  • Fixed an issue sometimes causing cornerbacks to instantly rush the passer when playing man-coverage on RPO Screen plays.
  • Tuning to outside deep-zone defenders in Cover 3 to improve the timing of the drop to get to the appropriate coverage depth when aligned over an outside receiver running a short route (Drag, Smoke Screen, etc.). This adjustment will allow them to get deeper and play any deep routes coming from the slot.
  • Fixed an exploit allowing the offensive user to manipulate a man-coverage defender by using motion directly after a hot-route.
  • Fixed an issue causing defenders to trigger avoidance animations any time any ball carrier would dive.
  • Fixed an issue allowing an exploit blitz with nickel corners in the contain assignment. New logic and movement has been implemented for pass blockers to better react to this exploit blitz which is most commonly run out of formations like Dime 1-4-6.
  • Tuning to pass-blocking logic to improve ‘blocking handoffs’ for left tackles when facing two rushers in the outside gap.

If we get a new title update for the football sim, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.

Source: EA

Tags: Madden NFL EA Vancouver Madden Madden NFL 21
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

Home > News

Apex Legends Update 1.57 February 2 Deploys Season 8

  by   Alex Co  
1:10 pm in News

It’s finally here, legends! Those looking for new content in Apex Legends, Respawn has released the Apex Legends update 1.57 February 2 patch, which introduces the Season 8 content! Prepare for a new legend in Fuse, new map changes in King’s Canyon, a new weapon, Battle Pass and more!

Note that this is a meaty download as it clocks at 24GB on the PS4!

Related Reading: 

Apex Legends Update 1.57 February 2 Patch Notes (Season 8):

Fuse Character Overview:

Meet Fuse: a mercenary-turned-cage fighter who never turns down a good dust-up. His affinity for explosions allows him to carry extra grenades and to throw them faster and further. He can launch a cluster bomb with airburst explosives. And when it’s time to really bring the boom, Fuse uses “Wally” to launch a bombardment that encircles an area in a ring of flames.

Passive – Grenadier

Stack an extra grenade per inventory slot. Fire grenades farther, faster, and more accurately.

Tactical – Knuckle Cluster

Launch a cluster bomb that continuously expels airburst explosives on impact.

Ultimate – The Motherlode

Launch a bombardment that encircles a target area in a wall of flames.

NEW WEAPON: 30-30 REPEATER

This heavy ammo lever-action repeater boasts hard-hitting rounds that’ll nail a fleeing Mirage at 200 paces.

The 30-30 is the benchmark for reliability, designed to withstand whipping sandstorms and temporal instability, which made it an obvious choice for the Apex Games.

DISCIPLINED TRIGGER FINGER

The 30-30 Repeater requires the user to rechamber their rounds between shots which brings a methodic rhythm to the rifle, an analogue elegance that the modern weapons of the Outlands just can’t quite capture.

To further tempt those itchy trigger fingers, the 30-30 Repeater has a built-in charge giving players an opportunity to deal increased damage with each shot at the cost of a short build-up.

The 30-30 reloads one round at a time, which makes for some very interesting resource management you won’t find anywhere else, even on the Mastiff.

The 30-30’s engagement range allows unique opportunities to reload individual rounds between shots. This gives the Repeater the ability to lay down consistent precision ranged pressure, something weapons with full reloads can sometimes struggle with.

KINGS CANYON MAP UPDATE

Season 8 once again sees changes to Kings Canyon. The main new point of interest shows the devastation from the ship crashing into the map. Players can now explore beyond Artillery, Spotted Lakes takes over the Slums and some new observation towers for basic recon or a sniper’s nest. Read more on the map changes in the map blog here.

Season 8 introduces the Gold-tier magazines. Attaching it to a weapon automatically reloads your stowed weapons after a brief delay. The Gold magazine has the same capacity as Purple mags, and is available for Light, Heavy, Snipers, and Energy Weapons.

QUALITY OF LIFE UPDATES

Damage counter

  • We have now added a damage counter to the HUD. This was a highly requested feature, so we’re excited to allow people easier tracking for chasing those badges and challenges!

Pinging Ammo

  • Pinging weapons or ammo in your inventory displays your current ammo count along with “player wants ammo” in quick chat.

Color Blind update

  • Healing and reviving will now follow colorblind rules when colorblind settings are enabled

Lore Blurbs on Canon Skins

  • Some of our skins are canon, and some are just for fun. For the skins that represent an important part of that character’s backstory, we’ve added a small blurb to describe the significance of that skin in the Legend’s life.

LEGEND META

Wraith:

  • Hitbox adjustments.

Dev Note:

We know Wraith will always be a popular pick considering the amount of combat utility in her kit. After many tweaks to her abilities and animations, the fact remains that her win rate continues to be at the very top as it has since day one. With Season 7 hitbox adjustments to Pathfinder, we were able to control his power without nerfing his kit. We hope to do the same with Wraith.

Wraith now has a slightly larger hitbox than her fellow small legends, but the changes stay true to her model. As you can see in the before and after comparison, we’re adding some width mostly in the torso and leg areas:

Even with these changes, Wraith remains small and hard to hit. She will retain Low Profile as we monitor her usage and win rates to see if power can be given back in other ways in the future.

Rampart:

  • Sheila angle increase from 120° to 180°
  • Wall health in build phase increased from 1hp to 45hp (sniper rounds still pierce through)

Dev Note:

Rampart has remained at the bottom across our performance metrics since her release. Her kit is very much built around proactively setting up a powerful position, but in a game as fast-moving as Apex, we determined her walls should have some reactive power as well. We’re keeping a careful eye on this one.

Horizon:

  • Gravity Lift effective cooldown increased from 21s to 25s. The 15s cooldown timer will now start when the Gravity Lift disappears.

Dev Note:

Horizon released strong, to the point where she rivals Wraith in win rate and pick rate. For the time being, we are monitoring her usage and checking whether or not the cooldown changes have a significant effect.

Octane:

Launch Pad Remastered: Many players may have known about Octane’s “super-jump” that was possible with a well-timed jump while hitting the pad. Once the double-jump option was introduced, there was an input clash that led to unreliable usage. We decided to add some launch options that are better defined than the old super-jump.

  • Hitting the jump pad from a standing position will launch players along a high arc (the speed and trajectory of the old super-jump).
  • From a crouched position, players will launch along a low arc, meaning they’ll fly lower but farther in the horizontal direction.

Crypto:

  • Remove ability to stick arc stars to friendly drones.

Loba:

  • Loot inside unopened care packages is now visible with Eye for Quality and accessible through the Black Market Boutique.

Caustic:

  • All gas now dissipates as soon as Caustic’s team is eliminated.

Mirage:

  • Mirage decoys create footstep sounds.

Dev Note:

This change was mistakenly mentioned in the Fight Night patch notes when it was in fact coming with this patch. Mirage decoys will now have footstep audio in a limited capacity. There won’t be a footstep tornado if an enemy Mirage ults nearby, but it should be slightly harder to pick out the real Mirage from audio cues alone.

WEAPON META

Fully Kitted Rotation

  • Removed: Wingman, Sentinel, Havoc, G7, Alternator
  • Added: R-301, 30-30 Repeater, Mozambique, Longbow DMR, Spitfire

Attachments

  • We are removing the Gold Barrel from the loot pool

Hop Ups

  • The Double Tap hop up will be removed from the loot pool
  • The Anvil Rounds hop up will be added into the loot pool

Volt

  • Bullet damage decreased from 16 to 15

Alternator

  • Bullet damage increased from 15 to 16

Spitfire

  • Bullet damage increased from 18 to 19
  • Reload speed increased from 2.8 seconds to 3.2
  • Empty Reload speed increased from 3.33 seconds to 3.8

EVA 8

  • Fire rate increased from 2.0 to 2.1

BUG FIXES

Caustic

  • Sonar abilities no longer stop Caustic’s highlight vision.

Loba

  • Fixed a few exploitable areas on Kings Canyon that Loba was able to reach via her Bracelet.

Rampart

  • Jumpads in Octane’s town takeover no longer allow Rampart to place Sheila on them.
  • Fixed an issue with Rampart’s passive persisting even after changing characters in Firing Range

Havoc

  • Fixed an issue causing the Havoc to have 100% accuracy when hip-fired through Rampart’s Amped Cover.

Peacekeeper

  • Fixed a POV issue that occurred when using Horizon’s abilities, then immediately going into ADS with a Peacekeeper.

Clubs

  • Re-enabled ability to invite friends to club from friends list
  • Fixed an issue causing some users who have opted out of “Last Squad Invites” to not appear in club event timelines when placing in the top 5 of a match
  • Failing to connect to the club database no longer leads to a misleading “Kicked from club” message
  • Players will no longer be kicked from clubs when switching to another profile on Xbox.

MISC

  • Fixed an issue with crowds not cheering in Pathfinder’s Town takeover.
  • Fixed an issue preventing some heirlooms from appearing in the heirloom shop.
  • Fixed an issue that allowed Thermites to deal damage through certain walls on Olympus.
Once we get wind of the next event or patch for Apex Legends, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.

Source: EA

Tags: Apex legends Respawn Entertainment
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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New Destiny 2 Weekly Reset February 2, 2021

  by   Alex Co  
12:05 pm in News

Guardians looking for new stuff to do in Destiny 2 in order to reap new-ish rewards, the new Destiny 2 weekly reset February 2, 2021 post from MP1st is now live! Same as before, check out the new activities, modifiers, rewards and more that are available starting today!

