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Microsoft And GameStop's Next-Gen Console Payment Plans Should Be Permanent

It’s no surprise that both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S preorder launches were disastrous. There was a divide on the internet: those agonizing over bots and refresh buttons, and those who didn’t even bother because it’s all too expensive. And while this sounds like it could be any console launch, it wasn’t–because we are in a pandemic.Both the high-end PS5 and Series X consoles cost $499.99, but only the latter currently has flexible payment options. GameStop is working on three different payment options, which include layaway and monthly payments. Adding onto that, the return of Microsoft’s economical All Access plan allows customers to choose a next-generation Xbox console of their choice bundled with Game Pass Ultimate for a monthly payment over 24 months. This service allows members cross-platform access to a library containing over 100 games, with some even playable on their respective launch days. Between GameStop’s payment installation plan and Microsoft’s bundle, it’s a wonder that these payment plans weren’t implemented earlier.Why is this a big deal? Putting it simply: COVID-19 has dealt a massive blow to the world in every sense, and not everyone can front money for a next-gen console. With massive layoffs, reduced salaries, and overall tense economic conditions, the justification for dropping half a thousand dollars in one go isn’t just anxiety-inducing–it can be downright terrifying. According to USA Today, roughly 833,000 more Americans filed for unemployment in just the last week of August alone, bumping the total number of people filing for some form of government benefits up to 29.6 million. Depending on your financial situation, a $500 expense could make or break your month. And that’s in addition to the fact that $70 games could become the standard price point for PS5 and Series X games.Continue Reading at GameSpot
Source: Microsoft And GameStop's Next-Gen Console Payment Plans Should Be Permanent

The Best And Worst Uses Of Xbox One Hardware

In 2013, console makers Microsoft and Sony looked toward a future they thought was going to completely change the video game industry. Like Nintendo had the year before with the Wii U, the other two platform holders tried to incorporate big new technology ideas into their new consoles, adapting to trends such as touchscreens, mobile app integration, motion control, voice control, and the power of cloud integration. With the Xbox One, Microsoft envisioned a completely new game console that would power your entire living room and tried to completely change the game with its hardware and capabilities.As we near the release of the ninth generation of consoles and the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, though, things are very different. Most of the ideas that defined the Xbox One when it was announced have disappeared from the console, and new elements that were initially discounted have come to help define it. We’re looking back at some of the best and worst tech ideas of the Xbox One, from the ill-fated Kinect to the about-face that made backward compatibility possible. The Xbox One’s story is a strange one, and the console has gone through some drastic changes–largely for the better.Be sure to also check out our rundown of the best and worst PlayStation 4 tech and hardware as well.Continue Reading at GameSpot
Source: The Best And Worst Uses Of Xbox One Hardware

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – First Gameplay Shows Young Impa, Combat and More

In a special livestream presented today at Tokyo Game Show 2020, Koei Tecmo revealed live gameplay of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo Switch, giving the world a glimpse of what kind of action to expect from Link, young Impa, and the four Champions of Hyrule from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the 2017 Nintendo game that this title serves as a prequel for. Play began with “The Battle of Hyrule Field” as Link, clad in armor instead of his blue Champion’s Garb from the previous game, stood surrounded by the royal Hyrulian army. In Dynasty Warriors style, different character portraits popped into the corner of the screen delivering lore and directives. Link charged forward at full speed with no sign of a stamina meter in sight, offering no indication that he needs to walk at all when he can run everywhere – or surf, as a tap of a button sent him rocketing forward sliding atop his shield, knocking back enemies by the dozens. [ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/hyrule-warriors-age-of-calamity-13-minutes-of-gameplay-japanese-vo-tgs-2020″] Instead of a single attack button, Hyrule Warriors offers a choice of “regular” and “strong” attacks with the Y and X buttons, respectively. This being a Dynasty Warriors game, every attack Link used has huge range; his first combo in the video scattered eight Bokoblins. A running counter in the corner kept track of how many monsters were slain during the demo. It surpassed 600 in just a few minutes of fighting. Nearly all of Link’s combat abilities from Breath of the Wild were shown to be in Hyrule Warriors. A timely dodge will trigger a slow-motion opportunity to rush an opponent for multiple hits. Pulling out his bow while in mid-air likewise slows the game down for an arrow rush. Using the Sheikah Slate, he can throw bombs, freeze enemies with Stasis, and create columns of Ice with Cryonis. Hyrule Warriors also gives Link new ways to fight. The spin attack from Breath of the Wild is now a “special attack” which nearly clears the screen. When fighting certain stronger enemies like a Moblin, a “weak point” can appear on screen as a hexagon. Attacking during this time lowers their health and shaves down the hexagon; once it is gone, Link can execute a special “Smash” attack which should end the fight. New “counter” abilities also allow him to toss multiple bombs in succession or summon an…
Source: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – First Gameplay Shows Young Impa, Combat and More

