Why Doom Eternal Incorporates Platforming Scenarios
Doom Eternal‘s third level, the frozen-over Cultist Base, kicks off with a little platforming sequence, and if you’ve been keeping up with the game then that might not be too surprising. You’re probably aware that alongside chaotic combat with tough demons, you’ll be doing a lot more than rushing to the next fight. In our three-hour hands-on preview of Doom Eternal, we experienced first-hand just how platforming and traversal has changed things. As to why it’s been emphasized so much in Eternal, we asked game director Hugo Martin about that.
Martin prefaced, “A criticism of DOOM 2016 is that it was kind of like skate parks and arena fights; hallways to the next arena, fight, hallways to the next arena, fight. And the arena fights were great.” He then continued, “But in between the combat arenas, we really needed to make sure that we can engage the player just as much with the spaces outside of the arenas as we could inside…and expand the scope of the levels quite a bit.”
You’re given tools that coincide with this design philosophy, such as the double dash ability, swinging on monkey bars, and wall climbing on specific surfaces. Levels look and feel bigger, and present more intricate ways for getting from point A to B. It also makes the search for secrets and hidden content a bit more involved.
In our experience, platforming elements certainly take some getting used to, especially with this being an FPS. But Martin said it’s meant to be part of Eternal’s ramp-up in getting you to master the several aspects of Doom Eternal: “They’re all of them skill-based traversal puzzles. What would be challenging in the beginning of the game becomes second nature at the end of the game.”

Platforming and traversal isn’t just isolated in between combat scenarios, though. Doom Eternal also emphasizes these elements with more spacious combat arenas, giving you more room to navigate these fights and search for much-needed pickups. You can both create space or close the gap between demons depending on the situation, and even pull off aerial glory kills–the Super Shotgun’s hookshot adds to the numerous ways you’ll be moving around in combat, too.
We have id Software’s next game covered from all sorts of angles, so be sure to check out our in-depth preview of Doom Eternal, watch our detailed discussion of the Doom Eternal experience, or read about the changes made for difficulty settings. You can also check out additional stories below.
Kobe Bryant helicopter firm was not allowed to fly in fog
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Dozens of New Screenshots From the Trailer
Below are 75+ new screenshots from the latest trailer, including everything from Cloud at the Honey Bee Inn to Moogles and Chocobos.
[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=final-fantasy-7-remake-over-100-screenshots&captions=true”]
In our FF7 Remake trailer breakdown, we noted the new shots have confirmed several returning factors from the original game, along with fresh, contemporary story elements that seem to have been added.
Cloud is seen cross-dressing for the first time, along with shots of Red XIII, Scarlet, Professor Hojo, Reeve Tuesti, and more familiar characters.
The newest trailer can be watched in all it’s glory, below!
[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/31/final-fantasy-7-remake-theme-song-trailer”]
In terms of differences from the original, IGN’s Joe Skrebels said, “One of these moments seems to be taking place in Nibelheim, which doesn’t fit Remake’s supposed timeline. It could be that the Remake extends further into the story than previously expected, or includes a flashback (not unlike the opening to Final Fantasy 15), but the presence of Barret in the same shots could mean these are hallucinations or dream sequences of some kind.”
[poilib element=”accentDivider”]
Game Release Dates: The Biggest Games of February and Beyond
Whether your console of choice (for the moment) is PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you have a lot to look forward to this year. We’ve assembled the list below to help you keep track of what’s on the way, with release dates for all the major games across all consoles. And if you’re ready to secure a copy of any of the titles you see, click the buy links to preorder where available.
[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=all-the-big-games-coming-in-2020&captions=true”]
And if you’re only interested in one system in particular, you can click the shortcuts below to hop right to the relevant upcoming video games.
- PS4 and PS5 Upcoming Game Releases
- Nintendo Switch Upcoming Game Releases
- Xbox One and Series X Upcoming Game Releases
Upcoming PS4 Games
February 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
February is a good month to be a PS4 owner, with releases like the Yakuza Remastered Collection and Darksiders Genesis. It also marks the longtime-coming release of Dreams. Finally.
