Month: February 2018

If you’re still using a wired headset, we’re here to help set you free. These are our picks for the best wireless headsets!

Gran Turismo Sport update 1.13 is live and adds 12 new cars, campaign events, and track layouts, and drivers can now be disqualified in Sports Mode.

The patch, posted today, rolls out changes to Sports Mode as well as the new content. Drivers who rack up too many collisions and shortcuts are now at risk of getting disqualified, while cars lagging behind by over a lap will be ghosted and “not be subject to collisions.” Players can now also submit grief reports for “misconduct of other users.”

You can check out the 12 new cars that have been added, below:

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Netflix’s The Witcher series has a completed pilot script.

Showrunner Lauren S. Hissich submitted a first full draft (apparently after many, many iterations) on February 23rd, but won’t be drawn on the plot.

#TheWitcher pilot is out for notes, and I’m out for the weekend to spend some time with my kids. See you bright and early on Monday! pic.twitter.com/qjAr5reRgB

— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) February 24, 2018

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2018 is a particularly big year for anime games. A ton of anime-inspired titles are on the way to various platforms this year, from Dragon Ball FighterZ and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth–both of which are already available–to My Hero Academia: One’s Justice and the ambitious, open-world One Piece game, Grand Cruise. The most recent is Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, Bandai Namco’s latest adaptation of the popular anime and manga series, which arrived on PC and consoles on February 23.

Unlike previous Sword Art Online games, Fatal Bullet takes place within the world of Gun Gale Online (or GGO), the shooter/MMO that serves as the setting for the first arc of Sword Art Online’s second season. Fittingly, Fatal Bullet plays out like a third-person shooter rather than a typical fantasy RPG, emphasizing cover and twitchy gunplay over swords and magic. And while the game doesn’t follow the same story arc from the anime directly, many of SAO’s most recognizable characters do make an appearance in Fatal Bullet in various roles, including Kirito, Leafa, and Asuna.

On the latest episode of GameSpot Live, we played through the early portions of Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet. In our two-hour session with the game, we explored the world, picked up treasure, gunned down enemies in dungeons, and met up with Kirito and other familiar Sword Art Online characters. If you weren’t able to join us earlier for the livestream, you can watch a replay of our exploits in the world of GGO above.

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is now available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. If you’d like to see more of the title, you can watch Fatal Bullet’s opening movie here. We’ve also recorded eight additional minutes of gameplay footage, featuring Sinon and Kirito battling giant scorpions and other robotic enemies.

In 2012, developer Subset Games released FTL (Faster Than Light). It was one of the early games in the roguelike renaissance of the 2010s, and since its release on iOS devices, has maintained a devoted fanbase.

Today, we’re playing Into the Breach, the long-awaited follow-up to FTL. As opposed to its predecessor, Into the Breach requires more careful planning than real-time reaction. However, many of the procedural aspects of FTL survive, resulting in varying experiences each time you boot up this new turn-based strategy title.

For more on Into the Breach, read Edmond Tran’s review, in which he lauds the game’s tactical systems for making you feel “completely in control.”

Xbox One X enhancements are most often discussed in regards to Xbox One games, but a select number of Xbox 360 games also receive significant improvements when played on the high-end console. Several more 360 games have now received Xbox One X enhancements, and Microsoft has introduced an optional feature to let you disable that visual boost.

In terms of the new games, Crackdown, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Fable Anniversary, and Forza Horizon all now boast enhancements when played on X. This includes running at higher resolutions, improved textures and antialiasing, and higher framerates. All of this is enabled by default, allowing you to get what should be the most ideal experience possible.

However, whether you find that you’re unsatisfied with the results or simply want to see what a game is like when played on a standard Xbox One or Xbox One S, you can now disable them. A new feature has been rolled out that is accessible by bringing up the Xbox 360 guide (done by pressing the Menu and View buttons), going to Settings, and selecting Xbox One X Settings. Here you’ll find two options: Graphics, which is the existing mode that improves visuals, and Performance, which favors framerate and should be comparable to what’s playable on a non-X Xbox One system.

Crackdown, one of the four Xbox 360 games to now have X enhancements, was just added to the Xbox One backwards compatibility list. It’s been a relatively slow period for new additions, and it’s been some time since any original Xbox games were included. We knew to expect those less frequently, but another batch should be coming this spring.