New Destiny 2 Weekly Reset February 2, 2021:

Nightfall – The Ordeal: Exodus Crash

Modifiers:

  • Nightfall: The Ordeal: Adept
    • Hot Knife: Shanks now have Solar shields
  • Nightfall: The Ordeal: Hero
    • All previous modifiers
    • Champions: Overload: This mode contains Overload Champions, which cannot be stopped without an Overload mod.
    • Champions: Barrier: This mode contains Barrier Champions, which cannot be stopped without an Anti-Barrier mod.
    • Champions: Fallen: This mode contains both Barrier and Overload Champions, which cannot be stopped without an Anti-Barrier or Overload mod, respectively.
    • Hero Modifiers: Extra Shields
    • Thaviks’s Implant: Incoming Arc and environmental damage increased.
  • Nightfall: The Ordeal: Legend
    • All previous modifiers
    • Equipment Locked: You will not be able to change your equipment after this activity starts.
    • Match Game: Enemy shields are highly resistant to all unmatched elemental damage.
    • Legend Modifiers: Locked Loadout & Match Game & Extra Shields
  • Nightfall: The Ordeal: Master
    • All previous modifiers
    • Attrition: Regeneration is greatly impaired. Defeating enemies may create wells of Light.
    • Master Modifiers: Champions: Mob & Locked Loadout & Match Game & Extra Shields
    • Champions: Mob: This mode contains additional Champions.

Rewards:

  • Nightfall Exclusive Drop: Impact Velocity (Vehicle)
  • Powerful (Tier 1) reward: Get 3 points by completing runs. Higher difficulties grant more points.
  • Pinnacle reward: Get a score of 100k. Since modifiers are fixed, this requires a high difficulty run.

Weekly Crucible Rotator: Clash

“The Crucible is a strange thing when you think about it. We die over and over, that we may live in the end.” —Lord Shaxx

Fight for Valor by defeating opponents.

Vanguard Burn: Void Singe

The other modifieres rotate daily, check out the Daily Reset Thread for them!

Europa

  • Eclipsed Zone: Cadmus Ridge
  • Empire Hunt: The Technocrat: Defeat Eramis’s technology expert, Praksis, the Technocrat.
  • Exo Challenge: Simulation: Safeguard: Simulated Skill-Set Training: Test your defensive abilities amongst a Vex onslaught.

Legacy Activities

  • Moon:
    • Wandering Nightmare: Nightmare of Jaxx, Claw of Xivu Arath (Hellmouth)
    • Trove Guardian is in Hellmouth
    • Nightmare Hunt: Despair: Defeat the Nightmare of Crota, Son of Oryx.
    • Nightmare Hunt: Fear: Defeat the Nightmare of Phogoth.
    • Nightmare Hunt: Rage: Defeat the Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul.
  • Dreaming City: Strong Curse
    • Petra is at Rheasilvia.
    • Weekly Mission: Dark Monastery – Provide recon for Petra’s forces by investigating strange enemy activity in Rheasilvia.
    • Ascendant Challenge: Ouroborea, Aphelion’s Rest
    • Blind Well: Taken, Plague: Inomina

Eververse Bright Dust Offerings

Name Description Type Cost
Concentrated Mattergem An Upgrade Module ionizer created from refined Mattergems. Consumable 200 Bright Dust
Glimmershard A shard with the ability to generate Glimmer during combat. Consumable 250 Bright Dust
Scavenger’s Boon A transmutation device with the ability to create planetary materials. Consumable 250 Bright Dust
Heavenly Lance “That anger, the need for vengeance… it’ll consume you if you let it.” —Shaw Han Ship 2000 Bright Dust
Curtain Call Thank you, thank you! Oh, thank you! Emote 3250 Bright Dust
Splinter Projection Equip this item to change your Ghost’s projection. Ghost Projection 1500 Bright Dust
Carbon Blood Equip this shader to change the color of your gear. Shader 40 Bright Dust
Persevering Dance Never gonna say goodbye. Emote 700 Bright Dust
Halcyon Visage “It’s important we remember what was lost in the Collapse, painful as it is. It’s proof of the heights we can reach.” —Commander Zavala Vehicle 2500 Bright Dust
On Ashen Wings Equip this weapon ornament to change the appearance of Hawkmoon. Once you get an ornament, it’s unlocked for all characters on your account. Weapon Ornament 1250 Bright Dust
R3-Treads Equip this ornament to change the appearance of St0mp-EE5. Once you get an ornament, it’s unlocked for all characters on your account. Hunter Ornament 1500 Bright Dust
Keeping Score Another one bites the dust. Emote 700 Bright Dust
Impolite Company “I’ve been called a lot of things, but so help me, ‘polite’ will never be one of them.” —Cayde-6 Ship 500 Bright Dust
Propheteer Shell For Ghosts who consult with cosmic forces. Ghost Shell 2850 Bright Dust
SUROS Modular Shine Equip this shader to change the color of your gear. Shader 40 Bright Dust
Desert of Gold Apply this shader to change the color of your gear. Shader 40 Bright Dust
Mercurian Sunrise Apply this shader to change the color of your gear. Shader 40 Bright Dust
Temperature Wash Equip this shader to change the color of your gear. Shader 40 Bright Dust
Harpy’s Cry Modifications for your ship’s transmat systems, so you’ll always arrive in style. Transmat Effect 450 Bright Dust
Cabal Shield Breaker Modifications for your ship’s transmat systems, so you’ll always arrive in style. Transmat Effect 450 Bright Dust
Champion Entrance Modifications for your ship’s transmat systems, so you’ll always arrive in style. Transmat Effect 450 Bright Dust

Weekly Bounties

Shaw Han, Cosmodrome

Name Description Cost Requirement Reward
Public Disturbance Complete public events on the Cosmodrome. Heroic public events grant the most efficient progress. 1000 Glimmer 3 Public events XP & Glimmer
Full Spectrum Defeat combatants on the Cosmodrome with Arc, Void, and Solar damage. 1000 Glimmer 25 [Arc] Arc & 25 [Void] Void & 25 [Solar] Solar XP & Glimmer

The Crow, Spider’s Enforcer

Name Description Cost Requirement Reward
Fallen Boss Culling: Precision Defeat a Fallen boss with precision damage. 1000 Glimmer 4 Fallen boss defeated XP
Hive Boss Culling: Stasis Defeat a Hive boss with Stasis damage. 1000 Glimmer 4 Hive boss defeated XP

Notable Armor Rolls

Only notable rolls (stat total >= 58 or single stat >= 26) are listed here.

Class Name Vendor Type MOB RES REC DIS INT STR Total Cost
Titan Cinder Pinion Gauntlets Crucible Gauntlets 14 14 2 26 2 2 60 25 Legendary Shards & 1000 Glimmer
Hunter Cinder Pinion Cowl Crucible Helmet 2 2 28 2 22 6 62 25 Legendary Shards & 1000 Glimmer
Hunter Calamity Rig Vest Gambit Chest Armor 2 2 28 6 10 7 55 25 Legendary Shards & 1000 Glimmer
Warlock Calamity Rig Gloves Gambit Gauntlets 9 6 13 16 8 6 58 25 Legendary Shards & 1000 Glimmer
Warlock Wildwood Gloves EDZ Gauntlets 14 2 16 24 2 2 60 20 Legendary Shards & 10 Dusklight Shard

Thanks, Reddit!

Tags: Bungie Destiny Destiny 2
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Mass Effect Legendary Edition Release Date Set for May 14, New Trailer, Screens & More Revealed

  by   Alex Co  
11:32 am in News

Those who want to go back and fight off the Reapers once more, or if you haven’t done so yet (you’re in for a treat), you’ll be able to do so soon, as EA has announced that the Mass Effect Legendary Edition release date is set for May 14!

In addition to the release date announcement, a new trailer has been released showcasing our first look at gameplay!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7K7gMYLp2E&feature=emb_logo

Aside from updated graphics, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition will feature all the story DLC released for the trilogy, promo weapons, armors and more! Here’s te full list of content included (aside from the single-player base content of all three games):

DLC:

Bring Down the Sky
Genesis
Zaeed – The Price of Revenge
Kasumi – Stolen Memory
Lair of the Shadow Broker
Firewalker Pack
Overlord
Normandy Crash Site
Arrival
Genesis 2
From Ashes
Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut
Leviathan
Omega
Citadel
Equalizer Pack
Aegis Pack
Firepower Pack
Cerberus Weapons and Armor
Arc Projector
ME2 Alternate Appearance Pack 1
ME2 Alternate Appearance Pack 2
ME3 Alternate Appearance Pack 1
Firefight Pack
Groundside Resistance Pack
Recon Operations Pack
Collector’s Weapon and Armor
Terminus Weapon and Armor
M-21 Incisor
Blood Dragon Armor
Inferno Armor
Recon Hood
Sentry Interface
Umbra Visor
N7 Warfare Gear
AT-12 Raider
Chakram Launcher
M-55 Argus
M-90 Indra
Reckoner Knight Armor
N7 Collector’s Edition Pack

Players can expect the following improvements from the base trilogy:

New Shepard Customizations – With improved hair, makeup, eye color and skin tones you can create your Shepard in a unified character creator with all options available across the full trilogy, or choose to play as the iconic Femshep from Mass Efect 3 now available in all titles.

Gameplay Enhancements for the First Mass Effect Game – Enjoy improved aiming and weapons balance, sound effects, better Mako controls, input/controls, squad behavior, cover behavior, and gameplay cameras.

Visual Enhancements for the first Mass Effect Game – The game’s been given a full world-building pass including environmental art, VFX, level relighting.

Performance Mode Options – Supports ultra-high refresh rates on PC, and offers a choice between “Favorite Quality” for increased resolution or “Favor Framerate” to boost your FPS on consoles.

PC Updates – Enjoy a modernized PC experience across all three games with native controller and 21:9 widescreen support, user interface navigation improvements and DirectX 11 compatibility.

Sadly, the multiplayer portion of Mass Effect doesn’t seem to be getting a remaster/remake as well, though we’d love for one to be made.

Tags: Bioware Mass Effect Mass Effect Legendary Edition
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Alex Co

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Destiny 2 Next Season Is “Season of the Chosen” & Starts on Feb. 9, New Mode “Battlegrounds” Announced

  by   Alex Co  
10:42 am in News

Bungie has today announced the Destiny 2 next season and it’s called “Season of the Chosen,” and is out on February 9! Guardians will experience new Strikes, earn new gear and more! Head on below for the trailer and more details straight from Bungie!

Season of the Chosen will run from February 9 to May 11 on all platforms.