- Life is Strange 2 – February 4 – Buy It
- Zombie Army 4: Dead War – February 4 – Buy It
- The Unicorn Princess – February 11 – Buy It
- Yakuza 5 – February 11
- Yakuza Remastered Collection – February 11 – Buy It
- Darksiders Genesis – February 14 – Buy It
- Dreams – February 14 – Buy It
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition – February 14 – Buy It
- Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate – February 14 – Buy It
- Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle – February 18 – Buy It
- Hunt: Showdown – February 18 – Buy It
- Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late [Cl-R] – February 20 – Buy It
- Mega Man Zero/Zx Legacy Collection – February 25 – Buy It
- Real Heroes: Firefighter – February 25 – Buy It
- Two Point Hospital – February 25 – Buy It
- AO Tennis – February 28 – Buy It
- One-Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows – February 28 – Buy It
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV – February 28 – Buy It
March 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories – March 1 – Buy It
- Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen – March 1 – Buy It
- La-Mulana 1 & 2: Hidden Treasure Edition – March 10 – Buy It
- My Hero One’s Justice 2 – March 13 – Buy It
- Nioh 2 – March 13 – BuyIt
- MLB The Show 20 – March 17
- Doom Eternal – March 20 – Buy It
- Persona 5 Royal – March 31 – Buy It
April 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Resident Evil 3 – April 3 – Buy It
- Final Fantasy VII Remake – April 10 – Buy It
- Predator: Hunting Grounds – April 24 – Buy It
- Trials of Mana – April 24 – Buy It
- Minecraft Dungeons – TBA April 2020
May 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Iron Man VR – May 15 – Buy It
- Wasteland 3 – May 19
- Maneater – May 22 – Buy It
- The Last of Us Part II – May 29 – Buy It
- Fast & Furious Crossroads – May 31 – Buy It
September 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
Upcoming PS4 and PS5 Games – Release Date TBA
- Dying Light – TBA – Buy It
- Elden Ring – TBA – Buy It
- Final Fantasy: Chrystal Chronicles Remastered – Summer 2020 – Buy It
- Ghost of Tsushima – Summer 2020
- Godfall – TBA
- Gods and Monsters – TBA – Buy It
- LEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga – TBA – Buy It
- No Straight Roads – TBA – Buy It
- Outriders – TBA – By It
- Psychonauts 2 – TBA
- System Shock Remastered – TBA
- Tales of Arise – TBA – Buy It
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Quarantine – TBA
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 – TBA – Buy It
- Watch Dogs: Legion – TBA – Buy It
- XIII – TBA
Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games
February 2020 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
Some great-looking remasters are landing on Switch in February, including Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition, Mega Man Zero/Zx Legacy Collection and Rune Factory 4 Special.
- Darksiders Genesis – February 14 – Buy It
- Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl – Gold – February 14 – Buy It
- Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate – February 14 – Buy It
- Hunt: Showdown – February 18 – Buy It
- Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition – February 20 – Buy It
- Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late [Cl-R] – February 20 – Buy It
- Gods and Monsters – February 25 – Buy It
- Mega Man Zero/Zx Legacy Collection – February 25 – Buy It
- Rune Factory 4 Special – February 25 – Buy It
- Two Point Hospital – February 25 – Buy It
- Metro Redux – February 28 – Buy It
March 2020 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories – March 1 – Buy It
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX – March 6
- La-Mulana 1 & 2: Hidden Treasure Edition – March 10 – Buy It
- My Hero One’s Justice 2 – March 13 – Buy It
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – March 20 – Buy It
April 2020 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Trials of Mana – April 24 – Buy It
- Minecraft Dungeons – TBA April 2020
Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games – Release Date TBA
- Bravely Default II – TBA
- Deadly Premonition 2 – TBA
- Doom Eternal – TBA – Buy It
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered – Summer 2020 – Buy It
- LEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga – TBA – By It
- No More Heroes 3 – TBA – Buy It
- Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – TBA – Buy It
- Super Meat Boy Forever – TBA – Buy It
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – TBA
- XIII – TBA
Upcoming Xbox One Games
February 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
No Xbox One exclusives are landing in February, but plenty of third-party titles are set to release.