How Nostalgia Fuels The Market For Unlikely Video Game Collectors Editions

(Note: This post contains spoilers for Playdead’s Inside.)When publisher Limited Run Games first revealed the $150 “Chex Warrior” edition of the infamous 1996 shooter Chex Quest–a free total conversion of Doom originally distributed in boxes of the eponymous cereal–reaction ran the gamut from strained confusion to outright enthusiasm. While it might seem like a bizarre tribute to an advertising relic of the ’90s, Limited Run’s founder Josh Fairhurst offered a simple explanation for the move: He just really liked Chex Quest as a kid.”There are definitely times where I take a gamble on something that I think is really cool with the knowledge that it may not make money,” he says. “Chex Quest is a great example of that.”Continue Reading at GameSpot
Source: How Nostalgia Fuels The Market For Unlikely Video Game Collectors Editions

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Has Bonus If You Have Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Save File

Nintendo has revealed that anyone with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild save data on their Nintendo Switch will receive a free bonus when playing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. If you want to take Link into battle with weapon that will might break after a few swings, leaving you completely defenseless, then you’ll want to keep your save data.If you have save data for The Legend of #Zelda: Breath of the Wild on your #NintendoSwitch, you’ll receive the bonus Training Sword weapon for Link in #HyruleWarriors: Age of Calamity! pic.twitter.com/JSvNUVa1ft — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 26, 2020The free bonus weapon is a Training Sword, the rough wooden blade we’ve seen a few different times over the course of the series. Link can equip similar armor and a shield like he had in Breath of the Wild, as well, and the game takes place 100 years before it. It’s technically a prequel, which means its story could be more interesting than the standard Warriors game. Much like in the first Hyrule Warriors, Age of Calamity has famous Zelda characters fighting through huge numbers of enemies, and you’ll be able to play as everyone from Zelda herself to Impa. The sound effects and visuals seem like they’ve been plucked directly from Breath of the Wild, and there are plenty of cutscenes to help expand the universe. It even supports local cooperative play with both players using one Joy-Con.Continue Reading at GameSpot
Source: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Has Bonus If You Have Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Save File

Destro, Roadblock, and Scarlett Join the G.I. Joe Retro Collection

Old-school G.I. Joe fans are getting treated to a new wave of G.I. Joe Retro Collection figures and vehicles, including Destro, Roadblock, Scarlett, and Cobra F.A.N.G. helicopter. The line is based on the 3 3/4″ G.I. Joe action figure line of the 1980s, and includes period-perfect packaging and accessories. They compliment, but are quite different from, the premium 6″ G.I. Joe Classified line of figures, which are more akin to the Star Wars Black Series and Hasbro’s other premium figure lines. Anyone who grew up in the 1980s should instantly recognize everything about these figures. Check them out in the gallery below. [widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=gi-joe-pulsecon-retro-collection-reveals&captions=true”] The G.I. Joe Retro Collection uses the same playbook as the Vintage G1 Transformers line, which routinely releases classic 1980s Transformers designs in accurate packaging, with that line being made using the same dies and molds as the originals. Revealed during Hasbro PulseCon, happening now on YouTube, Roadblock, Scarlett and Destro should be available to preorder starting now, with the Walmart-exclusive F.A.N.G. vehicle going up soon. The figures cost $12.99 each and have a December 1, 2020 release date. The Cobra F.A.N.G. is $24.99, with a “January 2021″ availability. [poilib element=”accentDivider”] Seth Macy is Executive Editor, IGN Commerce, and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Instagram at sethgmacy.
Source: Destro, Roadblock, and Scarlett Join the G.I. Joe Retro Collection