Destiny 2 Season of the Chosen Info:

With the Pyramids and Xivu Arath destabilizing the system, Empress Caiatl, leader of the Cabal and daughter of Calus, seeks an alliance. But when she demands more than Zavala can offer, negotiations collapse, and Guardians must become the tip of the spear that strikes at her growing war council.

Bungie has also announced that Destiny 2’s 13th Season will also see the introduction of a new mode called “Battlegrounds” which is a three-player matchmade activity where players will engage in ritual combat against Caiatl’s chosen warriors!

In addition to that, the Devil’s Lair and Fallen S.A.B.E.R Strikes from the original Destiny will also be returning! Later in the season, the new Proving Grounds strike will be available which will pit guardians against the Cabal’s best to determine the fate of the Last City!

Bungie has also mentioned that new gear is inbound for Season of the Chosen! Season Pass owners will instantly unlock the new Seasonal Praefectus Armor Set and Exotic bow, Ticuu’s Divination, which charges multiple Solar arrows that can track several targets at once! Overall, there will be over 25 Exotic, Legendary and ritual weapons that will be available for guardians to collect for the season!

Once we get more info regarding Destiny 2’s next season, we’ll let our readers know.

Tags: Bungie Destiny Destiny 2
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Red Dead Online Weekly Update February 2 Listed, Special Gifts Rolling Out for Players

  by   Alex Co  
10:12 am in News

Rockstar Games has not only rolled out the Red Dead Online weekly update February 2 activities refresh today, but the studio is also rolling out a “special bundle of gifts” that will be available for who plays Red Dead Online before its standalone version introductory price of $4.99 ends on February 15!

Check out what this freebie bundle is below, along with this week’s reset of activities and discounts.

Red Dead Online Weekly Update February 2:

  • A special bundle of gifts for all players that log in by February 15th: Rewards for a free Horse (under Rank 40), a free Stable Slot, 5,000 Club XP, 2 free Ability Cards, a free Coat, a free Hat (Rank 15 and under), a free Shirt (Rank 15 and under), and a free Fast Travel Voucher, plus High Velocity Ammo for all gun types, Horse Reviver, and an assortment of select Tonics and other consumables
  • Double XP in this week’s Featured Hardcore Series: Head for the Hills
  • Returning Limited-Time Clothing: The Morning Tailcoat, Charro Jacket, Benbow Jacket, Concho Pants, Manteca Hat, Cossack Hat, Woodland Gloves, Calhoun Boots, and the Ortega Vest
  • Login Bonuses for Traders: A Reward for 25 free Trader Goods, 50% more RDO$ on all Trader Sell Missions, plus completing two Sell Missions will add an Offer for 40% off an Established or Distinguished Trader Role Item
  • Special Discounts until February 15th: 50% off any Weapon, 40% off any Non-Role Pamphlet from a Fence, and 30% off anything from Wilderness Outfitters
  • Additional Discounts: 5 Gold Bars off the Butcher’s Table, 100% off the cost of moving Camp, 40% off Camp Themes, Camp Dogs, Camp Flags, Cripps’ Outfits, and the Hunting Wagon, Medium and Large Delivery Wagons, plus 30% off all Work Horses and Rifles
  • Ongoing Prime Gaming Benefits: Players who connect to Prime Gaming will receive Rewards for a free Bounty Hunter License, an Award for the Trimmed Amethyst Bounty Wagon Livery, Offers for half off the LeMat Revolver, a Poncho of choice, and a free Off-Hand Holster, plus 100 rounds each of High Velocity and Explosive Revolver Cartridges

The introductory offer to purchase the standalone version of Red Dead Online — currently available from the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Rockstar Games Launcher, Epic Games Store, and Steam — for just $4.99* only lasts until February 15th.

To celebrate the tremendous response we’ve seen since the launch of the standalone version of Red Dead Online, we’d like to extend a special bonus to everyone who has played Red Dead Online at any point between December 1st and February 15th, regardless of whether it is through the standalone version or via a full copy of Red Dead Redemption 2. Those players will receive a special bundle of gifts that includes Rewards, Offers and more:

  • Reward for a free Horse under Rank 40
  • Reward for a free Stable Slot
  • Reward for 5,000 Club XP
  • Rewards for 2 free Ability Cards
  • High Velocity Ammo for all gun types
  • Reward for a free Coat
  • Reward for a free Hat Rank 15 and under
  • Reward for a free Shirt Rank 15 and under
  • Reward for a free Fast Travel Voucher
  • Horse Reviver
  • Assortment of select Tonics and other consumables

In addition, all recent players from between December 1st and February 15th get a selection of special discounts, including:

  • 50% off any Weapon
  • 40% off any Non-Role Pamphlet from the Fence
  • 30% off anything from Wilderness Outfitters

Limited Time Catalogue Additions

The Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue sees the return of select clothing items, available for a limited time only. These pieces are sure to disappear from the shelves and racks, so make sure to stop by your local Tailor to try them on for size.

  • Morning Tailcoat
  • Charro Jacket
  • Benbow Jacket
  • Concho Pants
  • Manteca Hat
  • Cossack Hat
  • Woodland Gloves
  • Calhoun Boots
  • Ortega Vest

Discounts

Players looking to make a living off the land can take 5 Gold Bars off the cost of the Butcher’s Table and waive the cost of moving Camp, all week long. Wilderness Outfitters is also offering 40% off Camp Themes, Camp Dogs, Camp Flags, and Cripps’ Outfits.

Those endeavoring to legitimize their transporting operation can take 40% off the Hunting Wagon, Medium and Large Delivery Wagons, plus 30% off all Work Horses and all Rifles.

Stay tuned next week for the next Red Dead Online weekly update!

Tags: red dead online Rockstar Games
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

Home > News

Black Ops Cold War Update 1.11 Pre-Load Now Live on PS4

  by   Alex Co  
9:28 am in News

It looks like Treyarch is following Infinity Ward’s route when it comes to rolling out major game updates for Call of Duty titles. The Black Ops Cold War update 1.11 patch is live now, though only as a pre-load (you can’t really access the content itself yet) on the PS4 (not on PS5).

Black Ops Cold War Update 1.11 Patch Notes:

The official patch notes for the title update has not been revealed yet, though Treyarch has announced that it will include the following:

You can check out the Firebase Z trailer right here to know what’s coming for Zombies fans tomorrow.

YouTuber TheGamingRevolution confirmed this on Twitter as well today, and mentioned that the file is 9GB in total, which isn’t bad at all.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare fans should be familiar with how Infinity Ward released patches on the PS4, which is by having it available earlier than the official launch date. Usually, this is done in batches and doesn’t apply to everyone who has the game. That said, if you own Black Ops Cold War on PS4, manually check the file by hitting options on the Black Ops Cold War game tile, and “check for latest update/version.”

The official patch notes which should include any gameplay-related changes should be available tomorrow when the patch is officially live (and released on other platforms) at 11 p.m. PT (Feb. 3)/2 a.m. ET (Feb.4)/3 p.m. HKT (Feb. 4). If the studio releases it sooner, we’l lmake sure to let our readers know.

Chances are, we’ll be getting a boat load of datamined info, and once we know of any, we’ll make sure to let our readers know.

Tags: Call of Duty Treyarch Raven Software call of duty: black ops cold war
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Fall Guys Update 1.16 February 2 Ushers in Season 3.5 (Update)

  by   Alex Co  
7:39 am in News

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout players, Mediatonic has rolled out the Fall Guys update 1.16 February 2 patch which brings the Season 3.5 content and changes into the battle royale-party game! Head on below for the new stuff!

Fall Guys Update 1.16 February 2 Season 3.5 Patch Notes:

Mediatonic has sent out the official press release for Season 3.5!

Key Features
  • New Round – Snowball Survival.
  • 40+ Round remixes .
  • Fall Feed – Keep a keen eye on pals and competitors alike with live in-game updates on every elimination and point scored.
  • New Sugar Plum costume DLC pack.
  • New Shows – Wild ideas from the community and design team align in a slew of new Round playlists for you to tackle.
  • New Costumes – Plenty of delightful new looks will be hitting the store, plus the much-requested return of Godzilla, Untitled Goose Game and Sonic costumes.
  • Bug Fixes – Improvements ahoy. Smoother stumbles assured, with fixes to Ice Climb, Hex-A-Gone and plenty more quality of life changes.

Features:

  • Fall Feed – Live on-screen updates of events that happen during the Round

Content:

  • Brand new Round ‘Snowball Survival’ added
  • More than 40 variations added for existing Rounds
  • New Shows and costumes to go live over the coming weeks
  • Godzilla, Sonic and Goose Game costumes are back and now available in the regular store!

Bug Fixes:

  • Eliminated Fall Guys occasionally weren’t shown on the Qualification screen
  • When a player was spectating, the Post Processing effects were turned off on the client resulting in a washed out/faded appearance
  • Addressed performance degradation in certain rounds, especially ones containing egg objects
  • Fixed crashes in the Customiser due to low memory on certain machines
  • Being eliminated from the first round and then spectating resulted in no background audio for some remaining rounds
  • Improved Fall Guys ragdolling excessively when walking on puncher objects
  • [Ice Climb] The user does not get pushed back by the air current after colliding into the side of a moving fan
  • [Hex-A-Gone] During gameplay, the client seemed to temporarily ‘freeze’ everything before suddenly resuming

Here’s the official new stuff straight form the devs:

What will be in Season 3.5?

  • A brand new level
  • 40+ new variations for our existing levels
  • Fall Feed Eyes
  • New DLC pack!
  • Godzilla, Sonic, and Goose Game costumes available in regular store!
  • New shows and costumes to go live over the coming weeks

We have some new DLC with Season 3.5 that MAY be available to purchase slightly before the update rolls out…

The costumes won’t be available in game until the update hits though…

It’s basically the world record for the shortest pre-order

If there are any other gameplay-related changes or bug fixes not included in the notes above, feel free to share it below. Likewise, we’ll be on the lookout for any technical fixes and whatnot as well, and will updated the post if we find any.

In other Fall Guys-related news, it seems the game is headed to Xbox platforms soon (though not on GamePass).

Update: Listed the official patch notes and info from the press release.

