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Written by Paul MasonFinal Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Is Out Now For PlayStation 5
Written by Andrew Reiner
Click here to watch embedded media This is a huge week for PlayStation 5. Starting today, you can return to Midgar to be reunited with Yuffie Kisaragi in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, an enhanced version that delivers a new episode and other meaningful additions. A day later, the new release spotlight then moves to Insomniac Games' Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, which is a fantastic return for the series, and an absolute must-play if you want to see what PlayStation 5 is capable of.
For those of you who are making a return visit to Midgar, it should catch your eye in a different way, with improved texturing, lighting, and more detail in the backdrops. You can experience these sights in Graphics Mode, which delivers a 4K resolution and 30 frames per second, or Performance Mode, which gives you smoother play at 60 frames per second in 1080p. No matter what mode you play in, a new photo mode allows you to focus in on the details.
Even if you already played the game, you'll have plenty of new things to see in the oddly named EPISODE INTERmission. This story unfolds through the eyes of Yuffie, one of the original party members from Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation 1. She's trying to reach Midgar, a mission that is aided by partner Sonon Kusakabe.
Their journey introduces a new summon beast, and they'll square off against a variety of different foes, some of which haven't been seen before. The gameplay is enhanced on the DualSense controller, and you can expect much faster load times as you move between areas.
If you already purchased Final Fantasy VII Remake on PlayStation 4, you can download the PlayStation 5 upgrade for free, which comes with may of the visual enhancements mentioned above. You can then download EPISODE INTERmission on its own.
Let us know what you think of Integrade in the chat below. Will this be your first time stepping into or revisiting Midgar? If you already played Remake, do you want to play it again, or just jump into the new content?
Bungie Responds To Destiny 2 Fan Request For Exotic Reworks
Written by Liana Ruppert 
Destiny 2 today is very different than Destiny 2 at launch. It is better both in terms of balancing and story content, a positive change that began its true journey once the studio parted ways with Activision as its publisher. That being said, this evolving live-service game is constantly changing to make the meta make sense whenever new story content drops. Sometimes those changes are phenomenal, other times they miss the mark entirely. The work is never over, but the good thing is that Bungie is pretty transparent with players no matter what, and a recent request for Exotic reworks is no exception.
One Reddit user took to the Destiny forums to talk a little bit about how Exotics often go unused due to new seasonal weapons and armor drops. In a post, u/Theraptorking54 mentioned that they wished Bungie would work on improving older Exotics alongside the new drops, making older weapons and gear interact with newer Destiny 2 mechanics in a meaningful way. They reference Champions and how there is currently only one (permanent) means of stunning an overload. Destiny 2 senior community manager DMG responded to the post, asking for feedback and opening up dialogue between the community and the studio about this particular request.
Click here to watch embedded mediaIn DMG04's response, he said, "Would love to hear more. Which Exotics would you want to see prioritized in the future? How do they currently feel underwhelming? Team takes passes from time to time when balancing with development of new stuff. Can't hit every Exotic at a single time, but we can always pass up the feedback on which ones are mentioned more frequently."
A big one that comes up in the community is Malfeasance, an Exotic hand cannon that was first introduced in the Forsaken expansion. It's an impressive weapon, but doesn't mesh well with newer content, especially when looking at the catalyst perk. Some want all-out rebalancing, where others just want a simple kill tracker added. Other Exotics in question that come up the most is DARCI, Lucky Pants, Peacekeepers, Jade Rabbit, Black Talon, Mas of the Quiet One, and Icefall Mantle.
It's great to see the dialogue continue. Bungie is in an odd position because it can't really tell players exactly what's on the way and the community is often divided on what it wants. Take Stasis in PvP, for example. Some absolutely hated it, even to the point of leaving the community until a fix was in place. Others, however, thought the additional challenge of its freezing properties were harmless and saw it as just another opponent obstacle to watch out for. There are many players in both camps, so finding a resolution between the two is tricky. The most recent Stasis changes within PvP have been met with a lot of positive feedback, though the latter half that likes the challenge have expressed disappointment in the extreme nature of the nerfs.
Destiny 2 continues to grow and evolve. Currently, it has one of the highest active player counts in the MMO space, the top two spot at the time this article was written. It will be interesting to see where the community and the story goes from here, especially with a new teaser seemingly confirming we are going to Old Chicago!