- Life is Strange 2 – February 4 – Buy It
- Darksiders Genesis – February 14 – Buy It
- Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate – February 14 – Buy It
- Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle – February 18 – Buy It
- Hunt: Showdown – February 18 – Buy It
- Mega Man Zero/Zx Legacy Collection – February 25 – Buy It
- Two Point Hospital – February 25 – Buy It
- One-Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows – February 28 – Buy It
March 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- La-Mulana 1 & 2: Hidden Treasure Edition – March 10 – Buy It
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps – March 11 – Buy It
- My Hero One’s Justice 2 – March 13 – Buy It
- Doom Eternal – March 20 – Buy It
- Bleeding Edge – March 24 – Buy It
April 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Resident Evil 3 – April 3 – Buy It
- Gears Tactics – April 28 – Buy It
- Minecraft Dungeons – TBA April 2020
May 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Wasteland 3 – May 19 – Buy It
- Maneater – May 22 – Buy It
- Fast & Furious Crossroads – May 31 – Buy It
September 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
Upcoming Xbox One and Xbox Series X Games – Release Date TBA
- Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey – TBA
- Battletoads (Untitled) – TBA
- Crossfire X – TBA
- Dying Light 2 – TBA – Buy It
- Elden Ring – TBA – Buy It
- Gods and Monsters – TBA – Buy It
- Halo Infinite – TBA
- LEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga – TBA – Buy It
- Microsoft Flight Simulator – TBA
- Outriders – TBA – Buy It
- Psychonauts 2 – TBA
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – TBA
- Shovel Knight Showdown – TBA
- Super Meat Boy Forever – TBA
- System Shock Remastered – TBA
- Tales of Arise – TBA – Buy It
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Quarantine – TBA
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 – TBA – Buy It
- Watch Dogs: Legion – TBA – Buy It
- XIII – TBA
Past Game Release Dates
August 2019 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Madden NFL 20 – August 2 – Buy It
- Age of Wonders: Planetfall – August 6 – Buy It
- Life is Strange 2: Episode 4 – August 22 – Buy It
- Control – August 27 – Buy It
- Wreckfest – August 27 – Buy It
- The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan – August 30 – Buy It
September 2019 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Catherine: Full Body – September 3 – Buy It
- Final Fantasy VIII Remastered – September 3 – Buy It
- Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – September 6 – Buy It
- Borderlands 3 – September 13 – Buy It
- NHL 20 – September 13 – Buy It
- Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered – September 20 – Buy It
- Contra Rogue Corps – September 24 – Buy It
- The Surge 2 – September 24 – Buy It
- Code Vein – September 27 – Buy It
- FIFA 20 – September 27 – Buy It
- Tropico 6 – September 27 – Buy It
October 2019 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Destiny 2: Shadowkeep – October 1 – Buy It
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint – October 4 – Buy It
- The Alliance Alive HD Remaster – October 8 – Buy It
- Indivisible – October 8 – Buy It
- Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince – October 8 – Buy It
- Yooka-Laylee: The Impossible Lair – October 8 – Buy It
- Grid – October 11 – Buy It
- Children of Morta – October 15 – Buy It
- Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville – October 18 – Buy It
- WWE 2K20 – October 22 – Buy It
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – October 25 – Buy It
- MediEvil – October 25 – Buy It
- The Outer Worlds – October 25 – Buy It
- Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout – October 29 – Buy It
- Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King – October 29 – Buy It
- Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD – October 29 – Buy It
- Yakuza 4 – October 29
November 2019 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Just Dance 2020 – November 5 – Buy It
- Death Stranding – November 8 – Buy It
- Jumanji: The Video Game – November 8 – Buy It
- Need for Speed Heat – November 8 – Buy It
- Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order – November 15 – Buy It
- Tokyo Ghouls:re Call to Exist – November 15 – Buy It
- Shenmue III – November 19 – Buy It
- Civilization VI – November 22 – Buy It
- Sniper: Ghost Warrior – Contracts – November 22 – Buy It
December 2019 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Blair Witch – December 3
- Everspace: Stellar Edition – December 3 – Buy It
- Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition – December 3 – Buy It
- Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey – December 6
- Blacksad: Under the Skin – December 10 – Buy It
- Terminator: Resistance – December 10 – Buy It
January 2020 – PS4 Game Release Dates
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – January 17 – Buy It
- Buildings Have Feelings Too – January 28 – Buy It
- Journey to the Savage Planet – January 28 – Buy It
- Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – January 28 – Buy It
- Monstrum – January 31 – Buy It
August 2019 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition – August 8 – Buy It
- Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Complete – August 8