Tags: Mediatonic Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
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Fortnite Update 3.02 Feb. 2 Released for v15.30; Fixes & Datamined Info Listed (Update)

  by   Alex Co  
4:17 am in News

For the millions playing Fortnite, Epic Games has released the Fortnite update 3.02 Feb. 2 patch or what the studio calls the Fortnite v15.30 update! This once again brings a host of fixes, content and more into the game.

Fortnite Update 3.02 Feb. 2 Patch Notes (v15.30):

Here’s what Epic Games has teased regarding Fortnite’s v15.30 update:

There’s also going to be a host of gameplay fixes which will be listed below once the official Fortnite Trello board has updated.

Here are the list of fixes included in this patch via Epic Games:

General:

Difficulty editing Banner with a controller.

Description
The Banner menu may be unresponsive to controller inputs, causing players to have difficulty editing their Banner with a controller or the Banner not updating properly.

Platforms
All

Workaround
In order to edit your Banner with a controller, take the following steps:

  • Edit your Icon Color first. Select the Color option and double press the Apply button (A on Xbox and Switch, X on PlayStation).
  • Select your desired Color and hit the Apply button again.
  • Close the menu (B on Xbox and Switch, Circle on PlayStation).
  • Repeat the same process to select your desired Icon.

Note: Edit the Icon Color first. If you try editing your Icon first, your Icon may change if you attempt to edit your Banner Color after.

Upcoming changes to the Boundless Set. (LIVE NOW)

Description

It was brought to our attention that Outfits in the Boundless Set included color combinations that could compromise the competitive integrity of matches. As a result, we’re planning to make minor cosmetic adjustments in our next update. We’ve made some adjustments to the materials, and you will no longer be able to have white/white or black/black color combinations when selecting your primary and secondary colors.

If you are no longer satisfied with your purchase, you can request a refund anytime within 30 days of your first login after the 15.30 update (no refund token required).

We’ve also made some tweaks to interior lighting in the game to compliment these changes. Thanks for the continued feedback.

Long loading screen after completing a session on PlayStation/Xbox.

Description
We’re investigating an issue that is causing players to experience a long loading screen after completing a session on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Platforms
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

The Child Back Bling blocking vision when players aim down sights.

Description
The Child Back Bling may block players’ vision when they aim down sights.

Platforms
All

Jumpshot Outfit missing its facial hair.

Description
The Jumpshot Outfit is missing its facial hair.

Platforms
All

Sound effect audio delay.

Description
The sound effect of certain actions, such as opening a Chest or hitting a Weak Point, may be delayed.

Even though this affects Nintendo Switch, please note this is a similar but separate issue to the audio delay/drop out issue that affected Nintendo Switch specifically.

Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Battle Royale:

Receiving damage mid-air when falling inside a car.

Description
Players may receive damage mid-air when falling inside a car.

Platforms
All

OG Bear vehicle temporarily booted.

Description
Due to an issue, the OG Bear vehicle has been temporarily booted.

Zero Point healing effect temporarily disabled.

Description

Due to an issue, we’ve temporarily disabled the healing effect of the Zero Point. The Zero Point’s healing will return in the v15.30 update.

Game freezing when going to the Compete tab on PlayStation/Xbox.

Update
Though previously marked as “Fixed in Live,” we’re aware that this issue is still occurring for some players. We are working on a fix.

Description
The game may sometimes freeze or appear stuck when players go to the Compete tab on PlayStation or Xbox.

Platforms
PlayStation, Xbox

Creative:
Prop holograms become invisible in certain situations for Xbox Creators.

Description
We’re investigating an issue in Creative that is causing Prop holograms to become invisible in certain situations for Xbox Creators.

Platforms
Xbox

Workaround
Creators can add an additional floor on their maps and place the props at a higher level.

“Devices” and “Prefabs” tabs are swapped when viewing the Creative Inventory.

Description
When viewing the Creative Inventory, players will notice the “Devices” and “Prefabs” tabs have been swapped.

Save the World:

Broken Pickaxe animations.

Update
This issue is also affecting the recent Snake Eyes Katana and Yautja Wristblades. We’ll continue fixing these incorrect animations as they appear.

Description
There are a handful of uniquely animated Pickaxes that are not playing the correct animation when used in Save the World.

Platforms
PlayStation, Xbox, PC

Eliminating Takers not counting towards the “Eliminate: They Came from the Mist” Ventures quest.

Description
Eliminating Takers doesn’t count towards the “Eliminate: They Came from the Mist” Ventures quest in the Mild Meadows Venture Zone.

Mobile:
Motion Axis setting stuck on “Roll” on Nintendo Switch.

Description
The Motion Axis setting is stuck on “Roll” on Nintendo Switch, preventing players from switching to “Yaw.”

Platforms
Nintendo Switch

RT/LT Triggers on Xbox Elite controller on Android.

Description
RT/LT Triggers on Xbox Elite controller may not function correctly on Android.

Platforms
Android

Fortnite v15.30 Datamined Content and Info:

Same as before, we’re here to give Fortnite fans what they’re really looking forward to for every update, and that’s the datamined info which gives players a glimpse into upcoming events, items and more.

https://twitter.com/ximton/status/1356537278932344832

We’ll be updating the post as more datamined info becomes available throughout the day, so stay tuned and keep refreshing the post. Once we’re done, we’ll post an “Update” in the headline to let people know we’ve listed everything that got leaked.

Update: We’ve updated the post with the official list of fixes and what seems to be all the datamined content for patch v15.30!

Tags: Epic Games Fortnite
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Alex Co

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The Division 2 Update 1.30 Feb. 2 Brings Title Update 12.1

  by   Alex Co  
4:06 am in News

It’s finally here, agents! Ubisoft has released The Division 2 Title Update (TU12.1)! The Division 2 update 1.30 Feb. 2 patch not only brings Title Update 12.1 changes, but it also brings the Resident Evil apparel crossover event and a few next-gen improvements!

Head on below for the full patch notes and file sizes for each platform.

  • PS4 – 4.3GB
  • XB1 – 5.2GB
  • PC – 5.1GB

The Division 2 Update 1.30 Feb.2 Patch Notes (Title Update 12):

New Apparel Event: Resident Evil

Racoon City has sent their best and brightest to answer the call in D.C. and New York City. This unique crossover apparel event launches alongside the newly revamped Reanimated Global Event. In addition to the wonderful outfits available through apparel keys, agents also get the opportunity to collect 7 new back trophies and 4 new patches celebrating Resident Evil!

To get the patches and trophies, the level 40 BOO daily projects have been replaced with S.T.A.R.S. Support and S.T.A.R.S. Assault projects. One of these projects will be available each day, and each will reward 2 new patches or trophies each day they are completed until the full set has been collected.

4K 60 FPS Support for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5

Optimization Station Changes

  • Reduced all optimization costs by 75%.
  • Reduced all optimization material crafting recipes by 50%.
  • With this update agents should be able to afford to optimize their weapons and gear about once an hour. Though it may take up to two hours to gather all the resources necessary to optimize the final tier of many items.

Reanimated Global Event Changes

  • The green cloud produced by killing enemies with a headshot no longer harms agents. This cloud now heals agents and provides a significant boost to their firepower while standing within it. The green cloud continues to significantly harm enemies.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed issue where gear sets would not correctly display which talents were required to be active for their chest and backpack talents to activate.
  • Fixed issue where Rigger would sometime refresh Tend and Befriend incorrectly.
  • Fixed issue where Memento Kill Confirmed drops could come from friendly skills.
  • Fixed an issue where Memento buffs could last beyond death. Which was both grim and ironic.
  • Fixed issue where directives in the LZ could multiply experience earned in the DZ.
  • Fixed and issue where Legendary Black Tusk would not count as “Black Tusk” for objectives in Leagues and Summit Challenges.
  • Removed objectives for the Skill Demotions Summit Challenge which referred to the Firestarter Chem Launcher and the Shrapnel Trap. The objectives were misbehaving and have been put in timeout.
  • Fixed issue where Vanguard and Perfect Vanguard granted their invulnerability to allies.
  • Fixed issue where Summit Combat Merit Commendation would display unusually in the Commendations menu.
  • Fixed issue where Merciless and Ruthless exotics would trigger a cosmetic explosion on the seventh stack in addition to really exploding on the first shot after.
  • Fixed issue where Decoy Skill would not refresh correctly if it was deployed when getting a headshot kill with the Mantis exotic.
  • Fixed issue where other players on the League leaderboards would show your own SHD level and point distribution.
  • Fixed misaligned elbow pads when using specific apparel items.
  • Fixed issue where The Summit matchmaking tab is not grayed out for groups containing level 30 agents.
  • Fixed issue where the audio queue doesn’t trigger when killing the last enemy on floor 100 in The Summit.
  • Fixed the Symptom Aggravator” talent description.

Same as always, once the patch is out tomorrow, we’ll be sure to let our readers know ASAP.

Source: Ubisoft forums

Tags: The Division the division 2
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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The Division 2 X Resident Evil Crossover Event Schedule and Info Overview

  by   Alex Co  
4:00 am in News

In case you didn’t know, The Division 2 is getting its big Title Update 12 patch today. In tow along with it is the big The Division 2 X Resident Evil crossover apparel event! If you’re curious what you can earn and what timeline you have, head on below.

The Division 2 X Resident Evil Crossover Event Info Overview:

PHASES

Here is a detailed breakdown and availability timeline for the event:

  • Event Live — February 2nd to February 15th. During this period, event keys can be regularly earned or purchased from the sources listed above.
  • Event Closing — February 16th to February 22nd. If you have any leftover keys, be sure to make use of them during this period.

The Resident Evil event will be available for two weeks to all Warlords of New York owners who have completed the New York campaign. Rewards and progress are automatically enabled at the start of the event.

Keys for Event Caches can be earned by gaining SHD levels in game or by Premium Credit purchase. You can also gift Apparel keys to fellow Agents in your clan or on your friends list!

There will be a total of 21 new apparel items from the original Resident Evil trilogy that players can earn during the event.

Those who log in throughout the The Division 2 Resident Evil event will get Leon Kennedy’s RPD three-piece Outfit to start their collection.