The Future Of E3 Will "Probably" Be A Hybrid Of Digital And In-Person Events, Says ESA
Written by Liana Ruppert 
Due to COVID-19, E3 never happened last year, and this year? It's all digital. While the community has differing opinions about where the ESA should take this showcase next, or even whether or not to continue it, it looks like there may be a middle ground reached regarding the future of E3. According to a recent statement made by the president of ESA, the next E3 looks like it could be a hybrid showcase, blending online with in-person celebrations.
E3 2021 kicks off this weekend, and while it is completely digital, that means it's also free. The showcase has only become open to the public in recent years. In the past, E3 has always been a dedicated, in-person event for games media and other industry figures. At the same time, the community at large has celebrated gaming from afar by watching the showcases online. Before COVID, ESA made the change to make the event open to the public, allowing gamers to come onto the showroom floor and experience the future of gaming alongside those working in the industry.
“This will provide us with an opportunity to present to members of the industry, media, and fans an opportunity to participate fully, and I think that provides a really unique opportunity to learn this year what we can apply to future events that will probably be a mix of physical and digital,” said Entertainment Software Association president Stanley Pierre-Louis GamesIndustry. “But that’s to be determined. We’ve got to figure out where we all are moving forward.”
He also added that the core focus of the ESA is to remain hyper focused on this year's event. Being digital, a lot can go wrong. Technical difficulties usually happen at the worst time. That, and there is more competition in this space than there has been in the past, especially with EA Play, Sony doing their own thing, and the Summer Game Fest securing a position in the news rotation for the Summer.
“The shape of that is yet to be determined, and we hope to learn from this year’s event what transfers well,” he added. “I can’t speak to future E3s because we really want to focus on E3 2021 and ensure this is a great experience for exhibitors, the media, and fans alike.”
It will be interesting to see where E3 goes from here. With a rise in focus for content creators and more and more programs coming out to make online content meaningful due to the pandemic, the question remains: is E3 even needed? You decide in the comment section below!
Battlefield 2042 is officially revealed, with DICE unveiling a new shooter experience set not too far in the future. For those eager to call themselves what the game refers to as "Non-Patrioted," the Battlefield 2042 open beta has been confirmed. Here is what you need to know.
There is an open beta planned for Battlefield 2042 "in the months leading up to launch." While we don't have a release window for when those dates will drop, we do know that the beta will not be platform-specific. That means PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC players can all get in on the action early.
Additionally, DICE has confirmed that it will have a separate tech test apart from the initial beta. This is all pre-launch to ensure that day one runs as smoothly as possible. For those that pre-order Battlefield 2042, there will be an "early access" period to the planned beta. More about these testing dates will be revealed closer to launch, so I wouldn't expect hard dates set during the gameplay revealed planned for June 13.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe technical test, however, we do know a little more about. DICE confirmed that this would be going down sometime in July. It won't be like previous closed testing periods; instead, it will be done in a "closed setting where we'll be using a grey box environment." For anyone that takes part in this testing period, there will be an NDA attached, meaning there will be restrictions on what players can and can't talk about.
If you haven't gotten all caught up on the latest Battlefield announcement, you can check out our game hub here. We learned about AI bots for those that don't want to play against live people, more on the Battle Pass, and how to weaponize a freaking tornado.
What are your thoughts on what we've seen thus far about Battlefield 2042? Are you going to be tuning in this weekend to see the full gameplay reveal? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
Golf Club Wasteland Invites You To Tee Off Amid The Ruins Of Post-Apocalyptic Earth
Written by Marcus Stewart 
Earth has become a desolate, inhabitable rock. Nearly all of humanity has been wiped out save for the wealthy elite, who have fled to Mars to form a new colony. Earth’s barren landscape is still good for one thing, though: playing a few rounds of golf. That’s the premise of Golf Club Wasteland, an upcoming game by Demagog Studio where players will uncover the cause of Earth’s collapse while teeing off.
Golf Club Wasteland is a narrative-driven golf game told from three sources. You’ll learn about the backstory of the lone golfer protagonist, who has returned to Earth to play one last game for reasons unknown. A mysterious narrator keeping tabs on your excursion provides further context and background. Lastly, The Radio Nostalgia From Mars, a popular broadcast, provides further backstory into the lives of the lucky few who managed to survive this mysterious apocalypse while also laying down some catchy tunes circa the 2020s.