- Friday the 13th: The Game Ultimate Slasher Edition – August 13 – Buy It
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution – August 20 – Buy It
- Oninaki – August 21 – Buy It
- Collection of Mana – August 27 – Buy It
- Astral Chain – August 30 – Buy It
September 2019 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Final Fantasy VIII Remastered – September 3
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy – September 3 – Buy It
- Daemon X Machina – September 13 – Buy It
- Devil May Cry 2 – September 19
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – September 20 – Buy It
- Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered – September 20 – Buy It
- Contra Rogue Corps – September 24 – Buy It
- Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast – September 24
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition – September 27 – Buy It
- FIFA 20 – September 27 – Buy It
- Ori and the Blind Forest – September 27
October 2019 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- The Alliance Alive HD Remaster – October 8 – Buy It
- Indivisible – October 8 – Buy It
- Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince – October 8 – Buy It
- Yooka-Laylee: The Impossible Lair – October 8 – Buy It
- Overwatch – October 15 – Buy It
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition – October 15 – Buy It
- Little Town Hero – October 16
- Return of the Obra Dinn – October 18 – Buy It
- Ring Fit Adventure – October 18 – Buy It
- Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout – October 29 – Buy It
- Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King – October 29 – Buy It
- Resident Evil Triple Pack – October 29 – Buy It
- Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD – October 29 – Buy It
- Vampyr – October 29 – Buy It
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 – October 31 – Buy It
November 2019 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Children of Morta – November 2 – Buy It
- Just Dance 2020 – November 5 – Buy It
- Disney Tsum Tsum Festival – November 8 – Buy It
- Jumanji: The Video Game – November 8 – Buy It
- Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition – November 8 – Buy It
- New Super Lucky’s Tale – November 8 – Buy It
- Pokemon Sword / Pokemon Shield – November 15 – Buy Sword/Shield
- Doom 64 – November 22
December 2019 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
- Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition – December 3 – Buy It
- Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection – December 6 – Buy It
- Blacksad: Under the Skin – December 10 – Buy It
January 2020 – Nintendo Switch Game Release Dates
August 2019 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Madden NFL 20 – August 2 – Buy It
- Age of Wonders: Planetfall – August 6 – Buy It
- Life is Strange 2: Episode 4 – August 22 – Buy It
- Control – August 27 – Buy It
- Wreckfest – August 27 – Buy It
- Blair Witch – August 30
- The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan – August 30 – Buy It
September 2019 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Final Fantasy VIII Remastered – September 3 – Buy It
- Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – September 6 – Buy It
- Gears 5 – September 10 – Buy It
- Borderlands 3 – September 13 – Buy It
- NHL 20 – September 13 – Buy It
- Contra Rogue Corps – September 24 – Buy It
- The Surge 2 – September 24 – Buy It
- Code Vein – September 27 – Buy It
- FIFA 20 – September 27 – Buy It
- Tropico 6 – September 27 – Buy It
October 2019 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Destiny 2: Shadowkeep – October 1 – Buy It
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint – October 4 – Buy It
- Indivisible – October 8 – Buy It
- Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince – October 8 – Buy It
- Yooka-Laylee: The Impossible Lair – October 8 – Buy It
- Grid – October 11 – Buy It
- Children of Morta – October 15
- Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville – October 18 – Buy It
- WWE 2K20 – October 22 – Buy It
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – October 25 – Buy It
- The Outer Worlds – October 25 – Buy It
- Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King – October 29 – Buy It
- Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD – October 29 – Buy It
November 2019 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Just Dance 2020 – November 5 – Buy It
- Jumanji: The Video Game – November 8 – Buy It
- Need for Speed Heat – November 8 – Buy It
- Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order – November 15 – Buy It
- Civilization VI – November 22 – Buy It
- Sniper: Ghost Warrior – Contracts – November 22 – Buy It
December 2019 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition – December 3 – Buy It
- Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey – December 6
- Blacksad: Under the Skin – December 10 – Buy It
- Terminator: Resistance – December 10 – Buy It
January 2020 – Xbox One Game Release Dates
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – January 17 – Buy It
- Journey to the Savage Planet – January 28 – Buy It
- Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – January 28 – Buy It
- Monstrum – January 31 – Buy It
[poilib element=”accentDivider”]
Chris Reed is IGN’s shopping and commerce editor. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed.