REWARDS

The Resident Evil Apparel Event contains four new cosmetic outfits waiting to be added to your collection:

  • Chris Redfield S.T.A.R.S. Outfit

  • Umbrella Corporation Operative

  • Rebecca Chambers S.T.A.R.S. Outfit

  • Jill Valentine S.T.A.R.S. Outfit

Other Apparel items include; 2 shirts, 7 backpack trophies, 4 arm patches and 5 weapon-skins.

The Nemesis mask will be available as an event completion reward.

DAILY PROJECTS

The Resident Evil event will feature daily projects rewarding you with backpack trophies and arm patches upon completion. Each daily project will grant you a backpack trophy and an arm patch at random from the following:

Backpack Trophies

  • T-Virus
  • Jill Sandwich
  • Zombie Hand
  • RPD Badge
  • Ink Ribbon
  • Doberman
  • Licker

Arm Patches

  • S.T.A.R.S.
  • Umbrella Corporation
  • RPD
  • Resident Evil 25th Anniversary

HOW ARE KEYS EARNED?

Resident Evil Event Keys for the Apparel Caches can be earned from the following sources:

  • SHD Levelling: one key every four SHD Levels
  • Direct purchase with Premium Credits

Remember, Event Caches do not contain duplicates and any items you’re missing can be viewed in the Apparel menu in-game.

GIFTING

We would also like to remind you of the gifting feature, where you have the option to purchase Apparel Event keys with Premium Credits and directly send them to your friends or clan members!

To gift keys, head to the Apparel Cache menu and choose “gift”. If you have received gifted keys, you will have a pop-up notification waiting for you in the Apparel Cache menu.

Note that Event keys can only be gifted while the Event is active. In addition, you can only gift the maximum number of keys needed to complete the Apparel Event.

Who knows? This might pave the way for more crossovers that won’t just be cosmetics! I know I wouldn’t say no to a Resident Evil-infused area of The Division 2!

Source: Ubisoft

Tags: the division 2 The Division Resident Evil
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Final Fantasy XIV Update 8.80 Feb. 2 Is for Season 18 & FFXIV Patch 5.45

  by   Alex Co  
3:29 am in News

Square Enix is ushering in Season 18 of Final Fantasy XIV with patch 5.45! The Final Fantasy XIV update 8.80 Feb. 2 patch can be downloaded now, and it brings “The Feast” Season 18 FFXIV patch 5.45 content.

Final Fantasy XIV Update 8.80 Feb. 2 Patch Notes (FFXIV Patch 5.45):

Patch 5.45 contains content that can only be accessed by registering the expansion packs for FINAL FANTASY XIV to your service account. To distinguish between adjustments that are and are not affected by the registration of these expansions, the following notations will be used throughout the patch notes:

These additions and adjustments only require the purchase of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn and FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward.
These additions and adjustments require the purchase and registration of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood.
These additions and adjustments require the purchase and registration of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers.
These additions and adjustments contain elements that may require the purchase and registration of the expansion packs noted above.

Quests

New job quests have been added.

Blue Mage

Second-rate Entertainment

Blue Mage level 60
Ul’dah – Steps of Thal (X:12.5 Y:13.0)
Martyn
Player must first complete the main scenario quest “Emissary of the Dawn,” and the job quest “Blue Cheese.”

???

Blue Mage level 63
Ul’dah – Steps of Thal (X:12.5 Y:13.0)
P’yandih
Player must first complete the job quest “Second-rate Entertainment,” and have learned the blue mage spell “???”

???

Blue Mage level 65
Kugane (X:13.8 Y:9.5)
Martyn
Players must first complete the job quest “???,” and have learned the blue mage spell “???”

???

Blue Mage level 68
Kugane (X:13.8 Y:9.5)
Martyn
Players must first complete the job quest “???,” and have learned the blue mage spell “???”

???

Blue Mage level 70
Kugane (X:13.8 Y:9.5)
Martyn
Players must first complete the job quest “???,” and have learned the blue mage spell “???”

???

Blue Mage level 70
Ul’dah – Steps of Thal (X:12.5 Y:13.0)
Martyn
Players must first complete the job quest “???,” and have completed the Masked Carnivale stage “???”

New side story quests have been added.

Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr

A Sign of What’s to Come

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.4 Y:5.7)
Marsak
Players must first complete the quest “The Lady of Blades.”

Fit for a Queen

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.5 Y:5.8)
Bajsaljen
Players must first complete the quest “A Sign of What’s to Come.”

One Man’s Relic

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.2 Y:5.4)
Annes
Players must first complete the quest “Fit for a Queen,” and have amassed at least 78,000 mettle.

* The quest “One Man’s Relic” is a repeatable quest that may only be accepted once per week. Availability of this quest is reset every Tuesday at 12:00 a.m. (PST). Please note that 78,000 mettle is still required even when repeating this quest.

Let Me Holster That for You

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.1 Y:6.7)
Kriv
Players must first complete the quest “Fit for a Queen.”

* Upon completing the quest “Let Me Holster That For You,” the maximum capacity of the lost finds holster will be increased by 10.

Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr (Resistance Weapons)

In the Queen’s Image

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.2 Y:5.0)
Gerolt
Players must first complete the quests “The Will to Resist” and “Fit for a Queen.”

???

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.1 Y:4.9)
Zlatan
Players must first complete the quest “In the Queen’s Image.”

???

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.2 Y:5.0)
Gerolt
Players must first complete the quest “???”

???

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.1 Y:4.9)
Zlatan
Players must first complete the quest “???”

Skysteel Tools

Oddness in the End

Disciple of the Hand or Land level 80
Foundation (X:7.9 Y:10.6)
Neillemard
Players must first complete the quest “The Tools of Tomorrow.”

???

Disciple of the Hand or Land level 80
The Firmament (X:9.7 Y:14.6)
Emeny
Players must first complete the quest “Oddness in the End.”

???

Disciple of the Hand or Land level 80
The Firmament (X:9.7 Y:14.6)
Joellie
Players must first complete the quest “???”

New chapters have been added to New Game+.

The final quest of each chapter must be completed before it can be unlocked.

DPS Quests

  • Blue Mage – Part 3

Housing

Furnishings from the FFXIV Furnishing Design Contest have been added.

Learn more about the FFXIV Furnishing Design Contest 2019.

Additional contest entries have been selected to serve as new furnishings.

New furnishings have been added.

New orchestrion rolls have been added.

The Manderville Gold Saucer

The following additions have been made to Triple Triad:

New cards have been added.
New NPC opponents for Triple Triad have been added.

Miscellaneous

New emotes have been added.

A new hairstyle based on an FFXIV Hairstyle Design Contest entry is now available.

Learn more about the Hairstyle Design Contest.

The level cap for blue mage has been increased to 70.

* Blue mage cannot participate in certain duties such as the Forbidden Land, Eureka and ultimate raids.

New blue magic spells have been added.

New stages have been added to the Masked Carnivale.

These stages will become available as you complete certain blue mage job quests.

New entries have been added to the blue mage log.

These new entries will appear in the log after completing certain blue mage job quests.

The large-scale duty Delubrum Reginae has been added.

Delubrum Reginae is a 24-player duty wherein players must brave the depths of ancient Bozjan ruins, making effective use of lost actions to avoid its myriad perils and pitfalls.

Level Requirement Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Item Level Requirement –
Party Size 24 players
Time Limit 180 minutes

Requirements

Fit for a Queen

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.5 Y:5.8)
Bajsaljen
Players must first complete the quest “A Sign of What’s to Come.”

Entering Delubrum Reginae

Players can enter Delubrum Reginae by speaking with Mikoto at the Lost Trace or Sjeros in Gangos (X:5.5 Y:5.4). Once registered, players will be matched together regardless of their job’s role. To enter as a party or alliance, the party or alliance leader must be the one to speak with the aforementioned NPCs.
* Players are free to change areas after registering.
* When registering as an alliance, please note that alliances will be temporarily disbanded upon entering.

Duty-specific Rules and Features

The following duty-specific rules and features will be applied upon entering Delubrum Reginae:

Level Sync

All equipment will be adjusted to item level 430. Furthermore, materia bonuses will be ignored, regardless of the item level of gear affixed with materia.

Party Composition

Unlike other instanced duties, players may freely disband and reform parties while inside Delubrum Reginae.
* Please note that if you enter Delubrum Reginae as a member of a party, even if you leave it while within the duty, you will be returned to that party upon exiting the instance.

Countdowns, Field Markers, and Signs

Unlike other instanced duties, the use of countdowns, field markers, and signs is shared among all players in the instance.

Lost Actions

Any lost actions obtained on the Bozjan southern front, or previously set as duty actions, will carry over into this duty. A lost finds cache and Resistance appraiser are also available at the start of the instance.

While players cannot change jobs after entering this duty, lost actions may be used to help compensate for roles that may be absent from your party.

Traps

Players may encounter traps while fighting their way through Delubrum Reginae. Traps are invisible and, when triggered, can deal large amounts of damage or afflict players with any number of debilitating effects. That said, there are certain lost actions that will allow one to detect traps before they are activated.

Penalties

Players who are incapacitated during this duty will lose mettle. An additional penalty to mettle will be incurred when returning to the start of the instance or abandoning the duty without being raised.
* Resistance rank cannot go down from losing mettle.

Gear Effects

The additional effects of Bozjan gear will also be applied in Delubrum Reginae.

Rewards

Treasure coffers that appear in this instance yield separate rewards for each player. Be certain to open any you find as you fight your way through the ruins.

The large-scale duty Delubrum Reginae (Savage) has been added.

A pre-formed alliance of 48 players is required to enter Delubrum Reginae (Savage).

Level Requirement Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Item Level Requirement –
Party Size 48 players
Time Limit 180 minutes

Requirements

After meeting the following requirements, players must speak with the troubled gentleman in Gangos (X:6.6 Y:5.0) to unlock this duty.

  • Completion of the quest “Fit for a Queen”
  • Resistance rank of 15 or higher
  • Amassed at least 700,000 mettle

Entering Delubrum Reginae (Savage)

After forming a 48-player alliance, the alliance leader must speak with the troubled gentleman in Gangos (X:6.6 Y:5.0) to commence the duty.