For a full list of Xbox 360 games with Xbox One X enhancements, check out the list below. We’ve also got a complete roundup of all the Xbox One backwards compatibility games.

Backwards Compatible Xbox 360 Games With Xbox One X Enhancements

• Assassin’s Creed
• Crackdown
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• Fable Anniversary
• Fallout 3
• Forza Horizon
• Gears of War 3
• Halo 3
• Mirror’s Edge
• Skate 3
• The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Although Pokemon games pre-date the TV series, for many it was watching the anime that lit their burning desire to become a Pokemon Master. The original series was able to depict the themes of friendship, loyalty, and ambition in a way the Nintendo’s humble Game Boy games struggled to, making the fantasy of traveling the world catching and battling Pokemon much more tangible and enticing.

Although Ash Ketchum’s journey was filled with triumphs, it was also fraught with heartbreak. The show had many emotional moments and valuable lessons for aspiring trainers. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokemon we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites. You’ll no doubt have your own picks of powerful Poke-moments that aren’t included here, share them in the comments and let’s get nostalgic together.

I Choose You

In episode one we meet Ash Ketchum and his first Pokemon. Pikachu wasn’t always the cute little critter we know and love today. When they first meet, the mischievous yellow mouse electrocutes Ash, refuses to get in its Pokeball, and mocks his attempts at catching a Pidgey.

That all changes when Ash attracts the fury of a flock of Spearow, which are notoriously ill-tempered devil birds. They’ll attack humans, harass other wild Pokemon, and if you park your car near them they’d probably take a dump on it.

These Spearow viciously attack Pikachu, so Ash tries to carry it to safety. As he races to the Pokemon Center for medical attention, the skies darken and a torrent of rain falls. The treacherous conditions thwart their efforts and, in an accident, Pikachu is slammed into the ground. With his Pokemon laying there limply, Ash begs it to get inside its Pokeball where it’ll be safe. He then turns towards the charging Spearow and, as the music swells, proclaims he’ll become a Pokemon master. He throws his arms out to shield Pikachu as the Spearow attack.

In the very final moments, Pikachu is shown leaping onto Ash’s shoulders, then launching itself into the air. A lightning bolt strikes it and the power is converted into an incredible ball of electricity.

Pikachu was stubborn and never listened, but this didn’t stop Ash from trying so hard to save it. It was beautiful, and in that moment viewers really got to understand what Pokemon is about: friendship, the bond between trainer and Pokemon, and facing hardships together.

Through The Fires and the Flames

People can be cruel to each other and even crueller to their blindly loyal Pokemon. Ash had to swallow this bitter pill of Poke-reality when he encountered a trainer called Damian.

Over the course of the show Ash meets a whole bunch of real bad dudes, but Damian stands out as being among the cream of the turd crop. Not only is he named after the antichrist, but he has one of those snooty British accents that makes your skin crawl.

Damian–aka the Draco Malfoy of the Pokeverse–holds little regard for the safety of Pokemon, and fails to understand they grow in strength as the bond with their trainers deepen. Blaming his Charmander for a defeat, Damian abandons it in a rocky outcrop. Believing his master would return for him, the Charmander waited, refusing to move even when rain threatened to extinguish its tail flame and kill it.

While in a Pokemon Center, Ash overhears what Damian did and knowing he has no intention of returning for his Charmander, goes to rescue it. By that point Charmander was in a bad way, but Ash uses his coat to shield its tail flame from the rain and takes it to the Pokemon Center.

When Charmander recovers, he immediately returns to where he was abandoned. Damian eventually returns spouting nonsense about leaving Charmander to toughen him up, and when he throws a Pokeball to reclaim his Pokemon, Charmander deflects it.

It is a sad story about how the loyalty and love of Pokemon can be abused. Charmander joins Ash after this, becoming one of his most loyal and reliable Pokemon. That is, until something unexpected happens later in their journey….

Butter-Free

Ash’s Butterfree starts off as the little Caterpie that could. Not all Pokemon are created equal, and spend much of their lives with a big disadvantage. Caterpie happens to be one of them. The bug type is actually the first wild Pokemon that Ash catches, which he manages without even battling because it’s so weak. Sad but true.

Caterpie always dreamed of being a better Pokemon, and one that would be loved. Although it has a fondness for Misty, Ash’s travelling companion, the young lady is grossed out by the bug, because that’s how anime stereotypes work. But being spurned by her only makes Caterpie more determined to become a stronger Pokemon one day.