IGN UK Podcast #523: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Hype
Jesse’s on the show too, and has been playing the Disintegration beta with some of the other IGN guys. There’s mixed thoughts a-plenty on that one, but with a sprinkling of hope. There’s also some discussion about Warcraft 3 Reforged, the remaster of the classic 2002 Blizzard RTS that’s both a fantastic visit to the past and a failure to meet a lofty promise.
As ever, there’s also a cool listener-submitted game and our responses to your feedback.
Remember, if you want to get in touch with the podcast, please do: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com
IGN UK Podcast #523: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Hype
[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=ign-uk-podcast-episode-500-photos&captions=true”]
- IGN UK Podcast #523: Doom Eternal Might Be the Best FPS… Ever?
- IGN UK Podcast #522: How ’bout Them Delays?
- IGN UK Podcast #521: Rik Waller is Kingpin, Confirmed
- IGN UK Podcast #520: Witcher Interview and Chat + Wot We Did Over Christmas
- IGN UK Podcast #519: The Big 2020 Preview Bonanza
[poilib element=”accentDivider”]
Preorder Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Console, 40% Off Art of Last of Us
Out 3/20: Preorder Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Edition Today for $299.99
This is, in my opinion, the best looking Switch out there. Every part of the Switch has been themed. The Joy-Con controllers are a pastel blue and green, the back of the Switch is embossed with an Animal Crossing design, and even the dock has a full color Animal Theme decal. I already own a Switch and for the first time I’m jealous of anyone who gets a hold of this one. RIght now, it’s only available at select vendors.
- Preorder it on Amazon for $299.99
- Preorder it at Best Buy for $299.99
- Preorder it at Gamestop for $299.99
- Preorder it at Target for $299.99
New Price Drop: 40% Off The Art of Last of Us Part 2 Deluxe Hard Cover Edition, Now $54.99
This just in! Starting today the Deluxe Edition has dropped from $89.99 down to $53.99. For those of you who have already preordered, Amazon will automatically adjust the price. The Art of Last of Us Part 2 is a 200-page full color hard cover art book from Naughty Dog and Dark Horse that includes an exhaustive collection of original art and creator commentary. The Deluxe Edition includes a gallery quality lithograph, slipcase, and exclusive cover.
Out 3/20: Preorder Animal Crossing for Switch, Get $10 in Best Buy Credit
This is the only deal available right now for preordering the hottest Switch game of 2020 so far. You’ll need a MyBestBuy membership to get this free credit, but it’s free to sign up.
11% Off the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, Now $159.99 (Compatible with Upcoming Xbox)
Amazon is offering a Prime exclusive discount of about 11% off, dropping the price from $179 to $160. This is very likely the nicest first party controller you can buy. This professional-grade controller features adjustable tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, wraparound textured grips, interchangeable thumbsticks and paddle shapes, and includes a USB Type C cable with charging dock. It boasts up to 40 hours of battery life and can be used for both the Xbox and PC and will supposedly work with the next gen console too.
Newest Apple AirPods 2 Wireless Earphones for $129
It’s a bitter fight to the end to get Apple to drop prices on their very popular Apple Airpods. Today, the AirPods have dropped 20% off down to $129, which is the lowest price that we saw on Black Friday. These are truly wireless earphones with no cord connecting the two ear pieces. It also includes a charging case. The AirPods Pro adds in active noise cancellation and throws in a wireless charging case.
Transformers Action Figures On Sale
Several new Transformers action figures have gone on sale. None of them are over $20 s grab them all without even breaking a sweat.