Duty-specific Rules

The following duty-specific feature will be applied upon entering Delubrum Reginae (Savage):

Resurrection Restrictions

While inside Delubrum Reginae (Savage), players will be subjected to a status effect that prevents resurrection by certain means. Raise effects granted via limit breaks and certain lost actions are exempt from this restriction.

After being incapacitated, if you are not revived within a certain period of time, you will be forcibly removed from the duty. Moreover, the option to return to the start of the instance when incapacitated has been replaced with an option to abandon the duty.

The following duty-specific rules and features are the same as those found in Delubrum Reginae:

  • Level Sync
  • Party Composition
  • Countdowns, Field Markers, and Signs
  • Lost Actions
  • Traps
  • Penalties
  • Gear Effects
  • Rewards

Thirteen new forgotten fragments and lost actions have been added.

Among these new lost actions are powerful abilities that can only be used in Delubrum Reginae.

The following adjustments have been made to lost actions:

Action Adjustment
Resistance Potion Kit Size has been reduced from 4 to 3.
Resistance Ether Kit Size has been reduced from 5 to 3.
Resistance Medikit Size has been reduced from 4 to 3.

New field notes have been added.

The following additions and adjustments have been made to the Bozjan southern front:

New rewards have been added for skirmishes, and the drop rate for certain rewards has been adjusted.
New rewards have been added for critical engagements, and the drop rate for certain rewards has been adjusted.
New rewards have been added for the Battle of Castrum Lacus Litore.
New items are available in exchange for Bozjan clusters.

A new Resistance weapon story quest has been added.

Players will be able to enhance the strength of their Resistance weapons by completing this quest.

Requirements

In the Queen’s Image

Disciple of War or Magic level 80
Gangos (X:6.2 Y:5.0)
Gerolt
Players must first complete the quests “The Will to Resist” and “Fit for a Queen.”

Enhancing Resistance Weapons

Resistance weapons can be enhanced further by completing this quest. The required items can be found both in and outside of the Bozjan southern front.

Class/Job-specific Quests

Resistance weapon quests employ a system which will require players to proceed using the same class or job with which they accepted the quest.

The strength of the Echo granted in Eden’s Verse (Savage) has been increased.

The Echo will take effect upon entering Eden’s Verse (Savage) raids, increasing players’ maximum HP, damage dealt, and healing potency by 15%.
* Unlike other instances, the strength of the Echo will not increase in the event all party members are incapacitated.

The Feast

Season Eighteen of the Feast will begin.

When the season ends, the top ranking players from each data center will receive vouchers via the moogle delivery service.

Players finishing in bronze tier or higher can claim rewards by speaking with the Feast Quartermaster at the Wolves’ Den Pier (X:4.9 Y:5.7).

Learn more about rewards.
* The Season Eighteen ranking will be updated daily, beginning from the day after the start of the season. In the event of an error, the rankings will not be updated on that day.

New items have been added.

Items added in Patch 5.45 will be listed at a later date.

New recipes have been added.

Recipes added in Patch 5.45 will be listed at a later date.

A new Skysteel tool quest has been added.

Players will be able to enhance the strength of their Skysteel tools by completing this quest.

Requirements

Oddness in the End

Disciple of the Hand or Land level 80
Foundation (X:7.9 Y:10.6)
Neillemard
Players must first complete the quest “The Tools of Tomorrow.”

Enhancing Skysteel Tools

Each Skysteel tool requires a certain number of items to be delivered to Emeny in the Firmament (x:9.7 Y:14.6) before it can be enhanced. Please note that the items required will vary depending on the tool.

Disciples of the Hand

After completing the quest “Oddness in the End,” new recipes will be added to the Crafting Log which can be used to enhance your Skysteel tools.
* Skysteel tools must be equipped when crafting with these new recipes.

Disciples of the Land

After completing the quest “Oddness in the End,” materials required to upgrade your Skysteel tools can be gathered from specified gathering points.
* Skysteel tools must be equipped when gathering these items.

Fisher

After completing the quest “Oddness in the End,” players will be able to use Signature Skyballs to catch fish required to upgrade your Skysteel tool from specified fishing locations.
* Skysteel tools must be equipped when catching the required fish.
* Signature Skyballs can be purchased from Denys in the Brume (X:8.0 Y:10.0).

New miner and botanist gathering points have been added.

New items have been added to gathering points.

New fish have been added.

New mounts have been added.

New chocobo barding has been added.

New minions have been added.

New fashion accessories have been added.

New achievements and titles have been added.

The Party Finder can now be used to recruit a 48-player alliance for the duty Delubrum Reginae (Savage).

The Party Members tab of the Social window has been adjusted to accommodate 48-player alliances.

The ready check window has been adjusted to accommodate 48-player alliances.

The following text command has been added:

Command Description
/malevolence USAGE:
/malevolence [subcommand]→Place a curse on someone.

>>Subcommands:
motion
Perform motion only.

Both text and motion will be displayed when no subcommand is specified.

New music and sound effects have been added.

  • The following issues have been addressed.
    • An issue wherein certain graphics did not appear correctly during cutscenes in the quest “Not by Bread Alone.”
    • An issue in Eureka wherein ending conversation with the expedition skywatcher in an irregular manner then speaking with other NPCs caused dialog from the expedition skywatcher to erroneously display.
    • An issue wherein the blue mage action Sticky Tongue did not increase enmity when used on targets immune to knockback effects.
    • An issue wherein the card holder on the astrologian’s arms Star of the Demon did not display.
    • An issue wherein the graphics of certain fish did not display correctly in aquariums.
    • An issue after completion of the Ishgardian restoration wherein the skybuilders’ monument appeared as it did before completion of the Ishgardian restoration under certain circumstances.
    • An issue wherein the NPC Anna in the Firmament (X:14.2 Y:12.6) did not have a title.
    • An issue wherein the botanist and miner trait Impulsive Appraisal Mastery, which was intended to be removed in Patch 5.4, still appeared in the Actions & Traits window.
    • An issue wherein the graphics of housing exterior Riviera Cottage Wall (Stone) did not display correctly.
    • An issue wherein the graphics of certain furnishings introduced in Patch 5.4 did not display correctly.
    • Other minor text issues have also been addressed.

Other various issues have also been addressed.

  • An issue in Delubrum Reginae wherein certain enemy attacks use the wrong battle animations, or do not display correctly in the battle log.
  • An issue in Delubrum Reginae wherein pets do not attack certain enemies.
  • An issue in Delubrum Reginae wherein certain graphics do not display correctly.
  • An issue in Delubrum Reginae wherein players who are disconnected from the server, even when out of combat, may be incapacitated when logging back into the game.
  • An issue wherein the graphical effects of certain crafter primary tools introduced in Patch 5.45 erroneously display when reparing items.
  • An issue wherein the coordinates indicating where to obtain triple triad cards introduced in Patch 5.45 are incorrect.
  • An issue when using the party finder wherein party members may erroneously appear offline when recruiting for a 24-player alliance.

Whew! That’s a lot of stuff to pore over! Once the next title update for FFIXV is out, we’ll let our readers know.

Source: Final Fantasy XIV

Tags: Final Fantasy XIV Final Fantasy
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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Rocket League Update 1.92 Brings New Items and Features

  by   Alex Co  
February 1, 2021 7:00 pm in News

As expected given last week’s announcement, Psyonix has releeased the Rocket League update 1.92, and this brings new content in the game  with new eSports Fennec Decals, new effects and more!

Rocket League Update 1.92 Patch Notes:

THE HEADLINES

  • New Fennec Decals have been added to the Esports Shop
  • An ‘Effect Intensity’ drop-down has been added to Video Settings
  • The NFL Super Bowl LV Celebration starts February 2

NEW CONTENT

NFL

  • The NFL Super Bowl LV Celebration starts February 2 at 8 a.m. PST / 4 p.m. UTC. The event includes:
    • The new Gridiron LTM will be available as a Casual Playlist
    • New Challenges will be available this week. Completing Challenges will unlock new NFL-themed items and XP bonuses
    • The NFL Fan Pack will return to the Item Shop February 2 through February 8

Esports Shop

  • A new Fennec Decal is now available to purchase for all 18 teams in the Esports Shop

CHANGES AND UPDATES

Effect Intensity

  • Based on community feedback, an ‘Effect Intensity’ drop-down has been added to Settings > Video
  • Default: All Arena effects operate normally
  • Low:
    • Flashing lights and pulsing effects are disabled
    • Moving effects, lights, and background visuals are reduced or disabled
    • Background light brightness/intensity reduced (where appropriate)
    • Music visualization is disabled
  • Effect Intensity settings only apply to the ‘Neon Fields’ Arena

Rocket Pass

  • Pro Tiers: Starting with v1.91, Pro Tiers purchase eligibility will depend on a player’s Rocket Pass Tier at the time of purchase
    • Players at Tiers 1-40 can purchase any Tier bundle
    • Players at Tiers 41-58 can purchase up to 12 Tiers
    • Players at Tiers 59-64 can purchase up to 6 Tiers
    • Players at Tiers 65-69 can purchase one Tier at a time
    • Players at Tiers 70 or above can still unlock Pro Tiers via progression
  • Rocket Pass Premium: Players on the free Rocket Pass track at Tier 59 or higher will be able to purchase Rocket Pass Premium, but will not be able to purchase the Premium + 12 Tiers bundle
  • In both cases, ineligible players who try to purchase a Premium or Tier Bundle will see an error message.

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed a display error with the Free Challenges not being counted properly
  • Tournament Rewards earned on different platforms can now be traded in together
  • [Nintendo Switch] Item Shop menu correctly displays the Featured Tab when first selected
  • [PlayStation, Xbox] Fixed several crash/freeze scenarios involving linked accounts and/or splitscreen Exhibition Matches
  • Fixed an exploit allowing players to trade single Credits
  • [PC] Event banners on the Main Menu will now open the Challenges Menu as intended
  • Fixed appearance of DigiGlobe and HoloData Goal Explosions in Hoops
  • The MVP’s Player Anthem will play even if the other team leaves or forfeits
  • [Nintendo Switch] Fixed a bug with track resets in music playlists
  • Bringing up a music playlist with a keyboard no longer skips the current song
  • Fixed a bug with Player 2 Quick Chat in splitscreen

Once Psyonix releases more info regarding the next Rocket League update, we’ll let our readers know.