Click here to watch embedded mediaGameplay consists of 2D golf mechanics that are designed to be easy for anyone to pick up and grasp, while a minimal UI keeps your view clean and clear. You’ll send your golf balls across a variety of strange, post-apocalyptic obstacles, such as crumbling shopping malls or the giant, suspended hand off a massive statue. You’ll also use your balls to overcome less traditional objectives, such as activating switches to open doors.
Golf Club Wasteland provides three modes of play. If you’re more interested in the narrative and less about nailing a hole-in-one, the casual-focused Story Mode is for you. Challenge Mode provides a more balanced test of your golf and puzzle-solving skills. Lastly, expert players can show off their golf prowess in the brutally challenging Iron Mode.
Golf games are making a bit of a comeback, and, as proven by the upcoming Mario Golf: Super Rush, it’s always fun to see a unique take on the sport. Golf Club Wasteland offers a neat angle on golf we haven’t seen before, and I'm always interested in sports-focused games that are able to weave in a strong narrative element. The game is launching sometime this August, and every copy includes a digital soundtrack and artbook. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC for $9.99.
What do you think of Golf Club Wasteland? Let us know in the comments!
Battlefield 2042 Replaces Combat Classes With Specialists, But Who Are They & What Do They Do?
Written by Jason Guisao 
The pre-E3 Battlefield 2042 festivities are already off to a strong start. The exciting cinematic footage from yesterday revealed the massive scale of each playable map, the sheer chaos of moment-to-moment action, and the awe-inspiring tactical decisions that dynamic weather effects can bring to each match. However, technical and visual changes aren’t the only new content coming to the latest installment in Dice’s beloved FPS franchise. Gone are the days of combat classes. Instead, Battlefield 2042 replaces these age-old roles with specialists; potentially bridging the gap between lore-based narrative and multiplayer-focused game modes.
The four distinct combat classes that have appeared in previous Battlefield games are as follows: recon (snipers), assault (your tried and true run-and-gunners), support (medics), and engineer (fixer-uppers and heavy ordnance experts). Each role had a limited repertoire of firearms to choose from and class-specific abilities - from repairing damaged tanks to reviving fallen teammates with a syringe or defibrillator. The new specialists are characters that can use any weapon of choice. Each comes with their own name, place of birth, specialty (active ability), and trait (passive ability). As of right now, only four specialists have been revealed, with ten slated to be available at launch.
But Who Are They & What Do They Do?
Wikus “Casper” Van Daele
Casper is an introvert; reserved and even outwardly cold towards others from time to time. Simply put, he’s the perfect soldier for recon work. His OV-P Recon Drone can spot targets moving around nearby, and a built-in EMP charge can disorient anyone foolish enough to try to ambush him. An added bonus is that he can also utilize his drone to highlight lock-on targets for allies in the vicinity. His Movement Sensor passive is similar to his active ability in that it alerts him when players are approaching. In other words, Casper has eyes in the back of his head at all times.
Webster Mackay
Mackay is ex-military but that doesn’t make him any less elite when taking to the battlefield alongside his specially trained peers. Each firefight he takes part in, however, is far more personal for him than anyone else: he’s working tirelessly to correct mysterious mistakes that he made when he served. His Grappling Hook attaches to surfaces and catapults him into advantageous positions (perhaps, it’ll serve some ludicrous use when tornados enter the fray). And his Nimble trait gives him higher ADS speeds. If you’re looking to sprint into a building and wipe out a squad with unmatched proficiency, Mackay is your man
Maria Falck
Ah, yes, the support class; my favorite. If you’re like me, then you’ll probably be committing hundreds of hours to mastering Falck’s kit. As you’d expect, she’s no pushover. What you might not know is that Falck is looking for her son David. Her many battles will take her across the world in search of him. A Syrette Pistol replaces the health pack that so often got us thankless healers killed on the front lines. Conversely, she fires syringes from a safe distance to provide healing. Of course, these same syringes can be used to damage adversaries. Combat Surgeon gives her the opportunity to revive downed teammates to full health, an ability that will likely lead to the demise of any unwary Battlefield players.
Pyotr “Boris” Guskovsky
Boris is your hard-nosed, albeit power-hungry, engineer specialist. His SG-36 Sentry System is an automated weapon that targets and engages with opponents on its own. And his Sentry Operator trait lets him spot any enemies that his turret might come across. Players will probably get a lot of value out of Boris by setting up his sentry gun at high-traffic areas or choke points. While I’d never condone camping, he might also be best suited for hunkering down and defending command points.