- Transformers: Age of Extinction Movie KSI Boss for $13.87
- Transformers Generations 35th Anniversary WFC-S66 Megatron for $14.87
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Constructicon Hightower for $9.87
- Transformers: War for Cybertron Deluxe WFC-S42 Autobot Impactor for $12.88
- Transformers: War for Cybertron Siege Voyager Class WFC-S12 Megatron for $17.87
Darkest Dungeon Discounted at the Nintendo eShop
If you’re like me and have been waiting a long time for a discount on Darkest Dungeon, it’s finally here. This game has been out for a while, but it’s still one of the best RPGs available for the Switch. Warning: it’s a challenging game.
- Darkest Dungeon for $14.99
- Overcooked 2 for $14.99
- Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamesh for $17.49
- Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair for $20.09
King of Monitors: Open Box Dell Alienware AW3418DW 34″ 3440×1440 1900R Curved 4ms 120Hz GSYNC IPS Panel Gaming Monitor for $569
This is an open box like new item, but Buydig is also throwing in a free extended 2-year warranty. If you’re looking for the ultimate beast in gaming monitors, the Alienware AW3418DW should be a tops on your list. Specs include a 34″ 3440×1440 curved IPS panel display with super wide viewing angles and 99% sRGB coverage, 4ms response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and RGB lighting. This is my primary monitor and I absolutely love it, both for work and for games.
- Use code “clearout5” to get it at Buydig for $569
Get Verizon Fios Gigabit Internet $79.99/mo + $100 Visa Prepaid Card + 3 Years of Free Router Rental + Free Disney Plus Subscription
This sponsored deal is brought to you by Verizon FIOS.If you’re eligible for FIOS, Verizon’s fiber optic internet service, then you have access to one of the fastest internet services available at a price that traditional cable and DSL companies simply can’t compete with. Once you’ve had a taste of fiber, there’s no turning back. This internet only deal gives you blazing fast near-gigabit 940/880Mbps internet speeds.
Refurbished 2nd Generation Nintendo Switch “V2” Model for $259 at Walmart
This is a refurbished model sold from Walmart direct (not a marketplace vendor). That means it’s probably going to look completely brand new, and worst case scenario it’s easy to return it at your local Walmart store. Gamestop and Amazon are currently selling pre-owned units for $280. This is the V2 model with about 2 hours longer battery life than the original.
24-Count MyProtein Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies with 18g of Protein Each for Only $35
Make sure to add TWO of the 12-count packs and apply the coupon code in your shopping cart. Each delicious cookie packs in a massive 18 grams of whey protein.
- Use code “COOKIE25” to get it at MyProtein for $35 (add two)
More Deals From Today:
- HP Pavilion GTX 1660 Ti Gaming Desktop for $599 at Walmart
- Transformers: Age of Extinction Movie KSI Boss Action Figure for $13.87 on Amazon
- Logitech G Pro Tenkeyless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $79.99 on Amazon
- 2×12-Count MyProtein Protein Cookies for $35 at MyProtein (use code “COOKIE25“)
- 3×2.2lbs Whey Protein Powder for $31.98 at MyProtein (use code “VIP32“)
- Amazon Deal of the Day: Up to 40% Off Smart Home Products on Amazon
- Monopoly Frozen 2 Edition Board Game for $8 on Amazon
- Oculus Quest VR Headset for $399 on Amazon
- Newest Generation Apple iPad 10.2″ 128GB WiFi Tablet for $329.99 on Amazon
- Sony PS4 DualShock Controller in Black for $39.99 at Walmart
- Sony PS4 DualShock Controller in Glacier White for $39.99 at Walmart
- Sony PS4 DualShock Controller in Green Cambo for $39.99 at Walmart
Video Game Deals:
- Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4 or Xbox) for $29.99 on Amazon
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) + $10 Best Buy Credit for $59.99
- Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout (PS4) for $39.99 on Amazon
- Battle Chasers: Nightwar (Switch) for $14.99 on Amazon
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Switch, PS4, Xbox) for $19.99 at Gamestop
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PS4) for $38.99 at Playstation Store
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (Xbox) for $38.99 with Xbox Live Gold
- Celeste (Switch) for $6.79 at Nintendo eShop
- Control (PS4) for $29.99 at Gamestop
- Darkest Dungeon (Switch) for $14.99 at Nintendo eShop
- Death Squared (Switch) for $1.49 at Nintendo eShop
- Doom Eternal Collector’s Edition (Xbox) for $199.99 at Walmart
- Injustice 2: Legendary Edition (Xbox) for $14.99 on Amazon
- Man of Medan (PS4 or Xbox) for $19.89 on Amazon
- Our World is Ended (Switch) for $19.99 at Gamestop
- Overcooked 2 (Switch) for $14.99 at Nintendo eShop
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration (PS4) for $8.99 at PSN
- Slay the Spire (Switch) for $19.99 at Gamestop
- Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamesh (Switch) for $17.49 at Nintendo eShop
- The Outer Worlds (Xbox) for $38.05 on Amazon
- Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales (Switch) for $19.99 at Nintendo eShop
- Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch) for $20.09 at Nintendo eShop
- Enter the Gungeon (PC) Free with Twitch Prime Membership
- Farming Simulator (PC) Free at Epic Games Store
______________________________
Eric Song is IGN’s deal curator and spends 25% of his pay on stuff he posts.