Caterpie’s wish technically comes true in a battle against Team Rocket, the show’s bumbling antagonists, when it uses a combination of String Shot and Tackle to take down Ekans and Koffing. An impressive feat when you consider the former is a massive purple boa constrictor and the latter is a floating ball of poison so deadly it has a skull and crossbones on its skin as a warning.

The battle triggers an evolution and Caterpie becomes Metapod. In battle Metapod only has one move: Harden, which strengthens its shell. It is otherwise physically incapable of fighting back. So while it is undoubtedly a stronger Pokemon than Caterpie was, it is also more useless by multiple orders of magnitude.

The legend of Caterpie is not over, however. Once again, it rose to the challenge against Pinsir, a stag beetle that has a Sarlacc Pit for a mouth, razor-sharp claws, and spiked pincers so large that it’s got to be compensating for something else. Faced with this monstrosity, Metapod stands its ground, hardening until it shatters its opponents pincers (and self-esteem too, probably).

Later on Ash and Metapod are attacked by a swarm of Beedrill. Ash fails to prioritise Metapod’s safety and the little green cocoon gets nabbed. This causes a breakdown in the relationship, as Ash doesn’t own up to his mistake. When he later apologises the friendship is repaired. Metapod goes on to defeat a Beedrill (seriously, this Metapod cannot be stopped) and evolves into a Butterfree. Caterpie’s dream finally comes true.

Butterfree becomes instrumental in helping Ash defeat Gym Leaders, catch Pokemon, and foil various Team Rocket capers. This made what happens next all the more difficult to watch. In an episode called Bye-Bye Butterfree it’s revealed mating season for the Butterfree had started. Ash’s Butterfree meets a Lady Butterfree and wants to have Babyfrees with it. This leads to Ash making the hard decision to let his loyal companion go and start a family. There were tearful goodbyes inside and outside the TV the day that episode aired.

The moral of the story is with enough encouragement your little caterpillar will grow, it’ll evolve and harden. Then one day it’ll meet someone it’s got the hots for and boom, you’ll have babies. Oh wait no, sorry, it’s if you really believe in yourself and give it everything you’ve got you can realise your dreams.

A Song of Ice and Fire

After dealing with Damian, Charmander and Ash kick some serious butt. They explore dark caves, survive almost freezing to death, and defeat gym leaders together, creating a strong bond between each other.

Ash’s guidance and skills as a trainer help Charmander grow in experience. Trouble was brewing, however, as Charmander approached its teenage phase. In a battle with an out-of-control Exeggutor, Charmander reaches the peak of its skills and its evolution is triggered. The loving, obedient infant Charmander becomes Charmeleon, a petulant know-it-all teen that refuses to do what it’s told. The inside of its Pokeball was probably wall-to-wall Eminem posters, neon bongs, and N.W.A blaring at full volume.

From here the relationship between the two deteriorates, and it was crushing to watch Ash’s go-to Pokemon become his greatest liability. Charmeleon showed no loyalty, ignoring commands until eventually Ash stops using him altogether. On the rare occasion he’s given another chance, things escalate pretty badly. In a battle against Aerodactyl, Charmeleon stubbornly fights against a flying type he is clearly outmatched by. With his pride damaged, he evolves into Charizard to win.

The only thing worse than a troubled teenager is an out-of-control adult that can fly and breathe fire. Everyone has that one friend, right?

Anyway, Charizard was even more temperamental and uncontrollable, choosing only to battle against foes it deemed to be worthy challengers. Even then it wouldn’t follow orders, it fought according to its own strategy, which was mostly set it on fire and viciously piledrive its face into the ground. Admittedly, a winning strategy.

On one occasion Charizard even cost Ash a pivotal League battle. When it was called against Sparky, a powerful Pikachu with a totally swish side-quiff, it took a nap instead of fighting. He went from top of the class to total washout.

In Pokemon, as in life, even the most wayward can be reformed through the power of love and the help of near-death experience. For my mate Joshua, it was a bad drug trip, but for Charizard it’s a Poliwrath that can beat the absolute crap out of him. Things looked bad from the outset, when the Poliwrath emerges from its Pokeball wearing a gold championship belt. It’s pretty much symbolism for ‘this thing is a certified ass-kicker and you’re in for it.’