Source: Rocket League

Tags: Rocket League psyonix studios
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Alex Co

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God of War PS5 Update Out Tomorrow, Adds Enhanced Performance

  by   Alex Co  
5:17 pm in News

Get ready to wield that magical axe and protect your son at all costs in a new and upgraded way, as Santa Monica Studio has announced that they are releasing a God of War PS5 update with an Enhanced Performance Experience that’s due out tomorrow, February 2, for free!

Here’s the announcement from the studio’s official Twitter.

With the release of the PS5 last fall, Santa Monica has been hard at work to develop a video graphics mode option for players to get the most out of their PS5 experience.

On the PlayStation 4 Pro version of God of War (2018), you have a choice between two graphics modes: one that favors performance and one that favors resolution.

Coming to you tomorrow on February 2nd, we will be releasing a free patch that replaces the current video graphics mode option with a new default setting that will offer the best of both performance and resolution to our PlayStation 5 players!

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

  • Syncs to 60 FPS

  • 4K Checkerboard Resolution*

  • 2160p*

On a related not for Santa Monica Studio, the company has put out a job listing for a second unannounced project they are working on alongside the upcoming God of War sequel, God of War Ragnarok.

God of War is available exclusively for the PS4, and is backwards compatible with the PS5.

Tags: God of War Sony Santa Monica
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Alex Co

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Apex Legends Season 8 Patch Notes Revealed

  by   Alex Co  
4:42 pm in News

If you’re an Apex Legends player, chances are you’re very much looking forward to tomorrow, February 2, as that’s the day when Season 8 starts, which brings a new legend, major map changes and more. Before the patch drops though, Respawn has released the full Apex Legends Season 8 patch notes!

Apex Legends Season 8 Patch Notes:

Fuse Character Overview:

Meet Fuse: a mercenary-turned-cage fighter who never turns down a good dust-up. His affinity for explosions allows him to carry extra grenades and to throw them faster and further. He can launch a cluster bomb with airburst explosives. And when it’s time to really bring the boom, Fuse uses “Wally” to launch a bombardment that encircles an area in a ring of flames.

Passive – Grenadier

Stack an extra grenade per inventory slot. Fire grenades farther, faster, and more accurately.

Tactical – Knuckle Cluster

Launch a cluster bomb that continuously expels airburst explosives on impact.

Ultimate – The Motherlode

Launch a bombardment that encircles a target area in a wall of flames.

NEW WEAPON: 30-30 REPEATER

This heavy ammo lever-action repeater boasts hard-hitting rounds that’ll nail a fleeing Mirage at 200 paces.

The 30-30 is the benchmark for reliability, designed to withstand whipping sandstorms and temporal instability, which made it an obvious choice for the Apex Games.

DISCIPLINED TRIGGER FINGER

The 30-30 Repeater requires the user to rechamber their rounds between shots which brings a methodic rhythm to the rifle, an analogue elegance that the modern weapons of the Outlands just can’t quite capture.

To further tempt those itchy trigger fingers, the 30-30 Repeater has a built-in charge giving players an opportunity to deal increased damage with each shot at the cost of a short build-up.

The 30-30 reloads one round at a time, which makes for some very interesting resource management you won’t find anywhere else, even on the Mastiff.

The 30-30’s engagement range allows unique opportunities to reload individual rounds between shots. This gives the Repeater the ability to lay down consistent precision ranged pressure, something weapons with full reloads can sometimes struggle with.

KINGS CANYON MAP UPDATE

Season 8 once again sees changes to Kings Canyon. The main new point of interest shows the devastation from the ship crashing into the map. Players can now explore beyond Artillery, Spotted Lakes takes over the Slums and some new observation towers for basic recon or a sniper’s nest. Read more on the map changes in the map blog here.

Season 8 introduces the Gold-tier magazines. Attaching it to a weapon automatically reloads your stowed weapons after a brief delay. The Gold magazine has the same capacity as Purple mags, and is available for Light, Heavy, Snipers, and Energy Weapons.

QUALITY OF LIFE UPDATES

Damage counter

  • We have now added a damage counter to the HUD. This was a highly requested feature, so we’re excited to allow people easier tracking for chasing those badges and challenges!

Pinging Ammo

  • Pinging weapons or ammo in your inventory displays your current ammo count along with “player wants ammo” in quick chat.

Color Blind update

  • Healing and reviving will now follow colorblind rules when colorblind settings are enabled

Lore Blurbs on Canon Skins

  • Some of our skins are canon, and some are just for fun. For the skins that represent an important part of that character’s backstory, we’ve added a small blurb to describe the significance of that skin in the Legend’s life.

LEGEND META

Wraith:

  • Hitbox adjustments.

Dev Note:

We know Wraith will always be a popular pick considering the amount of combat utility in her kit. After many tweaks to her abilities and animations, the fact remains that her win rate continues to be at the very top as it has since day one. With Season 7 hitbox adjustments to Pathfinder, we were able to control his power without nerfing his kit. We hope to do the same with Wraith.

Wraith now has a slightly larger hitbox than her fellow small legends, but the changes stay true to her model. As you can see in the before and after comparison, we’re adding some width mostly in the torso and leg areas:

Even with these changes, Wraith remains small and hard to hit. She will retain Low Profile as we monitor her usage and win rates to see if power can be given back in other ways in the future.

Rampart:

  • Sheila angle increase from 120° to 180°
  • Wall health in build phase increased from 1hp to 45hp (sniper rounds still pierce through)

Dev Note:

Rampart has remained at the bottom across our performance metrics since her release. Her kit is very much built around proactively setting up a powerful position, but in a game as fast-moving as Apex, we determined her walls should have some reactive power as well. We’re keeping a careful eye on this one.

Horizon:

  • Gravity Lift effective cooldown increased from 21s to 25s. The 15s cooldown timer will now start when the Gravity Lift disappears.

Dev Note:

Horizon released strong, to the point where she rivals Wraith in win rate and pick rate. For the time being, we are monitoring her usage and checking whether or not the cooldown changes have a significant effect.

Octane:

Launch Pad Remastered: Many players may have known about Octane’s “super-jump” that was possible with a well-timed jump while hitting the pad. Once the double-jump option was introduced, there was an input clash that led to unreliable usage. We decided to add some launch options that are better defined than the old super-jump.

  • Hitting the jump pad from a standing position will launch players along a high arc (the speed and trajectory of the old super-jump).
  • From a crouched position, players will launch along a low arc, meaning they’ll fly lower but farther in the horizontal direction.

Crypto:

  • Remove ability to stick arc stars to friendly drones.

Loba:

  • Loot inside unopened care packages is now visible with Eye for Quality and accessible through the Black Market Boutique.

Caustic:

  • All gas now dissipates as soon as Caustic’s team is eliminated.

Mirage:

  • Mirage decoys create footstep sounds.

Dev Note:

This change was mistakenly mentioned in the Fight Night patch notes when it was in fact coming with this patch. Mirage decoys will now have footstep audio in a limited capacity. There won’t be a footstep tornado if an enemy Mirage ults nearby, but it should be slightly harder to pick out the real Mirage from audio cues alone.

WEAPON META

Fully Kitted Rotation

  • Removed: Wingman, Sentinel, Havoc, G7, Alternator
  • Added: R-301, 30-30 Repeater, Mozambique, Longbow DMR, Spitfire

Attachments

  • We are removing the Gold Barrel from the loot pool

Hop Ups

  • The Double Tap hop up will be removed from the loot pool
  • The Anvil Rounds hop up will be added into the loot pool

Volt

  • Bullet damage decreased from 16 to 15

Alternator

  • Bullet damage increased from 15 to 16

Spitfire

  • Bullet damage increased from 18 to 19
  • Reload speed increased from 2.8 seconds to 3.2
  • Empty Reload speed increased from 3.33 seconds to 3.8

EVA 8

  • Fire rate increased from 2.0 to 2.1

BUG FIXES

Caustic

  • Sonar abilities no longer stop Caustic’s highlight vision.

Loba

  • Fixed a few exploitable areas on Kings Canyon that Loba was able to reach via her Bracelet.

Rampart

  • Jumpads in Octane’s town takeover no longer allow Rampart to place Sheila on them.
  • Fixed an issue with Rampart’s passive persisting even after changing characters in Firing Range

Havoc

  • Fixed an issue causing the Havoc to have 100% accuracy when hip-fired through Rampart’s Amped Cover.

Peacekeeper

  • Fixed a POV issue that occurred when using Horizon’s abilities, then immediately going into ADS with a Peacekeeper.

Clubs

  • Re-enabled ability to invite friends to club from friends list
  • Fixed an issue causing some users who have opted out of “Last Squad Invites” to not appear in club event timelines when placing in the top 5 of a match
  • Failing to connect to the club database no longer leads to a misleading “Kicked from club” message
  • Players will no longer be kicked from clubs when switching to another profile on Xbox.

MISC

  • Fixed an issue with crowds not cheering in Pathfinder’s Town takeover.
  • Fixed an issue preventing some heirlooms from appearing in the heirloom shop.
  • Fixed an issue that allowed Thermites to deal damage through certain walls on Olympus.
Same as always, once the patch is out, we’ll be sure to let our readers know ASAP! Make sure to follow MP1st on Twitter and Facebook to know the moment it drops.

Source: EA

Tags: Apex legends Respawn Entertainment
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Alex Co

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Google Stadia Shuts Down Internal Studios Affecting 150 Devs, Shifting Focus

  by   Alex Co  
4:14 pm in News

If you bought a Google Stadia you’re in for some bad news, though not as bad as for those who work in the said division of Google. Kotaku has posted a report that Google will be shifting its business focus for Stadia, and will be shutting down two of its internal studios.