January 2020 Board Games: New Releases, Kickstarters, and Expansions
Board gaming is reveling in a quality glut the likes of which it has never seen. Whether you want cheap board games, games for beginners, fantasy games, or more, you’ll find plenty of terrific options. Between its growing popularity, publishers and Kickstarter, designers can get projects to market like never before. But that presents consumers with a problem. How to keep track of what’s coming out, when to expect it, and what looks like it might be worth your gaming dollars?
That’s where we step in to try and help. But since January hasn’t been the biggest month for board game releases, we’re going to start this series of release round-ups with some great games, expansions, and Kickstarters from the end of December.
Board Game New Releases
Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fclank-legacy1580245837603.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fclank-legacy1580245837603_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a351e4b09195bc9978c1%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmk4%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Clank!%20Legacy%3A%20Acquisitions%20Incorporated%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
The original Clank! was an odd and charming deck-building game of dungeon delving and dragon avoidance. This all-new version gives it the Legacy treatment, turning your one-off treasure hunts into a narrative campaign. Along the way, you’ll be adding stickers and sharpie text to make your copy uniquely yours. Best of all, though, it expands the sometimes uneven nature of the previous game without losing any of that goofy charm. Now you can personalize your character and explore new options with more chances to tactically tune your deck or plan a long term strategy.
Maracaibo
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fmaricaibo1580245725918.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fmaricaibo1580245725918_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a2e3e4b0e6d43845e408%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmk2%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Maracaibo%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
This looks like some kind of Caribbean trading game from the age of pirates, replete with rather odious colonial trimmings. If you can get past that, beneath there’s a dense Eurogame with far more options and depth than its rules might suggest. It’s an efficiency race around Caribbean islands. Players must struggle to balance card and action management with good, old-fashioned navigation. There are many ways to win, from exploration to ship-building to personalized objectives. It’s up to you to make the best of your plethora of options every turn, mixing and matching your way to victory.
Paladins of the West Kingdom
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fpaladins-of-the-west-kingdom1580245657993.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fpaladins-of-the-west-kingdom1580245657993_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a29ee4b09195bc9978c0%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjz%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Paladins%20of%20the%20West%20Kingdom%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
Designer Shem Philips has made a name for himself transforming the mechanic of worker placement with fun, fresh ideas. This, his latest game, is a little more traditional. It’s a deep, rich strategy game, filled with a challenging confusion of choices in which long term planning is essential. Players need to fortify their city against outside raiders, with the help of the titular Paladin cards adding even more options. Its clever twist is that you can shortcut the hard work with shady dealing, but you’ll get saddled with suspicion. If you’ve got the most when the inquisition arrives, watch out.
Coloma
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fcoloma1580245603336.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fcoloma1580245603336_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a268e4b09195bc9978bf%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjx%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Coloma%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
Coloma is the town where the California gold rush started. It’s also the name of this neat engine-building game themed around the fevered speculations of the era. But this isn’t just another same-old genre clone. It boasts a neat magnetic widget in the middle of the board that lets players choose actions simultaneously. The reason for this is that the most popular spots get closed off, busted with too much speculation. It transforms what can often be a rather staid class of game into a vicious swamp of interaction and doublethink. And don’t worry: the engine building underneath is still as sharp as its peers.