Poliwrath’s Ice Beam leaves Charizard on death’s door. Ash spends the night lighting fires around his dying Pokemon, covers it with blankets, and rubs its tail until his hands are raw, hoping to keep it warm. This act of kindness triggers memories in Charizard, reminding him of Ash saving him when he was a Charmander. It was touch-and-go whether Charizard would survive, but by the time morning came Ash had earned the magnificent fire beast’s respect and loyalty.

They later face Poliwrath again and Charizard grabs his championship-belt wearing ass, flies into the the sky, does a few loop-the-loops and slam-dunks him into the ground. I had his triumphant roar analysed by Pokemon language experts and have been told it translates to “you just got Seismic Tossed, sucka.”

Charizard accompanies Ash when he moves on to the Johto region but is so overpowered that it’s unfair. Even Ash’s friends begin to scold him for using Charizard against fresh trainers, as it would mercilessly annihilate their Pokemon. Eventually the two part ways when Charizard finds its soulmate, a lady Charizard called Charla. Adorable.

Although they go their separate ways, the bond between them remains strong, and Charizard reappears at various critical moments in Ash’s career to lend a hand. It’s a story of overcoming a rocky friendship for the ages, and one we can all learn something from.

Ketchum But Not Winum

This last one isn’t a single moment, but a lesser noticed message hidden in Ash Ketchum’s career. Looking back at his performances on the grand battling stages of history, his win-loss ratio is pretty pitiful.

Although Ash has bested many a random trainer, conquered gyms far and wide, and cut a path of victories across some of the most difficult regions, he hasn’t been very successful in winning actual leagues.

Ash Ketchum is undoubtedly a choke-artist, but an inspiring one nevertheless. Despite his failures, he is still considered one of the greatest Pokemon trainers the world has ever seen. He’s been the first to discover mythic Pokemon, raised power fighters, brought down evil organisations, and instigated profound shifts in the Pokemon universe.

There’s a lot that can be learned from this. You don’t need to be showered with championship accolades to be important, you can forge your own legend by making a difference to the people and Pokemon around you. Your determination, heart, and positive actions will ring louder, further, and truer than any league victory.

Update 2: Sega has now confirmed that it did indeed pull the demo because players were able to access more than intended. “We apologize, but have had to remove the Yakuza 6: The Song of Life demo from the PlayStation Store,” it said on Twitter. “We are as upset as you are, and had hoped to have this demo available for everyone today. We discovered that some were able to use the demo to unlock the full game. We’re looking into the nature of the issue. Thank you for your patience.”

Update: The Yakuza 6 demo has now been pulled from the PlayStation Store, at least in the US. The unusually large size of the demo is apparently due to the fact that the entire game is included, though only the prologue should be accessible. However, players have reportedly found a way to access more–possibly the entire game. We have not been able to verify this as of yet, but the demo is indeed gone from PSN for the time being. We’ve reached out to Sega and will report back with anything more we learn. The original story follows.

Sega had some disappointing news to share earlier this year when it delayed Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, but it did make up for that by announcing that it would release a demo of the upcoming PS4 game. It’s already begun to launch in some markets around the world where it’s already February 27. If you’re eager to start playing, you might want to call your ISP and upgrade your internet speed now.

While still dwarfed by the size of full games, for a demo, Yakuza 6‘s trial is enormous–it weighs in at 36.53 GB. It’s available now on Australia’s PlayStation Store and should be available as the calendar turns to Tuesday elsewhere around the world. The PSN listing describes the demo as consisting of the game’s prologue. As a result, you can probably expect a fair number of cutscenes, which may explain the demo’s large size. [Update: The demo is also now available in the west, including on the US PlayStation Store.]

Sega previously announced that your save data from the demo version can be carried over into the full game, which is now due out on April 17 in North America and Europe. That’s almost a full month later than the previously scheduled March 20 release date. An explanation for the delay was not shared, with Sega simply stating, “This was a tough business decision we didn’t make lightly.”

Yakuza 6 has been available in Japan since December 2016. Western localizations of Yakuza games have typically taken a long time, as players of Yakuza 5–which released internationally three years after its Japanese launch–can attest. We recently got a good look at Yakuza 6 and its improved visuals, as you can see in the video above. For even more, check out our deep dive into the history of Yakuza.

Tomb Raider star and Oscar winner Alicia Vikander stopped by GameSpot to answer fan submitted questions from Twitter! Find out about her training to become Lara Croft, and the hardest stunt she had to do in the new movie.