The report from Kotaku states that multiple projects have been cancelled, and the two game studios — located in Montreal and Los Angeles — are shutting down, affecting 150 employees. Both studios have not released any games yet. One of the, if not the most notable name being laid off on the list is Jade Raymond, the veteran video game industry producer who previously worked for Ubisoft on the Assassin’s Creed franchise before moving on to EA a few years ago, and then jumping to Google to head up game creation at Stadia.

This report has been verified by Google, as it issued an announcement from Phil Harrison, Vice President and GM of Google Stadia. In it, Harrison mentions that Google will be expanding their efforts to help game devs and publishers to take advantage of the technology, and that current Stadia players can continue playing their games, and the company will continue to bring new titles from third-parties to the platform.

In 2021, we’re expanding our efforts to help game developers and publishers take advantage of our platform technology and deliver games directly to their players. We see an important opportunity to work with partners seeking a gaming solution all built on Stadia’s advanced technical infrastructure and platform tools. We believe this is the best path to building Stadia into a long-term, sustainable business that helps grow the industry.

Creating best-in-class games from the ground up takes many years and significant investment, and the cost is going up exponentially. Given our focus on building on the proven technology of Stadia as well as deepening our business partnerships, we’ve decided that we will not be investing further in bringing exclusive content from our internal development team SG&E, beyond any near-term planned games. With the increased focus on using our technology platform for industry partners, Jade Raymond has decided to leave Google to pursue other opportunities. We greatly appreciate Jade’s contribution to Stadia and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. Over the coming months, most of the SG&E team will be moving on to new roles. We’re committed to working with this talented team to find new roles and support them.

What does this mean if you’re a current or future Stadia gamer? You can continue playing all your games on Stadia and Stadia Pro, and we’ll continue to bring new titles from third parties to the platform. We’re committed to the future of cloud gaming, and will continue to do our part to drive this industry forward. Our goal remains focused on creating the best possible platform for gamers and technology for our partners, bringing these experiences to life for people everywhere

Can’t say we’re surprised at this bit of news, but it still sucks to hear that a lot of people will be losing their livelihood. Let’s hope they all land on their feet.

Tags: Google Google Stadia
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Alex Co

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Microsoft’s Bethesda Deal Will be Decided by European Union on March 5

  by   Tim Villasor  
2:06 pm in News

The fate of the long awaited deal between Microsoft and Bethesda will be decided soon, as Reuters reports that the European Union will decide on Macrh 5 whether or not the company behind Xbox will get ownership of the publisher behind such critically acclaimed IPs such as Doom, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls.

As of the story, the EU has full authority to approve the deal or not.

EU antitrust regulators will decide by March 5 whether to clear Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the U.S. tech giant’s biggest gaming acquisition to better compete with Sony Corp’s PlayStation.

Microsoft requested European Commission approval for the deal on Jan. 29, a filing on the EU executive’s website showed.

The EU competition enforcer can clear the deal with or without concessions during its preliminary review or it can open a full-scale investigation if it has serious concerns.

Microsoft made the move to acquire Bethesda on September last year, which when approved gives the PC and Xbox maker first dibs and exclusive rights to the publisher’s games and works. Bethesda however will continue to make games a third party developer — meaning that their games will still appear in competitive brands such as Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

If you missed it, check out our feature on the possibilities that the Microsoft and Bethesda deal opens up.

Tags: Bethesda Microsoft

Tim Villasor

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Nioh Update 1.23 February 1 Breaks Out

  by   Alex Co  
12:56 pm in News

With the Nioh Collection hitting the PS5 this week, Team Ninja has released the Nioh update 1.23 February 1 patch — yes, the old one just got a new patch today! While we’re not expecting any new content, this is mostly for PS5 cross-save functionality more than anything else.

Nioh Update 1.23 February 1 Patch Notes:

Here are the PS5 functionality changes made to Nioh 2 with today’s patch which most likely applies to the first game as well (via Team Ninja):

Additional elements
  • “Cross-save management” function added
    You can select from “SYSTEM” on the “Title screen”.
    You can upload the save data you have played on the PS4 ™ version, download it on the PS5 ™ version, and continue playing. (It is also possible to switch from the PS5 ™ version to the PS4 ™ version)

    * To download save data, you need to have the same account as the uploaded PSN account.
    * Trophy is treated differently for PS5 ™ version and PS4 ™ version.
    Some acquired trophies (those whose acquisition conditions are difficult to meet again) can be automatically acquired when the save data is loaded.
  • Supports cross-matching with PS5 ™ version
    * PS5 ™ version cannot be matched by friends. Use the secret word if you want to play with a specific user.

Team Ninja has not announced any gameplay-related changes, nor are we expecting any. That said, if we spot some, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.

If you spot any changes or fixes, let us know down below in the comments.

Tags: Team Ninja Nioh
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Alex Co

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The Division 2 Title Update 12.1 Patch Notes Revealed

  by   Alex Co  
10:26 am in News

For The Division 2 agents that haven’t been keeping tabs with news regarding the game, The Division 2 will get its next major title update (Title Update 12.1) tomorrow, February 2. Not only will players get a crossover event with the Resident Evil franchise, but those who play on next-gen consoles will get new features as well. Ahead of tomorrow’s patch, Ubisoft has revealed The Division 2 Title Update 12.1 patch notes!

The Division 2 Title Update 12.1 Patch Notes:

New Apparel Event: Resident Evil

Racoon City has sent their best and brightest to answer the call in D.C. and New York City. This unique crossover apparel event launches alongside the newly revamped Reanimated Global Event. In addition to the wonderful outfits available through apparel keys, agents also get the opportunity to collect 7 new back trophies and 4 new patches celebrating Resident Evil!

To get the patches and trophies, the level 40 BOO daily projects have been replaced with S.T.A.R.S. Support and S.T.A.R.S. Assault projects. One of these projects will be available each day, and each will reward 2 new patches or trophies each day they are completed until the full set has been collected.

4K 60 FPS Support for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5

Optimization Station Changes

  • Reduced all optimization costs by 75%.
  • Reduced all optimization material crafting recipes by 50%.
  • With this update agents should be able to afford to optimize their weapons and gear about once an hour. Though it may take up to two hours to gather all the resources necessary to optimize the final tier of many items.

Reanimated Global Event Changes

  • The green cloud produced by killing enemies with a headshot no longer harms agents. This cloud now heals agents and provides a significant boost to their firepower while standing within it. The green cloud continues to significantly harm enemies.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed issue where gear sets would not correctly display which talents were required to be active for their chest and backpack talents to activate.
  • Fixed issue where Rigger would sometime refresh Tend and Befriend incorrectly.
  • Fixed issue where Memento Kill Confirmed drops could come from friendly skills.
  • Fixed an issue where Memento buffs could last beyond death. Which was both grim and ironic.
  • Fixed issue where directives in the LZ could multiply experience earned in the DZ.
  • Fixed and issue where Legendary Black Tusk would not count as “Black Tusk” for objectives in Leagues and Summit Challenges.
  • Removed objectives for the Skill Demotions Summit Challenge which referred to the Firestarter Chem Launcher and the Shrapnel Trap. The objectives were misbehaving and have been put in timeout.
  • Fixed issue where Vanguard and Perfect Vanguard granted their invulnerability to allies.
  • Fixed issue where Summit Combat Merit Commendation would display unusually in the Commendations menu.
  • Fixed issue where Merciless and Ruthless exotics would trigger a cosmetic explosion on the seventh stack in addition to really exploding on the first shot after.
  • Fixed issue where Decoy Skill would not refresh correctly if it was deployed when getting a headshot kill with the Mantis exotic.
  • Fixed issue where other players on the League leaderboards would show your own SHD level and point distribution.
  • Fixed misaligned elbow pads when using specific apparel items.
  • Fixed issue where The Summit matchmaking tab is not grayed out for groups containing level 30 agents.
  • Fixed issue where the audio queue doesn’t trigger when killing the last enemy on floor 100 in The Summit.
  • Fixed the Symptom Aggravator” talent description.

Same as always, once the patch is out tomorrow, we’ll be sure to let our readers know ASAP.

Source: Ubisoft forums

Tags: The Division the division 2
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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MLB The Show 21 Cover Athlete, Release Date & Cross Play With Xbox Announced, No Free Standard Next-Gen Upgrade

  by   Alex Co  
9:25 am in News

Yep. it seems the leak over the weekend has indeed come true! Sony has announced the MLB The Show 21 cover athlete today alongside the release date, and what’s more, confirmed that the baseball sim is indeed coming to Xbox platforms for the first time and with crossplay enabled!

As one might already noticed based on the leak, the MLB The Show 21 cover athlete is none other than Fernando Tatis Jr.! The game itself will launch on April 20 as leaked over the weekend as well.

Alongside the trailer, Sony has also revealed the box art and different editions of the game.

MLB The Show Box Art:

MLB The Show 21 Standard Edition

The MLBTS21 Standard Edition comes with the game and 5,000 stubs.

Standard Edition includes:

  • The Game
  • DLC Items:
    • 5,000 Stubs

MLB The Show 21 Next Gen Standard Edition

The MLBTS21 Next Gen Standard Edition comes with the game, [10] The Show Packs and 5,000 stubs.

Next Gen Standard Edition includes:

  • The Game
  • DLC Items:
    • 5,000 Stubs
    • [10] The Show Packs

Collector’s Edition Reveal February 3rd

I am sure some of our die-hard fans are wondering, where’s the collector’s edition? Wednesday we will reveal the collector’s edition(s) for MLB The Show 21 and all its content.

Note that there will NOT be a free upgrade from MLB The Show 21 last-gen to now-gen for free unless you buy the Collector’s Edition as per this statement:

Please note: There will be no standard edition upgrade path from current gen to next gen. If you are interested in having access to the game on both current and next gen platforms, please wait for more info about the collector’s edition.

Finally, San Diego Studio also announced that the new features for the game will be revealed via Twitch, YouTube and Facebook Live. in six separate episodes, with the first one set to air this March.

Baseball fans, your playerbase is about to get a whole lot bigger!

Source: PlayStation Blog

Tags: MLB the Show MLB The Show 21 San Diego Studio
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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