Tsuro: Phoenix Rising
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Ftsuro-phoenix-rising1580245521210.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Ftsuro-phoenix-rising1580245521210_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a216e4b0e6d43845e407%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjs%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Tsuro%3A%20Phoenix%20Rising%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
The original Tsuro is a fast, family-weight game where you played path tiles from your hand for your dragon to move along. You had to keep things flexible and avoid crashing into other players or going off the board. It was, however, a bit lightweight for extended appeal. This new Phoenix edition not only looks beautiful but boasts a beautifully simple new element. The path tiles are double-sided and players can flip and rotate them during play. This simple addition adds depth without adding any real rules weight, making this a strong crossover game contender.
Battle Line: Medieval Edition
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fbattle-line-medieval1580245459231.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fbattle-line-medieval1580245459231_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a1d8e4b09195bc9978be%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjq%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Battle%20Line%3A%20Medieval%20Edition%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
This is a cheeky inclusion as it’s not really a new game. It’s an updated edition of Battle Line, also known as Schotten Totten. But it’s such a great two-player game that we felt it deserved showcasing all over again. The game revolves around building up poker-like formations on each side of nine flags. But with a limit hand of cards, each play is an excruciating balance of strategy, luck and bluff. This medieval version showcases some fantastic new art and a novel terrain expansion to tempt existing fans.
New Board Game Expansions
Terraforming Mars: Turmoil
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fteraforming-mars-turmoil1580245291022.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fteraforming-mars-turmoil1580245291022_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a12fe4b09195bc9978bb%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjm%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Teraforming%20Mars%3A%20Turmoil%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
The newest expansion for one of the biggest hits of recent years, Turmoil adds more of what you’d expect. More cards, corporations, and other elements to throw into your base game. There’s also a whole new class of events with their own board: you can see these coming and plan your strategies accordingly. The titular turmoil however, is the real meat here, bringing politics to Mars for the first time. You command a bunch of delegates, throwing their weight behind political parties. But be careful which you back as whoever gets elected offers a slew of game-changing bonuses.
Seasons of Inis
[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fseasons-of-inis1580245381193.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F01%2F28%2Fseasons-of-inis1580245381193_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e30a189e4b09195bc9978bc%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbmjp%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Seasons%20of%20Inis%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]
Inis is the best of the “waros,” a small group of games that combine Euro-esque efficiency mechanics with cut-throat brawling. This long-awaited expansion adds five optional modules you can mix and match into your base game as you like. The biggest allows you to add a fifth player, which tightens up the game’s already brutal competition even more. Other options include seafaring with harbors and, of course, seasons which adds new ways to score points. It’s a great way to extend the shelf life of an already great game.
New Board Games on Kickstarter
Oath
Cole Wehrle designed Pax Pamir, which we named among the best board games of 2019. He’s also the most innovative board game designer working today. Oath is his next project and it’s a doozy. It’s a fantasy empire building game with a fresh new twist: the results of each game feed into the next. It’s not a standard “Legacy” style game with stickers, sharpies and sealed envelopes. Rather, it’s a more open narrative, an epic shared history of a world from tyranny to revolutions. Boasting novel mechanics that combines strategic, social and diplomatic elements, this could be a whole new breed of game.
Foundations of Rome
The Century trilogy has become a benchmark in easy to learn, accessible games that still offer lots of variety and challenge. Their designer aims to top that achievement with this stunning looking game that rebuilds Rome in an hour or so. Packed with plastic to make a realistic-looking ancient city, it has players buy plots and add buildings to the shared board. But you can’t waste coins on pointless frippery. The buildings you add are also an economic engine to expand your architectural empire.
Return to Dark Tower
Gamers of a certain age will go weak at the knees over the words “Dark Tower,” either because this early ’80s electronic delight enthralled them, or because they never got given a copy as a kid. Either way, you’ve got a new chance to adventure in the confines of the tower. This isn’t a reprint but a ground-up redesign, using the best bits of the original to inform a modern cooperative strategy game. It’s from Restoration Games who did such a great job doing the same with Fireball Island that we listed it as an essential kids’ game. Pledge levels include an option for a slew of sweet plastic miniatures.