The other characters players can enjoy will likely be unveiled as we draw closer to Battlefield 2042’s October 22 release date. The game can be played on next-gen and last-gen consoles as well as on PC.
Have any of the aforementioned specialists piqued your interest? Sound off in the comments below!
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Written by Ben JesseyXbox Game Pass Changes Ahead, Full Xbox Intergration Into TVs, And The Future Of Gaming
Written by Liana Ruppert 
Microsoft leadership, including Phil Spencer, made a strong pivot towards the last half of the Xbox One generation, bringing the Xbox name back into the realm of gaming and Team Green's original vision. Real change takes time, but Spencer and the crew have been upfront and detailed every step of the way. With E3 2021 on the horizon, Xbox leadership is back to give a preview of the year ahead. That includes a clear declaration of its commitment to the gaming community, how Xbox Game Pass will continue to evolve, and even things like full-scale TV integration. Let's dive in.
Xbox and Bethesda are joining forces for the two company's E3 presence this year on Sunday and promises to unveil its "best and biggest games line up." With so many studio acquisitions already having happened, and more on the way, Spencer wanted to take a moment to talk about how the growing umbrella of Xbox is evolving and what that means for gamers - even beyond the Xbox console itself.
“We believe that games, that interactive entertainment, aren’t really about hardware and software. It’s not about pixels. It’s about people. Games bring people together,” said Spencer. “Games build bridges and forge bonds, generating mutual empathy among people all over the world. Joy and community – that’s why we’re here.”
“Gaming is fundamentally aligned with our mission as a company,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. “When you talk about Xbox’s mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet, which I absolutely love, that is precisely aligned with Microsoft’s mission, which is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”
Click here to watch embedded media“As a company, Microsoft is all-in on gaming. Gaming is the most dynamic category in the entertainment industry. Three billion consumers look to gaming for entertainment, community, creation, as well as a real sense of achievement, and our ambition is to empower each of them, wherever they play.”
“We believe that Microsoft can play a leading role in democratizing gaming and defining the future of interactive entertainment. There are really three key areas where we believe we have an incredible competitive advantage: First, our leadership in cloud computing. Second, the resources we have to build our subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. And third, our overall focus on empowering creators.”
As we've mentioned previously in a detailed breakdown of the two very different generational strategies between Sony and Microsoft this time around, Xbox is focusing less on hardware specifically and more on ecosystem expansion. With Xbox Game Pass bringing even more gamers into the community and even encouraging them to try out titles they may not have picked up on their own (at no additional cost, mind), the continued growth and effectiveness of this subscription service is imperative. Because of that, Microsoft wants to expand beyond consoles and PC. Now, Xbox is coming to TV manufacturers beyond additional hardware.
Spencer and the team announced that they are working with global TV manufacturers to directly embed the Xbox experience directly into smart TVs (TVs that can connect to the internet and have app integration). The company wants to do this to eliminate a dependency on hardware with the exception of a controller. With the platform expansion goals in mind, Microsoft is also looking into exploring new subscription offers for Xbox Game Pass so that it is more accessible on a financial and global scale so that "more players around the world can experience the most immersive and fun games across devices, geographies, and financial realities."
Click here to watch embedded mediaAlso mentioned is Xbox All Access, something Microsoft is working with telecommunication providers on so that gamers can buy a console and Game Pass for a low monthly price, versus paying upfront at full retail value (much like companies do for expensive cellphones).
With that expansion in mind, Microsoft has also confirmed that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a service that includes Xbox Live, will be launching in Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and Australia later this year. This is especially good news when looking at the cost hikes in places like Brazil. When I worked in Recife, Brazil a few years ago, I was shocked to see that a console there could retail for $1000+ dollars, sometimes close to $2000 due to inflation. Seeing this sort of expansion in mind, including TV integration, will make it easier for all to dive right into the realm of gaming without breaking the bank.
Xbox also reiterated that its 23 studios, including Bethesda and id Software, are hard at work on creating epic new adventures. Because of that excitement, the goal for Team Green is to release one new, first-party game into the Xbox Game Pass library every quarter. This will include numerous genres, including FPS, RPGs, and more.
In the second video above, you can see both members of the Xbox leadership talking more about their commitment to the gaming community and what the road looks like ahead.